Latest Morning Briefing Stories
Entrepreneurs At Health ‘Datapalooza’ Ask Feds For More Data
The White House is trying to spur innovation by releasing more of its data from Medicare, Medicaid and other sources. But technology business leaders gathered in Washington, D.C. this week said the federal government could be a lot more forthcoming with information.
PSA Screening: New Round Of Guidelines Emphasizes Importance Of Weighing Harms And Benefits
Physicians’ and patients’ thoughts on the prostate cancer screening test are changing, with many taking a more cautious approach to the test and what it might mean.
Will Consumers Sign On For Health Law’s Co-Ops?
Created by the health law to boost competition among insurers, co-ops in 24 states emphasize primary care and treating consumers as partners, but can they compete with the big guys?
Boston Marathon Survivor Has Long Road Ahead
Marc Fucarile is one of the last two survivors of the Boston Marathon bombing to be released from the hospital. He knows he will get some compensation from Boston’s One Fund, but he wonders if it will be enough.
Proton Beam Therapy Heats Up Hospital Arms Race
Washington, D.C., is on the verge of approving two high-tech radiation facilities at a total cost of $153 million. The treatment costs twice as much as standard radiation but hasn’t been shown to work any better for most cancers.
Letters to the Editor is a periodic KHN feature. We welcome all comments and will publish a selection. We will edit for space, and we require full names.
Minnesota Ranked Best State For Seniors
Mississippi, Oklahoma are least healthy states for people over 65, according to a United Health Foundation analysis of 34 measures of health.
Can My Insurer Deny Coverage For Care At An Out-Of-Network Hospital?
Michelle Andrews answers a reader question about rules for emergency room care and out-of-network hospital costs under the health law.
How A Florida Medical School Cares For Communities In Need
In places where medical care is scare, medical schools — like Florida International University — are connecting students with people who need to see a doctor, and making it a major part of their curriculum.
Doctors Transform How They Practice Medicine
Physicians are experimenting with new business models and practice techniques in response to financial and lifestyle pressures.
Hospitals, Testing Companies Face Questions About Value Of Community Screenings
Promotions don’t disclose that many of the tests for heart disease and stroke are not recommended for those without symptoms or risk factors.
Oregon’s Medicaid Lottery: A Participant’s View
Amid the cacophony of expert views about the implications of a landmark study, a Medicaid beneficiary weighs in on the values and shortcomings of public health assistance.
California Weighs Expanded Role For Nurse Practitioners
Some 15 states are expected to consider giving advanced practice nurses more independence and authority this year. It’s part of a push to meet increased demand for primary care as more people get insurance under the health law.
Medicare Lags In Project to Expand Hospice
The 2010 health law called for an experiment to see if allowing patients to continue to have lifesaving treatments when they join hospice would improve their quality of care and save money.
Doctors’ Diagnostic Errors Are Often Not Mentioned But Can Take A Serious Toll
Diagnoses that are missed, incorrect or delayed are believed to affect 10 to 20 percent of cases, far exceeding drug errors and surgery on the wrong patient or body part, both of which have received considerably more attention.
Medicare Seeks To Limit Number Of Seniors Placed In Hospital Observation Care
The proposal, part of the annual payment update, would help ease confusion over when beneficiaries are admitted to the hospital
Advocates Head To Court To Overturn Medicare Rules For Observation Care
Some hospital stays are not considered in-patient care, but seniors often don’t know that until they find they don’t qualify for full Medicare coverage.
Letters to the Editor is a periodic KHN feature. We welcome all comments and will publish a selection. We will edit for space, and we require full names.
Yes, Virginia, There Is A Medical Home
Obamacare aims to shift how doctors and hospitals are paid – they’ll be rewarded for taking care of the whole patient, not just for every test or visit. But this is an idea that some practices have already embraced, and they have seen costs decline and patient health improve.
Tip Sheet On Staying Safe In The Hospital
Here are some tips to ensure that you stay safe while you’re in the hospital.
