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People in state high-risk insurance plans often feel left behind
The federal health law set up new plans that are cheaper and more comprehensive than the older ones run by states but consumers need to go without insurance for six months to qualify.
Author Archive: ProPublica
New bill would put taxpayer-funded science behind pay walls
Right now, if you want to read the published results of the biomedical research that your own tax dollars paid for, you can get free online. But a new bill in Congress wants to make you pay.
The champion of painkillers
The annual death toll from overdoses of painkillers has reached almost 15,000, prompting the head of the CDC to term it an “epidemic.” But the American Pain Foundation continues to claim the risks are overblown. The advocacy group’s biggest supporter? The drug industry.
Why can’t Linda Carswell get her husband’s heart back?
For almost eight years, Linda Carswell has been trying to find out how her husband died. Her quest has led to a fraud judgment against a hospital as well as autopsy reform in Texas. But she’s still seeking answers — and the return of his heart.
Without autopsies, hospitals bury their mistakes
Hospital autopsies have become a rarity. As a result, experts say, diagnostic errors are missed, opportunities to improve medical treatment are lost, and health-care statistics are skewed.
Europe bans x-ray body scanners used at U.S. airports
The European Union has prohibited the use of X-ray body scanners in European airports, parting ways with the U.S., which has deployed hundreds of the scanners as a way to screen airline passengers for explosives hidden under clothing.
TSA to conduct new study of safety of airport x-ray body scanners
The Transportation Security Administration will conduct a new study of X-ray body scanners after in response to concerns about the technology’s safety.
Doctors avoid penalties in suits against medical firms
Drug and device companies have paid $6.5 billion since 2008 to settle accusations of illegal marketing practices, but none of the more than 75 doctors named as participants have been sanctioned,
UCLA health system pays $865,000 to settle celebrity privacy allegations
Film star and pin-up icon Farrah Fawcett set up a sting operation to prove to UCLA that one of its employees was leaking information about her cancer to the National Enquirer. Other celebrities who had information leaked included pop star Britney Spears and former California First Lady Maria Shriver.
Body imaging business pushes scans many don’t need — including me
Heart Check America has come under fire from patients, regulators and medical experts. In scores of consumer complaints, Heart Check America clients have accused the company of using pressure sales tactics inappropriate for a health-care company.
Financial ties bind medical societies to drug and device makers
Professional groups like the Heart Rhythm Society write guidelines on treatments and the use of medical devices, but researchers say their acceptance of sponsorships and grants from drug and device makers poses a conflict of interest that many patients never consider.
Critical shortage of army neurologists for U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan
The Army is facing a “critical” shortage of neurologists, partly because of recent policy changes designed to improve diagnosis and treatment of mild traumatic brain injuries, according to a new military medical memorandum.
HIV drug maker pays out millions to doctors
Ongoing disclosures reveal drug manufacturers have paid out $390 million to doctors since 2009.
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