Category: Michelle Andrews
Group appointments with doctors: When three isn’t a crowd
A growing number of doctors have begun holding group appointments — seeing up to a dozen patients with similar medical concerns all at once. Advocates say such visits allow doctors to treat more patients, spend more time with them, increase appointment availability and improve health outcomes.
New coverage may spur younger women to use long-acting contraceptives
The health law specifies that birth control is a covered service in many plans ending the burden of a high up-front cost for IUDs and hormonal implants.
Observation units can improve care but may be costly for patients
Patients who are kept in the hospital observation units to monitor their condition may not be formally admitted. When this happens they often have to pick up a bigger share of the cost.
Answers to readers’ questions about health insurance
Michelle Andrews answers reader questions about the pregnancy benefits offered in the health overhaul, assurances that current insurance policies will be honored in the future and switching employer health plans.
Health law offers dental coverage guarantee for some children
The requirement is only for individuals, small-groups; advocates say benefits may not be comprehensive or affordable enough.
When employers’ health plans disappear, workers often have few options
Starting in 2014, the Affordable Care Act will make it easier for people who lose their job-based coverage to get comprehensive health insurance at a price they can afford through the state-based health insurance exchanges.
Michelle Andrews answers readers’ health insurance questions
Answers to readers’ questions about how seniors can qualify for coverage for the inoculations, whether parents are required to keep young adults on their plan and getting pregnancy care for dependents.
Many people would like to know their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease can’t be prevented or cured, and it ranks second only to cancer among diseases that people fear. Still, about two-thirds of us say we would want to know if we are destined to get the disease.
Workplace clinics expand focus beyond injuries and preventive care
On-site workplace clinics used to be primarily focused on patching up people who got injured on the job. Then companies added primary care and started emphasizing preventive screenings and other “wellness” services. But now their offering a variety of add-ons, including physical therapy, dental and vision exams, mental health counseling — even acupuncture and massage.
New screening tool could increase the use of virtual colonoscopies
In a recent study, laxative-free virtual colonoscopy was nearly as effective as the optical colonoscopy at detecting larger polyps of at least 10 millimeters that are responsible for most colorectal cancers.
Proposed changes to psychiatric manual could affect addiction diagnosis
When does drinking alcohol a problem? When does it become abuse? When is it an addiction?
Lost in translation: Lack of trained interpreters can lead to medical errors
Interpreter services at hospitals and other medical settings are often inadequate, forcing family members, including children, to step in, or the task falls to medical staff members who may not speak the language well.
Some insurers deny ER coverage to people who have been drinking
Laws in more than half the states permit insurers to deny payment for medical services related to alcohol or drug use. Faced with the prospect of not getting paid for care, some ER personnel sidestep the problem by simply not testing patients’ blood or urine for alcohol.
Travel insurance can protect your wallet — and your health on vacation
Think your regular health insurance policy will cover you if you get into medical trouble overseas?
Don’t bet on it.
Out-of-network care is expensive — but a couple of new options help
A new database lets you find out the prevailing rates for medical procedures in your area, and the 2010 health-care reform law provides better protection when people receive out-of-network emergency care.
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