Category: Healthcare Reform
States will be given wide latitude to decide what “essential benefits” insurers must offer in their health policies come 2014.
Starting next fall, Medicare will begin penalizing hospitals if their readmission rates are higher than expected for three conditions: heart attacks, heart failure and pneumonia.
In several counties, more than 1 in 5 residents has no health coverage, according to a new report from Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler. “If anyone doubts the need for health care reform,” said Kreidler,”there are a million people out there that they should talk to.”
A drug that wakes the “near dead.” Romneycare and abortion. Low-birthweight affects adult cognitive abilities. Technology to connect doctors and caregivers. Trisomy 18 and Rick Santorum’s daughter.
Besides their convenience, urgent care centers attract patients because their fees at least half those charged at a hospital ERs. Those lower fees have drawn the attention of hospitals and insurers — both of which increasingly see the facilities as a way to hold down costs and boost their bottom lines.
Group Health Cooperative reports more than $2.5 million in cost savings during the first seven months of this year for its 8,224 patients in complex case management and 1,831 patients in regular case management.
Defying the economy, hospitals are hiring. In fact, over the past 12 months, health care has created 20 percent of all new jobs. Most sought after: administrative staff and clerks rather than care givers.
Republicans blocked confirmation of President Obama’s appointee Dr. Donald M. Berwick. The current political climate on Capitol Hill may mean that Tavenner is just as likely to see her nomination stall
The U.S. spends more than twice as much as the average developed country but ranks 27th in life expectancy, 31st in premature mortality, and 25th in the rate of cardiovascular mortality.
Will pot save healthcare reform? Shortage of key drugs threatens patients’ lives. What’s behind the attack on Planned Parenthood?
Are the brains of autistic children different? Do non-profit hospitals rake in too much money? Should doctors consider other careers?
A majority, 52 percent, of those polled favor bigger government that provides more services for health — 37 percent favor smaller government that provides fewer health services.
LocalHealthGuide is a health news and information web service for Seattle and the Puget Sound Region. We are independent and unaffiliated with any hospital, medical association or insurer. If you have questions or if your group has an upcoming event that you would like us to cover, please let us know by going to our "Contact Us" page and dropping us a note. -- Michael McCarthy, Editor
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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.
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