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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.
Heart & Circulation
How to cut your risk of heart disease — Tips from the NIH
The bad news: Heart disease is the number one killer of both women and men in the U.S. The good news: there’s much you can do to prevent heart disease. Here’s how . . .
Is overnight sleep testing overprescribed?
The use of overnight sleep testing has soared. One reason, critics say: testing is a lucrative business for doctors.
Hospital round trips more common for U.S. heart attack patients
U.S. heart attack patients tend to be sent home sooner than other countries, but were more likely to be back within 30 days. Better post-hospital care may explain why other nations do better.
State’s health ranking slips from 10th in the nation to 15th
Among the trends that drove down the state’s rankings this year were rises in the rates of obesity, diabetes, and smoking — and a decline in high school graduation rates.
Generic Lipitor now at stores near you
How much might you save on Lipitor now? If you have insurance, you should be able to get atorvastatin for the price of a generic copayment. Around $10 is typical.
Number of Seattle stores caught selling tobacco to minors doubles
In the previous five years, the 7 percent of retailers were caught selling tobacco to underage teens. This year the number caught jumped to 15 percent of the time.
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.
Insurance often does not cover weight-loss surgery for teens
As obesity among young people continues to rise, a growing number of clinicians say that weight-loss surgery may be their best chance to take off significant weight. But although health plans frequently cover bariatric surgery in adults, coverage for patients under age 18 is spotty.
Stagnant winter air poses health risk to many, health officials warn
November through March winter weather often causes stagnant air that traps air pollution from outdoor burning, wood stoves, and fireplaces gets trapped near the ground.
Inbox: Polyclinic launches clinical research program, VM and Wenatchee Medical Center, PATH & Merck for Mothers
From our inbox: Seattle’s PATH teams up with MERCK for maternal health project. Polyclinic launches clinical research division. Virginia Mason and Wenatchee Medical Center form heart affiliation.
Drug shortages affect more than half a million cancer patients
So far this year, shortages of 200 drugs — treatments for conditions ranging from cancer to high blood pressure — have been reported. How many patients have been affected? Try 550,000 cancer patients alone for the year that ended June 30.
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.
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