Category: VA Puget Sound
Health law offers veterans new options
Many former service members have access to health care through the VA, private insurance or other programs. But having so many choices can also lead to fragmented care.
New online database reveals thousands of hospital violation reports
A new website, www.hospitalinspections.org, includes detailed reports of hospital violations dating back to January 2011, searchable by city, state, name of the hospital and key word.
My doctor is taking payments from drug companies – what should I do?
If your doctor is on the “Dollars for Docs” list, he or she received money from one of the drug companies for promotional activities or consulting. Payments are legal, so it doesn’t mean your doctor has done anything wrong. But research has shown that drug company marketing can influence what a doctor prescribes, and some experts say it is cause for concern.
Study: PTSD treatment for soldiers improving, but there’s still work to be done
The study estimated that PTSD, which is often triggered by traumatic events that are commonplace in combat life, affects somewhere between 13 to 20 percent of the 2.6 million soldiers who fought in Iraq or Afghanistan since 2001.
VA nurses scrutinized after patient deaths in two states
A review of records at 29 Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals found that only half the nurses had documented proper skills to care for patients.
Washington state program helps vets on Medicaid get their VA benefits
Many veterans on Medicaid qualify for the more generous benefits offered by the VA. Washington state’s program has helped these vets obtain those benefits while a the same time helped reduced costs for the state’s cash-strapped Medicaid program. Two state officials explain how the program works.
How does your hospital stack up against the competition?
Medicare’s new Hospital Compare website allows you to compare hospitals side-by-side on a variety of patient safety and patient satisfaction measures. But are the comparisons fair?
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.
Seattle diabetes researchers win national awards
Two Seattle researchers who study the role the immune system has on the development of Type 1 diabetes have won national recognition for their work.
Scientists to review brain-injury treatment for soldiers
The Institutes of Medicine kicked off its yearlong study of cognitive rehabilitation therapy on Monday, a process that will help the Pentagon decide whether its health plan will cover the treatment for troops who have suffered brain injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan
Rep. Giffords could receive brain injury treatment thousands of troops do not
Wounded congresswoman may receive cognitive rehabilitation therapy, a treatment that the Pentagon’s Tricare insurance plan denies to thousands of injured troops. Top brain specialists have endorsed the approach, but Tricare officials have said that scientific evidence does not justify providing it comprehensively to troops.
Health stories in the news
Community services for vets with PTSD. Spinal fluid test predicts Alzheimer’s disease. Hospitals and nursing homes found to be shortchanging staff on overtime pay.
VA benefits for PTSD will become easier to obtain — Obama
Easier access to benefits and treatment to begin this week.
Congress questions military leaders on suicides, traumatic brain injury
Senators press military leaders to improve efforts to address traumatic brain injuries, suicide and other wounds suffered by soldiers returning from wars.
UW researchers find long-term brain injuries in soldiers after blast exposure
Seattle Times’ Hal Bernton reports that Seattle researchers have found “long-term changes in brain functions of Iraq veterans exposed to blast shock waves.”
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