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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.
Drug Abuse
State disciplines health care providers
Washington State Department of Health takes disciplinary actions against health care providers, including suspensions and revocations of licenses, certifications, or registrations of providers in the state.
Another look at Washington state’s prescription drug abuse epidemic
Washington ranked fourth highest nationally in per-capita prescribing of methadone in 2006 (the most recent year for which reliable data is available) and 11th for oxycodone — the two biggest killers.
How to find the right drug treatment program
The National Insitutes of Health has issued an 8-page guide to help you pick the right drug abuse treatment program. The booklet, Seeking Drug Abuse Treatment: Know What to Ask, says there are five key questions you should ask about a program:
State begins tracking prescriptions for addictive, dangerous drugs
If you are prescribed one of these drugs, the provider who dispenses the drug to you is required to supply the system with your name, address, date of birth, the name of the prescribed drug and doctor who prescribed it, and where you picked it up.
State to issue warning on opioid risks — Seattle Times
Following an series of articles in the Seattle Times drawing attention to the high death rate among patients taking methadone. Washington state will issue a public health advisory that singles out the unique risks of methadone, a commonly prescribed pain medicine that’s linked to the most accidental overdose deaths.
King County homicides lowest in ten years
There were 59 homicides in King County last year, the lowest number in a decade. The number deaths due to suicide, traffic accidents and overdoses also fell.
Seattle Times investigates Washington state’s methadone policy
The Seattle Times has launched an investigative series on Washington state’s policy towards the use of the pain killer methadone for the treatment of chronic pain. The paper argues the drug is dangerously unpredictable and responsible for the deaths of hundreds, particularly among the poor.
Health on the Web: This week’s top picks
Will pot save healthcare reform? Shortage of key drugs threatens patients’ lives. What’s behind the attack on Planned Parenthood?
State bans “Spice”, K2 and other “bath salt” drugs
The products, which have been available in a variety of local retail shops, including smoke and “head” shops, as well as over the Internet contain stimulants and synthetic cannabis-like chemicals that have a “high potential” for abuse and harm to health, officials say.
Two cases of suspected botulism linked to ‘black tar’ heroin
King County officials suspect two people developed botulism after injecting “black tar” heroin contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a toxin-producing bacteria.
Answers to readers’ insurance questions
If you’re injured after drinking, can your insurer refuse to pay? Do privacy rules keep insurers from talking to you about your spouse’s coverage? Does colonoscopy coverage include polyp removal? Yes, no and maybe.
Parents’ military deployments take emotional toll on teens — UW study
When military deployments call for their parents to serve abroad, adolescents have a tough time adjusting, and a new University of Washington study shows their moods often lead to risky behavior.
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