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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.

Studies reignite mammography debate

Researchers from Group Health Research Institute in Seattle contributed to two new studies that identify two types of women who may benefit from regular mammograms in their 40s: those who have very dense breasts, and those who have a close relative — a mother, sister or daughter — who had breast cancer.

VM’s Kaplan elected chair of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s board of directors

Dr. Gary S. Kaplan, chairman and CEO of Seattle’s Virginia Mason Medical Center, has been elected chair of the board of directors of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement/

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.

Ob/Gyn Dr. Lisa Leonard joins The Polyclinic

Dr. Leonard has 17 years experience in private practice, hospitals, large multi-specialty clinics, and most recently providing care for the past two years as a volunteer with Doctors Without Borders in Nigeria, Sri Lanka and Haiti.

Conflicts of interests?

When a health insurer buys a business that helps hospitals win billing battles with insurers, alarm bells should sound, experts say.

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 — April 26th Update

Quick facts about high-deductible health plans

High-deductible health care plans are no longer a novelty—they are becoming mainstream. How do they work? Are they a good deal? Here is a brief guide to this type of health insurance:

Got Drugs? — Saturday is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

This Saturday is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. At sites across the region, you will be able to hand in unwanted, unused prescription drugs.   During the last Drug Take-Back-Day, Americans dropped off more than 118 tons of unwanted and expired medications for safe disposal. The drop-off centers will be open from 10:00 a.m. to [...]

Keeping your children safe – Tips from The Polyclinic

To mark National Safe Kids Week, Dr. Melissa Hathaway, a pediatrician at The Polyclinic, offers tips for keeping kids safe.