By Kate Steadman August 14, 2009 The furious controversy over Medicare payments for end-of-life care counseling stems from Section 1233 in the health bill passed by three House committees. Related article: Doctors Providing End of Life Counseling See Benefit in Current Controversy That language would amend the Social Security Act, which also governs Medicare, the [...]
Two articles on LocalHealthGuide today talk about end-of-life issues. Below is an article by Dr. Carolyn Clancy, director of the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, that we ran last month in which she explores end-of-life issues and provides links to useful resources where you can go to learn more. Talking about end-of-life treatment [...]
By Jessica Marcy August 14, 2009 The paragraphs, buried deep in the 1,000-page House health reform bill, appear innocuous, but they have ignited a firestorm among critics predicting government-sponsored euthanasia. The controversy, over proposed Medicare funding of end-of-life counseling, has come to epitomize some of people’s deepest fears about the government’s role in health care. [...]
By Carol Ann Campbell August 13, 2009 NEWARK, N.J. – Fourteen-year-old Prince Jackson made a fist and banged his hand on his head, again and again. “It was like this,” he said, trying to describe the blinding pain from the tumor growing inside his head. “It hurt so much. It wouldn’t stop.” Jackson could not [...]
By Julie Rovner, NPR News August 13, 2009 This story is from KHN partner NPR The story has spread so fast even President Obama got asked about it at one of his town hall meetings. But no, the health care overhaul bill now working its way through Congress would not require seniors to learn how [...]
By Carolyn M. Clancy, M.D., director of the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality July 7, 2009 It’s natural to avoid thinking—never mind talking—about dying. As a result, most people do not make their wishes clear to their loved ones or their health care providers. This includes many people who are nearing the end [...]
Making Your Wishes Known – The ABC’s of Estate and Legacy Planning Have you documented your wishes? Do you wonder where to even begin? Come learn from a legal professional the basics of wills, beneficiary designations, powers-of-attorney, community property agreements, estate tax planning, and charitable giving. Registration required: 206-386-2502 or online. Where: Swedish Ballard Campus Conference [...]
Life on Your Terms – Communicating Your Wishes to Your Family and Physician What kind of health care do you want to receive if you become ill or injured? Health care decisions are for everyone, whether you’re 18 or 100, healthy or currently undergoing medical treatment. Come learn about health care directives and communicating your [...]
The measure permits the terminally ill to request and self-administer lethal medications prescribed by a physician.
Today’s Seattle Post-Intelligencer features two op-ed piece taking opposing sides on Initiative 1000. If passed, the measure, which is on this Nov. 4 ballot, would allow physicians to write prescriptions for a lethal dose of medication for terminally ill adults who wish to take their own lives.
This November Washingtonian state voters will vote on whether to allow terminally ill adults to obtain a prescription for a lethal dose of medications to end their lives. Supporters of the ”Death with Dignity” initiative, designated I-1000, say the measure will give the terminally ill some control over how they die. But opponents say passage of initiative [...]
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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