A new database lets you find out the prevailing rates for medical procedures in your area, and the 2010 health-care reform law provides better protection when people receive out-of-network emergency care.
Younger patients and those with several chronic illnesses are more likely to report difficulties with care coordination than older patients with just one chronic illness,
In addition to requiring free contraceptive coverage, this year the new health law will require premium rebates and clearer descriptions of health plan benefits and will lower out-of-pocket Medicare drug costs.
Washington State Department of Health is looking for members of the public to serve on a variety of health-related boards, commissions and committees.
In at least 10 states, including Kansas, Tennessee and Oklahoma, Republicans replaced Democrats in governors’ mansions. The GOP also picked up seats in legislatures in many states.
The new health law that bars insurers from denying coverage of children with preexisting conditions but coverage may be still hard to find–and expensive.
As doctors leave the system to join “concierge” practices, patients scramble to find care
Study finds health of state’s residents vary widely from county to county
“We’re finding more and more expensive ways to keep people alive. So we have to find ways to set some limits,” ethicist says.
Factions: those for, those leaning in his direction, and a group of “wild cards”.
Nurses are left out of the health reform debate, but It is nurses who provide most of the skilled care in hospitals–the only care in many poor communities, writes Sandy Summers, director of The Truth About Nursing and co-author of Saving LIves: Why the Media’s Portrayal of Nurses Puts Us All at Risk.
Because of its health reform law, almost all Massachusetts residents have health coverage. Now the state has to tackle the more difficult challenge: cost. Article by KaiserHealthNews staff writer Jessica Marcy
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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