Kaiser Health News - Delivery of Care

Report: Improper Prescription Drug Use Drives Up Cost Of Care

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:36:51 GMT

Doctors and hospitals could save the U.S. $213 billion annually if they used prescription drugs more wisely, according to IMS health.

AMA: Obesity Is A Disease

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:36:31 GMT

Going against a recommendation by one of its committees to label it only a "major public health problem," the American Medical Association has recognized obesity as a disease.

Texas Senate Approves Abortion Restrictions, Prompting Access Fears

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:35:19 GMT

Texas lawmakers on Tuesday approved three pieces of legislation that tighten the state's abortion restrictions, prompting worries that abortion clinics could close because of the changes.

Patients Press Forward With Health Apps

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:33:00 GMT

Fox News reports how one specific app is helping give patients more access to their doctors while Kaiser Health News and WBUR look at how the increase in available apps also raises questions about what works and doesn't.

House GOP Plans Vote Today On Abortion Bill

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:15:05 GMT

The measure, which would ban abortions after 22 weeks of pregnancy, has drawn a White House veto threat. In other Capitol Hill news, health care issues continue to be part of the immigration reform debate and some lawmakers have asked for a review of federal grants and programs designed to assist the severely mentally ill.

Viewpoints: Controlling Costs; Health Law's Guarantee Of Coverage; ACO Liability

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:13:11 GMT

A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.

State Highlights: Texas Pharmacists Want Medicaid Price Transparency

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:13:00 GMT

A selection of health policy stories from Pennsylvania, Texas, North Carolina, Georgia and California.

First Edition: June 18, 2013

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:34:31 GMT

Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about a new publicity push in support of the health law.

Some GOP Lawmakers See Health Law As Means To Stall Immigration Reform Efforts

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:24:41 GMT

On Capitol Hill, immigration reform, sequester cuts and abortion issues continue to grab headlines.

Report Examines Medicare Spending Issues, Geographic Disparities And Hospital Payments

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:24:00 GMT

The report from the congressional advisory group MedPAC assesses a variety of issues, including penalties that Medicare has recently begun imposing on hospitals and how that affects facilities largely serving poor patients.

Viewpoints: Don't Change Course On Medicare Reforms On Medical Equipment Prices; Liberals' Agenda Depends On Cutting Entitlements; Making Hospital Prices Public

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:23:43 GMT

A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.

N.M. Project Aims To Electronically Connect Primary Care, Mental Health Providers

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:22:53 GMT

A new health care project in New Mexico -- with an eye on expanding the project nationwide -- will allow primary care doctors and mental health experts to connect electronically to provide better mental health care to the state's residents.

Patients Opt For Walk-In Clinics Because Of Price, Wait Concerns

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:22:41 GMT

Retail and urgent care clinics are gaining steam as a way for people to see a doctor without the long waits or higher cost of getting care in traditional settings. In the meantime, Kaiser Health News reports on CEO bonus pay and how some CEOs are rewarded for increasing patient volume.

State Highlights: States Urge Using Life Insurance For Long-Term Care

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:21:00 GMT

A selection of health policy stories from California, Minnesota, Illinois and Oregon.

First Edition: June 17, 2013

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:40:59 GMT

Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations, include reports about how states are tackling the implementation of specific provisions of the health law.

State Highlights: Ga. Ponders Higher Health Plan Rates For Employees

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:15:00 GMT

A selection of health policy stories from Georgia, Virginia, California and Oregon.

Texas Scrambles To Find Money For Approved Health Care Projects

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:14:00 GMT

In Texas, revenue woes are hampering a series of health care experiments, including how the state gives health care to its poor and uninsured, though federal approval for the projects came in May. In California, lawmakers get set to add some dental coverage for the state's poorest residents.