Doctors Archives - Page 9 of 25

KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: The ACA Turns 12

Although its fate was in doubt more than a few times, the Affordable Care Act turned 12 this week. Year 13 could be pivotal in determining how many Americans receive ACA health insurance, and at what price. Meanwhile, three leading credit bureaus agreed to stop using most medical debt to measure U.S. consumers’ creditworthiness. Anna Edney of Bloomberg News, Rachel Cohrs of Stat, and KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more.

March 24, 2022

Missouri Reps. Lynn Morris and Tricia Derges stand together in a room inside the Missouri Capitol building. Both are looking at the camera and smiling.

Missouri Tried to Fix Its Doctor Shortage. Now the Fix May Need Fixing.

Five states have created “assistant physician” licenses that allow medical school graduates to practice without completing residency training. But a federal indictment in Missouri of one assistant physician has some original supporters trying to rein in the medical specialty.

By Bram Sable-Smith

March 17, 2022

Podcast

KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: Congress Shelves Covid Funding for Now

The Biden administration’s request for billions more in funding to fight covid-19 hit a snag on Capitol Hill this week, as Democrats objected to Republican demands that money allocated to states but not yet spent be reclaimed. Meanwhile, the big annual spending bill about to cross the finish line addresses other health policy changes, such as giving the FDA authority to regulate “synthetic” nicotine. Joanne Kenen of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Politico, Rachel Cohrs of Stat, and Jessie Hellmann of Modern Healthcare join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. Plus, for extra credit, the panelists recommend their favorite health policy stories of the week they think you should read, too.

March 10, 2022

Medical Boards Pressured to Let It Slide When Doctors Spread Covid Misinformation

State medical boards have an obligation to investigate complaints about doctors, including those who may spread false information about medical care. But in Florida, Tennessee, and other states, lawmakers are moving to protect physicians using unproven covid treatments or spreading misinformation.

By Blake Farmer, Nashville Public Radio

Feb. 15, 2022

This Doctor Thought She Could Navigate US Health Care. Then Her Autistic Son Needed Help.

Dr. Mai Pham left her corporate career to spark change in a system that is failing millions of Americans with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.

By Noam N. Levey

Feb. 15, 2022

COVID-19

Incidental Cases and Staff Shortages Make Covid’s Next Act Tough for Hospitals

As omicron sweeps the country, many hospitals are dealing with a flood of people hospitalized with covid — including those primarily admitted for other reasons. While often milder cases, so-called incidental covid infections still drain the beleaguered health care workforce and can put them and other patients at higher risk for contracting covid.

By Lauren Weber, Phil Galewitz, and Andy Miller

Jan. 13, 2022

California Ballot Will Be Heavy on Health Care

In the Nov. 8 general election, California voters will consider overturning the state’s flavored tobacco ban and hiking medical malpractice awards. Other proposals to decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms, target dialysis clinics and boost public health funding could also be on the ballot, along with a plan to limit business and school closures during public health emergencies.

By Samantha Young

Jan. 7, 2022

Suit by Doctors, Hospitals Seeks Change in How Arbitrators Settle Surprise Billing Cases

The American Medical Association and American Hospital Association are not arguing to halt the law that protects patients from unexpected bills from providers they didn’t know were outside their insurance network. Instead, they want to change the rules for the mediators who will settle the dispute between insurers and providers.

By Julie Appleby

Dec. 9, 2021

KHN & PolitiFact HealthCheck

Oncology Doctors Say the Build Back Better Act Will Slash Cancer Care Funding — A Skewed Argument

The Community Oncology Alliance is targeting the prescription drug provisions of the Build Back Better Act, saying they will trigger deep cuts in oncologists’ pay, causing clinics to close and health care costs to rise. But it leaves out some important details.

By Julie Appleby

Dec. 8, 2021

Post-Pandemic, What’s a Phone Call From Your Physician Worth?

Medicare billing codes for audio-only follow-up check-ins lead to new reimbursement battles.

By Julie Appleby

Dec. 8, 2021

A Title Fight Pits Physician Assistants Against Doctors

Physician assistants are pushing to be renamed “physician associates,” complaining their title is belittling and doesn’t convey what they do. “We don’t assist,” they insist. Doctors’ groups fear there’s more than just a name in play.

By Jordan Rau

Dec. 3, 2021

Congressional Doctors Lead Bipartisan Revolt Over Policy on Surprise Medical Bills

Congress last year shielded consumers from unexpected out-of-network charges, but hospitals and doctors have decried the arbitration plan put forward by the Biden administration for negotiating these bills as favoring insurers. More than 150 members of the House agree.

By Michael McAuliff

Nov. 17, 2021

COVID-19

As Constituents Clamor for Ivermectin, Republican Politicians Embrace the Cause

Hospitals and doctors are facing more demands for ivermectin as a covid-19 treatment, despite a lack of proof it works. In some Republican-dominated states, pushing for ivermectin interventions has become a conservative rallying cry.

By Blake Farmer, Nashville Public Radio

Nov. 8, 2021

Navigating Aging

‘Covid Hit Us Over the Head With a Two-by-Four’: Addressing Ageism With Urgency

In light of the pandemic’s shocking death toll among seniors, organizations are trying new strategies to help older Americans get better care.

By Judith Graham

Nov. 5, 2021

Direct Primary Care, With a Touch of Robin Hood

Some doctors, sick of mainstream health care’s red tape, are finding refuge in practices that combine concierge medicine with charity care.

By Bernard J. Wolfson

Oct. 26, 2021

Insurance Focused on Virtual Visits? The Pros and Cons of a New Twist in Health Plans

New, often lower-cost plans capitalize on the convenience of telemedicine — and patients’ growing familiarity with it. But consumers should weigh costs and care options before enrolling in a “virtual-first” plan.

By Julie Appleby

Oct. 15, 2021

A Wrenching Farewell: Bidding Adieu to My Primary Care Doctor After Nearly 30 Years

Long-term relationships between patients and doctors often enrich the quality of care and create deep emotional bonds. When the doctors retire or move on, saying goodbye can be hard.

By Judith Graham

Oct. 12, 2021

Major Insurers Running Billions of Dollars Behind on Payments to Hospitals and Doctors

Patients are caught in the middle as insurers clamp down on paying for treatments or force prior authorizations for care.

By Jay Hancock

Oct. 6, 2021

KHN On Air

Journalists Drill Down on Covid Vaccine Boosters, Misinformation Online

KHN and California Healthline staff made the rounds on national and local media this week to discuss their stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.

Oct. 2, 2021