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Researcher finds 42% of U.S. hospitals use some type of "telehealth" approach

In the first national look at how broadly web-based technologies are being used to provide health care, a University of Michigan researcher has found that 42 percent of U.S. hospitals use some type of "telehealth" approach.

5 Feb 2014

Telemedicine used at nursing homes is a viable way to reduce avoidable hospitalizations

Telemedicine used at nursing homes during hours when doctors are not typically present is a viable way to reduce avoidable hospitalizations, according to research published in February's issue of Health Affairs.

5 Feb 2014

New rule allows patients direct access to lab results

The Obama administration released new regulations Monday that would allow patients to get test results without going through their doctor first. The rules are part of an effort to empower patients and give them more control over their health care.

5 Feb 2014

First Edition: February 4, 2014

Today's headlines include progress reports on health exchanges in Washington state and New York as well as poll results on Virginia's Medicaid Expansion.

4 Feb 2014

Researchers discover genetic mutations that cause deadly lung disease

A team of researchers, led by physicians and scientists at Intermountain Medical Center and ARUP Laboratories in Salt Lake City, has made a medical breakthrough by discovering genetic mutations that cause a rare and deadly lung disease.

4 Feb 2014

Hy-Vee collaborates with UNMC and Ferris State to offer rapid-diagnostic influenza test

Getting tested and treated for the flu and strep throat became much easier today in Omaha. It's now as convenient as a trip to the grocery store.

4 Feb 2014

Researchers recommend FIT as screening tool for colorectal cancer

Tests that require patients to collect a single stool sample at home and then send it to a lab for analysis will detect about 79 percent of colorectal cancers, according to a new evidence review published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

4 Feb 2014

Viewpoints: 'Bailout' isn't the right target for GOP; Republican senators' alternative 'looks inferior;' uninsured are not rushing to health market

Ever since the housing market collapse, nothing stokes the flames of public outrage quite like the phrase "government bailout." It's become the condemnation of choice for both parties when faced with a policy they don't like.

4 Feb 2014

State highlights: Cities, states spending nearly 32% of budgets on health care; Detroit reaches retiree health coverage agreement; NYC, Calif. back caregiver protection bills

A selection of health policy stories from Michigan, New York, California, Wisconsin, Maryland, Georgia, Colorado and Mississippi.

4 Feb 2014

Expanded Medicaid offers new health coverage opportunities -- but not without confusion

News outlets detail how patients still don't completely understand the benefits that are now available to them.

4 Feb 2014

First Edition: February 3, 2014

Today's headlines include a range of stories about how the health law is working in different locations across the country.

3 Feb 2014

New article outlines different types of incontinence and treatment options

Urinary incontinence affects up to 13% of Australian men and up to 37% of Australian women. There are several types of urinary incontinence, and each has different treatment options.

3 Feb 2014

Five important numbers to keep cardiovascular system healthy

Pass codes, phone numbers, social security numbers, clothing sizes and addresses. We all have a lot of numbers in our heads, but heart experts at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center say there are five more you need to know to help keep your cardiovascular system healthy.

3 Feb 2014

ACOs' efforts to coordinate patient care saved $380 million, Medicare officials report

In their first results of the heralded program -- which was set up in the health law -- federal officials say about half of the accountable care organizations slowed spending but few met the requirements to qualify for bonuses.

31 Jan 2014

Treating peanut allergy with oral immunotherapy changes DNA of immune cells

Treating a peanut allergy with oral immunotherapy changes the DNA of the patient's immune cells, according to a new study from the Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford. The DNA change could serve as the basis for a simple blood test to monitor the long-term effectiveness of the allergy therapy.

31 Jan 2014

First Edition: January 31, 2014

Today's headlines include reports about the retirement announcement by Rep. Henry Waxman and the health policy legacy he will leave behind.

31 Jan 2014

Longer looks: Doctor guilt; an abortion provider's hidden record

Okay, I know I'm a health writer, but I really don't like going to the doctor. Part of it is an unshakeable, irrational certainty that they will find something horribly wrong with me that I'd rather not know about, and part of it is a rational certainty that they will find something mildly wrong with me that is my fault and chastise me for it - drinking too much, not exercising enough, whatever. One should be able to talk to one's doctor about these things - the aspects of one's lifestyle that maybe aren't so great. ... But in 2009, a study by researchers at the University of California, San Diego found that half of the patients surveyed had experienced shame as a result of something a doctor said to them.

31 Jan 2014

Doctor offers tips for fans who suddenly have to face months without football

After the final play of the Super Bowl, millions of fans will go through withdrawal symptoms from not being able to watch football for months.

31 Jan 2014

State highlights: Will doc cuts like those in Conn. become more common?; Calif. health plans criticized over chronic condition treatment; Vt. drug addiction

A selection of health policy stories from Connecticut, California, Vermont, Minnesota, Virginia and Georgia.

30 Jan 2014

Sen. Coburn pays out-of-pocket to see cancer doctor

Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., who is undergoing treatment for prostate cancer, says the new insurance plan he purchased under the health law doesn't include his longstanding oncologist. He says he is paying out of pocket to see that doctor and is "doing well from a health standpoint."

30 Jan 2014