Tony Leys

Author's posts

For-Profit Companies Open Psychiatric Hospitals in Areas Clamoring for Care

State institutions and community hospitals have closed inpatient mental health units, often citing staffing and financial challenges. Now, for-profit companies are opening psychiatric hospitals to fill the void.

Without Medicare Part B’s Shield, Patient’s Family Owes $81,000 for a Single Air-Ambulance Flight

Sky-high bills from air-ambulance providers have sparked complaints and federal action in recent years. But a rural Tennessee resident fell through the cracks of billing protections — and a single helicopter ride could cost much of her estate’s value.

People With Disabilities Hope Autonomous Vehicles Deliver Independence

A pilot project in northern Minnesota aims to pave the way for fully autonomous vehicles to offer independence for people who can’t drive.

People With Disabilities Hope Autonomous Vehicles Deliver Independence

A pilot project in northern Minnesota aims to pave the way for fully autonomous vehicles to offer independence for people who can’t drive.

Iowa’s Governor Opposes Abortion — And Has Final Say on Whether Medicaid Pays for It

The federal government requires state Medicaid programs to pay for abortions in limited circumstances, but Iowa hasn’t done so for years. No providers seek Medicaid payments, which require the approval of the governor, an anti-abortion Republican.

Millions of Rural Americans Rely on Private Wells. Few Regularly Test Their Water.

More than 43 million Americans drink, bathe, and cook with water from private wells, which can be tainted by farm or industrial runoff, leaky septic systems, or naturally occurring minerals.

Rural Nursing Home Supporters Fear Proposed Staffing Standards Will Trigger More Closures

The Biden administration says a recently proposed minimum staffing standard would help ensure quality care, but nursing home leaders predict many rural facilities would struggle to meet it.

More States Legalize Sales of Unpasteurized Milk, Despite Public Health Warnings

Distrust of public health authorities, who say drinking raw milk is dangerous, fuels demand for unpasteurized milk products, leaders on both sides of the issue say.

As Fewer MDs Practice Rural Primary Care, a Different Type of Doctor Helps Take Up the Slack

The number of DOs is surging, and more than half of them practice in primary care, including in rural areas hit hard by doctor shortages.

With few MDs practicing in rural areas, a different type of doctor is filling the gap

The number of doctors of osteopathy is surging, and more than half of them practice in primary care, including in rural areas hit hard by doctor shortages.