Category: Health Industry

KHN’s ‘What The Health?’: Deciphering The Democrats’ Health Debate

Health care was a major topic at the Democratic presidential candidate debates in Detroit on Tuesday and Wednesday, but the focus on plan minutiae may have left viewers more confused than edified. Alice Ollstein of Politico, Kimberly Leonard of the Washington Examiner and Caitlin Owens of Axios join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss the points made by the candidates plus a series of Trump administration health initiatives on drug prices and hospital shopping.

Creator Of Brain Exam That Trump Aced Demands New Training For Testers

Geriatricians are outraged over a new requirement to pay for training in order to administer the MoCA test, a widely used tool to screen for cognitive problems. The test’s creator said he was worried about accuracy and liability.

Doctor Alexa Will See You Now: Is Amazon Primed To Come To Your Rescue?

Amazon, along with a host of other technology companies, is working on ways to use its smart speaker devices to bring a range of health care services into your home.

Must-Reads Of The Week From Brianna Labuskes

Newsletter editor Brianna Labuskes wades through hundreds of health care policy stories each week, so you don’t have to.

Now They Owe $0 — Half-Million-Dollar Dialysis Bill Canceled

After reporting by KHN, NPR and CBS, Fresenius has agreed to waive a Montana man’s huge bill for out-of-network dialysis care.

Robotic Surgical Tool, Not Medical Evidence, Drives Free Hernia Screenings

Hospitals around the country are promoting free hernia screenings that tout their robotic surgery tools. But some experts warn such screenings could lead people to get potentially harmful operations that they don’t need.

First Kidney Failure, Then A $540,842 Bill For Dialysis

He needed the lifesaving treatment — he never expected a half-million-dollar bill for 14 weeks of care.

Federal Suit Alleges ‘Staggering’ Urine Drug Testing Fraud At Tennessee Pain Clinics

Tennessee company’s Medicare billings for urine tests were examined by Kaiser Health News in 2017.

Missouri Firm With Silicon Valley Ties Faces Medicare Billing Scrutiny

Amid an overall crackdown on private insurers’ Medicare billing practices, a new government audit and a whistleblower suit allege St. Louis-based Essence Group Holdings Corp.’s Medicare Advantage plans overcharged taxpayers.

How The Eastern Cherokee Took Control Of Their Health Care

An innovative hospital run by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina showcases an alternative model of health care that could have lessons for other tribal communities and beyond.