health care
Hospital Costs Go Public: What Changes In Health Care?
The federal government launched a database Wednesday that shows how much hospitals charge for the 100 most common procedures. The data reveals extreme variances in hospital billing. One hospital in Dallas, Texas charges $38,000 for treating pneumonia, while another charges over $14,000.
Why Calif. Doesn't Want Smokers To Pay More For Health Insurance
The federal health law allows states to charge smokers up to 50 percent more for a health plan sold through the new exchanges. But a bill moving forward in the California Legislature would prevent that from happening.
Bedside Manner: Conversations With Patients About Death
Doctors often struggle with conversations about death — navigating the murky waters of when and how to convey the risks of procedures and prospects for life expectancy. When doctors are less than forthcoming, out of sensitivity or haste, difficult situations become even more complex.
Colorado Weighs Reopening Psychiatric Hospital For Homeless
Colorado's Democratic governor wants to move mentally ill homeless people to Fort Lyon, a former psychiatric hospital and prison in the southeast corner of the state. Critics say it would make more sense to rent apartments for the people in the neighborhoods where they are now.
Women's Health Groups Angered By Morning-After Pill Moves
Days after President Obama became the first sitting president to speak before Planned Parenthood's national conference, the administration alienated some women's health groups with a controversial decision about access to emergency contraception.
Lessons In Emergency Preparedness After Boston Bombings
The bombings in Boston killed three and injured over 250 people. Remarkably, all of the wounded are expected to live. Scores of emergency workers mobilized to triage, tourniquet and treat injured runners and bystanders, and hospitals quickly organized surgeries, saving lives.
Second Thoughts On Medicaid From Oregon's Unique Experiment
An influential study of Medicaid in Oregon found that recipients used more health care, spent less money and reported improved health. But the results of a follow-up study are less positive about whether people with coverage were healthier.
Looking Ahead: The Future Of Health Care Policy
The country is about to undergo the largest transition of national health policy ever. In the first in a series of look-ahead conversations, NPR's health policy correspondent Julie Rovner discusses the changes already in effect and the complications and controversy to come.
Philadelphia Case Exposes Deep Rift In Abortion Debate
Abortion opponents say the case of Dr. Kermit Gosnell, who is charged with five counts of murder, shows the need for more and stricter regulation of abortion clinics. But abortion rights backers say more restrictions give women few choices besides substandard facilities.