Barbara Feder Ostrov

Barbara Feder Ostrov was a senior correspondent for KFF Health News until 2020.

@barbfederostrov

Doctor To The Stars Disciplined Over Use Of Controversial Menopause Therapy 

Dr. Prudence Hall has made a name for herself in the field of “bioidentical hormones” — plant-based compounds purportedly customized for each patient’s needs. Experts say the popular approach is unproven; California regulators say she was grossly negligent in her care of two patients.

Key California Lawmaker Calls Eli Lilly’s Behavior ‘Disingenuous And Offensive’

Sen. Ed Hernandez is in a public spat with the Indianapolis drugmaker over the company’s refusal to heed a state law requiring advance notice — and justification — of large drug price hikes. The company says it is awaiting a court decision on the law’s constitutionality.

Stanford’s Chief Wellness Officer Aims To Prevent Physician Burnout

Tait Shanafelt focuses on helping doctors cope with such problems as long hours and copious record-keeping, seeking to prevent burnout and reduce the rate of physician suicide. As doctors’ well-being improves, he says, so does patient care.

Community Frets As Buyer For Cherished Rural Hospital Slips From View

Some residents of remote Surprise Valley in Northern California fear their hospital will close like so many others around the country, as hope wanes for financial support from a Denver entrepreneur. The businessman, Beau Gertz, had planned to raise money through lab billing for faraway patients.

Calif. Exchange Chief Sees No Rate Impact From Latest Trump Challenge To ACA

Peter Lee says the court challenge will take time and California will have a chance to pass its own protections in the interim. However, the decision by Congress to eliminate the tax penalty on people who choose not to buy insurance will weigh on 2019 premiums, Lee said. Recent projections by the exchange show an average 11 percent rate hike in 2019, along with a 12 percent drop in enrollment.

Remote Rural Hospital Puts Its Fate In Hands of Denver Entrepreneur

Residents of Surprise Valley, in the state’s northeastern corner, voted to sell its hospital to a businessman with a controversial plan to bring in revenue. Its dismal financial plight exemplifies the woes of rural hospitals around the country.

Outsiders Swoop In Vowing To Rescue Rural Hospitals Short On Hope — And Money

The community of Surprise Valley, Calif., wrestled with the idea of selling its tiny, long-cherished hospital to a Denver entrepreneur who sees a big future in lab tests for faraway patients. Last summer, another exec had a similar idea but left town.