Sandra G. Boodman

Community Hospitals Link Arms With Prestigious Facilities To Raise Their Profiles

A growing number of community hospitals are forming alliances with some of the nation’s biggest and most prestigious institutions. But for prospective patients, it can be hard to assess what these relationships actually mean.

An Overlooked Epidemic: Older Americans Taking Too Many Unneeded Drugs

Researchers estimate that 25 percent of people ages 65 to 69 take at least five prescription drugs to treat chronic conditions. But some doctors are trying to teach others about “deprescribing” or systematically discontinuing medicines that are inappropriate, duplicative or unnecessary.

Two Words Can Soothe Patients Who Have Been Harmed: We’re Sorry

For patients killed or maimed by medical errors, doctors and hospitals still often deny wrongdoing. But newer programs offering prompt disclosure of medical errors, an apology and compensation for them or their families are growing.