Daily Edition for Wednesday, August 16, 2023
July Was A Deadly Month For Fentanyl Overdoses In San Francisco: More people died from accidental fentanyl overdoses in San Francisco in July than almost any other month since the city began releasing overdose death data three years ago, according to preliminary figures released by the San Francisco Medical Examiner’s office Tuesday. Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.
North Carolina Hospitals Have Sued Thousands of Their Patients, a New Report Finds
By Noam N. Levey
An analysis of court records by the state treasurer and Duke researchers finds Atrium Health, originally a public hospital system, accounted for almost a third of the legal actions against North Carolina patients over roughly five years.
Funyuns and Flu Shots? Gas Station Company Ventures Into Urgent Care
By Bram Sable-Smith
A Tulsa-based gas station chain is using its knowledge of how to serve customers and locate shops in easy-to-find spots to enter the urgent care industry, which has doubled in size over the past decade. Experts question how the explosion of convenient clinics will affect care costs and wait times.
An Arm and a Leg: How a Surprise Bill Can Hitch a Ride to the Hospital
By Dan Weissmann
The No Surprises Act has helped rein in out-of-network medical bills, but ground ambulances are a costly exception. Hear why this service can still hit patients with big bills and what to do if you get one.
Daily Edition for Tuesday, August 15, 2023
Appeals Court Rules Clean-Needle Program Was Illegally Authorized: A privately run clean-needle program in Santa Cruz County, aimed at limiting the spread of HIV and other drug-borne diseases, was illegally authorized in 2020 by state health officials who failed to consult with local law enforcement agencies, a state appeals court ruled Monday. Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.
Epidemic: Zero Pox!
In the early 1970s, public health workers buoyed by the motto “zero pox!” worked across India to achieve 100% vaccination against smallpox. This episode is about what happened when these zealous young people encountered hesitation.
Feds Say Hospitals That Redistribute Medicaid Money Violate Law
By Samantha Young
Federal officials are trying to clamp down on private arrangements among some hospitals to pay themselves back for the Medicaid taxes they’ve paid. State health officials and the influential hospital industry argue that regulators have no jurisdiction over the agreements.
Daily Edition for Monday, August 14, 2023
Troubled California Hospitals May Be Saved: Three California hospitals that declared bankruptcy earlier this year are hashing out deals that could bring back or save much-needed health care services for their communities. The proposals are far from the finish line, but they present a glimpse of hope for residents who face longer journeys to emergency rooms and increased risk when local medical centers close. Read more from CalMatters.
Patients in California County May See Refunds, Debt Relief From Charity Care Settlement
By Molly Castle Work
As hospitals are criticized for skimping on financial assistance, Santa Clara County has agreed to notify 43,000 former patients of possible billing reductions as part of a settlement. Some patients had sued, alleging the county’s hospital system sent them to collections for bills they shouldn’t have received.
Proposed Rule Would Make Hospital Prices Even More Transparent
By Julie Appleby
A Biden administration proposal would help standardize the data on prices that hospitals provide to patients, increase its usefulness to consumers, and boost enforcement. Previous rules gave hospitals too many loopholes.
