MedPage Today

Updated April 16, 2024

https://www.medpagetoday.com/people/cc2652/cheryl-clark

April 16, 2024 • The California Saga: Why Some DOs Fear Combined Medical Boards
— Their main concern is that their scope of practice would be “trampled”
https://tinyurl.com/2r58bp2d

April 16, 2024 • Should DOs and MDs Have Separate Licensing Boards? They Still Do in 13 States
— West Virginia effort hits late obstacle; some DOs fear bias under a combined board
https://tinyurl.com/4t4wddn9

April 15, 2024 • MedPAC Wrestles With Wide Variation in Generic Rx Prices, Availability
— Commissioners baffled by factors affecting Part D drug prices
https://tinyurl.com/mryx99kz

March 15, 2024 • MedPod Today: AAMC Leaked Emails; ‘Wild West’ of Ketamine; MA Games the System
— MedPage Today reporters offer further insights on these recently covered topics
https://tinyurl.com/yhk2bjzh

March 15, 2024 • MedPAC’s Report Recommends Pay Changes for Healthcare Services
— Report highlights MA quality, overpayment issues, and urges action on four prior recommendations
https://tinyurl.com/5n8jw4se

March 14, 2024 • RaDonda Vaught Says Some System Practices Contributed to Fatal Mistake
— During patient safety webinar, she advised clinicians to “slow down” to avoid deadly mistakes
https://tinyurl.com/2kv6ux86

March 11, 2024 • MedPAC Wrestles With How to Fix Deep Flaws in Medicare Advantage Quality Metrics
— Comparing MA plans with fee-for-service quality called “a hornet’s nest”
https://tinyurl.com/2xp6sd8u

March 7, 2024 • The Attitude with Arne Arnesen. Episode 418. Podcast on my interview with Don Berwick, MD, former head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services https://tinyurl.com/3tx44bte

March 1, 2024 • Obama CMS Chief: Medicare Advantage Plans Game the System
— Don Berwick says MA growth “should be slowed or stopped”
https://tinyurl.com/34s894zr

March 1, 2024 • MedPod episode on story, How Beneficiaries Really Feel About Medicare Advantage vs Traditional Medicare
— MA plans offer “extra benefits” but many go unused. Is Medicare Advantage really better?
https://tinyurl.com/3xz32w6a

Feb. 22, 2024 • How Beneficiaries Really Feel About Medicare Advantage vs Traditional Medicare
— MA plans offer “extra benefits” but many go unused. Is Medicare Advantage really better?
http://tinyurl.com/29y62pdd

Feb. 21, 2024 • There’s Still Time to Switch Medicare Advantage Plans This Year
— Beneficiaries have until March 31 to find a new plan; doctors should check plans, too
http://tinyurl.com/5f3hb62m

Feb. 9, 2024 • Senators Thrash Pharma CEOs for Pricing Drugs Higher in the U.S.
— Sen. Bernie Sanders blamed “corrupt” system, well-paid lobbyists
http://tinyurl.com/3j3mrv95

Feb. 2, 2024 • Simone Gold Reprimanded by California’s Medical Board
— She must repay $26K in costs recovery and take courses in ethics and professionalism
http://tinyurl.com/yn6pntxb

Feb. 2, 2024 • MEDPOD Episode on Michael Chernew interview
— MedPage Today reporters offer further insights on these recently covered topics
http://tinyurl.com/3tesdddu

Feb. 2, 2024 • Medics Stand Ready to Aid Groundhog Day Crowds
— With 30,000 people trying to catch a glimpse of Punxsutawney Phil, accidents are bound to happen
http://tinyurl.com/ye4n6k5e

Jan. 30, 2024 • The Attitude with Arne Arnesen. Discussion of recent interview with Michael Chernew, MedPAC chair, and asking if eventually, all seniors will have no choice but to be on Medicare Advantage
http://tinyurl.com/j8r4xhjs

Jan. 29, 2024 • Why Aren’t More Doctors Prescribing Paxlovid to High-Risk Patients?
— — It’s not all about drug-drug interactions, experts say
http://tinyurl.com/m4k4tvht

Jan. 25, 2024 • Will All Seniors Eventually Have No Choice but Medicare Advantage?
— MedPAC chair discusses need to fix MA’s confusing limitations, upcoding, and rising costs
http://tinyurl.com/49zbxvw6

Jan. 16, 2024 • MedPAC Report on Medicare Advantage Growth, High Costs Generates Kerfuffle
— Commissioners reveal growing unease with MA practices: Not the “glowing success” everybody says
http://tinyurl.com/mryw4t2u

Jan. 10, 2024 • Columbia’s Sex Abuse Cover-Up Tops This Year’s Shkreli Awards
— Other “winners” include non-profit hospital CEO’s $35M salary, doc’s needless vascular surgeries
http://tinyurl.com/3au4hz3y

Dec. 21, 2023 • Scripps Clinic Must Pay Almost $7M to Older Docs in Age Bias Case
— California allows medical groups to force retirement at age 70, but it’s against federal law
http://tinyurl.com/5n75xzj9

Nov. 27, 2023 • Hospitals Say Some Medicare Advantage Plans Are Skirting CMS Rules
— Groups lament stress to enrollees and billions in hospital losses from coverage delays, denials
https://tinyurl.com/3cb4jvsw

Nov. 13, 2023 • AMA Delegates Trash AI Bots, Medicare Advantage, Inexperienced ‘Politicized’ ALJs
— Proposal calls for facilities with an “Emergency Room” to have an emergency doc on site
https://tinyurl.com/bdeedjen

Nov. 9, 2023 • 10 Ways MedPAC Commissioners Think Regulators Should Fix Medicare Advantage Plans
— Improvements needed in network accuracy and transparency regarding denial rates, they say
https://tinyurl.com/2s4rzt3h

Nov. 7, 2023 • CMS Proposes Rule to Limit Medicare Advantage Plan Sales Commissions
— No more golf parties or free trips to brokers who “steer” beneficiaries to higher paying plans
https://tinyurl.com/yz3uje9z

Oct. 31, 2023 • HHS Proposes ‘Disincentive’ Penalties for Information-Blocking Providers
— Clinicians could see cuts in Medicare payments if found to have violated the rule
https://tinyurl.com/yvtvz8k8

Oct. 25, 2023 • Journal Editor Fired for Hamas-Israeli Conflict Comments
— Michael Eisen, former editor of eLife, was horrified by both Hamas and harm to Gazans
https://tinyurl.com/4bkadp3u

Oct. 19, 2023 • Shady Medicare Advantage Plan Tactics Blasted at Senate Hearing
— “It’s a rip-off and it’s got to stop,” one Senator said
https://tinyurl.com/3j42akuc

Oct. 13, 2023 • UNC Health Publicly Threatens to Cancel UnitedHealthcare Contracts
— Letters blame improper denials, inadequate pay; patients urged to look for other plans for 2024
https://tinyurl.com/5b263f98

Oct. 4, 2023 • Coast to Coast, Kaiser Permanente Workers Start 3-Day Strike
— Employees picket, complain of staff shortages, burnout, low pay, and low morale
https://tinyurl.com/325ue2t9

Oct. 3, 2023 • California Misinfo Law Is Dead
— Repeal bill also strengthens consumer protections and raises doctors’ license fees
https://tinyurl.com/2p952n5k

Sept. 28, 2023 • Blue Shield of California Has Fix for MA Enrollees Worried About Co-Pays
— An “underwriting holiday” doesn’t require supplemental plan applicants to answer health questions
https://tinyurl.com/kwz45jem

Sept. 25, 2023 • Two Large Medical Groups Shun Medicare Advantage Plans
— San Diego doctor groups latest to withdraw, citing low pay, prior authorization problems
https://tinyurl.com/sfc2edcf

Sept. 21, 2023 • Medicare Advantage Ads Should Look Different This Year
— KFF examines past predatory ads as new CMS regulation goes into effect
https://tinyurl.com/5xmtus3p

Sept. 21, 2023 • ‘Con Man’ Gets Another Top Hospital Job, This Time at Penn Medicine
— Story points to major gaps in how hospitals check applicants’ backgrounds
https://tinyurl.com/yvacsare

Sept. 14, 2023 • A ‘Sad’ Story: Patient Stuck With $176K Bill After Medicare Policy Switch
— CMS abruptly decided patients can self administer Stelara — even those with Parkinson’s
https://tinyurl.com/ytjhz6f7

Sept. 13, 2023 • California Misinfo Law Is Destined for the Dustbin
— Amendment repeals language, but licensing boards apparently had authority all along
https://tinyurl.com/bdety3x3

Aug. 29, 2023 • Company Selling Unproven Insulin Infusions in Legal Battle Over Money, Control
— Court docs show firm evolved from Trina, a diabetes scheme that fell apart
https://tinyurl.com/3pwmpcpx

Aug. 3, 2023 • Doctors Sue California Over Implicit Bias Training
— “Taking some dippy course is not going to change a hardened racist,” one plaintiff says
https://tinyurl.com/2m7uakam

July 21, 2023 • Insulin Infusion Clinics Claim to Treat Just About Anything
— But evidence is scant, and “treatment” resembles one done by company that went bust
https://tinyurl.com/2yz37ax5

July 19, 2023 • FDA Strikes at Yet Another Birth Tissue Company
— Agency sent warning letter to Regenative Labs over its Wharton’s jelly product
https://tinyurl.com/d9x9h8we

June 12, 2023 • AMA Wrestles With Part B Drug Costs, Wheelchair Ramps, and Dementia Care
— At the House of Delegates meeting, members debated on various topics
https://bit.ly/3qQnqxL

June, 2023 • Congress Hearing Explores Medicare Advantage Routines That Deny, Delay Needed Care
— Blumenthal: “It’s fine, so long as you don’t need it for the big stuff”
https://bit.ly/41OkC1g

May 18, 2023 • Congress Hearing Explores Medicare Advantage Routines That Deny, Delay Needed Care
— Blumenthal: “It’s fine, so long as you don’t need it for the big stuff”
https://bit.ly/41OkC1g

May 10, 2023 • Gun Owner Advances Doc Group’s Gun Safety Initiative
— Sue Bornstein, MD, offers expertise in broaching the subject with patients
https://bit.ly/3pkvINJ

May 1, 2023 • ACP Announces ‘Ambitious’ Effort to Improve Access to Obesity Care
— Doctors need training to “meet patients where they are”
https://bit.ly/3oZXmzx

April 27, 2023 • Return of 3-Day Rule Will Stress Crowded Hospitals Further
— Groups call for the 57-year-old policy to be abolished
https://bit.ly/3AMi1K5

April 20, 2023 • Fired Hospital Admin’s Story Reveals Flaws in Healthcare Hiring
— Under pressure to fill vacancies, healthcare facilities may be even more vulnerable
https://bit.ly/3LdZcW5

April 14, 2023 • AAMC Warns of Possible Physician Shortage in States That Ban Abortion
— Report shows decline in students’ residency selection, especially ob/gyn, in those 13 states
https://bit.ly/3mQsG2V

April 6, 2023 • CMS Cracks Down on Medicare Advantage Marketing, Prior Auth Practices
— Agency wants to stop schemes that mislead beneficiaries and prohibit unfair denials of care
https://bit.ly/3GngYU3

March 10, 2023 • AMA, Surgeon General Propose Ways to Prevent Doctor Burnout
— Get enough sleep, stop prior authorization, and share your story with colleagues
https://bit.ly/40bPW9s

March 7, 2023 • Amid Relaxing COVID Rules for Health Workers, San Francisco Is Reinforcing Them
— Healthcare workers in the city must continue to mask and be vaccinated
https://bit.ly/3yhfFSf

Feb. 28, 2023 • Medicare Plan Commissions May Steer Beneficiaries to Wrong Coverage
— Commonwealth Fund report: opaque, misaligned agent incentives influence enrollment choices
https://bit.ly/3mdU8Hi

Feb. 22, 2023 • Insulin Infusion Doctor Barred From Solo Practice
— Agency found gross negligence, incompetence, unprofessional conduct after lengthy investigation
https://bit.ly/3xHYNUq

Feb. 14, 2023 • Medicare Advantage Ads in Your Patient Portal? CMS Says They Shouldn’t Be There
— Patient outraged when portal mixed MA sales pitch with doctors’ notes
https://bit.ly/3IlpmVw

Feb. 13, 2023 • Simone Gold Accused by California Medical Board
— Gold’s license at stake over “unprofessional conduct” related to Jan. 6 insurrection
https://bit.ly/3YsWQGZ

Feb. 10, 2023 • New Guidance Targets Infection Hazards in Fingernails, Sinks, Excessive Hand-Washing
— Update based on new evidence on ways that various pathogens can spread in healthcare settings
https://bit.ly/40YNQuT

Jan. 31, 2023 • CMS Rule Means Medicare Advantage Plans Will Pay Back Billions in Overpayments
— Audits finding unsubstantiated claims will extrapolate overpayments to insurers’ other claims
https://bit.ly/3Hnp3aS

Jan. 26, 2023 • Medicare Part D Plan Prices May Change Unexpectedly
— How many seniors end up paying more than they thought they would?
https://bit.ly/3XRMVdw

Jan. 10, 2023 • Medicare Advantage Plans Take Top Spot in Shkreli Awards
— Lown president calls the list “a tragic comedy of grift and profiteering
https://bit.ly/3wb4Hwx

Dec. 15, 2022 • Two Doctors Known for COVID Misinfo Now Reinstated on Twitter
— Malone and McCullough continue to make false claims about vaccine safety
https://bit.ly/3PvoiAa

Dec. 8, 2022 • Should Doctors Warn Patients About the Downsides of Medicare Advantage Plans?
— Beneficiaries may not be aware of the plans’ limited networks or prior authorization rules
https://bit.ly/3PeuKeI

Dec. 2, 2022 • A Looming Physician Pay Cut ‘Unprecedented’ and ‘Unconscionable,’ AMA President Says
— Number of doctors who take Medicare patients could dwindle without Congressional action
https://bit.ly/3Pd9Z3p

Nov. 16, 2022 • AMA Edges Closer to Supporting Public Option
— Members will also oppose employer mandates requiring docs to sign contracts waiving due process
https://bit.ly/3Oaopke

Nov. 15, 2022 • AMA Votes to Oppose Punishing Doctors When Necessary Care Results in Fetal Death
— Doctors recount horrors of physician and patient arrests after loss of pregnancy
https://bit.ly/3Al0hFY

Nov. 14, 2022 • Expanding Vaccination Pay, ‘Public Option’ Fuel Debate Among AMA Delegates
— Resolutions also advocate for greater accuracy in Medicare Advantage plan offerings and more
https://bit.ly/3GdHFvd

Nov. 8, 2022 • Internal Strife at America’s Frontline Doctors: Simone Gold Accused of Misusing $$$
— Nasty fight now a federal lawsuit; Gold tries to regain company control
https://bit.ly/3tcsdYC

Nov. 4, 2022 • Senate Report Decries Medicare Advantage Plan Marketing Deception
—Frustrated, confused, embarrassed enrollees often delay care after being “scammed,” report notes
https://bit.ly/3WA4zCw

Oct. 21, 2022 • CMS Puts the Kibosh on Misleading Medicare Advantage Sales Pitches
— “Secret shoppers” found that 80% of agent calls with clients were inaccurate or insufficient
https://bit.ly/3eRQYWk

Oct. 20, 2022 • Mayo Warns It Won’t Take Most Medicare Advantage Plans
– Letters to Florida, Arizona patients suggest they enroll in original Medicare with a supplement
https://bit.ly/3VKyHL9

Oct. 14, 2022 • Brokers Earn More to Steer New Beneficiaries to Medicare Advantage
— Agent says he would double earnings if he sold MA over Medigap plans to new clients
https://bit.ly/3TlHYat

Oct. 13, 2022 • The Medicare Advantage Trade-Off: Saving Money, Losing Access
— Beneficiaries may spend less on premiums, but care delays are common. Do worse outcomes follow?
https://bit.ly/3TgrkJq

Oct. 1, 2022 •
California Bill Barring Docs From Telling COVID Lies Signed Into Law
— Law won’t stop docs who spread misinfo on social media; only during direct patient care
https://bit.ly/3T8Ou4G

Sept. 27, 2022 • New California Law: Docs Who Sexually Abuse Patients Can’t Get Their Licenses Back
— Statute bars medical board from restoring licenses revoked from sex offenders
https://bit.ly/3DYMgAn

Sept. 21, 2022 • Nursing Home Medical Directors Should Be Named Publicly, Bill Urges
— Reporting names to CMS could point out those who are in over their heads, society says
https://bit.ly/3xHrLEg

Sept. 9, 2022 • Simone Gold of America’s Frontline Doctors Released From Prison Early
— Disinformation physician complained of 8 days of solitary confinement for refusing COVID vaccine
https://bit.ly/3RRE097

Sept. 8, 2022 • California’s Record-High Temps a ‘Teachable Moment’ for Clinicians
— Heat-related illness is “the most obvious expression of global warming”
https://bit.ly/3DzqkeE

Sept. 1, 2022 • A Trauma Team’s Nightmare: Six Border Wall-Fall Patients in Six Hours
— Scripps Health CEO’s early-morning message conveys challenges to the healthcare system
https://bit.ly/3AH3JtR

Aug. 16, 2022 • Falls From Higher Border Walls Overwhelm Trauma Services
— San Diego surgeons blame higher walls for 1,000% rise in admissions, more severe injuries, deaths
https://bit.ly/3Qu8BsS

Aug. 16, 2022 • Why Is It So Hard to Get Wall-Fall Injury Data Published?
— A serious, costly, and resource-intense problem gets no respect from journals, societies
https://bit.ly/3JWsHtj

Aug. 4, 2022 • Hospitals Will Still Have to Share Safety Data Publicly
— CMS will publish scorecard of avoidable patient harm after all
https://bit.ly/3wj1wTL

July 13, 2022 • Second COVID Booster: Get It Now, or Wait Until Fall?
— A doctor’s dilemma: When to reduce “the likelihood of ending up dead
https://bit.ly/3z0xrKE

June 16, 2022 • America’s Frontline Doctors’ Simone Gold Gets Prison Time
— Judge said Gold hasn’t truly accepted responsibility for her role in January 6 insurrection
https://bit.ly/3MWX1nt

June 15, 2022 • California Officials Push to Rein In Medical Disinformation
— Bill under debate may be tough to enforce; some say it restricts innovation
https://bit.ly/3xq3PEs

June 2, 2022 • Anesthesiologist Group Says Hospitals Can Prevent Fatal Errors Like Vanderbilt’s
— Feds said Vaught wasn’t the only one who erred; hospital had four “immediate jeopardy” flaws
https://bit.ly/3OnHv5o

May 20, 2022 • CMS Proposal to Suppress Hospital Safety Data Angers Advocates
— Agency says COVID disruptions, staff shortages hamper ability to fairly score poor performers
https://bit.ly/3Hzn0jJ

May 13, 2022 • One in Four Medicare Patients Harmed in Hospitals, Nearly Half Preventable
— CMS needs to do more to penalize facilities with avoidable adverse events, report says
https://bit.ly/394qrlA

April 21, 2022 • Striking Nurses Stare Down Pay Cuts, Loss of Health Coverage
— Labor group says hospital system is “weaponizing” nurses’ medical benefits
https://bit.ly/38hqV7r

April 21, 2022 • CMS Releases Data on Who’s Buying Nation’s Skilled Nursing Facilities and Hospitals
— Federal analysis raises concerns that the money may not be improving patient care
https://bit.ly/3EH8dCm

April 13, 2022 • Two Bone Scans Three Weeks Apart, Results in Reverse
— Discordant QCT, DXA results confuse patients and doctors, “How can they both be right?”
https://bit.ly/3KHJcZM

April 15, 2022 • Pricier, Questionable Bone Density Scan Growing in Use
— QCT delivers far more radiation and exaggerates spinal bone loss, so why is it on the rise?
https://bit.ly/3Egh6m1

April 4, 2022 • Med Board Chief Rebukes America’s Frontline Doctors Over Ambush Video
— Kristina Lawson depicted as Nazi: “It is disturbing to be targeted by anti-science zealots”
https://bit.ly/3KONzT1

March 15, 2022 • TeamHealth Will Pay $15 Million to Emergency Physicians
— Nation’s largest staffing firm allegedly failed to pay docs for supervising NPs, PAs”
https://bit.ly/3OeBb0M

March 14, 2022 • Prenatal Blood Test Info Often Misleads, Endangering Normal Pregnancies
— Report blasts misleading language around non-invasive prenatal blood tests”
https://bit.ly/3xpVWR4

March 11, 2022 • AMA Laments Liability Insurance Premium Increases in Recent Years
— The last 3 years show highest coverage costs in 2 decades”
https://bit.ly/3M6wzIa

March 3, 2022 • Simone Gold Reaches Plea Deal on Capitol Insurrection Charge
— Controversial America’s Frontline Doctors founder pleaded guilty to one of five criminal counts
https://bit.ly/3HKC6Bm

March 1, 2022 • ZDoggMD Deletes Twitter Account After Dust-Up With Science Museum
— Twitterstorm followed his criticism of museum’s confusing booster policy for teens
https://bit.ly/3HsXJpO

Feb. 4, 2022 • Sewage Data Added to CDC’s COVID Tracker for Early Surge Warnings
— Hundreds more wastewater detection sites to add data soon
https://bit.ly/3sIFsAE

Jan. 31, 2022 • Slammed to the Max: This Hospital Has Hovered at Capacity Since Pandemic Began
— Staffing is at the breaking point, and diversion isn’t an option
https://bit.ly/35UZGhP

Jan. 16, 2022 • Accuracy of Federal Stats on Most-Unvaxxed Hospitals in Question
— Information crucial in light of high court’s decision upholding health worker vaccine mandate
https://bit.ly/3HKmy0F

Jan. 16, 2022 • Maine Physician Suspended for COVID Misinformation
— Licensing agency says Meryl Nass must undergo neuropsych exam for her claims about COVID vaccine
https://bit.ly/3fNC4NS

Dec. 16, 2021 • Medical Examiners Report Demands to Remove COVID from Death Certificates
— In other cases, they have been asked to add it, so that families can receive FEMA money
https://bit.ly/3fP8qaU

Dec. 10, 2021 • FSMB ‘Strongly Opposes’ State Laws Barring Disinfo Docs from Discipline
–“Staggering” increase in complaints about doctors who spread falsehoods”
https://bit.ly/3Ar7Olo

Dec. 9, 2021 • Disinformation Group Allegedly
Staked Out California Med Board President
— Kristina Lawson said members of America’s Frontline Doctors Ambushed her in a dark parking garage
https://bit.ly/3FMqiO1

Nov. 28, 2021 • Some AMA Delegates Decry Dismissal of Global Warming as a Health Crisis
— Climate change harms patients and physicians’ practices, they argue
https://bit.ly/3paQJXk

Nov. 26, 2021 • Should Doctors Be Embarrassed By TV’s ‘Dopesick’?
— No, but the Hulu series holds lessons for physicians about trusting pharma messaging
https://bit.ly/3rfgE2R

Nov. 15, 2021 • Some AMA Members Say New Policy
— Vetting Process Stymies Critically Needed Advocacy
https://bit.ly/3Co042B

Nov. 15, 2021 • AMA Delegates Target Naturopaths Who Write Vaccine Exemptions
— Other proposals focused on minimum wage, access to menstrual care products, and looming pay cuts
https://bit.ly/3wMxVkR

Nov. 5, 2021 • Experts Blow Whistle on Alleged COVID Vaccine Whistleblower Claims— Allegations described as “vague kind of hand waving”
https://bit.ly/3C7AHC9

Oct. 28, 2021 • Pathologists Consider ‘Workaround’ So Patients Don’t Freak Out Over EHR Bad News
— Doctors worry patients will misconstrue language or be psychologically harmed without guidance
https://bit.ly/3GCmX5S

Oct.26, 2021 • Low-Quality Mammography Leading to More Deaths in Black Women, Says Expert
— In cities like Chicago, Black women face higher breast cancer mortality versus white women
https://bit.ly/3Eoh0re

Oct. 13, 2021 • Medicare Patients Don’t Compare Plans
— Seniors don’t shop during open enrollment, end up surprised by changes they can’t afford
https://bit.ly/3GrzM2W

Sept. 29, 2021 • Connecticut Doc Suspended for Mailing Blank Vaccine Exemptions
— Actions by Sue Mcintosh, MD, said to be a “clear and immediate danger” to public health
https://bit.ly/3pFPwJG

Sept. 20, 2021 • Oregon Doc Loses License for Not Wearing a Mask, Spreading Misinformation
— Steven LaTulippe also mismanaged numerous pain patients
https://bit.ly/3uc4Az6

The next four stories are part of a series on the new Information Blocking rule requiring patients to have electronic access to their health records

Sept. 23, 2021 • ‘Privacy Exception’ No Cure for Doctors’ Open Notes Headaches
— Provision is “unworkable,” harms patients, and adds to clinical stress, doctors say
https://bit.ly/3u99sEY

Sept. 17, 2021 • There’s a Workaround for a Common ‘Open Notes’ Criticism
—Exception says doctor can delay releasing bad news if patient gave prior consent
https://bit.ly/3lyMp2y

Sept. 14, 2021 • Open Notes Shines Light on Errors in Patient Medical Records
–Will the new rule lead to a flood of correction requests?
https://bit.ly/3zd1dbI

Sept. 14, 2021 • Patients Can Get Medical Record Errors Amended, but It’s Not Easy
––Technology is lacking, process may be unclear
https://bit.ly/3tDHDnY

Aug.23, 2021 • Five Florida Hospitals Issue Dire Plea for COVID Vaccination, Masks—Staff exhausted, resources low, and parents scared as surge of unvaccinated patients fill ICUs
https://bit.ly/38QLkNC

Aug.19, 2021 • Calif. Medical Board: Stop Issuing Bogus Mask Exemptions to Students
— Agency threatens discipline amid reports some doctors are selling back-to-school exemptions
https://bit.ly/3y0OkRC

Aug. 18, 2021 • No Physicians Disciplined for COVID Falsehoods
— Most boards say they have grounds to pursue docs who peddle bad info, but no sanctions issued yet
https://bit.ly/2XHtlqz

The next six stories were written by a MedPage Today team investigating the question of alternative-to-discipline programs for nurses, an under-reported, inconsistent and controversial effort through which nurses with substance use disorders can get help without discipline that destroys their careers. These six-month to five-year commitments are either run by or contracted by all but a handful of state nurse licensing agencies.

Here’s what my colleagues, Shannon Firth, Ryan Basen and I found during our three month project. MPT’s Enterprise and Investigations team leader, Kristina Fiore, helped guide our reporting.

Aug. 4, 2021 • ‘A Problem You’d Rather Not Address’
— Marty Makary interviews Marvin Seppala on low enrollment in nursing rehabilitation programs
https://bit.ly/3lHP0ZE

Aug. 3, 2021 • Nurse Rehabilitation Programs: Why Is Enrollment So Low?
— Some big states’ annual new enrollment in confidential rehab dips to single digits
https://bit.ly/3rZ0HMD

Aug. 3, 2021 • Lawyers Advertise to Nurses: Think Twice About State Rehab Programs
— Attorneys charge that programs can be aggressive, costly, and not in the nurse’s favor
https://bit.ly/2TSWkWV

Aug. 3, 2021 • Aug. 3, 2012 • How We Reported on Nurse Rehabilitation Programs
— States were reluctant to provide data; series revealed variability between programs
https://bit.ly/3Cfl0u7

July 28, 2021 • Is This Rehab Program Helpful or Harmful to Nurses?
— Critics question the effectiveness of one state’s nurse rehabilitation program for substance use
https://bit.ly/3fG846Q

July 28, 2021 • Wide Variability Across Nurse Rehabilitation Programs
— Survey shows variability across outcomes, operations, costs, governance
https://bit.ly/3yu3O1K

June 22, 2021 •Hospital Slapped With Lawsuit Over Horrifying Attack on Resident
— “Dr. A” was repeatedly stabbed with a lunch tray metal knife and pen as nurses hid in fear
https://bit.ly/3j0hPiF

June 21, 2021 • Ransomware Attack Leads to Class-Action Lawsuits for Scripps Health
— Patients say system should have protected their health information from breach
https://bit.ly/3gXbhyO

June 15, 2021 • Rapid Genetic Testing May Have Spared This Baby From Death
—Whole-genome sequencing delivered diagnosis in record 13 hours; treated with thiamine
https://bit.ly/3wGotyk

June 4, 2021 • Is This Medical Board Headed for a Shake Up?
— Could be the first in the nation to have public member majority
https://bit.ly/34PILJu

June 3, 2021 • Trina Doctor Accused of Negligence in Treating Patients With Diabetes
— Licensing agency cites failure to review medical records and to refer for other care
https://bit.ly/3cglTHe

May 25, 2021 • 50 Hospitals Get Dubious Ranking on Racial Inclusion
— “If you want an illustration of what structural racism is, this is it”
https://bit.ly/3fkhm8I

May 21, 2021 • IDSA Sees ‘Widespread’ Confusion, Frustration Over CDC Mask Policy
— Guidance was a surprise that came too soon, and will be hard to implement
https://bit.ly/3hT0tn7

May 20, 2021 • Nurses Union Blasts ‘Dangerous’ CDC Mask Guidance
— NNU charges CDC used unreliable data and disregarded variant threat, low vaccination rates
https://bit.ly/3un8Vyv

May 4, 2021 • Report: Worst Hospitals for Unnecessary Procedures
— Lown Institute says report is the first to name hospitals with high rates of overuse
https://bit.ly/3un8Vyv

April 30, 2021 • Fauci to Internists: A Lot of ‘Oops’ in Early Days of Pandemic
— NIAID’s director talks COVID PTSD, prepping for the next pandemic, and fighting anti-science
https://bit.ly/3nOBfXX

April 13, 2021 • No Global Increase in Suicides During Early Months of COVID
— In fact, suicide rates declined in some areas, including three U.S. states
https://bit.ly/3tiZsrz

March 31, 2021 • Public Citizen Lists States With Most and Least Aggressive Physician Discipline
— Medical boards need substantial reform, report says
https://bit.ly/3m6MU3A

March 24, 2021 • Telehealth Contacts Less Real Than Office Visits? Think Again
— Providers learn surprising, even shocking things from seeing patients in their home environments
https://bit.ly/3vX7s3a

March 18, 2021 • Why 130,000 Nursing Home Patients Died of COVID-19
— At Senate hearing, executive pay draws fire
https://bit.ly/3sbe37P

March 12, 2021 • Pathologists Urge Caution on At-Home COVID Test Kits
— “Did it sit in the sun?”
https://bit.ly/3rLm0Aw

March 3, 2021 • Back From the Brink, Med Student’s Plea Brings Promise of Change
— He had a suicide plan. Now, he hopes to start a long-needed movement
https://bit.ly/30eN4M9

Feb. 25, 2021 • Insults, Threats of Violence Still Imperil Public Health Leaders
— Nearly 200 have left their jobs during pandemic
https://bit.ly/37LUkna

Feb. 19, 2021 • Why Haven’s Encounter With Reality Proved Fatal
— Ex-CEO Gawande explains what went wrong for “model” healthcare venture
https://bit.ly/37R3GxY

Feb. 7, 2021 • What Goes Missing in the Rush to Virtual Care?
— If parity pay continues, will overuse abound and quality suffer? Four articles explore concerns
https://bit.ly/2MOeQw0

Feb. 1, 2021 • Might Your Vaccinator Have COVID?
–Some may have gotten their first shots the day they began jabbing others.
https://bit.ly/3awdDS1

Jan. 19, 2021 • SoCal Doc Vaccine Volunteers Hit Red Tape
— Many want to help, but are running into barriers: “total insanity”
https://bit.ly/3bZQlGh

Jan. 6, 2021 • ‘Shkreli Awards’ Shame Healthcare Profiteers
— Lown Institute berates greedy pricing, ethical lapses, wallet biopsies, and avoidable shortages
https://bit.ly/3sGgOPf

Dec. 29, 2020 • Should Docs’ Spouses Be Higher Up on COVID Vaccine Priority List?
— Yes, says ICU physician whose wife got the virus from him and nearly died
https://bit.ly/3517qeH

Dec. 10, 2020 • ‘Pathologists Want First Crack at COVID Vaccines
— Also air complaints about reagent supplies, CMS policies on coronavirus tests
https://bit.ly/38Sk2Wv

Nov. 19, 2020 • Controversial Diabetes Clinic Owner to Pay Doc $8M in Damages
— Decision in 9-year lawsuit paves way for injunction against diabetes clinics
https://bit.ly/36aY1lS

Nov. 17, 2020 • California Medical Board to Revise Dreaded Death Certificate Project
— 2019 death data suggest frightful consequence: doubling of fatal overdoses versus earlier years
https://bit.ly/3nC821p

Nov. 16, 2020 • AMA Policy Throws Shade on Diehard HCQ Docs
— Delegates urge AMA to rescind policy discouraging the drug for COVID-19 patients; both sides say it’s politics
https://bit.ly/2KjxIkX

Nov. 15, 2020 • Should Inmates, Prison Staff be First In Line for COVID Vax?
— AMA committee debates hospital mask mandates after COVID to reduce…influenza
https://bit.ly/35JMPMZ

Nov. 11, 2020 • Report: Half of Gowns Fail to Meet Safety Standards
— ECRI names brands that fell short in testing
https://bit.ly/2GSzmIR

Nov. 5, 2020 • HCA Workers Tell Investors the Company Fails to Protect Them
–“We are astonished at this”
https://bit.ly/36k1iOH

Oct. 23, 2020 • How Wisconsin Docs Are Handling the COVID Onslaught
–Hotspots in rural areas, while university town Madison awaits its turn
https://bit.ly/2U80k2c

Sept. 2, 2020 • Nurses Survey: N95 Mask Shortages Still the Rule
— “Not sure I can do this much longer”
https://bit.ly/3bkc6hT

Aug 31, 2020 • HCA Hospitals Accused of Requiring COVID-Infected Nurses to Work
— OSHA complaint says hospital chain allows “gravely dangerous” working conditions
https://bit.ly/2Z3GLLs

Aug 13, 2020 • Is the Medicare ‘Inpatient Only’ List History?
— “Drastic” changes in CMS proposed rule worry surgeons: outpatient amputation is “kind of crazy”
https://bit.ly/33VUdnE

Aug 6, 2020 • COVID Antigen Tests: Coming to Case Counts Near You?
— New guidance from national epidemiology group could remake surveillance
https://bit.ly/3gRsxEg

July 24, 2020 • Trump Softens School Reopening Stance
— New CDC guidance offers more info for schools and parents — money might follow soon
https://bit.ly/2OXPPvF

July 23, 2020 • As Schools Weigh Reopening, Dearth of Data on COVID in Kids
— Age groupings vary by state, children under-tested: “It’s a mess”
https://bit.ly/32Z8orR

July 10, 2020 • What Evidence Is Aiding School Reopening Decisions?
— Weighing risks of COVID-19 in children versus the benefits of having kids in the classroom
https://bit.ly/2WWvETm

July 6, 2020 • Florida RNs Say HCA Hospital Ignores COVID Safety Standards
— Nurses exposed to coronavirus complain they aren’t tested until they show symptoms
https://bit.ly/3hSjMKn

June 30, 2020 • California Nurses Strike Over Staffing Issues
— Labor action claims dehydrated nurses wear masks for 12 hours without a break for water or lunch
https://bit.ly/2NIBVNt

June 9, 2020 • Nursing Homes Shocked at ‘Insanely Wrong’ CMS Data on COVID-19
— One facility supposedly had eight coronavirus deaths for each bed
https://bit.ly/30Da0X9

June 5, 2020 • COVID-19 in Nursing Homes: CMS Names Names
— Agency rolls out data reports for individual facilities
https://bit.ly/2UtQQyP

June 3, 2020 • For Some Private Practices, COVID-19 Is the Last Straw
— Pandemic seen decimating physician workforce as at-risk older doctors cash out
https://bit.ly/2UrE0Rw

May 19, 2020 • CMS Gives Guidance on Unlocking Nursing Homes
— COVID-19 facility level infection, death rates go public later this month
https://bit.ly/3grNhT1

April 29, 2020 • Baja Border an ‘Achilles Heel’ for COVID-19 Control– Hospital chiefs plead with HHS to start medical checks for thousands who cross from Tijuana daily
https://bit.ly/2X3XTjt

April 20, 2020 • Fear of the False Negative COVID-19 Test
— Reports suggest dire impact on healthcare workforce — and patient care — if tests miss infectious providers
https://bit.ly/2M6snuJ

April 16, 2020 • COVID-19 Drive-Thru Test Site Shut Down
— Local health officials take action after clinic operators fail to produce documentation
https://bit.ly/3d0usnY

April 2, 2020 • Treating Vulnerable Populations to Prevent COVID-19 Spread
— Cities try to prevent infection among homeless, but PPE, testing availability remain problems
https://bit.ly/2zoio1u

March 2, 2020 • Trina Health: Wichita Clinic Settles Fraud Claims
— Legal troubles continue to dog purveyors of “artificial pancreas” treatment
https://bit.ly/3d5TAKa

February 26, 2020 • Doctors Back Away From ‘Quick Fix’ for Heavy Periods
— Concerns raised over improper patient selection, treatment failure
https://bit.ly/2TEXDp9
Contributed to this series

February 10, 2020 • UCSD, Doc Who Overdosed in Hospital Bathroom Face Lawsuits
— Anesthesiologist found unconscious, “covered in vomit with his pants down around his ankles”
https://bit.ly/2ZHlSqm

Jan. 10, 2020 • Yuck: Docs’ White Coats Rarely See the Washing Machine
— New York hospital survey found most go a week or more between launderings
https://bit.ly/3ejF55B >

Dec. 19, 2019 • Drug Bill Includes Medigap Reforms
— But there’s a catch; premiums could go up across the board
https://bit.ly/34EqTib

Dec. 11, 2019 • Doctors Arrested During Border Flu Shot Protest
— Four physicians and two others had their hands zip-tied and were led away by Homeland Security agents
https://bit.ly/2MeMHuA

Dec. 10, 2019 • Docs Rally at Tijuana Border: ‘Let Us Vaccinate Detainees’
— Three-day protest aims to prevent flu transmission in crowded CBP facilities
https://bit.ly/2PGNN4d

Dec. 3, 2019 • Medicare Advantage Enrollees Discover Dirty Little Secret
— Getting out is a lot harder than getting in
https://bit.ly/2PKPfmx

Nov. 18, 2019 • Climate Change: Is Addressing It Part of the Doctor’s Job?
— Health impacts are clear, putting onus on physicians to take leadership, AMA delegates told
https://bit.ly/2Se5U3w

Nov. 4, 2019 • CMS Grants Ambulatory Surgery Centers’ Wish
— Expands roster of services reimbursable in Medicare
https://bit.ly/2ECeWz7

Oct. 2, 2019 • OIG Report: Ambulatory Surgery Center Inspections Lag
— Report says states failed to inspect 147 facilities for 6 years, violating Medicare rules
https://bit.ly/2Q3NlMB

Oct. 15, 2019 • Hospitals Cry Foul Over CMS’s Surgical Coverage Proposal
— Do patient-safety arguments mask deeper worries about revenue?
https://bit.ly/2ZbosCY

Sept. 17, 2019 • Asylum Seekers in San Diego Faced Dangerous Care Delays
— “Drink more water and take some Tylenol”
https://bit.ly/3HVkHde

Sept. 11, 2019 • Four Nurse Practitioners Accused in Calif. Death Certificate Project
— One surrendered license; another accused of coming to work “wobbly,” “drugged,” and “under the influence”
https://bit.ly/2kne5Mj

Sept. 3, 2019 • Death Certificate Project Accuses 64 Calif. Doctors
— Five surrender licenses after claims of grossly negligent overprescribing; more to come
https://bit.ly/2k4EXAn

Aug. 14, 2019 • Big Bucks for Burnout: Can $155M Solve the Problem?
— New UCSD institute has ambitious goal: to measure compassion in the brain, and instill it in young physicians
https://bit.ly/2TD6xC7

Aug 14, 2019 • How the Dalai Lama Helped UC San Diego Land $100M Grant
— Luck, a philanthropist’s friendship, and a faculty trek to India sealed the deal
https://bit.ly/2TxJXLk

June 28, 2019 • American Pain Society Goes Belly Up
— Opioid lawsuit costs prompt membership to approve bankruptcy filing
https://bit.ly/2Ha9FR7

May 24, 2019 • American Pain Society Seeks OK to Call It Quits
–Broaches possible Chapter 7 dissolution
https://bit.ly/2YPcD3F

May 15, 2019 • Mt. Sinai Institute Called Hotbed of Sex, Age Discrimination
— Former employees describe sexist, ageist, racist behavior in 174-page filing
https://bit.ly/2VQS0XN

May 7, 2019 • Study: Coca-Cola Doesn’t ‘Walk Its Talk’ on Research Independence
— And authors say better disclosures are needed in journals
https://bit.ly/2H8st3x

May 7, 2019 • Meet the MicroCog. You May Soon, Whether You Like It or Not
— Docs worry about accuracy of commonly used cognitive screening tool
https://bit.ly/2J6Zm2N

March 21, 2019 • You’re 70 — It’s Time You Underwent Skills Testing
— Is this what age discrimination looks like?
https://bit.ly/2HzF3KA

March 14, 2019 • Doddering Doctors: Hospitals Take a Stab at Weeding Them Out
— Screening programs take shape in San Diego as nationwide trend gains steam
https://bit.ly/2OaMtEv

Feb. 14, 2019 • ‘Not a Haircut’: Two Knees, Same Day … More Risk?
— Evidence, experience mixed on simultaneous bilateral knee replacement
https://bit.ly/2BImu27

Feb. 4, 2019 • Methodology Fixes Coming for Calif. Death Certificate Project
— 50 physicians accused; are pain patients being abandoned?
https://bit.ly/2BlG8RA

Jan. 7, 2019 • Trina Founder G. Ford Gilbert Pleads Guilty in Bribery Case
— Admits to one conspiracy count in deal with prosecutors
https://bit.ly/2SFKr0H

Jan. 4, 2019 • Cosmetic, Plastic Surgeons Squabble Over ‘Board Certified’ Label
— California denies privilege to docs not certified by recognized board
https://bit.ly/2TyV3ys

Jan. 2, 2019 • Calif. Medical Assn. President Shares Medical Horror Story
— Facebook post describes poor emergency care he received
https://bit.ly/2R65b4U

Dec. 21, 2018 • Foundation Wants Revamp in Calif.’s Death Certificate Project
— CHCF urges medical board to focus on current outlier prescribers, not long-ago patient deaths
https://bit.ly/2GAaQeO

Nov. 6, 2018 • Calif.’s ‘Death Certificate Project’ Nabs 11 More Physicians
— State medical association wants study to evaluate agency’s fairness
https://bit.ly/2PgqfVf

Nov. 2, 2018 • ‘I Had Not Kept Up’: A Physician Re-Education Story
–Patient’s overdose made Jeoffry Gordon, MD, recognize he didn’t know everything
https://bit.ly/2PGjDyU

Oct. 4, 2018 • NAMS Meeting Opens with Kerfuffle over Women’s Sexual Enhancement
— Society’s founder jabs panelists for overselling no-evidence elixirs
https://bit.ly/2EwfdGP

Sept. 12, 2018 • Provider Groups Hit Back at California’s Death Certificate Project
— “Witch hunt” said to be sowing fear in medical community
https://bit.ly/2COETx9

Sept. 10, 2018 • KPBS Midday Edition with Alison St. John
‘Death Certificate Project’ Threatens Disciplinary Action Against Doctors Who Overprescribe Opioids
https://bit.ly/2Ok0Qpu

Sept. 5, 2018 • The 10 Calif. Docs Accused of Overprescribing Opioids
— Complaints cite “gross negligence,” “incredibly high” doses — and bad penmanship
https://bit.ly/2QgSDno

Aug. 30, 2018 • ‘Death Certificate Project’ Terrifies California Doctors
— Hundreds threatened with disciplinary action for opioid scripts to patients who overdosed
https://bit.ly/2wKDouM

July 27, 2018 • New Indictment Calls Trina Clinics ‘Pyramid Scheme’
–Federal prosecutors in Alabama provide more details about alleged crimes
https://bit.ly/2mNONEH

July 23, 2018 •
Can ‘Social Determinants’ Data Really Improve Patient Care?
–Population-level research supports the concept, but benefit for individual patients less clear
https://bit.ly/2OayPkg

June 22, 2018 •
Atul Gawande, Newly Minted Healthcare Exec, Talks Turkey
Outlines problems facing the industry, but few specifics on how he’ll address them in new role
https://bit.ly/2yw4JnH

June 7, 2018 • Trump OMB Appointee Blasts Obama-Era Value Programs
–Says CMMI programs aren’t working; have ‘failed to deliver’
https://bit.ly/2sFUaZZ

May 27, 2018 • Advice to Trina’s Diabetes Patients: Don’t Tell Other Doctors
–San Diego operator now under investigation by his affiliated hospital
https://bit.ly/2Jgfi2a

May 3, 2018 • Former ACC Head Backed Trina’s Diabetes Therapy
Company persuaded Jack Lewin, MD, to speak on controversial treatment’s behalf
https://bit.ly/2w8K2Nj

April 27, 2018 • How Montana’s Trina Clinic Fell Apart
The tussle played a role in the co-owner’s death (Part 2)
https://bit.ly/2KndORJ

April 26, 2018 •
Trina Changed His Life, Then It Bankrupted Him
–Ron Briggs felt he’d experienced a medical miracle, and just wanted to share it (Part 1)
https://bit.ly/2HumZhm

April 11, 2018 • Once Booming Trina Health Begins to Unravel
–Reimbursement problems, angry investors, and political corruption charges – (Part 2)
https://bit.ly/2vm2XEd

April 10, 2018 • Miracle or Scam? The Strange Tale of Trina Health
–Part one of a two-part investigation – (Part 1)
https://bit.ly/2qoMY37

April 3, 2018 • Diabetes Clinic Founder Arrested on Bribery Charges
–Ford Gilbert of Trina Health accused of paying off an Alabama legislator
https://bit.ly/2HqxB3U

Sept. 22, 2017 • Diabetic Amputation Rates Soar in California, Nationally
–No clear cause, but experts suggest numerous possibilities
http://bit.ly/2ywc6ay

Sept. 2, 2017 • Some Physicians Switch Patients Off Invokana after FDA Warning
–Doubled risk of amputations appears to be affecting usage
http://bit.ly/2wxLO77

August 17, 2017 •
Most Hospices Fare Well in Newly Released CMS Quality Data
–So well, in fact, that consumers may not find the data much help
http://bit.ly/2vPOzAs

August 4, 2017 •
Rocky Road Ahead for California Single Payer Proposal
–Too ambitious for one state to manage on its own?
http://bit.ly/2fq3I7t

July 14, 2017 • Medicare Ups Provider Incentive for Prediabetes Intervention
–Will pay up to $810 for 3-year program, with strict rules to prevent fraud
http://bit.ly/2tjRKhR

June 27, 2017 • Secy. Price: HHS Won’t Dictate to Docs
Promises flexibility in pushing value-based payment; fee-for-service may remain for some situations
http://bit.ly/2tlv8Ae

June 26, 2017 • At Long Last, Medicare Mounts Push for Diabetes Prevention
Paying $450 to providers when a patient loses 9% of body weight and attends classes
http://bit.ly/2ujanT9

June 26, 2017 • Committee Wants Diabetes Docs to Watch Their Language
Not the word police, but ‘diabetic’ and ‘non-compliant’ must go
http://bit.ly/2t60lVM

May 22, 2017 • More Psychiatrists Want to Revisit Goldwater Rule
Some argue it gags their free-speech rights, puts country at risk
http://bit.ly/2qkeUT3

May 11, 2017 • State Legislatures Wade into MOC Debate —
Bills passed or filed in 17 states to limit certification demands
http://bit.ly/2pJypUP

April 26, 2017 • Physician Survey: $91K Pay Gap for Women Docs
Dinged for spending more time with patients?
http://bit.ly/2qmb7Ze

April 4, 2017 • Fear and Loathing on the MACRA Trail
Congress guesses that recordkeeping effort will improve patient care
http://bit.ly/2n8yzIV

April 4 • ACP, ABIM in Talks to Lessen MOC Burden
ACP’s self-assessment tool MKSAP could become exam alternative
http://bit.ly/2nBByVD

March 16, 2017 • What Does it Mean that Half of California Kids Are on Medicaid?
Not that much, it turns out — the national average is 46%
http://bit.ly/2n8xf8D

Feb. 28, 2017 • Ex-CMS Chief Berwick ‘Angry’ at Threats to Gut ACA
Quality initiatives at risk
http://bit.ly/2m5gRE0

Dec. 18, 2016 • Docs Divided on Trump’s HHS Pick
Nominee Tom Price, MD, medicine’s ‘favorite’ son?
http://bit.ly/2h8LnM6

Nov. 11, 2016 • Keeping Chemo Patients Away From Hospitals
Is ‘Come Home’ ready for prime time?
http://bit.ly/2fPkoSo

Nov. 11, 2016 • The $160 a Month Cancer Management Solution
CMS launches novel payment model for oncology services
http://bit.ly/2fJJVfj

Nov. 11, 2016 • Cancer Management Without the Hospital: A Patient’s Story
Phone consult and next-day office visit keeps her out of the ER
http://bit.ly/2fomNoq

Nov. 2, 2016 • Tennessee Docs Sue CMS Over Medicaid Pay Denial
Accuse CMS of ‘bait and switch’
http://bit.ly/2fFLL3I

Sept. 22, 2016 • Hospital’s Video Sting Comes Up Empty
Calif. medical board drops charges of drug theft
http://bit.ly/2d8HioG

Sept. 22, 2016 • The ‘Dirty Little Secret’ of Low Cancer Surgery Volumes
Experts call for more transparency for referrals
http://bit.ly/2d6RsXN

July 28, 2016 • Safety Net, Teaching Hospitals Call CMS Star Ratings Unfair
Argue scores don’t account for factors they can’t control
http://bit.ly/2azFFLq

July 22, 2016 • Homegrown Ratings Systems: Quality or Charisma?
Hospitals get into the doc rating game, but does that level the playing field?
http://bit.ly/2aFsry5

July 13, 2016 • Medicaid Boom Turns to Bust for Tennessee Docs
Lack of certification triggers payback requirement
http://bit.ly/29yhFbk

June 16, 2016 • AMA Pans ‘High Stakes’ Exams
Backs more money for GME, but is silent on source of funds
http://bit.ly/267Rz6I

June 15, 2016 • AMA: Measure Burnout to Assess ACOs
Earlier self-administered drug refills, study of single payer also approved
http://bit.ly/1OuAXlf

June 14, 2016 • GI Group Dials Up Savings Pinging Patients’ Phones
Claims’ data pointed the way
http://bit.ly/1USXS8V

June 13, 2016 • Medicaid Expansion Panned by AMA Council
Low doctor payment blocking access
http://bit.ly/1OuBpQB

June 12, 2016 • AMA Seeks to Soothe MACRA Mania
— Fear and loathing greets MACRA
http://bit.ly/1S2ofVp

June 12, 2016 • Privacy Concern Delays Posting of Patient Critiques of Docs
Yelp-like plan yields ‘Yikes’ response
http://bit.ly/1Pys7xT

May 29, 2016 • Secret OR Cameras: Not Such a Great Idea
Video surveillance may catch other activities that return to haunt
http://bit.ly/1sVVLso

May 19, 2016 • Hospital in Secret Video Drama Offers Apology
But only for sending clips to lawyer, not for creating them
http://bit.ly/1XCPwoO

May 11, 2016 • Slavitt Admits Gov’t Failed in Health IT Push
But insists problems can and will be fixed
http://bit.ly/1ZQzgiu

May 9, 2016 • No Easy Fix for Healthcare Data Problems
Burwell, Biden recount personal frustrations
http://bit.ly/1TcZn2L

May 5, 2016 • Does Patient Privacy Trump Hospital Security?
A San Diego Hospital’s hidden cameras may have captured too much information
http://bit.ly/1XqZKse

April 21, 2016 • CMS Postpones Hospital Star Ratings
July is new release date
http://bit.ly/22838bX

March 8, 2016 • Medicare Pay Equity: How GPCI Kings and Queens Snared a Win
Rural pay rates don’t go far in the not so big city
http://bit.ly/1W5Z6h0

Feb. 17, 2016 • Colonoscopy Complications Occur at a Surprisingly High Rate
http://bit.ly/1QLqrRg

Jan. 10, 2016 • Concierge Medicine: Better Patient Access, But …
Effects on care quality less certain
http://bit.ly/1RDSdmG

Jan. 9, 2016 • Primary Care Practice: Bonus Days Are Over
10% pay cut marks new year
http://bit.ly/1JA7und

Dec. 9, 2015 • Is Surgery a Risk Factor for Cognitive Dysfunction?
Anesthesiologist Kirk Hogan thinks it’s time to warn patients
http://bit.ly/1NNeFEc

Dec. 9, 2015 • Surgeons Question Surgery’s Impact on Brain
Surgeons see a more tentative link
http://bit.ly/1M7aCl1

Nov. 28, 2015 • Are Masks a Good Alternative Flu Shots for Healthcare Workers?
At some hospitals, it’s vaccinate or be fired
http://bit.ly/21nfygO

Sept. 8, 2015 • For-Profit Companies Seek, and Get, Medicare ‘Wellness’ $$
Life Line service draws special ire from physicians
http://bit.ly/1EUHYXq

Sept. 3, 2015 • Primary Care: Medicare’s ‘Wellness Visit’ Money Goes Unclaimed
http://bit.ly/1fYPBAp

Aug 17, 2015 • Lung Resection: Failure to Rescue May Be Culprit at High-Mortality Hospitals
http://bit.ly/1Q9d3rB

Aug 13, 2015 • Joint Commission Releases Fall Prevention Toolbox — Sort Of
— Holds press conference but won’t let press see new tools
http://bit.ly/1J7bUQ7

Aug 6, 2015 • Aging Docs: Contractor Offers Turnkey Assessment; PAPA may have the answer
http://bit.ly/1gPHXtm

July 30, 2015 • Out to Pasture: Age-Based Personnel Policies Rankle With Docs — But some health systems like hard age cutoffs as a ‘bright line’
http://bit.ly/1VQ8rLd

June 29, 2015 • Aging Doctors: Time for Mandatory Competency Testing?
http://bit.ly/1egpCUD

June 15, 2015 • Medicare’s New CCM Code: Extra Money or Extra Pain?
http://www.medpagetoday.com/PublicHealthPolicy/Medicare/52145

June 15, 2015 • Chronic Care Management: What Is this?
http://www.medpagetoday.com/PublicHealthPolicy/Medicare/52142

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