health care

Tracking This Session's Health Legislation

Kristin Gourlay — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:03:38 +0000

Dozens of bills have been introduced in the General Assembly this session that, if passed, could affect your health, your family's health, or the state's health care system.

RI's Latest Health Care Merger: Good for You and Your Bottom Line?

Kristin Gourlay — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:24:22 +0000

The Lifespan hospital system’s recent acquisition of Gateway, a mental health care network, may be a sign of more to come. But it could be too soon to tell what it means for a patient’s pocketbook.

A Year of Future Docs, In One Documentary

Kristin Gourlay — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:28:27 +0000

Throughout the school year, we've been following two bright, young, future doctors. Now, we're wrapping up the journey with a one-hour documentary about the crucible of medical school, set against the backdrop of some of the most dramatic changes in health care in a generation. Listen to the full hour or individual segments online, below, or download and listen on the go.

New Hospital Price Data Helps, But What About Quality?

Kristin Gourlay — Thu, 09 May 2013 18:08:29 +0000

You may have heard news yesterday that the federal government has released a greater level of detail on the prices hospitals charge for a list of common procedures and how widely those prices vary - not only from state to state but within states, and even within the same city. The data comes from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (or CMS), from 3000 hospitals nationwide.

AS220 Spotlights Health Care in Rhode Island

Kristin Gourlay — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 20:15:22 +0000

AS220, the downtown arts organization, and the Roots Cafe are hosting three public panel discussions about health care in Rhode Island. And one of them features someone you might know from such illustrious places as... this blog! My predecessor here at RIPR, the delightful Megan Hall, is one of the panelists! Events take place at 5:30 pm on April 24, May 1, and May 8 at AS220 Cafe, 115 Empire Street, in Providence.

Details on the first two events:

Lt. Gov. Roberts: Planning a New Way to Pay for Health Care

Kristin Gourlay — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 19:08:17 +0000

Rhode Island is beginning a public effort to develop a statewide plan to improve the way we pay for health care. Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts is leading the effort.

With a $1.6 million dollar grant from the federal Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, Roberts launched the six-month planning initiative. A series of public meetings will gather input from experts and community members. Roberts says she wants a plan to help health care providers and insurers move away from payments for a particular treatment or service toward paying for improved health.

Without Unpaid Care, Alzheimer's Cost Would Soar Even Higher

Kristin Gourlay — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 18:44:52 +0000

News from the New England Journal of Medicine today finds that the cost of caring for people with dementia (including Alzheimer's) will more than double in the next couple of decades. That's because the nation's population is aging, and because the care can be expensive. Most of the estimated $215 billion dollars these diseases cost the economy can be chalked up to long term care.

What it meant: health care in the State of the Union

Kristin Gourlay — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 16:10:57 +0000

In last night's State of the Union address, President Barack Obama mentioned health care five times (by my count). One, later in the address, referred to making sure military veterans get the mental health care they need. The other mentions had to do with Medicare: as the nation ages, it's the biggest contributor to our nation's deficit.

Here's what he said:

Health director's priorities: end overdose deaths

Kristin Gourlay — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 19:56:28 +0000

Rhode Island Department of Health director Dr. Michael Fine says Rhode Island must address prescription drug abuse. Fine’s comments come as part of a list of priorities he’s shared with lawmakers.

Topping the list: ending deaths from prescription drug overdoses and colorectal cancer, as well as curbing the transmission of new HIV cases in Rhode Island. Fine also wants to reduce the number of premature births and C-section deliveries.

Vote. It’s good for you.

Kristin Gourlay — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 16:15:56 +0000

Sure, it’s been a stressful few weeks – months, even. Debates, political ads, campaigning, flyers, you name it, we’re all tired of it, right? It might even be taking a toll on our mental health. And according to one study by some Israeli researchers, there’s a bit more stress in store just before you cast your vote: