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People in state high-risk insurance plans often feel left behind
The federal health law set up new plans that are cheaper and more comprehensive than the older ones run by states but consumers need to go without insurance for six months to qualify.
VA Puget Sound
Washington state program helps vets on Medicaid get their VA benefits
Many veterans on Medicaid qualify for the more generous benefits offered by the VA. Washington state’s program has helped these vets obtain those benefits while a the same time helped reduced costs for the state’s cash-strapped Medicaid program. Two state officials explain how the program works.
How does your hospital stack up against the competition?
Medicare’s new Hospital Compare website allows you to compare hospitals side-by-side on a variety of patient safety and patient satisfaction measures. But are the comparisons fair?
Critical shortage of army neurologists for U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan
The Army is facing a “critical” shortage of neurologists, partly because of recent policy changes designed to improve diagnosis and treatment of mild traumatic brain injuries, according to a new military medical memorandum.
Seattle diabetes researchers win national awards
Two Seattle researchers who study the role the immune system has on the development of Type 1 diabetes have won national recognition for their work.
Scientists to review brain-injury treatment for soldiers
The Institutes of Medicine kicked off its yearlong study of cognitive rehabilitation therapy on Monday, a process that will help the Pentagon decide whether its health plan will cover the treatment for troops who have suffered brain injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan
Rep. Giffords could receive brain injury treatment thousands of troops do not
Wounded congresswoman may receive cognitive rehabilitation therapy, a treatment that the Pentagon’s Tricare insurance plan denies to thousands of injured troops. Top brain specialists have endorsed the approach, but Tricare officials have said that scientific evidence does not justify providing it comprehensively to troops.
Health stories in the news
Community services for vets with PTSD. Spinal fluid test predicts Alzheimer’s disease. Hospitals and nursing homes found to be shortchanging staff on overtime pay.
VA benefits for PTSD will become easier to obtain — Obama
Easier access to benefits and treatment to begin this week.
Congress questions military leaders on suicides, traumatic brain injury
Senators press military leaders to improve efforts to address traumatic brain injuries, suicide and other wounds suffered by soldiers returning from wars.
UW researchers find long-term brain injuries in soldiers after blast exposure
Seattle Times’ Hal Bernton reports that Seattle researchers have found “long-term changes in brain functions of Iraq veterans exposed to blast shock waves.”
VA simplifies online application for health benefits
Revised application provides enhanced navigation features to make it easier and faster for Veterans to apply.
Health in the news – July 13
Money and medicine KUOW looks at the salaries of Seattle’s top docs and charity care Washington non-profit hospitals give John Ryan, a reporter for Seattle’s Public Radio affiliate KUOW, looked at how much Seattle-area hospitals, most of which enjoy the tax benefits of non-profit status, pay their top officials and how much charity care they [...]
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