KPCC: Health News

Evidence-Based Medicine Focuses On What Works

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:07:00 -0800

This week two panels of medical experts recommended fewer screening tests for breast and cervical cancer. The idea of evidence-based medicine is that the decisions made between doctors and patients should be based on scientific studies. Yet people don't always want to do what the data say to do - whether it be about screening, or treatment.

'Botax' In Senate Health Bill Upsets Plastic Surgeons

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:38:00 -0800

Levies on liposuction, breast augmentation and other cosmetic procedures would generate billions of dollars to help cover the uninsured.

Senate Health Bill Faces Saturday Showdown

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:42:00 -0800

Democrats will need to vote in lockstep to overcome GOP opposition in a key procedural vote to move the $849 billion measure to full debate. But it's not yet clear whether Majority Leader Harry Reid can round up enough support.

New Guidelines Issued On Cervical Cancer Screening

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0800

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is offering new guidelines for cervical cancer screening - delaying the start of pap smears for young women and cutting back on the frequency of the tests. These guidelines were released just days after a different group caused a furor by recommending that most women wait until they're 50 to start getting mammograms.

Senate Tries To Strike Balance On Abortion Language

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0800

The fight over health care has moved to the Senate, and that means the fight over abortion is there as well. Earlier this month, the House passed legislation that would ban federal funding of abortion, but most Democrats say it went too far. Can the Senate's version find a compromise?

House Votes To Cancel Medicare Pay Cuts For Doctors

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:56:00 -0800

Majority Leader Steny Hoyer was able to get the bill passed while the Senate couldn't by appending it to a more popular bill. Republicans complained that the cost of the measure was not offset and also charged that it was repayment to the AMA for endorsing the Democrats' health care bill.

Pelosi: Abortion Issue Won't Sink Health Care Bill

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:30:00 -0800

The House speaker tells NPR she can get moderate Democrats to back a less-restrictive final bill.

Breast Cancer Advocates Not Buying New Guidelines

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:00:00 -0800

Studies show that testing women in their 40s could save a small percentage of lives, but to public health workers it isn't worth the possible harm the excess testing causes. Breast cancer advocates say the screening tool isn't perfect, but it saves lives.

Consumers' Guide To The Health Bills

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:52:00 -0800

The health care overhaul debate in Congress now centers on two bills: the House measure and the Senate Democrats' version unveiled Wednesday. They differ in important ways. Here are commonly asked questions and answers about the bills.

Senate Health Bill Strives To Balance Many Interests

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:41:00 -0800

Majority Leader Harry Reid added new taxes and modified major provisions from earlier Senate committee bills. The bill is expected to go to the Senate floor.

GOP Uses Mammogram Study To Attack Health Bill

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:30:00 -0800

Republicans are suggesting that the new guidelines for breast cancer screening reinforce their nightmare scenario about health care rationing under President Obama's proposed overhaul. The political brouhaha comes as the Senate is about to take up its health care overhaul bill.

Mammogram Wars: Experts Feel The Backlash

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0800

A firestorm erupted this week after an expert panel released recommendations that yearly mammograms aren't necessary for all women younger than 50. The criticism isn't surprising, given the emotional valence of breast cancer. But not everyone thinks the panel is wrong.

HHS secretary Sebelius says women should continue getting mammograms starting at age 40

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:15:19 -0800

Women should continue getting regular mammograms starting at age 40, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said Wednesday, moving to douse confusion caused by a task-force recommendation two days earlier.

Senate health bottom line: $849 billion overhaul

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:03:14 -0800

Senate health care legislation expected this week is likely to include a new long-term care insurance program to help the elderly and the disabled avoid going into nursing homes, Democratic officials say.

Sen. Reid Unveils $849 Billion Health Care Bill

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:21:00 -0800

Setting up a historic year-end debate, the Senate Democratic leader introduced long-awaited legislation to reshape the nation's health care system. The measure aims to cover 31 million uninsured Americans over 10 years.

Health Overhaul Sparks Debate On Future Of CHIP

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:41:00 -0800

Some say moving kids from the Children's Health Insurance Program to health exchanges would add stability, but others fear they could lose benefits and their families could face higher co-payments for coverage.

Charles Drew University closes its Urgent Care Clinic

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:06:13 -0800

Fourteen months after the state-of-the-art diagnostic and testing center opened, Charles Drew University officials say it costs too much to maintain. Leaders of the Community Health Councils say it’s also possible that the closing may be part of the university’s strategy to play a bigger role at the new MLK Community Hospital, if University of California regents decide to partner with Los Angeles County and vote for the project.

FDA reassures doctors skeptical of H1N1 vaccine

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:41:49 -0800

Most doctors fully support the H1N1 vaccine, but there are a few who won't back it. Because patients trust their doctors the most for medical decisions, the FDA is trying to assure these doctors of the vaccine's safety.

Senate weighs long-term care program

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:29:49 -0800

Study: New device boosts heart failure survival

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:22:19 -0800

For the first time, a miniature heart pump shows the potential to become a widely used, permanent treatment for many older people with severe heart failure. But can we afford it?