Top Stories

HealthLeaders Media editors research more than 100 reputable news outlets daily and share the latest healthcare headlines with our readers. You may submit inquiries or suggestions to our online editor.

Main | Leadership | Finance | Technology | Physicians | Community Hospitals | Health Plans | Marketing | Quality | Global | Human Resources December | November | October | September | August | July | June | May | April | March | February | January September 30, 2008
CU hospital eliminating psychiatric beds
St. Francis opens ER in Mooresville
St. Luke exec leaving when merger's done
Chicago medical center, heading for closure, files for Chapter 11
Judge calls on Los Angeles council to reconsider OK of hospital expansion
Maryland initiative ready to enroll uninsured
Paying workers to go abroad for healthcare
HCA chief Bovender to retire
Georgia official suggests extra tax for trauma services
Outbreak of stress afflicts nurses
Under sweeping settlement, Cephalon will disclose doctor payments
Crisis of care on the front line of health
Superbug test detects MRSA faster
Seniors in poor areas more likely to die after surgery
Iraq says doctors can carry guns for protection
September 29, 2008
Schwarzenegger grapples with new medical insurance laws
Philadelphia-area cancer patients are getting more choices
Baylor Health Care System reveals funding plans for Dallas cancer center
Companies pay Mayo Clinic prices to save on healthcare costs
Medicare Grants DNV Healthcare Deeming Authority for U.S. Hospitals
New Jersey hospital reports eighth patient has Legionnaires'
St. Charles Parish Hospital needs an ally, council told
Umatilla, FL, clinic poised to expand primary care, insurance services
Memorial at heart of healthcare in Florida’s South Broward Hospital District
Georgia legislators to discuss trauma care
Rivals’ prescriptions for an ailing system
Universal Health Services Inc. founder sees potential for hospital growth
Connecticut seniors could face sizable Medigap rate increases
Doctors learn dollars, cents of healthcare
Illinois governor can’t expand state-subsidized healthcare without lawmakers’ approval, court rules
Michigan doctors back bills to report unfit drivers
The shifting tax implications of McCain's health plan
Report: Patient harm from problem ’handoffs’ is common
September 26, 2008
CEO selected for hospital set to open in 2009
Hospital board OKs plan to rebuild St. Luke’s
Specialty drugs get more expensive
Commentary: Taking Time for Empathy
Cell phones, cancer debated
Government probes chelation-heart disease study
Medicare officials advise seniors to shop around
Nuclear waste piles up at hospitals
UCI Medical Center put under state supervision
St. Luke's, UnitedHealthcare go their separate ways
California passes bill to curb staph outbreaks in hospitals
Coordinated care should be top priority in healthcare reform
September 25, 2008
PA hospitals have high blood infection rates
Health insurance costs grow 5% in 2008
Illinois bill requires hospital discounts for patients without insurance
NJ hospital reports deaths linked to facility's water supply
Suit says Medtronic gave doctors perks
Baylor plans cancer center in Dallas rivaling MD Anderson
Study: Seniors not quite embracing generic drugs
Commentary: Blues’ merger wrong
Retail users lack personal doctors
Hospital bracelets face hurdles as they fix hazard
Healtcare costs increase strain on families, studies find
States, medical groups oppose abortion rule
An unhealthy state
September 24, 2008
Medicare paid billions in suspect claims
Health costs skyrocketing
Obama: Wall St. bailout may delay healthcare overhaul
Company offers video surveillance of employee hand washing
The burgeoning business of medical offices
Hawaii Medical Center to move Chapter 11 case
San Francisco landlords threaten to sink hospital bond
Survey: Connecticut doctors dissatisfied with practice environment
Report: Health insurance costs rising faster than pay
Germany's healthcare battles offer lessons, opportunities
Congress approves mental health bill
Frustration over healthcare system erupts in medical journal
Regulator says hospitals need strict heparin rules
Ad campaign targets uninsured residents
September 23, 2008
A prostate cancer therapy stirs debate on cost, efficacy
Judge sides with Ed McMahon in suit against hospital
Shorter radiation for cancer of the breast
Healthcare costs to rise in 2009
Program makes sure ER is for emergencies
Infection control turns from hands to clothes
Candidates fail to address quality, cost of healthcare
Hospital workers fired for posting patient photos online
Heart attack care often delayed for the poor
Human error to blame for Grady data breach
Massachusetts hospital faces medical bills
Wall Street meltdown worries New York hospitals
Kaiser, Mid Atlantic top managed-care rankings
Idaho hospital touts lineup of high-tech beds
Chicago area program helps troubled doctors
Doctors blame IV infection for 13 newborn deaths in Turkey
Study: Doctors show little empathy
State Prop. 3 would fund children’s hospitals
September 22, 2008
Surgeon operates on wrong knee at RI hospital
Across Mass., wait to see doctors grows
Shortage of cancer doctors looms
Consumers cut health spending
Premiums to pinch wallets
OB-Gyn disciplined for sexual relationship with patient
More parents ponder cancer gene tests for kids
Medicare premium for 2009 remains unchanged for most
Scarless surgery uses body's own openings
Study finds few pain doctors face criminal prosecutions
September 19, 2008
L.A. County allays USC’s fears about staffing new hospital
Aetna assesses risk in AIG, Lehman relationships
BlueCross launches online physician database
Hospitals cautious in helping doctors buy EMRs
UC Davis study aims at healthier preemies
Bacteria-fighting film models shark scale pattern
Sales rules added for Medicare plans
Meeting details Florida’s healthcare plan
Health insurer reenters R.I. market
Physician’s aide admits role in Medicare fraud
Commentary: Healthcare reform must start with a plan to simplify
18 arrested in alleged $33-million Medicare fraud schemes
UT Southwestern plans biotech park to capitalize on research
Study faults quality of healthcare amid increased spending
September 18, 2008
Mass General cuts 200 jobs
Google and Microsoft look to change healthcare
Outages weigh on hospitals, agencies, patients in need
Large study backs effectiveness of ’virtual’ colonoscopies
Medical device ads criticized on Capitol Hill
Vanderbilt, Predators sign sponsorship deal
Children’s Hospital Boston gets donation
What's the best way to pay doctors?
Commentary: Defensive medicine gets offensive
Bayer HealthCare acquires German DIREVO Biotech AG
Government drops plans to study chelation for autism
Aurora executive to retire Dec. 31
Anthem Blue Cross Colorado earns top NCQA rating
FDA blocks generic drugs from Indian company
MedImmune’s Ex-CEO Joins Investment Firm
St. Francis re-enters Humana network
Medical emergencies facing rural Uganda
Hospice faces cuts in Medicare reimbursements
September 17, 2008
St. John’s Mercy Medical Center focus is on efficiency
Insurance giants have own ideas on reform
Health information group seeks support from private sector
Pennsylvania aid for malpractice insurance up in air
Latest EMR bill differs from Energy and Commerce plan
Rising foe defies hospitals’ war on superbugs
BlueCross of Tennessee launches online physician database
St. Bernard Parish may create new hospital board
Clarian Health details plans for hospital in Fishers, IN
Elizabeth Edwards discouraged by healthcare focus
Nevada’s Democratic senators discuss healthcare
TV also sends health messages
Pfizer launches new website on medication safety
Taxpayers foot bill for 75% of Nashville council’s healthcare benefit
UAW members ratify contract with Michigan Blue Cross
Chicago-area hospital operator names new CEO
September 16, 2008
Hospitals reach out to community to stop sickness before it starts
Cerner adds first client hospital in Latin America
Hospitals’ suit against tobacco industry is large in every dimension
New York hospital settles charges of overbilling
Code aims to aid foreign nurses
Inova HealthPlex’s Northern Virginia facility provides ER care, stat
Economists take critical view of health plans
Iowa inspectors ask feds to fine hospital
VA head: Surgeries at Illinois hospital months off
Health facilities flush estimated 250 million pounds of drugs a year
Evanston Northwestern Healthcare changes name to NorthShore University HealthSystem
Medicare rules ban cold-calling by insurers
Virginians who lack health insurance on the rise, study says
September 15, 2008
Michigan hospitals take a hit to care for patients
Eye on partnership of doctors, heart research group
County-USC prepares to replace its outpatient clinics
Massachusetts orders hospital ERs to halt diversions
Nurse recruitment plans focus on working conditions over financial rewards
UCSF to start $1.6 billion hospitals project
More hospitals offering complementary and alternative treatments
Adventist Health to sell Laguna Beach center
Columbia St. Mary's taking shape
Group donates $1 million in software to Boynton clinic
Increased helicopter use eases patient load at LA County hospitals
Ethics flap delaying new parish hospital
Pennsylvania program to reward hospitals moving slow
Nashville children’s hospital to double bed space
Feds hit Illinois law that regulates the building, expansion of hospitals
Speculation on identity of hospital that prosecutors say paid New York legislator
Small patients, big consequences in medical errors
Palliative care programs could boost hospitals’ bottom line
September 12, 2008
Pennsylvania, New Jersey hospitals’ mistakes are going unreported
Health Net to reinstate 926 dropped policyholders in California
Healthcare issue, not quite hot, remains strong
Bill on hospital-care discounts may be scuttled by Illinois governor’s amendatory veto
North Dakota telepharmacy project expands across country
Maui Medical to open Kihei clinic
Blue Cross of Michigan rate raises fought
Lexington, SC, hospital loses battle, for now
Polk County, FL, budget cuts leave thousands without healthcare
St. Louis-based SSM Health Care could form more university partnerships
Report: Blues merger would save money, but competition saves even more
Unreliable answers from Medicare call center, if you can get through
Spiritual beliefs part of healthcare for some
September 11, 2008
New Jersey Blue Cross may cut Philadelphia hospitals from coverage
States lobbying Congress for Medicaid relief
Settlement requires defendant to pay CalPERS $30 million
Campaign collecting funds for new Children’s Memorial in Chicago
Medical schools, journals fight industry influence
Feds to unplug medical subsidy, some 18,000 Minnesotans could lose health assistance
Continucare shifts walk-in clinic strategy in Florida
Radioisotope shortage could force delays in medical tests
Product designed to keep better track of surgical sponges
Study: Medical home plan cut hospital admissions
New technique gets around open-heart surgery
Rams, SLU Hospital: Partners in marketing, not medicine
Neighbors fuming over UPMC smoking policy
Dallas-based Parkland kicks off its first capital campaign
Pennsylvania governor pushes on health coverage
Humana pays $750,000 to resolve Wisconsin complaints
Study revives a debate on arthritis knee surgery
Patient-centered ’medical home’ models lag in key areas
Retail clinics attracting those without regular doctors
Coverage guarantee can hit young the hardest
September 10, 2008
Clinics opening in SC CVS drugstores
Illinois hospital to take taxation case to state Supreme Court
Akron (OH) Children’s Hospital to expand into Youngstown area
Retail clinics haven’t cut health costs, study finds
Cape Cod Healthcare’s credit lowered
Traveling for care—in the U.S.
New online tool lets Seattle-area consumers check up on healthcare
St. Louis-based BJC HealthCare opens up its books
Bakersfield, CA, hospital plans regional burn center
Los Angeles County considers hiring a permanent watchdog for troubled hospitals
Grady CEO takes hands-on approach to follow money
Humana to lose some Medicare enrollees
Indiana-based Howard Regional Health cuts 75 full-time jobs
Few hospitals meet colon cancer care standard
CDC campaign targets MRSA infections
Med school diversity may help whites care better for minorities
Fewer U.S. med students choosing primary care
Revolution Health in merger talks
September 9, 2008
Cleveland Clinic’s success continues to be a boon for region
University of Alabama Birmingham trying number of approaches to recruit nursing students
Ochsner Health System teams up with Luling, LA, hospital
Survey says: IT spending is getting trimmed
More workers at Los Angeles hospital have criminal backgrounds
Baptist Health goes green with new Miami hospital
Abington (PA) Memorial moves to acquire hospital
Obesity surgery is called cost-effective
Commentary: The pitfalls of linking doctors’ pay to performance
Preservationists protest hospital plan to raze Life of Georgia building
Illinois governor’s healthcare program not yet up
Clarian Health taking over Muncie, IN, hospital
Adult diabetics benefit from device, study says
Group seeks end to gridlock on health reform
September 8, 2008
Facing veto, Democrats drop plan for vote on child health bill
University of Chicago medical practices drawing critical eye
Beth Israel optimistic about compliance review
California budget impasse threatens health services
Philadelphia eyes closure’s effect on OB care
Charlotte-area free clinics ’can’t serve them all’
Missouri’s Republican gubernatorial candidate’s healthcare plan scrutinized
Pediatrix buys Louisiana firm
Shopping for healthcare off to a shaky start
Grady Hospital gets $5 million gift from insurer
For companies courting surgeons, how far is too far?
Prop. A would pay to build new San Francisco hospital
CT scans can be better medicine for doctors than for patients
Emory Healthcare to reopen renovated hospital in Tucker, GA
Grady to other Atlanta hospitals: Do ’fair share’
Dozens of Gazans have died awaiting Israeli medical care
First in-store medical clinics to open in Massachusetts
Massachusetts could be sued, healthcare giant warns
Sen. Grassley keeps pressure on non-profit hospitals
Health chiefs battle to bring back Iraqi doctors
Colon cancer patients not getting follow-up care
September 5, 2008
Michigan hospitals face new competition
Rhode Island seeks limits on Medicaid spending
Deal nearer in Iowa cardiologists’ move
Palin’s efforts to reform healthcare are complicated
Florida High Court Rejects Hospital Governance Law
Alabama lawmakers approve weight-loss extension
Medical alliance to combine forces on achieving cancer designation
Creative health-cost cuts aired during Pittsburgh symposium
WellCare reverses course, sticks with Florida Medicaid reform
Carolinas Medical Center-NorthEast’s trauma designation reinstated
Rex Healthcare gets go-ahead on Holly Springs, NC, center
At least 7 babies died from bacteria in Cuban hospital
Hungarian dentists seeking patients in UK
New Jersey urged to boost prenatal care
Massachusetts-based Partners HealthCare System Inc. launches search for CEO
Auditors: Insurers' drug marketing falls short
September 4, 2008
California Legislature enacts no major healthcare overhaul but OKs some key changes
Another maternity unit closing in Philadelphia
Study: Workers to pay more for healthcare
Judge could settle St. Louis-based BJC’s uninsured policy
People in poorer areas of England less likely to survive cancer, figures show
Feds approve Tampa General Hospital’s plan for improvements
$1.4 million donated to Louisville, KY, hospital
Cincinnati health groups join federal initiative
Judge trims time in Medi-Cal 10% fee ruling
Gas prices confine sick people
Illinois to pursue antitrust claims against hospitals
Feds investigate artificial-hip maker
Commentary: Chronic disease battle requires better tools
Medtronic product linked to surgery problems
September 3, 2008
Deaths in Sacramento County ERs sparking concern
Florida to detail plan for 4 million uninsured adults
Grassley seeks information about hospital with ties to the Obamas
Curbing antibiotic use in war on superbugs
Georgia rates poorly in hospital deaths
Roseville, CA, medical center opens new care unit for newborns
Registered nurses picketing at University of Washington Medical Center
Kentucky to push to get more children health coverage
Wichita, KS-based medical center opens revamped neonatal unit
Blue Cross Blue Shield buys Florida Health Care for $85 million
The doctor is out of Lipitor ad campaign
Parking to grow with Woodbury, MN, hospital
Christiana Care plans center north of Wilmington, DE
Companies offering on-site healthcare
Price strategy puts WellPoint in bind
Hundreds of Louisiana hospital patients could be evacuated
September 2, 2008
Waterbury (CT) Hospital retains heart center
Whistle-blowers help U.S. recoup $9.3 billion from healthcare providers
New CEO to take helm of Grady
Health costs to see hefty jump in Nashville area
Virginia-based Carilion buys imaging and surgery centers
Health plans: Consumer-driven programs fall out of favor in Iowa
Novant will present plans for North Carolina hospital during forum
Three confess to role in South Florida Medicare fraud
Study: Drug sales may not benefit from ads directed to patients
WellStar, Kennesaw State University enhance nursing partnership
Doctors in Massachusetts geriatric program pay calls at elderly residences
Federal judge approves Ford healthcare trust
Zimbabwe doctors’ advice: Don’t get sick
New Orleans hospitals evacuating high-risk patients