Illinois doctors and patients received some very bad news: Cook County Circuit Court Judge Diane Larsen ruled the medical litigation reforms enacted by the Illinois General Assembly in 2005 as unconstitutional. This finding catapults the entire matter directly to the Illinois Supreme court for consideration. “We are disappointed in the decision, which strikes down the […]

By Alison Snyder Long Island Business News – New York Business News Physician groups are aggressively lobbying Congress to stop a controversial 10 percent cut in Medicare reimbursements, which doctors on Long Island argue would force some to stop taking the government-sponsored health plan. The proposed 2008 cuts were announced in November by the Centers […]

By Jeff Robinson http://www.kidk.com The state board of education is meeting in Pocatello to figure out how Idaho can solve it’s doctor shortage. Everyone agrees something’s got to be done, and right now the board is talking about some of our state’s options. Consulting firm MGT presented a report that paints a pretty bleak picture […]

by Tabitha Berg http://enewschannels.com The internal medicine/family practice medical group practices formerly named Greater Northwest Medical Group, North Suburban Internists and Adult Care Specialists have merged to become Affinity Healthcare, LLC. Twenty-six Internal Medicine physicians, a Family Practice physician, two Gastroenterologists, three Certified Physician Assistants, 44 RNs and Medical Assistants, a physician Medical Director of […]

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS NY TIMES A state lawmaker proposed yesterday that New York create a $59 billion health insurance program that would cover everyone in the state and would probably be paid for through a tax increase. The plan, from Assemblyman Richard N. Gottfried, would generally replace the private health plans that now provide […]

By Leland Kim http://www.khnl.com Some financial relief for Hawaii hospitals is in sight. More than $14 million in federal funding has been approved to help offset costs of taking care of uninsured patients. But bigger challenges keep health care as a major issue in our state. Health care providers say this money is a step […]

Pediatrician won’t accept insurance; plans to offer exams for monthly fee MARY LANE GALLAGHER THE BELLINGHAM HERALD When Dr. Daniel Kowals set up his pediatric practice in downtown Bellingham, he threw the traditional medical payment structure out the window. Kowals won’t bill insurance companies for his patients’ appointments. Instead he’ll charge patients at the time […]

The Associated Press http://www.postgazette.com Harrisburg, PA — A spokesman says Gov. Ed Rendell won’t extend state aid to help doctors pay medical malpractice insurance bills unless lawmakers take action on his proposal to expand state health insurance for adults. The House and Senate are working on legislation that reduces the amount of money doctors must […]

By Robyn Monaghan Special to the Herald News http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com When Dr. Jeffrey J. Williams started practicing obstetrics and gynecology at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center’s New Lenox office in August, there was no full-time ob-gyn in the town swelling with growing families. “There’s a ton of young families out here,” said Williams, 34, a recent […]