http://www.venturacountystar.com Healthcare in the United States has dramatically changed since the advent of the health maintenance organization. Initially, HMOs were designed to provide lower-cost healthcare for individuals who otherwise could not afford healthcare. But, as with many good ideas, the actual practice has changed and the emphasis has shifted from healthcare to the business of […]

By E.B. SOLOMONT Staff Reporter of the Sun http://www.nysun.com/ Fed up with the state’s medical malpractice insurance crisis, some New York City doctors are airing televised messages in their waiting rooms that warn patients of a looming physician shortage. One 60-second spot describes a scarcity of radiologists in the Bronx who are willing to perform […]

The Insurance professionals only source for News The state’s insurance commissioner and its largest malpractice insurer today announced that the insurer will cut premiums by 8 percent for next year and return $84 million to the state. In addition to the rate cut, Medical Mutual Liability Insurance Society of Maryland will distribute $13.8 million in […]

Two Pennsylvania payers say their merger will slash costs and reduce uninsured rolls, but some providers remain jittery over decreased insurer competition. http://www.healthleadersmedia.com Pennsylvania’s two largest health insurers are on track to merge by next fall, creating a mega-company that would control more than 53 percent of the state’s health insurance market and, the companies […]

Associated Press http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/ MADISON — A majority of Wisconsin residents favor a state-run health insurance system, but even more like the idea of expanding existing programs or investing in health savings accounts, according to a poll released Wednesday. The results lend support to Democratic lawmakers’ efforts to pass a universal health care plan rejected by […]

By JILIAN MINCER http://online.wsj.com Several health-insurance companies have recently agreed to improve their existing or planned ratings of physicians. But consumers shouldn’t rely on such reports alone when picking a doctor. Also consider personal referrals and a doctor’s experience and education. Ratings by some insurers have come under fire for giving top scores to doctors […]

By DAVID AMMONS AP POLITICAL WRITER http://seattlepi.nwsource.com OLYMPIA, Wash. — Gov. Chris Gregoire on Friday proposed tougher policing of health care professionals and more transparency of hospitals’ patient safety records. The governor, who has made expanded health care a centerpiece of her term in office, said patient safety is “the next logical step on the […]

BY SUSAN K. LIVIO Star-Ledger Staff http://www.nj.com Nearly 1,200 checks are in the mail to help obstetricians, neurosurgeons and radiologists afford their medical malpractice insurance and keep them practicing in New Jersey, Banking and Insurance Commissioner Steven Goldman announced yesterday. The state’s Medical Malpractice Liability Insurance Premium Assistance fund is doling out $16.4 million to […]

http://www.wftv.com Experts say we’re headed for a doctor shortage in this country. You could be waiting weeks or months for a doctor’s appointment, traveling further to get there and spending less time with your doctor when you do. One obstacle stood between Barbara Chorzempa and the birth of her baby, a grueling drive up and […]