Health - latimes.com

Cedars-Sinai stands out for steep pricing

By Chad Terhune and Ben Poston, Los Angeles Times — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 PDT

It's the only hospital near the top in every category in a Medicare report. But few patients pay the full amount.

When Medicare disclosed average charges from thousands of U.S. hospitals for 100 common procedures last week, only one hospital was near the top in every category: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Angelina Jolie mastectomy: A closer look at DNA, breast cancer risk

By Eryn Brown, Los Angeles Times — Tue, 14 May 2013 19:42:00 PDT

A woman with a genetic mutation that greatly elevates her cancer risk has several options available to her, including Angelina Jolie's choice of preventive surgery.

By opting for surgery to remove her breasts while they were still healthy, Angelina Jolie joined a growing number of women who have used genetic testing to take control of their health.

California health insurance exchange announces grants

By Anna Gorman, Los Angeles Times — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:38:00 PDT

Covered California issues $37 million in grants to 48 organizations to help educate Californians about the new healthcare law.

Covered California, the state's health insurance exchange, announced $37 million in grants Tuesday to begin the massive task of educating millions of Californians about the new healthcare law.

Judge again rejects limits on emergency contraception

By Monte Morin, Los Angeles Times — Sat, 11 May 2013 00:00:00 PDT

Drugs such as Plan B should be available over the counter to all ages, says the ruling, which also criticizes Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

In yet another scathing critique of government health officials, a federal judge refused Friday to stay his order making emergency contraceptives available to consumers of all ages without a prescription.

Bill would regulate 'biosimilar' drugs

By Marc Lifsher, Los Angeles Times — Sun, 12 May 2013 20:00:00 PDT

As some firms want to make and sell drugs similar to biological medicines made by the likes of Amgen and Genentech, a measure aims to regulate their use.

SACRAMENTO — Two of the nation's largest biotech companies — Amgen Inc. of Thousand Oaks and Genentech Inc. of South San Francisco — are fighting in Sacramento to keep a tight grip on some of their most lucrative drugs.

Patient is out of network, out of luck

By Chad Terhune, Los Angeles Times — Fri, 10 May 2013 21:26:00 PDT

After Kaiser advised him to enter hospice, Jalal Afshar sought out-of-network treatment that he says saved his life. Now he's suing for the $2-million cost of care.

A worrisome abdominal pain drove Jalal Afshar to seek treatment last year at healthcare giant Kaiser Permanente.

Saying no to surgery

Fri, 10 May 2013 21:27:00 PDT

Better doctor-patient communication can help prevent unnecessary treatment and reduce over-prescribed medical tests and procedures.

Thom McDaniels is no stranger to surgery. As a longtime athlete and high school football coach, he's spent years putting his knees through the wringer. After injuring his right knee again during football practice, he was told by an orthopedic surgeon that it was time for reconstructive surgery.

Obama uses 2012 campaign tactics to sell healthcare law

By Noam N. Levey and Kathleen Hennessey, Washington Bureau — Sat, 11 May 2013 00:00:00 PDT

President Obama is using his successful 2012 campaign tactics to try to make sure his healthcare law benefits those who lack insurance.

WASHINGTON — Seeking to ensure his landmark healthcare law is successfully implemented, President Obama is reprising his 2012 election strategy in hopes of enrolling millions of uninsured Americans in health plans this fall.

Hospital prices diverge wildly, U.S. data show

By Chad Terhune and Ben Poston, Los Angeles Times — Wed, 8 May 2013 18:33:00 PDT

Medicare data on hospitals' disparate prices spotlight "practices that don't seem to make sense."

Medicare data on hospitals' disparate prices spotlight "practices that don't seem to make sense."

L.A. County officials unveil campaign to reduce infant deaths

By Anna Gorman, Los Angeles Times — Wed, 8 May 2013 22:53:00 PDT

The educational effort, which includes bilingual public service announcements on radio and TV, will show parents how to put babies to bed safely.

Hoping to reduce the number of infant deaths, Los Angeles County officials unveiled a campaign Wednesday to educate parents about how to safely put their babies to bed.