Insiders investigate the cause of Massachusetts’ health care costs – The Boston Globe

An emergency sign at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston in 2024.

“We’re seeing a shift to more expensive prescription drugs, a shift to more expensive imaging modalities, and a shift to more expensive treatment settings for routine screening colonoscopies,” Auerbach said. “We’ve been reporting on rising rates of caesarean sections in low-risk births, and finally, some very expensive surgeries are increasing rapidly.” The average cost for … Read more

Doctors say these subtle symptoms can indicate serious health conditions

An elderly woman in a red shirt feels short of breath and has to pause her training

Surprising symptoms of lung diseaseJose Carlos Cerdeno Martinez – Getty Images If seemingly normal symptoms like acid reflux, shortness of breath, or a persistent cough keep coming and going, it might just be because you had a stressful dinner of spicy Indian food with your in-laws while you were recovering from the flu. But doctors … Read more

Have mental health labels like ADHD and autism gone too far? Some experts think so

Have mental health labels like ADHD and autism gone too far? Some experts think so

Autism and ADHD come with a variety of symptoms, so there is no one-size-fits-all “cure” and the only option is to manage them. This may include prescribing melatonin to address sleep deprivation. Antipsychotics, such as risperidone, for irritability, or Ritalin, for hyperactivity. But for parents who need school support, receiving “paperwork” for their autistic or … Read more

Conflict between Catholic Health and HealthFirst highlights growing conflict between health care providers and insurers

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The dispute between Catholic Health and insurer HealthFirst could disrupt care for Long Island patients, experts say, and is the latest in a growing number of disputes between health systems and insurance companies rooted in rising medical costs. Rick Gundling, executive vice president of the Healthcare Financial Management Association, which represents financial professionals working in … Read more

Trump Administration Considers Automatic Enrollment of Seniors into Medicare Advantage – How It Will Impact Health Care Costs

Trump Administration Considers Automatic Enrollment of Seniors into Medicare Advantage - How It Will Impact Health Care Costs

Most Americans become eligible for Medicare at age 65, but choosing how to enroll isn’t always an easy process. That is why the policies currently under consideration could have a huge impact. Trump administration officials have said they are considering whether to automatically enroll seniors in Medicare Advantage plans instead of traditional Medicare if they … Read more

Trump Administration Considers Automatic Enrollment of Seniors into Medicare Advantage – How It Will Impact Health Care Costs

An elderly couple walking in a park surrounded by autumn leaves.

An elderly couple walking in a park surrounded by autumn leaves. Most Americans become eligible for Medicare at age 65, but choosing how to enroll isn’t always an easy process. That is why the policies currently under consideration could have a huge impact. Trump administration officials have said they are considering whether to automatically enroll … Read more

4 spring cleaning tasks for your mental health

Spring cleaning isn't just about the physical act of dusting and tidying up your home. It also applies to refreshing our way of thinking. (Illustration: Broly Sue/AJC)

With that feeling in mind Use these tips to refresh your mindset and increase your happiness. Spring cleaning isn’t just about the physical act of dusting and tidying up your home. It also applies to refreshing our way of thinking. (Illustration: Broly Sue/AJC) The sun shines brighter and brighter, the days grow a little longer … Read more

When can I start running with my child?

When can I start running with my child?

If you love running and your child has expressed an interest in running, you may be wondering when they can start. Hunter Bennett, a senior lecturer in sports science at the University of Adelaide, said children who engage in physical activity such as running have a reduced risk of childhood obesity, improved heart health and … Read more

2 GTA mental health treatment center for first responders moves one step closer to reality with new funding | CBC News

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listen to this article Estimated 4 minutes The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations may occur. We work with our partners to continually review and improve our results. The federal government will commit $15 million to build two new treatment facilities in the Greater Toronto Area for first responders facing … Read more

Legacy Health leaves Regence member network

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PORTLAND, OREGON — Legacy Health’s contract with Regence was terminated after the companies were unable to reach an agreement on reimbursement rates. Michael Cole, president of Regence Blue Cross of Blue Shield of Oregon, said in a post on the health insurance company’s website Wednesday that the two companies were unable to agree on rates … Read more