health care

Prescribing of oxycodone and other opioid pain pills rose sharply after 2000.

Many More People Seek Medical Help For Opioid Abuse

12:56pm August 01, 2016

by Julie Appleby

Insurance claims for medical services related to opioid dependence rose more than 3,000 percent between 2007 and 2014, a study finds, suggesting that opioid problems have gone mainstream.

A Soldier-Scientist's Insights Expand Understanding Of Brain Injuries

7:57am August 01, 2016

by Jon Hamilton

Harvard researcher Kit Parker put his academic career on hold to serve in the Army in Afghanistan. When he returned from war, he made a discovery that changed our understanding of brain injuries.

Queue Listen Now

How Your Health Data Lead A Not-So-Secret Life Online

5:00am July 30, 2016

by Angus Chen

Apps can make managing health care a lot easier, but most don't have the privacy protections required of doctors and hospitals. And a simple Web search can clue in advertisers to health concerns.

"I believe that health care is a right, not a privilege," Sen. Bernie Sanders told Denver supporters in February. ColoradoCare supporters hope to leverage his charisma for a win on their state amendment.

Campaign For Universal Health Care In Colorado Seeks Bernie Sanders' Help

4:53pm July 29, 2016

by John Daley

An initiative on the state's November ballot would establish a single-payer health plan. Supporters hope to lure Sanders to help get out the vote.

Dr. Evan Los with one of his patients, Sophia, and her diabetes dog St. Nick.

Can Diabetes Alert Dogs Help Sniff Out Low Blood Sugar?

12:53pm July 29, 2016

by Miriam E. Tucker

Trained dogs are increasingly being used to help people with diabetes detect hypoglycemia. One study finds the dogs can indeed do that, but aren't as reliable as a continuous glucose monitor.

The 307-foot tower at the University of Texas at Austin was the site of mass murder 50 years ago Sunday.

Gun Violence And Mental Health Laws, 50 Years After Texas Tower Sniper

7:39am July 29, 2016

by Lauren Silverman

Trying to prevent gun violence by tying it to mental health legislation began in 1966 when a young gunman killed 16 people in Austin, Texas. But some believe the approach is misguided.

Women often save up questions for an annual office visit that they think don't warrant a sick visit to the doctor during the year, research finds.

What Women Need In A Checkup: Test Less, Talk More

2:49pm July 28, 2016

by Katherine Hobson

Some tests that used to be part of an annual physical are no longer recommended. Others can be done less often. Still, seeing your doctor regularly for a face-to-face chat may help your health.

Dr. Michael Frost demonstrates use of Probuphine, an implant that dispenses medication to treat opioid addiction.

Doctors Need A New Skill Set For This Opioid Abuse Treatment

12:58pm July 28, 2016

by Karen Shakerdge

Practicing surgery on a piece of pork — that's how some doctors are learning to implant a new drug that curbs opioid cravings. It's not a skill set typically used in addiction medicine.

Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine counted health care policy among his chief concerns at a campaign rally for Hillary Clinton in Miami on July 23.

Sen. Tim Kaine's Record On Health Care: He's With Hillary

7:32pm July 27, 2016

by Rachel Bluth

The Democrats' vice presidential nominee helped overhaul Virginia's mental health care system after the 2007 shootings at Virginia Tech. He is for Obamacare, Medicaid expansion and Planned Parenthood.

Many Well-Known Hospitals Fail To Score High In Medicare Rankings

6:49pm July 27, 2016

by Jordan Rau

Hospitals have been fighting to block the rankings, but Medicare released them Wednesday. Of the 102 hospitals that got a five-star rating, few are among those generally praised for great care.