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It looks like portions of our site are being blocked! Check your browser settings or contact your network administrator.</span> <div id="header"><div class="wrap"> <header class="lf-header clearfix"> <div class="lf-logo"> <a href="../../../index.html"><img src="../../s2.wp.com/wp-content/themes/vip/consumerist2/images/logo-small.jpg" /></a> </div> <h1 class="lf-title"><a href="index.html">hospitals</a></h1> </div> </header> </div></div><div id="wrap"><div id="fb-root"></div> <div id="notification-area" class="black hidden"> <div class="notification-modal"></div> <div class="wrap"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a class="remove-notice" href="index.html#" id="remove-notice" rel="10293012" data-nonce="af137a6805">×</a> </div> </header> <h3 class="notice-title">Welcome to the Consumerist Archives</h3> <p>Thanks for visiting Consumerist.com. As of October 2017, Consumerist is no longer producing new content, but feel free to browse through our archives. Here you can find 12 years worth of articles on everything from how to avoid dodgy scams to writing an effective complaint letter. Check out some of our greatest hits below, explore the categories listed on the left-hand side of the page, or head to <a href="https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/index.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CR.org</a> for ratings, reviews, and consumer news.</p> <p class="full-width"><a class="notice-cr-logo" href="https://www.consumerreports.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://cdn.consumerreports.org/etc/designs/cr/images/common/footer-logo.svg" alt="Consumer Reports" /></a></p> <div class="clear"></div> </div>  </div>  <div id="inner"><div class="wrap"><div id="content-sidebar-wrap"><div id="content" class="hfeed"> <div class="cs-archive-top"> <h2 class="cs-archive-title">hospitals</h2> </div> <div class="post-10281982 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-government-policy category-insurance category-original category-pharma-medicine tag-not-fans tag-healthcare tag-medicaid tag-obamacare tag-affordable-care-act tag-american-health-care-act tag-better-care-reconciliation-act tag-hospitals tag-insurance entry longform-archive-entry"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a href="../not-fans/index.html" class="post-tag" rel="tag"> not fans </a> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </header>  <a href="../../2017/06/23/hospital-groups-public-health-officials-senate-obamacare-repeal-bill-makes-unsustainable-cuts-to-coverage/index.html" title="Hospital Groups, Public Health Officials: Senate Obamacare Repeal Bill Makes “Unsustainable” Cuts To Coverage"><img src="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/hospital_cart-e1509029333595.jpg?w=300&h=225&crop=1" alt="Michael Kappel" class="Thumbnail thumbnail longform-thumb alignleft post-image" /></a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="../../2017/06/23/hospital-groups-public-health-officials-senate-obamacare-repeal-bill-makes-unsustainable-cuts-to-coverage/index.html" title="Hospital Groups, Public Health Officials: Senate Obamacare Repeal Bill Makes “Unsustainable” Cuts To Coverage" rel="bookmark">Hospital Groups, Public Health Officials: Senate Obamacare Repeal Bill Makes “Unsustainable” Cuts To Coverage</a></h2> <div class="post-info">By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="../../author/chrismorranconsumerist/index.html" title="Posts by Chris Morran" class="author url fn" rel="author">Chris Morran</a></span></span> 6.23.17</div><div class="entry-content"><p>After reviewing the <a href="../../2017/06/22/senate-finally-releases-its-first-go-at-obamacare-repeal-replacement-bill/index.html" target="_blank">Senate bill to gut and replace much of the Affordable Care Act</a>, groups representing the nation’s hospitals believe that this legislation will leave millions — particularly those with chronic ailments and the disabled — without access to care. <a href="../../2017/06/23/hospital-groups-public-health-officials-senate-obamacare-repeal-bill-makes-unsustainable-cuts-to-coverage/index.html#more-10281982" class="more-link">[More]</a></p> </div></div><div class="post-10281964 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-data-privacy category-telecom-technology tag-scrub-a-dub-dub tag-medical-records tag-google tag-search-results tag-data-breaches tag-hospitals tag-health tag-privacy entry longform-archive-entry"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a href="../scrub-a-dub-dub/index.html" class="post-tag" rel="tag"> scrub a dub dub </a> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </header>  <a href="../../2017/06/23/google-wiping-private-medical-records-from-search-results/index.html" title="Google Wiping Private Medical Records From Search Results"><img src="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/4594153888_9116da5f33_b.jpg?w=300&h=225&crop=1" alt="Misfit Photographer" class="Thumbnail thumbnail longform-thumb alignleft post-image" /></a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="../../2017/06/23/google-wiping-private-medical-records-from-search-results/index.html" title="Google Wiping Private Medical Records From Search Results" rel="bookmark">Google Wiping Private Medical Records From Search Results</a></h2> <div class="post-info">By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="../../author/marybethquirkconsumerist/index.html" title="Posts by Mary Beth Quirk" class="author url fn" rel="author">Mary Beth Quirk</a></span></span> 6.23.17</div><div class="entry-content"><p>If the thought of a stranger accessing your medical history online gives you the creeps, you’re not alone: In an effort to tamp down on the spread of such private information, Google has started wiping private medical records from its search results. <a href="../../2017/06/23/google-wiping-private-medical-records-from-search-results/index.html#more-10281964" class="more-link">[More]</a></p> </div></div><div class="post-10277905 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-quality-safety category-sustainability-human-rights tag-this-is-important tag-maternal-mortality tag-hospitals tag-childbirth tag-propublica tag-npr tag-investigations-2 tag-healthcare entry longform-archive-entry"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a href="../this-is-important/index.html" class="post-tag" rel="tag"> this is important </a> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </header>  <a href="../../2017/05/12/what-you-should-know-about-americas-high-rate-of-maternal-mortality/index.html" title="What You Should Know About America’s High Rate Of Maternal Mortality"><img src="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/maternityroom.jpg?w=300&h=225&crop=1" alt="claudiaheidelberger" class="Thumbnail thumbnail longform-thumb alignleft post-image" /></a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="../../2017/05/12/what-you-should-know-about-americas-high-rate-of-maternal-mortality/index.html" title="What You Should Know About America’s High Rate Of Maternal Mortality" rel="bookmark">What You Should Know About America’s High Rate Of Maternal Mortality</a></h2> <div class="post-info">By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="../../author/marybethquirkconsumerist/index.html" title="Posts by Mary Beth Quirk" class="author url fn" rel="author">Mary Beth Quirk</a></span></span> 5.12.17</div><div class="entry-content"><p><p>When you think about fatalities during childbirth, your mind may immediately leap to infant deaths. But although it’s much safer to give birth in America now than say, 100 years ago, women are dying from pregnancy or childbirth-related causes at a higher rate than any other country in the developed world. <a href="../../2017/05/12/what-you-should-know-about-americas-high-rate-of-maternal-mortality/index.html" class="more-link">[More]</a></p></div></div><div class="post-10274054 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-data-privacy category-insurance category-pharma-medicine tag-caring-for-your-information tag-healthcare tag-hospitals tag-privacy entry longform-archive-entry"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a href="../caring-for-your-information/index.html" class="post-tag" rel="tag"> caring for your information </a> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </header>  <a href="../../2017/04/04/how-to-protect-yourself-from-a-hospital-data-breach/index.html" title="How To Protect Yourself From A Hospital Data Breach"><img src="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/hospitalbed.png?w=300&h=225&crop=1" alt="catastrophegirl" class="Thumbnail thumbnail longform-thumb alignleft post-image" /></a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="../../2017/04/04/how-to-protect-yourself-from-a-hospital-data-breach/index.html" title="How To Protect Yourself From A Hospital Data Breach" rel="bookmark">How To Protect Yourself From A Hospital Data Breach</a></h2> <div class="post-info">By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn">Catherine Roberts for Consumer Reports</span></span> 4.4.17</div><div class="entry-content"><aside class="lf-aside-right"><a href="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/crfullogo.png" target="_blank"></a><em>This article was originally published by Consumer Reports. </em></aside> <p>You may never have considered whether your preferred hospital is one of the <a href="https://www.aamc.org/members/coth/resources/" target="_blank" target="_blank">approximately 311 major teaching hospitals in the U.S.</a>, but according to a new study, the type of hospital you choose might affect your privacy. <a href="../../2017/04/04/how-to-protect-yourself-from-a-hospital-data-breach/index.html#more-10274054" class="more-link">[More]</a></p> </div></div><div class="post-10271364 post type-post status-publish format-image has-post-thumbnail hentry category-government-policy category-insurance category-pharma-medicine tag-turn-your-head-and-amend tag-affordable-care-act tag-health-care tag-healthcare tag-hospitals tag-obamacare post_format-post-format-image entry longform-archive-entry"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a href="../turn-your-head-and-amend/index.html" class="post-tag" rel="tag"> turn your head and amend </a> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </header>  <a href="../../2017/03/08/hospital-doctors-groups-say-they-cant-support-current-obamacare-replacement-proposal/index.html" title="Hospital, Doctors Groups Say They Can’t Support Current Obamacare Replacement Proposal"><img src="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/catscan.jpg?w=300&h=225&crop=1" alt="Liz West" class="Thumbnail thumbnail longform-thumb alignleft post-image" /></a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="../../2017/03/08/hospital-doctors-groups-say-they-cant-support-current-obamacare-replacement-proposal/index.html" title="Hospital, Doctors Groups Say They Can’t Support Current Obamacare Replacement Proposal" rel="bookmark">Hospital, Doctors Groups Say They Can’t Support Current Obamacare Replacement Proposal</a></h2> <div class="post-info">By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="../../author/chrismorranconsumerist/index.html" title="Posts by Chris Morran" class="author url fn" rel="author">Chris Morran</a></span></span> 3.8.17</div><div class="entry-content"><p>People are still <a href="../../2017/03/07/key-players-give-their-opinions-for-and-against-on-gops-obamacare-replacement/index.html" target="_blank">dissecting and deciding where they come down</a> in response to the recently <a href="../../2017/03/06/congressional-committee-releases-text-of-obamacare-repeal-replacement-bill/index.html" target="_blank">proposed legislation</a> to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Yesterday, two of the largest groups in the American healthcare business advised lawmakers that they are not thrilled with what they’ve seen so far. <a href="../../2017/03/08/hospital-doctors-groups-say-they-cant-support-current-obamacare-replacement-proposal/index.html#more-10271364" class="more-link">[More]</a></p> </div></div><div class="post-10256542 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized tag-what-in-the-world tag-hospitals tag-hospital-bills tag-surgery tag-medical-bills entry longform-archive-entry"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a href="../what-in-the-world/index.html" class="post-tag" rel="tag"> what in the world </a> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </header>  <a href="../../2016/10/05/why-would-a-hospital-charge-you-for-holding-your-newborn-baby/index.html" title="Why Would A Hospital Charge You For Holding Your Newborn Baby?"><img src="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/csecgrab.png?w=300&h=225&crop=1" alt="halfthrottle" class="Thumbnail thumbnail longform-thumb alignleft post-image" /></a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="../../2016/10/05/why-would-a-hospital-charge-you-for-holding-your-newborn-baby/index.html" title="Why Would A Hospital Charge You For Holding Your Newborn Baby?" rel="bookmark">Why Would A Hospital Charge You For Holding Your Newborn Baby?</a></h2> <div class="post-info">By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="../../author/marybethquirkconsumerist/index.html" title="Posts by Mary Beth Quirk" class="author url fn" rel="author">Mary Beth Quirk</a></span></span> 10.5.16</div><div class="entry-content"><p>Though there are many kinds of surprises you might find on your bill after a trip to the hospital, some seem too strange to be true. For example, a new father in Utah who was amused to find a charge for the moment his wife held their newborn baby against her chest. What in the world? <a href="../../2016/10/05/why-would-a-hospital-charge-you-for-holding-your-newborn-baby/index.html#more-10256542" class="more-link">[More]</a></p> </div></div><div class="post-10254675 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized tag-antibiotics-for-everyone tag-antibiotics tag-cdc tag-antibiotic-resistant-bacteria tag-drug-resistance tag-hospitals tag-safety entry longform-archive-entry"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a href="../antibiotics-for-everyone/index.html" class="post-tag" rel="tag"> antibiotics for everyone! </a> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </header>  <a href="../../2016/09/19/cdc-reports-worrisome-news-on-antibiotic-use-in-hospitals/index.html" title="CDC Reports “Worrisome” News On Antibiotic Use In Hospitals"><img src="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/hospital_cart-e1509029333595.jpg?w=300&h=225&crop=1" alt="Michael Kappel" class="Thumbnail thumbnail longform-thumb alignleft post-image" /></a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="../../2016/09/19/cdc-reports-worrisome-news-on-antibiotic-use-in-hospitals/index.html" title="CDC Reports “Worrisome” News On Antibiotic Use In Hospitals" rel="bookmark">CDC Reports “Worrisome” News On Antibiotic Use In Hospitals</a></h2> <div class="post-info">By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="../../author/chrismorranconsumerist/index.html" title="Posts by Chris Morran" class="author url fn" rel="author">Chris Morran</a></span></span> 9.19.16</div><div class="entry-content"><p>The overuse of antibiotics in <a href="../../2016/05/03/report-30-of-antibiotic-prescriptions-are-unnecessary/index.html" target="_blank">human patients</a> and <a href="../../2015/12/09/6-things-you-should-know-about-the-use-of-antibiotics-on-farm-animals/index.html" target="_blank">farm animals</a> has been linked to the development of so-called <a href="../../2016/05/27/cdc-director-drug-resistant-superbug-means-medicine-cabinet-is-empty/index.html" target="_blank">“superbugs”</a> that are resistant to most traditional antibiotics. In a new report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention presents the “worrisome” news that hospitals are increasingly turning to stronger and broad-spectrum antibiotics to treat patients. <a href="../../2016/09/19/cdc-reports-worrisome-news-on-antibiotic-use-in-hospitals/index.html#more-10254675" class="more-link">[More]</a></p> </div></div><div class="post-10243602 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized tag-hospitals tag-mergers tag-propublica tag-healthcare entry longform-archive-entry"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a href="index.html" class="post-tag" rel="tag"> hospitals </a> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </header>  <a href="../../2016/06/09/in-most-states-no-regulator-cares-if-a-merger-closes-your-local-hospitals/index.html" title="In Most States, No Regulator Cares If A Merger Closes Your Local Hospitals"><img src="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/hospitalroom.png?w=300&h=225&crop=1" alt="MeneeDijk" class="Thumbnail thumbnail longform-thumb alignleft post-image" /></a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="../../2016/06/09/in-most-states-no-regulator-cares-if-a-merger-closes-your-local-hospitals/index.html" title="In Most States, No Regulator Cares If A Merger Closes Your Local Hospitals" rel="bookmark">In Most States, No Regulator Cares If A Merger Closes Your Local Hospitals</a></h2> <div class="post-info">By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="../../author/kcoxconsumer/index.html" title="Posts by Kate Cox" class="author url fn" rel="author">Kate Cox</a></span></span> 6.9.16</div><div class="entry-content"><p><p>The consolidation of, well, <em>everything</em> in healthcare is kind of par for the course these days, really. Insurance companies, provider networks, and hospitals are constantly merging or buying each other out, all around the nation. Small, independent hospitals in every state are regularly bought by larger chains, and go from being “Smallville General Hospital” to being “HealthCoName Patient Care Center Of Smallville” all the time. <a href="../../2016/06/09/in-most-states-no-regulator-cares-if-a-merger-closes-your-local-hospitals/index.html" class="more-link">[More]</a></p></div></div><div class="post-10242669 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-financial-products category-uncategorized tag-a-matter-of-life-and-debt tag-debt-collection tag-lawsuits tag-hospitals tag-indiana tag-medical-debt tag-health-care entry longform-archive-entry"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a href="../a-matter-of-life-and-debt/index.html" class="post-tag" rel="tag"> a matter of life and debt </a> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </header>  <a href="../../2016/06/01/nonprofit-hospitals-suing-poor-patients-without-telling-them-they-qualify-for-reduced-or-free-care/index.html" title="Nonprofit Hospitals Suing Poor Patients Without Telling Them They Qualify For Reduced Or Free Care"><img src="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/deaconess.png?w=300&h=225&crop=1" alt="Nonprofit Hospitals Suing Poor Patients Without Telling Them They Qualify For Reduced Or Free Care" class="Thumbnail thumbnail longform-thumb alignleft post-image" /></a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="../../2016/06/01/nonprofit-hospitals-suing-poor-patients-without-telling-them-they-qualify-for-reduced-or-free-care/index.html" title="Nonprofit Hospitals Suing Poor Patients Without Telling Them They Qualify For Reduced Or Free Care" rel="bookmark">Nonprofit Hospitals Suing Poor Patients Without Telling Them They Qualify For Reduced Or Free Care</a></h2> <div class="post-info">By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="../../author/chrismorranconsumerist/index.html" title="Posts by Chris Morran" class="author url fn" rel="author">Chris Morran</a></span></span> 6.1.16</div><div class="entry-content"><p>Given that nonprofit hospitals are tax-exempt, the general view is that their primary focus should be on providing care for those who need it rather than making using the court system to make those patients pay up. Almost all of these hospitals have programs to reduce bills for people living below or near the poverty line, but some are suing poor patients without ever telling them about these options. <a href="../../2016/06/01/nonprofit-hospitals-suing-poor-patients-without-telling-them-they-qualify-for-reduced-or-free-care/index.html#more-10242669" class="more-link">[More]</a></p> </div></div><div class="post-10235994 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-telecom-technology category-uncategorized tag-hacking-and-coughing tag-hack-attack tag-hospitals tag-privacy tag-crime-news tag-health-care entry longform-archive-entry"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a href="../hacking-and-coughing/index.html" class="post-tag" rel="tag"> hacking and coughing </a> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </header>  <a href="../../2016/03/28/fbi-investigating-virus-that-took-major-hospital-chain-offline/index.html" title="FBI Investigating Virus That Took Major Hospital Chain Offline"><img src="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/fsoutsidemedicalcenterfeature.jpg?w=300&h=225&crop=1" alt="FBI Investigating Virus That Took Major Hospital Chain Offline" class="Thumbnail thumbnail longform-thumb alignleft post-image" /></a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="../../2016/03/28/fbi-investigating-virus-that-took-major-hospital-chain-offline/index.html" title="FBI Investigating Virus That Took Major Hospital Chain Offline" rel="bookmark">FBI Investigating Virus That Took Major Hospital Chain Offline</a></h2> <div class="post-info">By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="../../author/chrismorranconsumerist/index.html" title="Posts by Chris Morran" class="author url fn" rel="author">Chris Morran</a></span></span> 3.28.16</div><div class="entry-content"><p>Earlier today, healthcare provider MedStar Health, which operates nearly a dozen hospitals in the D.C. area and some 100 clinics, took its network offline after detecting the presence of a computer virus. Now the FBI is investigating. <a href="../../2016/03/28/fbi-investigating-virus-that-took-major-hospital-chain-offline/index.html#more-10235994" class="more-link">[More]</a></p> </div></div><div class="post-10232865 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized tag-dude-wheres-the-hospital tag-legal-marijuana tag-recreational-marijuana tag-pot tag-weed tag-marijuana tag-colorado tag-tourism tag-tourists tag-emergency-rooms tag-hospitals tag-medical-care entry longform-archive-entry has-post-thumbnail"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a href="../dude-wheres-the-hospital/index.html" class="post-tag" rel="tag"> dude where's the hospital </a> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </header>  <a href="../../2016/02/25/study-colorado-tourists-going-to-the-er-with-pot-complaints-more-than-residents/index.html" title="Study: Colorado Tourists Going To The ER With Pot Complaints More Than Residents"><img src="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/potchopstix.jpg?w=680" alt="Study: Colorado Tourists Going To The ER With Pot Complaints More Than Residents" class="Thumbnail thumbnail longform-thumb alignleft post-image" /></a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="../../2016/02/25/study-colorado-tourists-going-to-the-er-with-pot-complaints-more-than-residents/index.html" title="Study: Colorado Tourists Going To The ER With Pot Complaints More Than Residents" rel="bookmark">Study: Colorado Tourists Going To The ER With Pot Complaints More Than Residents</a></h2> <div class="post-info">By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="../../author/marybethquirkconsumerist/index.html" title="Posts by Mary Beth Quirk" class="author url fn" rel="author">Mary Beth Quirk</a></span></span> 2.25.16</div><div class="entry-content"><p>It’s probably no surprise that now that marijuana is legal in Colorado, tourists are trying it out. However, doctors say they were somewhat surprised by the results of a study which found that out-of-state tourists were visiting emergency rooms more often than residents with pot complaints. <a href="../../2016/02/25/study-colorado-tourists-going-to-the-er-with-pot-complaints-more-than-residents/index.html#more-10232865" class="more-link">[More]</a></p> </div></div><div class="post-10222824 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-pharma-medicine category-uncategorized tag-the-price-of-getting-well tag-prescription-drugs tag-prescriptions tag-healthcare tag-hospitals tag-drugs entry longform-archive-entry has-post-thumbnail"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a href="../the-price-of-getting-well/index.html" class="post-tag" rel="tag"> the price of getting well </a> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </header>  <a href="../../2015/11/05/senate-investigating-drug-companies-behind-huge-overnight-price-hikes/index.html" title="Senate Investigating Drug Companies Behind Huge Overnight Price Hikes"><img src="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/daraprim.png" alt="Senate Investigating Drug Companies Behind Huge Overnight Price Hikes" class="Thumbnail thumbnail longform-thumb alignleft post-image" /></a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="../../2015/11/05/senate-investigating-drug-companies-behind-huge-overnight-price-hikes/index.html" title="Senate Investigating Drug Companies Behind Huge Overnight Price Hikes" rel="bookmark">Senate Investigating Drug Companies Behind Huge Overnight Price Hikes</a></h2> <div class="post-info">By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="../../author/chrismorranconsumerist/index.html" title="Posts by Chris Morran" class="author url fn" rel="author">Chris Morran</a></span></span> 11.5.15</div><div class="entry-content"><p>A handful of pharmaceutical investors have been snapping up the rights to previously affordable prescription drugs, only to immediately raise prices to the point where patients now pay hundreds of dollars for a single pill — resulting in huge additional costs for consumers, insurers, and healthcare providers. Not only has this practice <a href="../../2015/09/21/doctors-not-happy-after-drug-goes-from-13-50table-to-750-overnight/index.html" target="_blank">drawn the ire of the medical community</a>, it’s also resulted in a Senate committee investigation. <a href="../../2015/11/05/senate-investigating-drug-companies-behind-huge-overnight-price-hikes/index.html#more-10222824" class="more-link">[More]</a></p> </div></div><div class="post-10221730 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized tag-a-spoonful-of-sugar tag-krispy-kreme tag-hospitals tag-badvertising tag-north-carolina tag-advertising entry longform-archive-entry has-post-thumbnail"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a href="../a-spoonful-of-sugar/index.html" class="post-tag" rel="tag"> a spoonful of sugar... </a> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </header>  <a href="../../2015/10/26/now-you-can-take-your-kids-to-the-krispy-kreme-challenge-clinic/index.html" title="Now You Can Take Your Kids To The “Krispy Kreme Challenge” Clinic"><img src="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/krispykremechallenge.jpeg?w=300&h=225&crop=1" alt="No, this isn't a prank. A child's healthcare clinic in North Carolina now carries the "Krispy Kreme Challenge" name." class="Thumbnail thumbnail longform-thumb alignleft post-image" /></a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="../../2015/10/26/now-you-can-take-your-kids-to-the-krispy-kreme-challenge-clinic/index.html" title="Now You Can Take Your Kids To The “Krispy Kreme Challenge” Clinic" rel="bookmark">Now You Can Take Your Kids To The “Krispy Kreme Challenge” Clinic</a></h2> <div class="post-info">By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="../../author/chrismorranconsumerist/index.html" title="Posts by Chris Morran" class="author url fn" rel="author">Chris Morran</a></span></span> 10.26.15</div><div class="entry-content"><p>While hospital naming rights have long been up for grabs to big donors, it’s not every day that a healthcare facility is branded with the name of a product that most people associate with being unhealthy. There’s no “Black Tar Heroin Elder Care Facility” or “Stick Your Finger In The Light Socket Cancer Center,” but there is now a Krispy Kreme Challenge Children’s Specialty Clinic. <a href="../../2015/10/26/now-you-can-take-your-kids-to-the-krispy-kreme-challenge-clinic/index.html#more-10221730" class="more-link">[More]</a></p> </div></div><div class="post-10219699 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-insurance category-uncategorized tag-a-minor-mistake tag-hospitals tag-surprise-medical-bills tag-insurance tag-copays tag-california entry longform-archive-entry has-post-thumbnail"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a href="../a-minor-mistake/index.html" class="post-tag" rel="tag"> a minor mistake </a> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </header>  <a href="../../2015/10/02/hospital-doesnt-know-the-difference-between-copay-and-deductible-sticks-patient-with-3900-bill/index.html" title="Hospital Doesn’t Know The Difference Between Copay And Deductible, Sticks Patient With $3,900 Bill"><img src="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/needle.jpg?w=300&h=225&crop=1" alt="MeneerDijk" class="Thumbnail thumbnail longform-thumb alignleft post-image" /></a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="../../2015/10/02/hospital-doesnt-know-the-difference-between-copay-and-deductible-sticks-patient-with-3900-bill/index.html" title="Hospital Doesn’t Know The Difference Between Copay And Deductible, Sticks Patient With $3,900 Bill" rel="bookmark">Hospital Doesn’t Know The Difference Between Copay And Deductible, Sticks Patient With $3,900 Bill</a></h2> <div class="post-info">By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="../../author/chrismorranconsumerist/index.html" title="Posts by Chris Morran" class="author url fn" rel="author">Chris Morran</a></span></span> 10.2.15</div><div class="entry-content"><p>When a California man checked with the hospital about the copay for his daughter’s treatment, the hospital told him it would $500. Except what they meant to tell him was that his insurance deductible would be $500, but that he’d be stuck with a bill for nearly $4,000. <a href="../../2015/10/02/hospital-doesnt-know-the-difference-between-copay-and-deductible-sticks-patient-with-3900-bill/index.html#more-10219699" class="more-link">[More]</a></p> </div></div><div class="post-10218393 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-pharma-medicine category-uncategorized tag-the-price-of-getting-well tag-prescriptions tag-hospitals tag-drugs tag-daraprim entry longform-archive-entry has-post-thumbnail"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a href="../the-price-of-getting-well/index.html" class="post-tag" rel="tag"> the price of getting well </a> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </header>  <a href="../../2015/09/21/doctors-not-happy-after-drug-goes-from-13-50table-to-750-overnight/index.html" title="Doctors Not Happy After Drug Goes From $13.50/Tablet To $750 Overnight"><img src="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/daraprim.png?w=300&h=225&crop=1" alt="Doctors Not Happy After Drug Goes From $13.50/Tablet To $750 Overnight" class="Thumbnail thumbnail longform-thumb alignleft post-image" /></a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="../../2015/09/21/doctors-not-happy-after-drug-goes-from-13-50table-to-750-overnight/index.html" title="Doctors Not Happy After Drug Goes From $13.50/Tablet To $750 Overnight" rel="bookmark">Doctors Not Happy After Drug Goes From $13.50/Tablet To $750 Overnight</a></h2> <div class="post-info">By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="../../author/chrismorranconsumerist/index.html" title="Posts by Chris Morran" class="author url fn" rel="author">Chris Morran</a></span></span> 9.21.15</div><div class="entry-content"><p><a href="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/daraprim.png" target="_blank"></a>Gripe as we might, consumers understand that price increases do happen. What’s not as easily understood is how the price for something can go from $13.50 one day to $750 the next — especially when it’s a generic drug used to save lives. <a href="../../2015/09/21/doctors-not-happy-after-drug-goes-from-13-50table-to-750-overnight/index.html#more-10218393" class="more-link">[More]</a></p> </div></div><div class="post-10214648 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized tag-be-sure-to-get-my-worst-side tag-hospitals tag-privacy tag-new-york-city tag-abc entry longform-archive-entry has-post-thumbnail"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a href="../be-sure-to-get-my-worst-side/index.html" class="post-tag" rel="tag"> be sure to get my worst side </a> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </header>  <a href="../../2015/08/13/patients-at-nyc-hospitals-will-no-longer-become-accidental-reality-tv-stars/index.html" title="Patients At NYC Hospitals Will No Longer Become Accidental Reality TV Stars"><img src="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/hospbed.jpg?w=300&h=225&crop=1" alt="(frankieleon)" class="Thumbnail thumbnail longform-thumb alignleft post-image" /></a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="../../2015/08/13/patients-at-nyc-hospitals-will-no-longer-become-accidental-reality-tv-stars/index.html" title="Patients At NYC Hospitals Will No Longer Become Accidental Reality TV Stars" rel="bookmark">Patients At NYC Hospitals Will No Longer Become Accidental Reality TV Stars</a></h2> <div class="post-info">By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="../../author/chrismorranconsumerist/index.html" title="Posts by Chris Morran" class="author url fn" rel="author">Chris Morran</a></span></span> 8.13.15</div><div class="entry-content"><p>We don’t know about you, but the last thing we want when we go to the hospital is for anyone — not even our loved ones — to shoot video of us. We certainly wouldn’t want to find out that we’re being filmed without our permission by a crew for some cruddy reality TV show. And after one such show actually broadcast the secretly recorded death of a patient in a New York City hospital, it looks like patients in NYC may not have to worry about being caught on camera at your worst. <a href="../../2015/08/13/patients-at-nyc-hospitals-will-no-longer-become-accidental-reality-tv-stars/index.html#more-10214648" class="more-link">[More]</a></p> </div></div><div class="post-10213738 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized tag-the-more-you-know tag-yelp tag-propublica tag-partnership tag-medical-facilities tag-listings tag-information tag-statistics tag-hospitals tag-doctors tag-nursing-homes entry longform-archive-entry has-post-thumbnail"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a href="../the-more-you-know/index.html" class="post-tag" rel="tag"> the more you know </a> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </header>  <a href="../../2015/08/05/yelp-adds-hospital-wait-times-nursing-home-fine-info-to-reviews/index.html" title="Yelp Adds Hospital Wait Times, Nursing Home Fine Info To Reviews"><img src="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/6a00d83452b44469e201b7c7b9a08c970b-800wi.png?w=300&h=225&crop=1" alt="An example of the new statistics users can find for health facilities on Yelp. [via Yelp]" class="Thumbnail thumbnail longform-thumb alignleft post-image" /></a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="../../2015/08/05/yelp-adds-hospital-wait-times-nursing-home-fine-info-to-reviews/index.html" title="Yelp Adds Hospital Wait Times, Nursing Home Fine Info To Reviews" rel="bookmark">Yelp Adds Hospital Wait Times, Nursing Home Fine Info To Reviews</a></h2> <div class="post-info">By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="../../author/ashleekielerconsumerist/index.html" title="Posts by Ashlee Kieler" class="author url fn" rel="author">Ashlee Kieler</a></span></span> 8.5.15</div><div class="entry-content"><p>When a trip to the emergency room is in order, you’re usually in a hurry, because, after all, it’s an <em>emergency</em>. Sitting around waiting to be seen by a doctor can be an agonizing experience for those in need of quick help. While Yelp can’t hurry along those doctors, it can apparently tell you just how long you might expect to be camped out in the hospital E.R. <a href="../../2015/08/05/yelp-adds-hospital-wait-times-nursing-home-fine-info-to-reviews/index.html#more-10213738" class="more-link">[More]</a></p> </div></div><div class="post-10192004 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized tag-giving-a-little-help tag-medical-debt tag-hospitals tag-non-profit-hospitals tag-new-rules tag-requirements entry longform-archive-entry has-post-thumbnail"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a href="../giving-a-little-help/index.html" class="post-tag" rel="tag"> Giving A Little Help </a> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </header>  <a href="../../2015/01/12/new-rules-change-the-way-non-profit-hospitals-handle-low-income-patients-debts/index.html" title="New Rules Change The Way Non-Profit Hospitals Handle Low-Income Patients’ Debts"><img src="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/hospital.png?w=300&h=225&crop=1" alt="(frankieleon)" class="Thumbnail thumbnail longform-thumb alignleft post-image" /></a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="../../2015/01/12/new-rules-change-the-way-non-profit-hospitals-handle-low-income-patients-debts/index.html" title="New Rules Change The Way Non-Profit Hospitals Handle Low-Income Patients’ Debts" rel="bookmark">New Rules Change The Way Non-Profit Hospitals Handle Low-Income Patients’ Debts</a></h2> <div class="post-info">By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="../../author/ashleekielerconsumerist/index.html" title="Posts by Ashlee Kieler" class="author url fn" rel="author">Ashlee Kieler</a></span></span> 1.12.15</div><div class="entry-content"><p>While <a href="../../2014/09/02/hospital-teams-with-bank-to-offer-interest-free-loans-so-patients-can-pay-their-bills/index.html">some hospitals work to assist patients in paying their unexpected and often expensive medical bills</a>, other institutions have been known to employ aggressive tactics that <a href="../../2014/05/20/credit-bureaus-are-over-penalizing-consumers-with-medical-debt/index.html">harshly penalize patients</a> who are unable to pay their medical debts. However, the adoption of new federal rules aims to change the way in which non-profit hospitals handle consumers and their debts. <a href="../../2015/01/12/new-rules-change-the-way-non-profit-hospitals-handle-low-income-patients-debts/index.html#more-10192004" class="more-link">[More]</a></p> </div></div><div class="navigation"><div class="pagination-next alignright"><a href="page/2/index.html" >Next Page»</a></div></div></div></div><script type='text/javascript'> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-10697639-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 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