Health

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California faces unique obstacles in implementing Affordable Care Act

As KPCC’s Stephanie O’Neill tells us, California still faces challenges in implementing the law, including some that are unique to the Golden State.

Anthem Blue Cross Rate Hike

CA insurance commissioner wants to bar Anthem from health exchange

California’s insurance commissioner wants to exclude Anthem Blue Cross from the state’s new health exchange for small businesses, saying it’s made excessive rate hikes.

Miami Health Care Clinic Treats Patients

Primary care doctor shortage continues, impact felt in South LA

The study called the U.S. rate of primary care doctor production "abysmal." Many health centers in South L.A. can't afford a doctor, which is one reason why so much care falls to nurses and physician assistants.

Judge approves government plan for morning-after pill

Women and teenagers should soon be able to buy emergency contraception with no age restrictions, according to a federal district judge's memorandum.

PHOTOS: Famed TV pilot Bob Tur on becoming Zoey Tur

"I'm happy. I've not been this happy. I've had a great life. Bob Tur needs to die now. And he'll be dead within three to four months." —Bob Tur, soon to be Zoey Tur

Domestic violence survivors often don't get mental health care

According to the behavioral health director of a South L.A. clinic, there's "a lot of shame" and stigma that comes with being the target of domestic violence.

Feds to drop efforts to restrict access to morning-after pill

Emergency contraception is a "way of chipping away" at South L.A.'s high teen pregnancy rates, said the CEO of a local community clinic.

Where South LA kids can get free lunches this summer

With about 80 percent of Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) students qualifying for free or reduced price meals at school, the summer can leave a hole in their daily diet.

Clay Russell breaks the taboo, talks about his suicide attempt

As he told Off-Ramp, "It would be perfectly normal dinner party conversation to talk about your colonoscopy, but you talk about mental illness and people get freaked out."

KPCC launches searchable database of California health care costs

Compare the costs of the 100 most frequently billed procedures paid under Medicare in 2011, which you can view by hospital or as a statewide average.

The need for dental care in South LA mirrors worldwide problem

The dental chief of Watts Health Clinic described its patients' need as "overwhelming," and said tooth decay is the most common problem, from childhood to adulthood.

Three SoCal hospitals fined for jeopardizing patient safety

The state public health department fines ten California hospitals, including three in LA and Ventura counties, for jeopardizing patients..

Stories can be useful tools for patients making medical decisions

A South L.A. pediatrician says telling patients stories about others can help "normalize" the situation so they get the care they need.

STUDY: Overweight patients more likely to switch doctors

Researchers said rude comments from medical staff or improperly-sized medical equipment can drive patients living with obesity to go "doctor shopping."

Ask Emily on Medicare and Obamacare: How it affects you

This column's questions are on how Obamacare affects Medicare beneficiaries and what people can expect in the way of prices.