Access & Quality

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This Oregon Medical Group clinic in Eugene is one of several primary care businesses bought in Oregon by UnitedHealth's Optum Health Division.

Optum will let doctors who quit Oregon Medical Group treat local patients, lawmakers say

Company’s use of non-compete agreements had sparked controversy in Oregon amid a larger debate

May 10, 2024
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Dan Norris, an attorney with a progressive neurological condition, took OHSU to court over a common source of frustration for patients: cancelled appointments. | COURTESY OF DAN NORRIS

OHSU doctor’s cancellations lead to unusual lawsuit, settlement

‘A hero for our time:’ Oregon Health & Science University canceled on Dan Norris — twice — after he'd made cross-country trips just to see his neurologist. An elder abuse expert, he sued.

May 7, 2024

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An AMR ambulance responds to a call in Northeast Portland. | JONATHAN HOUSE/©PAMPLIN MEDIA GROUP/USED WITH PERMISSION

Clackamas County renews contract with AMR ‘just shy’ of requirements

Commissioners agreed to waive fines for American Medical Response’s contract violations despite earlier clash over firm’s contributions, lobbying

May 7, 2024
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OREGON MEDICAL GROUP IS A MAJOR PROVIDER IN LANE COUNTY,/CHRISTIAN WIHTOL/THE LUND REPORT

Optum legal tactics endanger Oregonians, lawmakers say

Amid a primary care shortage, a Eugene lawmaker and others want the health care giant to stop enforcing contracts that prevent doctors from providing care in the area after they quit

Apr 25, 2024

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Anesthesiologist sues Salem surgery center for $1.6 million

A dispute with nursing staff led to a doctor’s firing by Optum-owned Northbank Surgical Center; he says it was for whistleblowing

Apr 23, 2024
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SHUTTERSTOCK

More women sue Salem pathology lab, alleging false breast cancer diagnoses

Following a wave of earlier suits, the litigation blames additional companies and doctors for women undergoing unnecessary chemotherapy

Apr 4, 2024
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A picture of Rogue Regional Medical Center in 2007. At the time it was known as Rogue Valley Medical Center. | BY NICKNELSON/ENGLISH WIKIPEDIA VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS.

Number of patient deaths connected to Asante investigation may grow

The total number of patients thought to have died in connection with drug diversion in Medford remains unverified. But two lawyers say they've heard from dozens of additional potential victims and families.

Mar 14, 2024
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SAMARITAN PACIFIC COMMUNITIES HOSPITAL IN NEWPORT./VISITOR7/CC BY-SA 3.0/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Former Samaritan Health exec claims state contract violations

Melissa Isavoran claims the regional insurer contracted by the state to oversee care for low-income people fired her for flagging violations, but the health plan declines comment

Mar 14, 2024
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Pictured: the North Albany building of The Corvallis Clinic, P.C. | COURTESY OF THE CORVALLIS CLINIC, P.C.

Optum purchase of Corvallis Clinic dodges state review

To avoid insolvency, the business needs to be bought quickly by UnitedHealth Group without the service guarantees that the state had earlier sought, officials say

Mar 13, 2024
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Oregon State Capitol in Salem. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon legislative session’s early end closed curtain on significant health care bills

Bills concerning treatment centers, violence against hospital staff, school health and insurance mandates perished, but other impactful bills made it through

Mar 12, 2024
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