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JOZEF MICIC/SHUTTERSTOCK

High-profile Oregon health-mergers review law survives hospitals’ challenge

Federal judge dismisses lawsuit that sought to knock out state office intended to protect access and affordability. Hospitals may appeal.

May 17, 2024
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ANTONIO GUILLEM/SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon’s health care cost-growth controls hit a crucial stage

Critics disagree on whether the state’s proposed final rules for insurers and hospitals are too weak or will have unintended effects

May 16, 2024
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The maker of Invisalign (pictured) has dominated the market for clear plastic alternatives to braces, but now is targeting a Lake Oswego orthodontist for allegedly trading on its success. | SHUTTERSTOCK

Lake Oswego orthodontist sued by Invisalign maker for more than $20 million

Suit targeting Bill Dischinger cites his role as an ‘opinion leader’ who's paid by a competing company while helping it grow sales

May 9, 2024
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Flanked by former Oregon Health Authority Director Bruce Goldberg and former Gov. John Kitzhaber, Rep. Ben Bowman on Wednesday addressed members of the House Committee on Behavioral Health and Health Care. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Bowman launches reboot of bill to curb corporate medicine

High profile bill died unexpectedly, but the Tigard lawmaker and newly chosen House leader hopes to succeed with a new attempt next year

May 9, 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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SHUTTERSTOCK

Private equity firms increasingly buying into behavioral health, study finds

Buying and selling behavioral health practices proves attractive to investment firms seeking quick profits, but some experts say the trend is not good for consumers or the public

May 7, 2024
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The amount paid in deductibles by patients each year is increasing and is growing faster than the amount paid in co-insurance and copays. | OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

Oregonians pay more for care as employers push high-deductible plans

A state report finds that Oregonians saw deductible expenses grow 31.9% over seven years as companies increasingly offer thinner coverage that shifts costs, risks to employees

May 2, 2024
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Oregon Health & Science University Marquam Hill campus in Portland. | OHSU

OHSU research workers file for union, citing low pay

Latest step for research workers at Oregon Health & Science University follows years of organizing; the number of union contracts at the institution could soon grow from six to nine

May 2, 2024

SHUTTERSTOCK

Hospitals' challenge to Oregon merger reviews nears key ruling

Judge will decide whether the Hospital Association of Oregon has the legal standing it needs to knock out the high-profile state program

May 2, 2024
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Kevin Heinrich, a licensed practical nurse, at a workstation at Mirabella Portland’s skilled nursing facility on Feb. 13, 2023. Nurses and other health care workers have become increasingly hard to find after the pandemic. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Nurses in rural Oregon take home better pay, study finds

A new study by the Oregon Center for Nursing suggests hiring outside Portland area shouldn’t be so tough and that retaining nurses is about more than wages

Apr 9, 2024
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