ProPublica

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Syphilis bacterium. | ILLUSTRATION BY JOMAR JUNIOR/PIXABAY

Syphilis is killing babies. The U.S. government is failing to stop the disease from spreading

The only drug that treats syphilis during pregnancy is in short supply. As cases rise sharply, the government isn’t doing much to prevent shortages.

Mar 5, 2024

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IULIIA BONDARENKO/PIXABAY

Severe complications for pregnant veterans nearly doubled in the last decade, a GAO report finds

Citing an increase in problems, including 13 deaths, the report recommends conducting more routine screenings throughout pregnancy and in the postpartum period

Feb 29, 2024

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SHUTTERSTOCK

Inside the internal debates of a hospital abortion committee

In states that banned abortion, doctors are forced to wrestle with tough decisions about high-risk pregnancy care.

Feb 27, 2024

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SHUTTERSTOCK

After promising to make government health care data more accessible, the Biden administration now wants to clamp down

Researchers across the country fear a new proposal by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will increase fees and decrease access to data used to support major health care reforms

Feb 15, 2024

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In many Australian hospitals, pregnant patients are given stillbirth prevention materials. | PETER DICAMPO/PROPUBLICA

As the U.S. struggles with a stillbirth crisis, Australia offers a model for how to do better

Australia has emerged as a global leader in the effort to lower the number of babies that die before taking their first breaths. It’s an approach that could benefit America, which lags behind other wealthy nations in reducing stillbirths.

Jan 24, 2024

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Hicks during a surgery. “I’m just trying to talk about doing the best care possible for patients,” she said. “I’m not trying to suggest that a technology or a practice pattern is evil.” | ROSEM MORTON/PROPUBLICA

This researcher warned of risky vascular procedures. She was called a ‘nazi’ and accused of ‘fratricide.’

Despite warnings that aggressive vascular procedures don't make sense for patients with milder symptoms, the number of atherectomies has doubled in the last decade

Jan 11, 2024

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3D ANIMATION PRODUCTION COMPANY/PIXABAY

Representatives propose ban on insurers charging doctors a fee to be paid electronically

After a ProPublica investigation examined how giant insurers and their intermediaries are imposing fees on doctors and hospitals for electronic payment, a bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced a bill to end the practice

Dec 19, 2023

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ALEXANDER GREY / PIXABAY

Thousands of patients may be undergoing vascular procedures too soon or unnecessarily

Researchers contend that some doctors were overusing — potentially even abusing — invasive vascular procedures, increasing patients’ chances of complications, which include amputation or even death

Dec 14, 2023

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SHUTTERSTOCK

Millions of people used tainted breathing machines. The FDA failed to use its power to protect them.

The FDA’s complaint-tracking system for medical devices allowed Philips to obscure when it knew about dangerous CPAPs. New reporting shows the regulatory lapses extend to many devices and companies.

Dec 12, 2023

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SHUTTERSTOCK

Insurance executives refused to pay for the cancer treatment that could have saved him. This is how they did it.

Michigan case shows how insurers can flout state laws intended to ensure coverage

Nov 28, 2023