Who Really Owns Knapp Medical Center?

The sale of Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco to Prime Healthcare Foundation raised questions regarding the validity of the transaction and prompted the City of Weslaco to sue Prime and other parties.

Turning data into success.

In today's health care climate, physicians realize it's critical they be involved in the financial management of their medical practice and gain a basic understanding of the business side of medicine. Physicians say collaborating with an expert is key to long-term viability and profitability.

A bitter pill.

When insurance companies make business decisions that could have negative implications for Medicare patients' access to care and treatment continuity, it's a bitter pill for physicians.

Public health crusade.

In the crusade to improve immunization rates, reduce obesity's health burden, prevent HIV, and tackle a whole host of crucial public health concerns, research shows certain evidence-based strategies can make a big impact in a short time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) refers to such areas of public health as "winnable battles."

Reading their minds.

Results of the 2013 Texas Health Perception Survey reveal what Texas legislators think as they consider public health policies and initiatives each session. The results provide insight on lawmakers' knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs related to obesity prevention and related health measures. Survey findings also provide a glimpse into resources legislators use to access health policy information. Results show Texas legislators participating in the survey rank TMA as their No. 1 resource for obesity, nutrition, and physical activity information and policy.

Hassles and happiness.

A new RAND survey offers new details about what makes physicians happy in practicing medicine and what makes them feel dissatisfied with their career choice. Among the biggest culprits in causing physician angst is electronic health records.

Obesity is a disease.

The American Medical Association House of Delegates' vote in June to classify obesity as a "disease state with multiple pathophysiological aspects requiring a range of interventions to advance obesity treatment and prevention" sparked national debate. Critics worry calling obesity a disease will take focus off prevention and remove personal responsibility from the equation. Supporters say the classification is bound to spur innovative policy, research, and treatment approaches to obesity. Physicians by and large hope that the new label will persuade private health plans and Medicaid to pay for treatment of obese patients.