"Balancing Margin and Mission: Hospitals Alter Billing and Collection Practices for Uninsured Patients," Center for Studying Health System Change: In the wake of class-action lawsuits against several hospitals alleging overcharging of the uninsured, many hospitals have changed their billing and collection practices, according to a new HSC study, which was based on site visits to 12 communities. According to the study, it is common for hospitals in the 12 communities to provide charity care for uninsured patients with annual incomes under 200% of the poverty level and to offer discounts for those with higher incomes (HSC release, 10/12).

Hurricane Katrina-Related Perspectives, New England Journal of Medicine: This week's NEJM includes several perspective pieces examining Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath, including the effect on health care (NEJM, 10/14).


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