Checking Up on Retail-Based Health Clinics: Is the Boom Ending?

Outlines trends in the growth of retail-based clinics providing basic care at pharmacies and other retail settings. Examines who uses them, where, for what services, and why; insurance coverage and reimbursement rates; and variations in state regulation

Striking Jump in Consumers Seeking Health Care Information

Examines shifts in how Americans seek health information from sources other than their doctors. Looks at growing Internet use and information-seeking for others, education as a factor, and the impact of information-seeking on perceptions of health issues

Despite Regulatory Changes, Hospitals Cautious in Helping Physicians Purchase Electronic Medical Records

Examines hospitals' strategies to aid physicians' adoption of electronic medical records (EMRs) following regulatory changes facilitating hospital-subsidized EMRs. Looks at factors determining support for physicians' EMR adoption and their implications

Financial and Health Burdens of Chronic Conditions Grow

Points to rising rates of chronic conditions and obesity; growing numbers of patients with problems paying medical bills, even with insurance; and contributing factors such as declining private coverage and delays in accessing care. Outlines implications

Workplace Clinics: A Sign of Growing Employer Interest in Wellness

Examines the increasing employer demand for workplace clinics, clinic management models, types of services, challenges, regulations, and the clinics' potential impact, including their ability to raise productivity and help contain healthcare costs

Developing Health System Surge Capacity: Community Efforts in Jeopardy

Examines six communities' efforts to build surge healthcare capacities to respond to terrorist attacks, epidemics, and natural and manmade disasters; the needed components and funding; and the effects of the restrictions and decline in federal funds

Individual Insurance: Health Insurers Try to Tap Potential Market Growth

Examines the challenges the current individual health insurance market poses for insurers and consumers, the market's growth potential, market and regulatory conditions across states, and trends in marketing strategies. Considers policy implications

Coordination of Care by Primary Care Practices: Strategies, Lessons and Implications

Documents successful strategies for coordinating care within primary care settings, including family and caregivers; with specialists; with hospital settings; and with community-based services. Discusses challenges, lessons learned, and implications

The Economic Recession: Early Impacts on Health Care Safety Net Providers

Examines how the recession and state and local budget cuts affected safety-net clinics' capacity to meet demand in five communities, the extent to which federal stimulus funds mitigated the impact, strategies for sustainability, and implications