Ed Rafalski News Today

/PRNewswire/ -- BayCare, the leading health care system in West Central Florida, today announced that it has named Kristy Croom Tucker as its new vice...

/PRNewswire/ -- Stephanie Conners, CEO and president of BayCare Health System, on Wednesday announced a restructuring of BayCares executive leadership team...

Americas ambiguous, profit-driven health care leaves people to fend for themselves on trying to find the best care when theyre sick or injured.

Lexington physician says law could be updated to allow ER doctors to be more open with patients about their best — and most affordable — option.

The many options — particularly urgent care and free-standing ERs — can make the head spin. The wrong choice can mean big bills and even poor outcomes. Facilities have little incentive to clear up the confusion.

People who are injured or sick are asked, in a moment of stress, to prudently decide which medical setting is the best place to seek help.

Americas ambiguous, profit-driven health care leaves people to fend for themselves on trying to find the best care when theyre sick or injured.

The proliferation of care options — particularly urgent care centers and free-standing emergency departments — can make the head spin. For patients, the wrong choice may mean big bills and poor health outcomes.

One evening in February 2017, Sarah Dudley's husband, Joseph, started to feel sick. He had a high fever, his head and body ached, and he seemed disoriented, she said. The Dudleys had a decision to make: go to the hospital emergency room or to an urgent care clinic near their home in Des Moines, Iowa.

Landing in the wrong setting can lead to higher medical bills​ — and possibly poor health outcomes.