Frank Batcha News Today

Small-town, rural, and small practices struggle with a variety of challenges, from private equity looking to scoop them up, to a lack of resources and new recruits. How are they surviving?

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 1,582 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 statewide today, raising the total since March to 119,610. Of those, officials continue to monitor an estimated 72,648 active cases. The virus is considered a contributing factor in the deaths of 1,152 Idahoans: 16 more than yesterday. The state counted another 15 confirmed and three probable cases in Blaine County today, raising local totals to 1,353 confirmed and 111 probable. According to t...

One day after the United States recorded its deadliest day yet from COVID-19 cases, a prominent Wood River Valley doctor expressed heightened concern about rising case counts and life-threatening medical complications caused by the virus. Dr. Frank Batcha, a physician and chief of staff for St. Luke’s Wood River, said Thursday that an anticipated post-Thanksgiving surge in COVID-19 cases in Blaine County has developed, with COVID-related hospitalizations increasing in recent days and two p...