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Health Care

National

Doctors May See Payment Cut for Medicare Patients

Doctors who treat Medicare patients will likely see a 10.6 percent cut in payments starting Tuesday. The move follows the Senate's failure to pass a Medicare bill on Thursday night. The House had earlier approved a similar measure.

Doctors May See Payment Cut for Medicare Patients

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Your Health

Sheryl Lee Ralph Preaches HIV Testing for All

In preparation for National HIV Testing Day, award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph is on a mission to encourage everyone — particularly African-Americans — to get tested for HIV. Ralph explains her passion for HIV advocacy, and why she hasn't stopped spreading the message.

Sheryl Lee Ralph Preaches HIV Testing for All

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National

Angora Blaze Victims Face Tough Building Codes

More than 200 homes were lost in last year's Angora Fire in scenic South Lake Tahoe. The community is rebuilding quickly but now faces tough new building codes, requiring fire-safe construction methods. Tamara Keith reports from member station KQED.

Angora Blaze Victims Face Tough Building Codes

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Study: Emergency Rooms Often Neglect Mentally Ill

People with mental illnesses sometimes wait for as long as 24 hours before receiving treatment at hospital emergency rooms, according to a recent study. In some cases, the wait can be deadly. Dr. David Mendelson, author of the study, explains the findings. Nancy Sharby, whose children are mentally ill, shares her experience.

Study: Emergency Rooms Often Neglect Mentally Ill

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World

'I am Powerful' Brings Resources, Hope to Women

Sheila Johnson, co-founder of Black Entertainment Television, and the international aid organization CARE have teamed up to help women around the world. Sheila Johnson and CARE president Helene Gayle discuss their "I am Powerful" campaign.

'I am Powerful' Brings Resources, Hope to Women

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Your Health

Summer Allergies: For Many, Nothing to Sneeze At

Peanuts and corn dogs may spell summer for some, but for others, they mean allergy misery. Dr. Hugh Sampson, president of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, talks to Terry Gross about foods to avoid.

Summer Allergies: For Many, Nothing to Sneeze At

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Politics

Revamped Disabilities Rights Bill on Fast Track

Here's something that you don't often see in civil rights law — two opponents agreeing on a law that would extend civil rights protection to millions of people. Lobbyists for people with disabilities and the business community have done that. Both sides are trying to get Congress and the White House to go along with it.

Revamped Disabilities Rights Bill on Fast Track

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Detecting and Preventing Heart Attacks

The death of Meet the Press host Tim Russert has prompted much discussion about how to detect and prevent heart attacks. Dr. Stuart Seides, associate director of cardiology at the Washington Hospital Center, talks about prevention with Robert Siegel.

Detecting and Preventing Heart Attacks

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Art Exhibit Tells Global Stories of HIV Treatment

A new exhibit at The Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., illustrates the effect free anti-retroviral treatments are having on people living with HIV around the world. Access to Life is a grouping of photo essays from across the world. Contributing photographer Larry Towell and one of his subjects, Thoba Nzima, from Swaziland discuss the project.

Art Exhibit Tells Global Stories of HIV Treatment

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Opinion

Reporter's Notebook

Cast Out, But Not Forgotten

NPR's Pam Fessler travels to a small town in Louisiana that was once the site of a federal hospital for people with leprosy, and where her husband's grandfather lived out his years.

Cast Out, But Not Forgotten

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Your Health

Back to School May Help Those with Alzheimer's

A Cleveland doctor is trying to prove that volunteering helps people with Alzheimer's and dementia stay mentally and socially alert. At The Intergenerational School, old and young work side by side.

Back to School May Help Those with Alzheimer's

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National

Blood Donation Rules Roil California Campuses

Since the early days of the AIDS crisis, federal policy has banned gay men from giving blood. Gay activists say the policy is outdated, discriminatory and needs to be stopped. Campuses in Northern California are taking two very different tacks to wage their protests.

Blood Donation Rules Roil California Campuses

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Program Treats Addicts in Health Care

Statistics show that health care workers become addicted and depressed at the same rates as the general population. However, there is no leeway for impairment when it comes to patient safety. Washington state is one of 48 states that have confidential programs aimed at helping addicted health workers get into treatment.

Program Treats Addicts in Health Care

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