Our Top 10 Stories of 2024
One of the best things about the new year is reviewing our most-read articles from the previous year. This exercise gives us an opportunity to find out what our readers most wanted to read, to remind ourselves of the health events that unfolded, and to review our breadth of coverage and our writers’ talents. […]
Fear of Radiation
Advancements in radiation are changing the field, but many people remain worried about treatment Kevin Connor, a 51-year-old Chicago resident, faced a daunting decision this past year when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Despite a troubling family history and his own deep-seated fears, Connor was at first adamant about avoiding treatment. “I remember telling […]
Hands-on Hearts
3D printing provides physicians a crucial tool for cardiac care Maybe you already know that nearly half of all U.S. adults have cardiovascular disease. This includes people with coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and high blood pressure. But would you have guessed that one of the latest weapons to help fight this battle is […]
A Reimbursement Blow to Anesthesiologists
In a controversial policy change, BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) no longer reimburses anesthesiologists for physical status modifiers that classify the complexity of patients. The new policy went into effect in August 2024 for BCBS plans in Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Complex patients typically have multiple or severe health conditions; they may require advanced […]
Emergency Response
ER physicians battle on the frontlines of gun violence response Fact checked by Shannon Sparks When someone gets shot in Chicago, the effects echo far beyond the wounded person. They envelope the person’s family and friends, the first responders on the scene, and the physicians and medical teams who treat them in the hospital. […]
DNC Ready
How Chicago hospitals are preparing for the Democratic National Convention As the Democratic National Convention (DNC) approaches, Aug. 19-22 in Chicago, the city’s hospitals are intensifying their efforts to ensure they can handle any situation. The city is expecting tens of thousands of delegates, media, and visitors expected to converge on the United Center — […]
