Health Care

Health care insurance rates soar in Spokane

Small businesses hit with double-digit hikes in some instances

November 17, 2022

Karina Elias

Small employers in Washington state face double-digit increases in health-care insurance rates for 2023, in some cases.

Meet & Greet with Skyler Oberst, of Embrace Washington

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November 3, 2022

Karina Elias

Skyler Oberst has been hired as executive director of Embrace Washington, the Spokane-based nonprofit with a mission to provide support and care to children in foster care. Oberst was born in Portland, Oregon, and grew up in Vancouver, Washington.

Gestalt receives approval for software in Europe

Pathology diagnostics startup also secures eight patents in UK

November 3, 2022

Virginia Thomas

Spokane-based Gestalt Diagnostics LLC has secured eight patents in the United Kingdom for its PathFlow software, as well as clearance for clinical use of the software throughout Europe. Dan Roark, CEO of Gestalt, says the UK patents are

Tooth Fairy Co. works to boost oral health awareness

Spokane entrepreneur's new book provides tips for kids, parents on dangers of decay

October 20, 2022

Erica Bullock

Spokane entrepreneur Edie Higby says her enthusiasm for children's oral health has helped her expand her business with a new children's book, '10 Tips from the Tooth Fairy.â€

Excelsior Wellness prepares for first phase of remodel

$4.5M in work to be completed next fall

October 20, 2022

Virginia Thomas

Excelsior Wellness has applied for building permits for the first phase of the $7.4 million remodel and expansion project at its campus at 3754 W. Indian Trail Road, in North Spokane. The nonprofit organization expects the initial phase of remodeling to

Opioid epidemic calls for community response

Officials advise removing stigma often associated with narcotic addiction

October 20, 2022

Karina Elias

While funds from Washington state's $518 million settlement against three major pharmaceutical companies are yet to begin flowing into communities here, people familiar with the impact of the opioid epidemic in the Spokane area say addressing the pr

Wish-granting nonprofits face backlog as costs rise

Referrals rose as trips were canceled, delayed

October 20, 2022

Virginia Thomas

Nonprofit organizations that grant wishes to critically and terminally ill children here say that many wishes have become more expensive in the past two years, during which time a backlog of ungranted wishes grew. Hugh Severs, executive director of

Travel nurses sent packing from Spokane-area hospitals

INW hospitals cut temps amid budget stress

October 20, 2022

Virginia Thomas

Hospitals here hope to cut costs by decreasing their reliance on travel nurses after labor expenses increased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic, but they'll likely have to pay staff nurses somewhat more to do so.

Vivacity clinics transition to Kinwell Medical Group

Four clinics in Spokane area gain new operator, rebrand

September 22, 2022

Erica Bullock

Four Vivacity Care Centers in Spokane County are changing operators and rebranding to Kinwell Medical Group, a Seattle-based primary care provider, says chief medical officer Dr. Mia Wise. Mountlake Terrace, Washington-based Premera Blue Cross

Northwest Specialty Hospital sells Post Falls campus for $67.5M

Health care organization's operations remain under physician ownership

September 22, 2022

Virginia Thomas

Northwest Specialty Hospital has sold its buildings and property to a Milwaukee-based investment management company for $67.5 million, becoming a tenant in the 186,000-square-foot facility the specialty hospital formerly owned.