Health Care

Reducing preventable visits to emergency rooms

State coalition cites gains, attracts national attention

May 7, 2015

A coalition that has been working for several years to reduce preventable emergency room visits in Washington state claims it has improved utilization and quality of care, and created savings, while also drawing national attention for its efforts.

Taking a healing approach to opiate dependency

New practice here seeks to treat addiction causes

May 7, 2015

Kim Crompton

Dr. Randall Riggs, a psychiatrist, and Kimberly Stankovich, a veteran chemical dependency counselor, have opened an outpatient clinic east of downtown Spokane that they say is using an empathetic and healing approach to treat opiate-dependent patients.

WSU Spokane pharmacy students wins national research award

WSU effort seeks ways to slow, eradicate arthritis

May 7, 2015

Judith Spitzer

A Washington State University Spokane pharmaceutical sciences student has received a national award from the Rheumatology Research Foundation to fund research into slowing or eradicating osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Laser technology enhances cataract surgery, doctors say

Device is said to make more precise incisions

May 7, 2015

Two doctors at a Spokane Valley eye-care clinic say a laser device now aids them in the process of performing cataract surgery.

Pertussis rise triggers local call for vaccinations

Whooping cough outbreak boosts concerns by SRHD

May 7, 2015

Staff Report

Whooping cough (pertussis) is on the rise in Washington state, and people are being urged to get vaccinated against the disease, especially pregnant women, as infants are very susceptible to severe illness and even death from pertussis, the Spokane Region

Reaching out for more research

Werschler affiliate currently has 50 trials underway

May 7, 2015

Mike McLean

Cosmetic dermatology pioneer Dr. W. Philip Werschler is leading an effort to expand clinical trials for drugs, treatments, and devices here, just as many medical practices and health care organizations have cut back on clinical research.

PAML inks agreement with Seattle blood center

Lab also starts screening here for measles immunity

May 7, 2015

Pathology Associates Medical Laboratories LLC and Bloodworks Northwest, of Seattle, say they've reached an agreement to explore ways to collaborate in hopes of improving patient care. PAML President and CEO Dr. Francisco Velazquez says PAML and Bloodw

Inslee signs law to clear hurdle for WSU medical school

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April 1, 2015

Staff Report

Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee this morning signed into law a bill that clears the way for Washington State University's proposal to create an independent medical school in Spokane. Specifically, the new law amends a 98-year-old statute that gave t

Northwest Specialty Hospital targets medical tourism market

Specialty center bundles procedures with resort stay

March 26, 2015

Mike McLean

Northwest Specialty Hospital, in Post Falls, is looking to capitalize on Canada's growing medical tourist market by bundling some of its surgical procedures with a stay at the Coeur d'Alene Resort.

Empire Health Foundation sets down roots

Nonprofit's partners grow, seek measurable success

March 12, 2015

Mike McLean

Spokane-based Empire Health Foundation now operates out of the recently remodeled former Civic Building, although staffers as of last week were still unpacking boxes after moving from temporary quarters across Riverside Avenue.