Macon: Widow sues VA

Macon: Widow sues VA

A wrongful death claim filed by Howard McKinley’s wife, Mary Jo, alleges the VA falsified medical appointments and wait times. Read the full article: Macon Telegraph

Future care of disabled family members

Future care of disabled family members

Planning for family members with special needs can be overwhelming, especially when decisions may have lifelong consequences.

BeltLine bill passes House

BeltLine bill passes House

The Georgia House of Representatives approves legislation that supporters say could help speed up completion of the Atlanta BeltLine. Read the full article: Atlanta Business Chronicle

Toddler’s heart surgeries

Toddler’s heart surgeries

A Port Wentworth family turns to faith, friends as a toddler endures heart surgeries. Read the full article: Savannah Morning News

Cancer facility’s bid fails

Cancer facility’s bid fails

A bill to regulate home care drew more-than-expected attention as Cancer Treatment Centers of America supporters sought to ease state restrictions. Read the full article: Associated Press

Dublin: Vets’ frustration

Dublin: Vets’ frustration

More than 200 people with health care concerns gathered for a town hall meeting at the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center in Dublin. Read the full article: Macon Telegraph

Tybee: Beach smoking ban

Tybee: Beach smoking ban

A rule drafted by city attorney Bubba Hughes would make any use of tobacco or nicotine — cigarettes, cigars, pipes or electronic cigarettes — illegal along the beach. Read the full article: Savannah Morning News

Agreement smooths way for autism bill

Agreement smooths way for autism bill

The impasse over Georgia’s autism coverage bill has ended. A compromise between House and Senate leaders, announced Thursday, would clear the way for a vote on the measure before the General Assembly session ends next week. And the first legislative step came Friday morning, with approval of a newly reworked bill by the Senate Insurance…

Potential merger sparks concern on prices

Potential merger sparks concern on prices

As merger talks continue between Emory Healthcare and WellStar Health System, a consumer advocacy group has voiced concerns about the potential impact of a deal in the metro Atlanta market. Georgia Watch said such provider consolidation “is leading to higher prices for consumers with little to no improvement in the quality of care individuals receive.”…

Suburban counties rank highest in health

Suburban counties rank highest in health

The suburban versus rural health divide remains the key theme in the latest ranking of Georgia’s healthiest counties. Forsyth is ranked the healthiest county in 2015, just as it was in the previous two years. It was followed by Gwinnett, Fayette, Cobb and Oconee. All are in the northern or north-central part of the state,…