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Reports on a probe by the United States Federal Railroad Administration which found serious track defects on several important routes operated by CSX Corp. as well as lack of quality control in the company's track-maintenance and inspection programs. Response from CSX; Possible liability for civil penalties.

Reports that United States police departments still use brake light flashers linked to a deadly car crash in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Shift-lock problem; United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's safety hazard alert; Absence of legal authority to prevent the installation of the flashers.

The article discusses how the U.S. health-care industry is evolving to cut costs and adapt to health-care-reform legislation in 2011. Insurers are cooperating more with health-care providers on risk-sharing in the provision of health care. Employers are playing a more active role in the health care of workers. Physician compensation has become more dependent on efficiency and quality.

The article discusses concerns among health insurers in the U.S. about the market for health insurance if the U.S. Supreme Court rules that subsidies for those who purchase insurance on the federal Healthcare.Gov insurance exchange are illegal. Priority Health and other insurers cannot confidently price their products for 2016 without knowing the status of subsidies. Janie Miller of nonprofit insurer Kentucky Health Cooperative Inc. says striking down subsidies would hurt the insurance market.

The article investigates the way for-profit long-term hospitals discharge Medicare patients to maximize profit, focusing on an analysis of how discharge times aligned with Medicare payment structures. Topics include the impact of financial incentives and payment thresholds on care; health care services companies Kindred Healthcare Inc. and Select Medical Corp.; and corruption.

The article reports that health insurance company Anthem Inc. disclosed it had been victimized by a data breach in which computer hackers gained access to information about as many as 80 million of the firm's customers and employees. Anthem said neither financial nor medical data seem to have been compromised. David Damato of cybersecurity firm FireEye Inc. says hackers have been increasingly targeting health-care companies.

The article discusses insurance company Aetna Inc.'s decision to establish a minimum wage of $16 per hour for its employees. The move will result in wage increases for nearly 12% of its U.S. work force. Aetna chief executive Mark T. Bertolini said industry trends will require Aetna to attract and retain better workers.

The article discusses the high incidence of serious conditions such as diabetes and cancer among those who have signed up for health insurance under the 2010 U.S. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. During the first quarter of 2014 27% of enrollees could be so characterized, compared to 16% in the year-ago quarter in the individual health-insurance market prior to the Act. Insurance companies say health-insurance premiums could be headed higher as a result.

The article discusses oncologists who have received large payments from the U.S. Medicare program for Procrit, a treatment for anemia little used due to concerns about tumor growth. Particular attention is paid to Florida Cancer Specialists in Fort Myers, Florida, whose oncologists prescribe Procrit at rates well above average. In 2012 oncologists at the firm received $20 million in Medicare payments for Procrit. Company President William Harwin says Procrit use has been appropriate.

The article reports that health insurers in several U.S. states are adding doctors and hospitals to the health-care plans they offer under the federal health-care-reform law. Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California and Health Net Inc. are among insurers that have augmented their plans in California. Insurance companies in Connecticut, New York, and Ohio have acted similarly.

The article discusses a suit filed in May, 2014 by health insurer Humana against medical-device maker Medtronic Inc. Humana alleges Medtronic violated the U.S. Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute (RICO) by conspiring with doctors to increase unapproved uses of Medtronic's Infuse bone-growth drug.

The article discusses efforts by health insurers in the U.S. to reduce the cost of medical treatment for cancer patients by providing oncologists incentives to restrict themselves to standardized treatment regimens. Particular attention is paid to an initiative that insurer WellPoint Inc. will introduce in 2014 that pays oncologists $350 per month for adhering to standard treatment programs.

The article discusses the age composition of those who have enrolled for health insurance in the U.S. at insurance exchanges established by the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. President Barack Obama's administration disclosed on May 1, 2014 that roughly 28% of enrollees were in the 18-34 age group, fewer than the 40% some analysts say is required for the law to function efficiently. Health insurers WellPoint and Aetna have said insurance premiums could rise in 2015.

The article discusses challenges posed to insurance company actuaries by the U.S. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Actuaries must predict medical costs and set insurance premiums for those who enroll for health-care coverage on insurance exchanges amid ongoing regulatory changes, and despite having limited information about the health of enrollees. Information is presented about the work of Diane Seaman, an actuary for health-insurer WellPoint Inc.

The article discusses a December 3, 2013 release of market-sensitive information by the U.S. government before it became widely available to the public. On that day, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services disclosed to 400 people on a conference call that a drop in federal funding for private Medicare Advantage health-insurance plans would be greater than previously thought. During the ensuing 10 days the share prices of UnitedHealth Group Inc. and other health insurers declined.

The article discusses efforts by U.S. health insurers to quickly gather information about those who have bought health-insurance policies from them under the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Insurers are using online surveys, emails, and telephone calls to collect data that will help them determine what premiums to charge for 2015. Proposed rates for 2015 must be submitted to insurance regulators by the spring of 2014.

The article discusses concern at the state and federal level in the U.S. about the limited number of doctors and hospitals that are included in health-insurance plans sold by insurance companies. The federal government has proposed that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approve the hospitals and doctors in a plan's network before the plan becomes available for sale at the HealthCare.gov Website. Regulators in New Hampshire and California are contemplating actions of their own.

The article discusses enrollment figures for health-insurance obtained via insurance exchanges under the U.S. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that call into question the Act's effectiveness at providing health insurance for those who previously had none. Survey data from consulting firm McKinsey & Co. suggest only 11% of those who bought new insurance policies at the exchanges through December 28, 2013 were previously uninsured.

The article reports that increasing numbers of firms in the U.S. are contemplating or implementing a change in how they provide health insurance to employees that involves providing fixed sums for workers to buy insurance from private exchanges. Retailer Sears Holdings Corp. and tequila producer Tanteo Spirits LLC are among firms that have adopted this approach.

The article discusses limits of health-insurance plans available from insurance exchanges provided for by the 2010 U.S. Affordable Care Act. Research firm McKinsey & Co. says 47% of the plans it analyzed were health-maintenance organizations, which typically don't pay for care from non-network providers. Health-insurance company Wellpoint Inc. says it is intentionally choosing smaller networks of health-care providers for the exchange plans it offers.

The article discusses chief executive officer Joseph Swedish of health insurer WellPoint Inc. Swedish took the job in March 2013 without having had experience in the health-insurance industry, a fact greeted with skepticism by some analysts. Information is presented about the potential impact on Wellpoint of the 2010 U.S. Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act.

The article reports on the results of a survey conducted by the University of Michigan in 2013 which found that nearly half of parents surveyed choose to give their toddlers over-the-counter cold medication. The medications have carried warnings about dispensing medicine to toddlers since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued warnings about it in 2008, and advice on treating toddlers with illnesses.

The article discusses the potential impact of U.S. health care reform legislation from the administration of the U.S. president Barack Obama on health care insurance costs for some individuals and small businesses in 2014. According to the article, health insurers such as UnitedHealth Group Inc. are announcing potential increases in prices.

The article discusses the use of online social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter for communication between doctors and patients. While such tools allow for easier communication, the author notes that some physicians are concerned about protecting patient privacy and maintaining separation between social and professional relationships. Information is provided on the prevalence of social media use by physicians, specifically Gerry Tolbert, Saroj Misra, and Jen Brull.

The article discusses decisions facing employers as they determine how best to comply with provisions of the 2010 Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act set to take effect in 2014. Some employers with 50 or more employees could find it less costly to discontinue health coverage for their workers and pay a consequent fine. Firms with significant numbers of part-time or low-income employees could see their health-related costs rise sharply.

The article discusses the use by some health insurers of services that provide consumers with access to physicians via telephone or online video. Insurance company WellPoint Inc. plans to introduce such an on-demand service to its individual and corporate customers. While some say remote medical consultations can reduce costs, others warn they may not be effective outside of established patient-doctor relations.

The article reports that U.S. hospital systems are increasingly beginning their own health insurance plans as of December 2012, largely as a result of the anticipated implementation of the U.S. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. It is said that fee-for-service revenue arrangements are going to be disadvantageous under the law.

The article discusses a change to be implemented by retailer Sears Holdings Corp. and restaurant operator Darden Restaurants Inc. in how they provide health insurance to employees. At both companies workers will shop for health insurance at an online insurance exchange using fixed sums that have been provided by their employers.

The article discusses trends in the U.S. primary-care industry and presents advice on choosing a primary-care physician. Many physicians have chosen to quit practicing independently in favor of joining a hospital system. At some practices non-physicians play an important role in providing medical care.

The article discusses how the California attorney general's office is investigating the possible link between consolidations among doctor groups and hospitals and increases in medical care costs as of September 14, 2012. Topics include how subpoenas were sent to hospital operators Scripps Health and Dignity Health, how hospitals' insurance reimbursements are being examined, and whether current health systems are violating antitrust law.

The article examines the U.S. Census Bureau's September 2012 report that found that median household income in the U.S. had decreased to 50,000 dollars in 2011, which is the lowest rate since 1995. Topics include why the decreased median income does not reflect the U.S. economic recovery, how the Census Bureau's report has influenced U.S. presidential nominee Mitt Romney's campaign speeches, and the effect of decreased income on enrollment in government social programs like Medicaid.

The article discusses events surrounding the August, 2012 resignation of Angela Braly as chief executive of health-insurer WellPoint Inc. Some large investors including mutual-fund company T. Rowe Price Group Inc. had expressed concerns about WellPoint's performance under Braly. The day after she resigned WellPoint's stock price rose 7.7%.

The article discusses practices being adopted by health-insurers in the U.S. to reduce costs by inhibiting patient access to care. Some firms are narrowing available choices for doctors and hospitals. Cigna Corp. and UnitedHealth Group Inc. are among insurers that increasingly mandate prior authorization for certain types of care.

The article discusses the health insurance company WellPoint Inc. and its acquisition of the Medicaid and health care provider Amerigroup Corp. Topics include the future of the state-federal Medicaid program for low-income Americans, the increasing ties between public and private companies in the health care industry in the U.S., and the 2014 expansion of Medicaid under the U.S. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. INSET: Amerigroup Deal.

The article discusses the financial strain on medical practices in the U.S. of a trend among insurers toward paying physicians for good medical outcomes and cost reductions. In some instances payments from insurers don't cover the added expenses doctors incur. Special attention is given to the circumstances of Dr. Scott Hammond in Denver, Colorado.

The article considers a change in compensation management of payments to physicians by U.S. health insurance companies in which payments to physicians and hospitals will be partially based on outcomes such as avoiding hospital readmissions and improving rates of patient medical screening rather than the traditional fees for individual services. The company UnitedHealth Group Inc. is among the examples cited.

The article discusses chief executive George Paz of pharmacy-benefits manager Express Scripts Inc. and his company's proposed acquisition of rival Medco Health Solutions Inc. Paz is said to have an understated but effective style of management. Trade groups representing pharmacies have complained to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission that the merger would give the combined firm too much market power.

The article discusses pharmacy-benefit-manager Express Scripts Inc.'s plans to buy rival Medco Health Solutions Inc. for $29.1 billion. Express Scripts chief executive George Paz will run the combined firm, which will operate under the Express Scripts name. After the merger Express Scripts will be the third-largest firm in its industry behind Walgreen Co. and CVS Caremark Corp.

The article discusses plans by Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based insurance company Highmark Inc. to buy hospital company West Penn Allegheny Health System. Highmark plans to move away from a fee-for-services model and instead provide doctors with incentives to improve medical outcomes and operate more efficiently. Commentary is presented about implications of the deal for West Penn's rivalry with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

The article reports that health-insurance company Blue Shield of California (BSC) said it would cap its annual profits at 2% of revenue, and further announced it would use $180 million in profits for 2010 to provide credits to customers. Consumer advocates have been critical of the profitability of nonprofit insurers such as BSC.

The article examines efforts by U.S. physicians and hospitals to create companies which would help reduce costs of medical care. The creation of so-called "accountable care organizations" (ACO), which are intended to coordinate the medical care offered specific groups of patients, is considered. The ACOs were created in response to a provision in the 2010 U.S. health insurance reform law which offered financial incentives for savings in the Medicare program.

The article discusses the Relative Value Scale Update Committee (RUC). Comprising 29 physicians, RUC meets three times each year to determine how much the U.S. Medicare system should pay doctors for various services. Its recommendations are generally followed by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which oversees Medicare. Critics say RUC directs too much money toward sophisticated medical procedures and not enough to primary care.

The article states that genetic-testing companies' marketing claims can be misleading consumers, according to an investigation by the U.S. Government Accountability Office. Four laboratory companies included in the investigation are deCODE genetics, Navigenics Inc., Pathway Genomics Corp., and 23andMe Inc. The outlook for regulatory oversight is mentioned.

The article reports that pharmacies of Walgreen Co. will discontinue filling prescriptions for new patients of drug plans administered by the Caremark unit of CVS Caremark Corp. Walgreen cited as reasons for its decision incentives CVS provided some customers to shop at CVS stores rather than Walgreen outlets, as well as reimbursement rates from CVS that Walgreen termed unpredictable.

The article discusses plans by the Hospital Association of Southern California to establish a foundation for providing doctors to hospitals in that region. Although health-care-reform legislation passed in the U.S. encourages such organizations as a means of improving care and efficiency, critics say their negotiating power could result in higher prices.

The article discusses whether children need vitamin supplements. Although supplement sales topped $1 billion in 2008, the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Dietetic Association both say supplements aren't necessary if children eat a nutritious and varied diet. Pediatrician Kathi Kemper notes that for many vitamins, excess quantities consumed get excreted in the urine.

The article reports that U.S. pharmaceutical companies raised drug prices to a significant degree in 2009. Among a number of issues the article examines increases posted by Merck and Company, which raised prices on an anti-cholesterol drug, and Eli Lilly and Company, which increased charges on an antidepressant.

The article discusses a vigorous rebuttal by Wellpoint Inc. chief executive Angela Braly to criticisms of her firm's intention to hike insurance premiums by up to 39% in California. Braly has argued that increasing health-care costs are at fault, and that without higher premiums Wellpoint will lose money on the insurance policies it sells to individuals.

The article discusses recommendations from the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force on aspirin consumption. For persons not at risk for heart disease or stroke, a daily aspirin could do more harm than good. The Task Force advises doctors to consider a patient's susceptibility to bleeding before prescribing aspirin.

The article discusses how cancer patient James Mannett of California has navigated the health-care system to obtain treatment. Since being diagnosed in 2005, Mannett estimates he himself has paid $100,000 of $600,000 in total outlays including travel expenses related to his care. He has discovered the financial benefits of establishing relationships with clerks in doctors' offices and case workers for insurance companies.