Author: Tim Stumm

Efforts to bring the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics and the UW Medical Foundation into a single, integrated organization are a step closer to reality after receiving support from the hospital's board Wednesday. (WHN, 5/7)

The state budget committee voted Tuesday to eliminate a $70 annual fee on Wisconsin physicians, ending a key funding source for the Wisconsin Health Information Organization. (WHN, 5/6)

The Legislature's budget-writing committee approved Gov. Scott Walker's request to have the Department of Health Services take over the administration of a program allowing those charged with a second drunken driving offense or higher to receive substance abuse treatment before trial. (WHN, 5/6)

Wisconsin has the second best overall quality of healthcare in the country, according to a recent report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (WHN, 5/5)

A recent letter from Dane County area unions misrepresented Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin's financial status, according to a statement from the health maintenance organization. The letters encouraged union members to vote for a slate of candidates during Group Health's upcoming board of directors meeting, set for May 14. (WHN, 5/5)

Milwaukee County officials and advocates worry that Gov. Scott Walker's proposed changes to emergency detention procedures for those who are mentally ill, developmentally disabled or drug dependent may send them to jail rather than provide them with the help they need. (WHN, 5/4)