Health Care

Pertussis rise triggers local call for vaccinations

Whooping cough outbreak boosts concerns by SRHD

May 7, 2015

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.

PAML achieves record volume

Lab's requisitions grew 8.6 percent last year

March 12, 2015

Katie Ross

Pathology Associates Medical Laboratories LLC, the Spokane-based national reference laboratory, says it has recorded its highest number of annual tests to date, with requisition volume year-over-year total growth of 8.6 percent in 2014. Patty Sipes, seni

Direct primary care is popular with doctors, not yet with patients

Physicians' model allows more time with each person

February 12, 2015

Staff Report

While data would indicate patient interest in direct primary health care hasn't grown locally, it could be a trend on a national level, and Hayden, Idaho-based doctor Richard R. Samuel is taking part in that trend.

Work-site clinic operator targets big Spokane-area employers

AnovaWorks aims to grow presence in region

February 12, 2015

Kim Crompton

AnovaWorks PLLC, a Wenatchee-based company that works with larger employers to provide health care services on or near their premises to help them reduce costs, says it's expanding its services into the Spokane area and North Idaho.

Big rural health gathering to be held here in March

Dual events likely to draw attendees from five states

February 12, 2015

Staff Report

What's touted to be the Northwest's largest gathering on rural health will take place here March 17-19 during two conferences that are expected to draw health professionals from Alaska, Montana, Oregon, Idaho and Washington, organizers say.