To the Point
Medicare Costs and Your Doctor Bills
Last week's release of Medicare data reveals more than which doctors collect the most government money. It also shows that the AMA helps set prices for doctors' services.
By Warren Olney • • 50m ListenLast week's massive release of Medicare data reveals more than which doctors collect the most government money. It also shows that the American Medical Association helps set prices for doctors' services — in a system protected by federal law. Also, the standoff in eastern Ukraine, and the latest diplomatic flap with Iran.
Banner image: Les Black
In this episode
3 storiesStandoff in Eastern Ukraine
The interim President of Ukraine says he's not opposed to a nationwide referendum on granting regions greater autonomy. This, after he failed to make good on yesterday's threat of military action to remove pro-Russian protesters who've seized more and more government buildings. Mark Rachkevych is an editor of the Kyiv Post .
Read the story8 minMedicare Costs and Your Doctor Bills
Last year, Dow Jones persuaded a court to lift an injunction against the release of Medicare data, an injunction first granted to the American Medical Association in 1979. Last week, as a result, there was a massive " data dump " that's being called a watershed moment in establishing greater transparency.
Read the story36 minUS Blocks Iran's UN Ambassador Nominee
In 1979, young Iranians seized the US embassy in Tehran and held diplomats hostage until Ronald Reagan was elected President to replace Jimmie Carter. Hamid Aboutalebi was allegedly involved. Now, he's Iran's nominee as Ambassador to the United Nations, but the US has refused to grant him a visa.
Read the story7 min
