About one in five Medicare patients returns to a hospital within 30 days of being discharged. New programs aim to keep them home with on-the-spot care.

Health Bills Tackle Doc Shortage

By Karen Springen

As part of health-care reform, lawmakers are tackling the problem of too few physicians to treat exploding numbers of older people. One bill would allot as much as $130 million to train doctors focused on care of older Americans.

Where's Your Nurse?

By Katharine Greider

The government estimates there will be a shortfall of more than one million registered U.S. nurses by 2020. Could the shortage hurt your care?

A Lifesaving Checklist

From My Generation

Every year, 28,000 people die of central-line infections. Dr. Peter Pronovost has found that hospital workers can prevent many of the deaths by taking five simple steps.

Why Health Care Costs So Much

By Shannon Brownlee

Even as millions aren't getting needed treatment, others are being overtreated.

To Prevent Doctor Blunders, Ask

By Jerome Groopman, M.D.

Asking doctors these 3 questions can help them avoid misdiagnoses and mistakes.