Rachael Bedard

Citing recent research, our Slow Medicine bloggers write that "we are still exposing far too many patients to an intensity of care at the end of life that leaves their family members with additional grief and regret."

Obamacare has strongly encouraged the creation of accountable care organizations, which focus on coordinating patient care so that, in theory, wasteful practices are eliminated and money is saved. But the early results have been mixed.

When treatment options aren't clear-cut, can decision-making tools such as brochures and videos help patients make better choices? A new study provides the first systematic review of decision aids designed to help patients with serious illness. The evidence on their effectiveness is mixed.

New projections estimate that Obamacare will add more than a quarter-billion dollars in administrative costs by 2022. About two thirds of this added expense will go to private insurance companies via the insurance exchanges. In contrast, public insurance gives far more bang for the buck.