A Dialysis Exposé, and Leaked PR Counterspin

Here's what we're checking out today:

Dialysis: ProPublica releases its latest blockbuster health investigation of dialysis in America, finding that its costs and patient death rates are among the highest in the world even as for-profit providers flourish. A must-read editor's note details how reporter Robin Fields' persistence led to the release of previously secret federal data on dialysis quality and costs.  ProPublica even got a leaked copy of the industry's PR talking points in response to its investigation.

Health Reform: In a rare blog post, veteran health policy consultant Robert Laszewski handicaps prospects for health reform implementation in the new GOP-controlled House of Representatives: "a prescription for gridlock."

Health Access: The CDC's Vital Signs publication has some great new data on health insurance status and access to health care. Unsurprisingly, the number of uninsured is rising and now stands at about 50 million adults.

Chronic Disease: In Miller-McCune magazine, Melinda Burns reports on America's "hidden diseases" including Chagas and tuberculosis: "more than 20 chronic diseases are promoting the cycle of poverty in conditions of inadequate sanitation, unsafe water supplies and rundown housing."