St. Luke's Hospital

Hospital systems are merging in deals bring facilities hundreds of miles apart under the same parent company, like St. Luke's and BJC HealthCare. That typically means higher prices for the patients they serve — but federal regulators haven't stepped in to stop consolidation.

The doctors, surgeons and psychologists of the Kansas City metro often see the worst parts of the area's growing problem with gun violence. Several of them are attempting to better prepare the medical students who work alongside them for the reality of dealing with this public health crisis on a day-to-day basis.

St. Luke's Health System on Wednesday announced plans to merge with BJC Healthcare, which operates Barnes-Jewish Hospital, the largest hospital in Missouri, and 14 other hospitals.

During heart health awareness month, a cardiologist shares what's known about SCAD, a condition that led one woman to suffer three cardiac events in three years. It's the leading cause of heart attacks in women under 50.

Once considered predominantly a men's disease, heart disease kills more women each year than cancer. One Kansas City doctor says that men and women are mistakenly prescribe different preventative treatment regimens.

COVID-19, RSV and the flu cases are filling up emergency rooms in the metropolitan area. Many area hospitals are at capacity, with some even putting beds in the hallways. All of this is overwhelming nurses already stretched thin.

Experts, including a pregnant OB-GYN doctor, warn pregnant patients reluctant to get the COVID vaccination that there could be deadly consequences for both mother and child.

Many OBGYNs across the state are worried as they see more serious pregnancy complications in women who have or had COVID-19. Medical experts strongly recommend the COVID vaccine for pregnant women.

A safety-first approach to a holiday season unlike any other, and a new food trail mapped out courtesy of Kansas City, Kansas.

There are no risk-free activities these days and developing a set of practices before heading out to spend time with friends can minimize the danger, experts say.

How to minimize risk and best express concerns about potential pandemic get-togethers, and a 21-day plan for those who want to build effective social justice practices.

Missouri's tourist destinations prepare for Memorial Day weekend, coronavirus safety measures for independent senior apartment facilities, high school yearbook staffs pivot to incorporate COVID-19 challenges, and the commencement speech of a valedictorian of Lincoln College Preparatory Academy.