Latest news with #BlueCross
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
BlueCross BlueShield at risk of losing CHRISTUS Health contract due to healthcare dispute
For decades BlueCross and BlueShield of Texas (BCBSTX) has been an accepted insurance provider for CHRISTUS Health, but that could all change if they cannot reach an agreement by July 1. Visit this article to learn more: KETK/FOX51 News covers East Texas, bringing you the latest local stories, weather, sports and lifestyle coverage from the Piney Woods. Keep up with KETK/FOX51 News: Download the KETK/FOX51 app: Subscribe to KETK/FOX51 News: Find us on Facebook: and
Toronto Star
3 days ago
- Sport
- Toronto Star
Canada's Myles Creighton does it all in first win on Korn Ferry Tour
Myles Creighton had such a good week he almost forgot about the hole-in-one. Creighton, from Digby, N.S., had an ace on a par-3 hole in Friday's second round, followed it up with an 11-under 59 in the third round, and then had a 2-under 68 on Sunday to win the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Wichita Open.
Newsweek
3 days ago
- General
- Newsweek
Owner Gets Dog Spayed, Tears at What Happens When Foster Puppy Arrives
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A viral Instagram video shows the moment a dog owner introduced her latest foster puppy to her spayed female dog. And what happened next has melted hearts across the platform. The emotional clip shared in June by @samantha_welborn shows the poster's dog, a blue Heeler named Ellie, instantly kissing the small puppy, Oliver, playing with him—and teaching him everything young dogs typically learn from their moms. From choosing the right spot to nap, to hopping on the grass, the clip perfectly captures the way both pups feel about one another. "POV [point of view]: your spayed Heeler decides the foster puppy you took in is hers", the poster writes in the caption. A new puppy can be a great addition to your household, and a wonderful companion to your established dog, as long as you introduce them right. Animal charity Blue Cross suggests that the best to place for their first meeting is outside, possibly in the garden or on a short walk close to home, to avoid any displays of territorial behavior. After allowing them both to sniff and investigate one another, continue your walk and them bring them home together. Using baby gates to allow each pup access to their own private space can help make the process more comfortable for both. It is very important that you supervise their interactions at all times, until it's clear that they are happy having each other around. While most dogs can be trained to live with other canines, those that belong to the same breed have a higher chance of getting along. Pups of the opposite sex are also more likely to get along, if they are spayed/neutered. A stock image shows a large-sized dog smelling a small curious puppy. A stock image shows a large-sized dog smelling a small curious puppy. getty images The video quickly went viral on social media and it had received over 284,000 views and 25,400 likes on the platform at the time of writing. One user, Col_sum_05, commented: "Idk [I don't know] see what your saying i just see a very happy mama and her puppy." Anastasiaalk said: "Pls [please] the way he's trying to bite her when she kisses him is so cute!!" added: "I hope this means you've foster failed!!" Newsweek reached out to @samantha_welborn for comment via Instagram chat. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Winnipeg Free Press
3 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Canada's Myles Creighton does it all in first win on Korn Ferry Tour
Myles Creighton had such a good week he almost forgot about the hole-in-one. Creighton, from Digby, N.S., had an ace on a par-3 hole in Friday's second round, followed it up with an 11-under 59 in the third round, and then had a 2-under 68 on Sunday to win the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Wichita Open. His first victory on the Korn Ferry Tour and catapulted him 58 spots up to 16th on the second-tier circuit's points list. 'Just kind of processing it all still,' said Creighton as he travelled to the Memorial Health Championship in Springfield, Ill. 'I think it'll take a little while to set in but we another tournament and all so it kind of on to the next one, trying to prepare. 'But I am, you know, trying to enjoy this one, and we'll do that for at least a couple weeks.' Creighton wasn't even sure he'd be able to play the weekend at Crestview Country Club in Wichita, but he had two eagles on Friday — the hole-in-one on the par-3 12th and a hole out on the par-4 15th as he shot 30 on the back nine — to make the cut with a round of a 2-under 68. That set up Creighton's Saturday, where he had 12 birdies and one bogey to move to the top of the leaderboard. He then held on to that lead in the final round for the victory. Creighton became just the third player in Korn Ferry Tour history to win an event after carding a sub-60 round the same week. 'It was just such a crazy week,' Creighton said with a chuckle. 'All the things that happened, just to give myself a chance to play on Saturday and then 59 on Saturday and then win the golf tournament.' He is the second Canadian to win on the Korn Ferry Tour after Sudarshan Yellamaraju of Mississauga, Ont., was victorious at The Bahamas Great Abaco Classic on Jan. 22. Derek Ingram, the head coach of Golf Canada's men's team, was at Crestview Country Club last week to support Creighton and the other Canadians in the field at the Wichita Open. He said Creighton's impressive week was a result of consistent hard work. 'The message with Myles for the last two or three months has been to be patient, keep working the plan, and if you do the right things long enough, we will get rewarded,' said Ingram on Tuesday. 'But it's tough for a guy to be patient when they're not getting rewarded but we knew good things were going to happen. 'I wasn't expecting, you know, a hole-in-one, a 30 on the back nine on Friday to make the cut, a 59, and then to win the tournament. We were just expecting great results, whether it's the top five or some consistent results coming down the pipeline, but that was fantastic and a dream come true for Myles.' Creighton and Yellamaraju are both in the field at this week's Memorial Health Championship. Yellamaraju is 18th on the points list. They'll be joined at Panther Creek Country Club by Vancouver's Stuart Macdonald (34th), Matthew Anderson (55th) of Mississauga, Roger Sloan (130th) of Merritt, B.C., and Etienne Papineau (141st) of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que. PGA TOUR — Amateur Ashton McCulloch of Kingston, Ont., will be in the field at this week's Rocket Classic on a sponsors exemption. He'll be joining regular PGA Tour players Adam Hadwin (ranked 112th on the FedEx Cup standings) of Abbotsford, B.C., Ben Silverman (166th) of Thornhill, Ont., and Adam Svensson (167th) of Surrey, B.C., in the field at Detroit Golf Club. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. DP WORLD TOUR — Aaron Cockerill of Stony Mountain, Man., is the lone Canadian teeing off at the Italian Open this week. He's 116th on the European-based tour's Race to Dubai points list heading into play at Argentario Golf Club in Monte Argentario, Italy. CHAMPIONS TOUR — Calgary's Stephen Ames, Mike Weir of Brights Grove, Ont., and Dave Bunker of Richmond Hill, Ont., are in this week's U.S. Senior Open Championship. Ames is 35th on the Schwab Cup points list and Weir is 70th heading into play at Broadmoor Golf Club in Colorado Springs, Colo. Bunker hasn't played on the Champions Tour since 2016. LPGA TOUR — Savannah Grewal of Mississauga, Ont., leads the Canadian contingent into this week's Dow Championship. Grewal is 131st in the Race to CME Globe standings heading into play at Midland Country Club in Midland, Mich. Hamilton's Alena Sharp (141st) and Maude-Aimee Leblanc (156th) of Sherbrooke, Que., are also in the field. EPSON TOUR — Maddie Szeryk of London, Ont., is the top ranked Canadian on the second-tier Epson Tour heading into the Otter Creek Championship on Friday. She's 40th in the Race for the Card standings heading into play at Otter Creek Golf Course in Columbus, Ind. There are nine Canadians in the field including Brooke Rivers (56th) of Brampton, Ont., Josee Doyon (63rd) of Saint-Georges, Que., Monet Chun (69th) of Richmond Hill, Ont., Mary Parsons (104th) of Delta, B.C., Yeji Kwon (126th) of Port Coquitlam, B.C., Vancouver's Leah John (138th), Brigitte Thibault (146th) of Rosemere, Que., and Toronto's Ashley Chow (unranked). This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 25, 2025.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
More pets being put down due to rising vet bills, BBC told
Pet owners are increasingly having their sick animals put down or they are delaying taking them for treatment to avoid spiralling vet bills, vets and animal charities have warned. Some animal lovers are giving up pets to rehoming centres, while others have decided not to own any more in the future due to high costs, the BBC has been told. Many veterinary surgeons and nurses say treatment prices have been pushed up after big corporations have bought up practices. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) said the cost of care had increased for a variety of reasons and fees reflected the prices businesses needed to charge to remain financially viable and open. Hundreds of pet owners have contacted Your Voice, Your BBC News, with concerns over vet bills. Avril told us about her dog Dougie after File on Four Investigates revealed the "constant pressure" some vets felt to generate income. The 12-year-old Cavachon has a heart condition, but Avril says she has had to cut back on vet appointments as prices have risen every year. Now Dougie has gone deaf and Avril worries his condition may have got worse because she cut back on follow-up appointments due to the cost. She said she's gone through "a lot of soul searching", adding that at times she worries not taking him is to blame. "At least I'm still hanging in there and get to keep him," she said, but added she felt "desperately sorry for those people who have given up their pet". Caroline also got in touch after paying more than £4,500 to treat her 19-year-old cat Ozzie when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour. The bill was so expensive she could not afford to cremate Ozzie after the cat died - so instead she brought her home and buried her in the back garden. She said the cost of treating Ozzie, who died in 2022, was so high it has put her off owning another pet. "I'm currently in my early 60s and I don't want to be 10 years down the line having to find £4,500," she said. "I don't want the emotional upset of possibly not being able to afford it and then having to ask for somebody to rehome the cat as well." Animal welfare charity Blue Cross warned increased treatment costs are a "ticking time bomb" for the welfare of pets. "Access to affordable vet care has reduced and we're seeing more animals not getting the treatment they need and even being relinquished because their owners can no longer afford to keep them," said Paul Manktelow, director of veterinary services for the charity. Blue Cross runs a fund for people who can't afford emergency care and it's seen a 264% increase in applications in the past year, going from 1,319 in 2023 to 4,807 in 2024. The BBC has spoken to 25 veterinary surgeons, nurses and industry insiders working for a range of companies and the majority blamed higher vet bills on big companies buying up practices. One said life became "hellish" when their practice was taken over. Another said a regional manager bought them a cake when they hit their financial targets, which "went down badly" with staff, who were busy and covered in animal blood and urine at the time. Only one person did speak to us publicly because others feared never working again. Locum vet Dr Callum Ladell, who has worked at more than 250 practices, says public trust in vets has been lost and he is seeing fewer clients bringing in their animals for treatment because they are expecting a big bill. "We're having cases come in, having been left for months and months, and normally, it ends up being euthanasia - putting an animal to sleep - because they can't afford the bill and because it works out cheaper than fixing them," he told the BBC. The British Veterinary Union in Unite (BVU) - which represents workers in the industry – says people are increasingly choosing to euthanise their pets due to cost pressures, even when there are other medical options available. A survey of 10,000 cat owners by the charity Cats Protection found 58% did not visit the vet as often as they would like, with cost described as the biggest barrier. Dr Ladell said he treated a friend's cat, called Elvis, who suffered a wound to his leg in May. He sedated the cat, cleaned out the wound and stitched it up at a cost of £93.19. This didn't include his clinical time, which he estimated would have added £300 to the bill. The cat later opened up the wound – making it larger - and this time, Dr Ladell took him to the practice at which Elvis was registered, which is owned by the corporate chain CVS. The case notes and final bill, which have been seen by the BBC, showed vets treated the cat under full anaesthetic, removed tissue, reopened the wound, flushed it out, put a drain in and stitched it up. The bill came to £1,074.54. Dr Ladell didn't criticise the quality of care received but said he feels more cost-effective treatment could have been done with an equally good outcome, particularly if the owner was not someone who could afford more than £1,000 for this "gold standard" service. CVS, which owns around 500 veterinary practices across the UK and Australia, said the two procedures were not comparable. A spokesperson said: "It would be incorrect for us to comment publicly on an individual case as we are bound by confidentiality rules. It would also be unprofessional for us to compare the high-quality treatment we offer with another member of the veterinary profession, particularly if the level of surgical intervention is very different." In 2013, only 10% of vet practices in the UK were owned by large corporate groups. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said six large corporate vet groups - IVC Evidensia, CVS, Medivet, Pets at Home, Linnaeus, and Vet Partners – now account for 60% of the market. Bills for pet owners have risen as corporate ownership has increased - by more than 60% - between 2015 and 2023, figures from the CMA show. This is almost double the rate of inflation or the increase in vet salaries over that time. The CMA is currently investigating whether a lack of competition in the veterinary sector has contributed to soaring prices. Seven vets at practices owned by IVC Evidensia told File on Four Investigates they were monitored and subject to targets set by the company. One said he and his colleagues were encouraged to compete against other practices owned by IVC over the number of certain procedures they carried out on animals, through what the company called "clinical challenge milestones". IVC said the health and welfare of animals was always its first priority and stressed these "clinical challenge" targets weren't financial but designed to improve the clinical care of pets. The selected procedures, it says, are all carefully chosen because they are essential to ensuring a prompt diagnosis and stabilisation of emergency patients. Corporate vet chains have said there are a variety of reasons why vet costs have increased – including advances in treatments, rising running costs and demands from pet owners for higher standards. The CMA has put forward suggestions of changes designed to make veterinary services more affordable – including price caps on medicines, prescriptions and other services like cremations. The British Veterinary Association (BVA), the vet union BVC and veterinary staff all agree regulation of the industry needs to be updated. However, the BVA said the CMA's proposed remedies may have the "unintentional consequence of reducing consumer choice and potentially increasing vet fees". "If owners are concerned about cost, speak to your vet because they will always prioritise the welfare of the animal in their care and work closely with owners to find treatment plans that work for their circumstances," said British Veterinary Association president Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux. The CMA was due to publish its final report towards the end of the year, but that's been delayed by three to six months due to the volume and complexity of feedback from vets on its proposed changes. Caroline says she can't bring herself to remove the cat flap she had for Ozzie, because that completely closes off ever having a pet. However, she insists that even though she loves having animals around, the cost of looking after one means she is going to "fight the urge to get another pet". Warning pet owners overpaying for medicine Vets say they are under pressure to bring in more money per pet Vets may face caps on cremations and other charges
