Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.

Las Vegas Sun reporter Marshall Allen chronicles a hospital privacy leak, doctor pay fraud, hidden obesity surgery costs, and a surgery to cure epilepsy.

Judge's comments: Allen's coverage of health care has a decidedly investigative tone and that doggedness created stories that get the attention of authorities and results. He pursued original topics and approaches, including stories that highlight issues now central to the health care reform debate - including cutting Medicare fraud. Gutsy, engagingly written and well-tailored to the newspaper's audience but really explaining national issues. Well chosen examples and scenes w/ fetching art and graphics.

• Chris Stones' story: A life defined by epilepsy
• The hidden cost of obesity
  
• In doctors' rush to bill, treatment on the fly
• Hospital privacy leak could harm patients

See the archived stories and questionnaire in which the reporter writes about how he approaches his work.