Cute video talking about health insurance carriers...BD
Does anybody take encryption seriously? They should......
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/14/business/14insure.html?_r=3&ref=health&oref=slogin&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
Medical Data on Empire Blue Cross Members May Be Lost
WellPoint, one of the nation’s largest health insurers, has begun notifying 75,000 members of its Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield unit in New York that a compact disc holding their vital medical and other personal information had disappeared.
Empire began notifying the affected consumers by mail on Saturday that their records — including their names, Social Security numbers, health plan identification numbers and description of medical services back to 2003 — had been lost.
subscription may be required
Medical Data on Empire Blue Cross Members May Be Lost
WellPoint, one of the nation’s largest health insurers, has begun notifying 75,000 members of its Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield unit in New York that a compact disc holding their vital medical and other personal information had disappeared.
Empire began notifying the affected consumers by mail on Saturday that their records — including their names, Social Security numbers, health plan identification numbers and description of medical services back to 2003 — had been lost.
subscription may be required
Health Plans: The only game in town? - Medical Economics
http://www.memag.com/memag/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=410226&pageID=1&sk=&date=
In the greater Los Angeles area, Blue Cross of California, owned by WellPoint, is the 800-pound gorilla, as ophthalmologist David H. Aizuss calls it. Aizuss, who practices in a six-doctor group, says the company "doesn't negotiate—you accept its terms or you take a hike."
Some primary care doctors in the area have decided to do just that, but it's hard, he says, for surgical specialists to follow suit. "Most surgical specialists find that they have to contract with a lot of different plans."
It's also hard to jump plans, he says, unless your specialty is in short supply: "A good friend of mine is a pediatric neurologist, one of only a very few in the San Fernando Valley, which has a population of well over a million people. Because he's a scarce commodity, he's able to refuse any new contract that doesn't meet his terms, which amount to paying him his usual and customary fees. Otherwise, he doesn't bother." His own situation, Aizuss realizes, is quite different. "For ophthalmologists who may have 10 colleagues down the street, it's much more difficult to negotiate these things."
In the greater Los Angeles area, Blue Cross of California, owned by WellPoint, is the 800-pound gorilla, as ophthalmologist David H. Aizuss calls it. Aizuss, who practices in a six-doctor group, says the company "doesn't negotiate—you accept its terms or you take a hike."
Some primary care doctors in the area have decided to do just that, but it's hard, he says, for surgical specialists to follow suit. "Most surgical specialists find that they have to contract with a lot of different plans."
It's also hard to jump plans, he says, unless your specialty is in short supply: "A good friend of mine is a pediatric neurologist, one of only a very few in the San Fernando Valley, which has a population of well over a million people. Because he's a scarce commodity, he's able to refuse any new contract that doesn't meet his terms, which amount to paying him his usual and customary fees. Otherwise, he doesn't bother." His own situation, Aizuss realizes, is quite different. "For ophthalmologists who may have 10 colleagues down the street, it's much more difficult to negotiate these things."
When the EMR goes down....
http://theblogthatatemanhattan.blogspot.com/2007/03/when-electronic-medical-record-goes.html
This MD has some great idea on the blog on how to respond when the EMR goes down. As he mentioned, a "read only" chart can be a simple solution, even if it is only available on one PC to get through the down time. One good thing about electronic records is that there is always back up and everything can be restored, versus the alternative of paper documents, as once they are gone, they are gone. BD
This MD has some great idea on the blog on how to respond when the EMR goes down. As he mentioned, a "read only" chart can be a simple solution, even if it is only available on one PC to get through the down time. One good thing about electronic records is that there is always back up and everything can be restored, versus the alternative of paper documents, as once they are gone, they are gone. BD
If Crack Dealers Took Lessons From Walgreens, They Really Would Be Rich
http://www.freakonomics.com/blog/2007/03/15/if-crack-dealers-took-lessons-from-walgreens-they-really-would-be-rich/
This is a must read for all, patients and MDs. On the left hand side of my blog you can easily link to Target and WalMart pdfs that show the cost of their generic drugs listed on their special program. Many thanks to the authors of this blog for bringing this to our attention. BD
So Wolf began snooping around and found that two chains, Costco and Sam’s Club, sold generics at prices far, far below the other chains. Even once you factor in the cost of buying a membership at Costco and Sam’s Club, the price differences were astounding. Here are the prices he found at Houston stores for 90 tablets of generic Prozac:
Walgreens: $117
Eckerd: $115
CVS: $115
Sam’s Club: $15
Costco: $12
Those aren’t typos. Walgreens charges $117 for a bottle of the same pills for which Costco charges $12.
This is a must read for all, patients and MDs. On the left hand side of my blog you can easily link to Target and WalMart pdfs that show the cost of their generic drugs listed on their special program. Many thanks to the authors of this blog for bringing this to our attention. BD
So Wolf began snooping around and found that two chains, Costco and Sam’s Club, sold generics at prices far, far below the other chains. Even once you factor in the cost of buying a membership at Costco and Sam’s Club, the price differences were astounding. Here are the prices he found at Houston stores for 90 tablets of generic Prozac:
Walgreens: $117
Eckerd: $115
CVS: $115
Sam’s Club: $15
Costco: $12
Those aren’t typos. Walgreens charges $117 for a bottle of the same pills for which Costco charges $12.
Windows Internet Explorer 7 for Windows Server 2003 SP1 or Windows Server 2003 SP2
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=bc327d94-4f2c-481f-8595-fa5b90b11bfc&DisplayLang=en#Requirements
Internet Explorer update for Server 2003 is available. Be sure you also have the latest service packs for Server 2003 prior to installing this update.
Internet Explorer update for Server 2003 is available. Be sure you also have the latest service packs for Server 2003 prior to installing this update.
VA nurse fails to visit patients, lists dead patient as 'stable'
http://www.heraldsun.com/state/6-829665.cfm
This has been around for years with folks documenting without making the actual calls and eventually it will catch up with one who does the administrative entry without all the facts that is only gained by doing the job. BD
SALISBURY, N.C. -- A nurse responsible for monitoring care of frail military veterans didn't visit patients as required for two years and filed one report that listed a dead patient in stable condition, according to a federal inspection obtained by The Charlotte Observer.
This has been around for years with folks documenting without making the actual calls and eventually it will catch up with one who does the administrative entry without all the facts that is only gained by doing the job. BD
SALISBURY, N.C. -- A nurse responsible for monitoring care of frail military veterans didn't visit patients as required for two years and filed one report that listed a dead patient in stable condition, according to a federal inspection obtained by The Charlotte Observer.
Bill Gates Still Loves the Tablet PC
This week the Microsoft MVP Summit is taking place in Redmond. One of the Tablet MVPs from Australia, Hugo Ortega was able to capture a few moments of the discussion area with Bill Gates. The video starts with everyone getting seated and continues on with Mr. Gates re-affirming his commitment and involvement with Tablet PCs. The medical arena is truly a real benefactor with Tablets. BD
One Big Tablet
This is a product on display at CeBit in Germany this week. The product shown is one big tablet! The video is extremely interesting to watch and of course the unit is not portable, but gives some real interesting thoughts on using the item for presentations, etc., you name it. From the medical side of the arena, I could see a radiology department truly having some real benefit in this area, think about it. BD
HMO Humor
Saint Peter at the Pearly Gates
Three guys died at the same time and ended up in front of Saint Peter at the Pearly Gates. Saint Peter said to the first guy, "Why should I let you in?" The guy answered, "I was a doctor and I helped many people get well." Saint Peter said, "Okay, you may come in." Saint Peter said to the second guy, "Why should I let you in?" The guy answered, "I was a lawyer and defended many innocent people." Saint Peter said, "Okay, you may come in." Saint Peter then said to the last guy, "And why should I let you in?" The guy answered, "Well, I was a managed health care professional and I helped to keep health care costs down." Saint Peter thought about this a moment and said, "Okay, you may come in, but you can only stay three days!"
Q: What does HMO stand for?
A: This is actually a variation of the phrase, "Hey, Moe!" Its roots go back to the concept pioneered by Dr. Moe Howard, who discovered that a patient could be made to forget about the pain in his foot if he was poked hard enough in the eyes. Modern practice replaces the finger poke with hi-tech equivalents such as voice mail and referral slips, but the result remains the same.
Q: Do all diagnostic procedures require pre-certification?
A: No. Only those you need.
Q: I just joined a new HMO. How difficult will it be to choose the doctor I want?
A: Just slightly more difficult than choosing your parents. Your insurer will provide you with a book listing all the doctors who were participating in the plan at the time the information was gathered. These doctors will fall into two basic categories: those who are no longer accepting new patients and those who will see you but are no longer part of the plan. But don't worry--the remaining doctor who is still in the plan and accepting new patients has an office just half a day's drive away.
Q: What are pre-existing conditions?
A: This is a phrase used by the grammatically challenged when they want to talk about existing conditions. Unfortunately, we seem to be pre- stuck with it.
Q: Well, can I get coverage for my pre-existing conditions?
A: Certainly. As long as they don't require any treatment.
Q: What happens if I want to try alternative forms of medicine?
A: You'll need to find alternative forms of payment.
Q: I have an 80/20 plan with a $200 deductible and a $2,000 yearly cap. My insurer reimbursed the doctor for my outpatient surgery, but I'd already paid the bill. What should I do?
A: You have two choices: your doctor can sign the reimbursement check over to you, or you can ask him to invest the money for you in one of those great offers that only doctors and dentists hear about, like windmill farms and frog hatcheries.
Q: What accounts for the largest portion of health care costs?
A: Doctors trying to recoup their investment losses.
Q: What should I do if I get sick while traveling?
A: Try sitting in a different part of the bus.
Q: No, I mean what if I'm away from home and I get sick?
A: You really shouldn't do that. You'll have a hard time seeing your primary care physician. It's best to wait until you return, then get sick.
Q: I think I need to see a specialist, but my doctor insists he can handle my problem. Can a general practitioner really perform a heart transplant right in his office?
A: Hard to say, but considering that all you're risking is the $10 co-payment, there's no harm in giving him a shot.
Q: My pharmacy only covers generic drugs, but I need the name brand. I tried the generic medication and it gave me a stomach ache. What should I do?
A: Poke yourself in the eye.
Q: Will health care be any different in the next century?
A: No, but if you call right now, you might get an appointment by then.
Three guys died at the same time and ended up in front of Saint Peter at the Pearly Gates. Saint Peter said to the first guy, "Why should I let you in?" The guy answered, "I was a doctor and I helped many people get well." Saint Peter said, "Okay, you may come in." Saint Peter said to the second guy, "Why should I let you in?" The guy answered, "I was a lawyer and defended many innocent people." Saint Peter said, "Okay, you may come in." Saint Peter then said to the last guy, "And why should I let you in?" The guy answered, "Well, I was a managed health care professional and I helped to keep health care costs down." Saint Peter thought about this a moment and said, "Okay, you may come in, but you can only stay three days!"
Q: What does HMO stand for?
A: This is actually a variation of the phrase, "Hey, Moe!" Its roots go back to the concept pioneered by Dr. Moe Howard, who discovered that a patient could be made to forget about the pain in his foot if he was poked hard enough in the eyes. Modern practice replaces the finger poke with hi-tech equivalents such as voice mail and referral slips, but the result remains the same.
Q: Do all diagnostic procedures require pre-certification?
A: No. Only those you need.
Q: I just joined a new HMO. How difficult will it be to choose the doctor I want?
A: Just slightly more difficult than choosing your parents. Your insurer will provide you with a book listing all the doctors who were participating in the plan at the time the information was gathered. These doctors will fall into two basic categories: those who are no longer accepting new patients and those who will see you but are no longer part of the plan. But don't worry--the remaining doctor who is still in the plan and accepting new patients has an office just half a day's drive away.
Q: What are pre-existing conditions?
A: This is a phrase used by the grammatically challenged when they want to talk about existing conditions. Unfortunately, we seem to be pre- stuck with it.
Q: Well, can I get coverage for my pre-existing conditions?
A: Certainly. As long as they don't require any treatment.
Q: What happens if I want to try alternative forms of medicine?
A: You'll need to find alternative forms of payment.
Q: I have an 80/20 plan with a $200 deductible and a $2,000 yearly cap. My insurer reimbursed the doctor for my outpatient surgery, but I'd already paid the bill. What should I do?
A: You have two choices: your doctor can sign the reimbursement check over to you, or you can ask him to invest the money for you in one of those great offers that only doctors and dentists hear about, like windmill farms and frog hatcheries.
Q: What accounts for the largest portion of health care costs?
A: Doctors trying to recoup their investment losses.
Q: What should I do if I get sick while traveling?
A: Try sitting in a different part of the bus.
Q: No, I mean what if I'm away from home and I get sick?
A: You really shouldn't do that. You'll have a hard time seeing your primary care physician. It's best to wait until you return, then get sick.
Q: I think I need to see a specialist, but my doctor insists he can handle my problem. Can a general practitioner really perform a heart transplant right in his office?
A: Hard to say, but considering that all you're risking is the $10 co-payment, there's no harm in giving him a shot.
Q: My pharmacy only covers generic drugs, but I need the name brand. I tried the generic medication and it gave me a stomach ache. What should I do?
A: Poke yourself in the eye.
Q: Will health care be any different in the next century?
A: No, but if you call right now, you might get an appointment by then.
Coding Help - Diabetes from Medical Economics
http://www.memag.com/memag/content/printContentPopup.jsp?id=410217
Patients who have diabetes often have one or more complications that require your extra attention, and these added problems can have a significant effect on the E&M level you bill. Use these steps for diabetes diagnosis coding to ensure that your ICD-9-CM codes justify the services you bill.
Use the correct digits
Determine the fourth digit for 250.xx (diabetes mellitus) according to the type of diabetic complication the patient has (1 for ketoacidosis, 4 for renal conditions, 6 for neurological involvement, etc.). You should code only the complication relevant to the services you render during the visit.
Use V codes
Just as fourth and fifth digits paint a more complete picture of a patient's diabetes, V codes are also important for telling the carrier the whole story. Assign V58.67 as a secondary code for patients who take insulin.
Patients who have diabetes often have one or more complications that require your extra attention, and these added problems can have a significant effect on the E&M level you bill. Use these steps for diabetes diagnosis coding to ensure that your ICD-9-CM codes justify the services you bill.
Use the correct digits
Determine the fourth digit for 250.xx (diabetes mellitus) according to the type of diabetic complication the patient has (1 for ketoacidosis, 4 for renal conditions, 6 for neurological involvement, etc.). You should code only the complication relevant to the services you render during the visit.
Use V codes
Just as fourth and fifth digits paint a more complete picture of a patient's diabetes, V codes are also important for telling the carrier the whole story. Assign V58.67 as a secondary code for patients who take insulin.
Ablet Factory - One Note Toolkit
If you are perhaps not ready to invest in a full EMR system, the Ablet Factory has a nice One Note Soap Toolkit. You can find the link to the Ablet Factory on the left hand side of the page under the Tablet PC Links.
By using One Note, physicians can select to "share" patient profiles with other physicians using One Note. With a small investment in a tablet pc, One Note (part of Microsoft Office) this is a great way to get started with putting charts on a computer. One Note can also be used on a desktop pc as well. For a small example, physicians in an ER room could easily start creating records and sharing with other physicians, so if a patient is seen by more than one physician, the patient record is available. With the new Mobile version of One Note, these can also be shared and used with a PDA.
There are many ways to go by using the One Note Soap Kit as a starting point for charting.
The One Note Soap Kit is also a great solution for the small practice with one or more physicians.
By using One Note, physicians can select to "share" patient profiles with other physicians using One Note. With a small investment in a tablet pc, One Note (part of Microsoft Office) this is a great way to get started with putting charts on a computer. One Note can also be used on a desktop pc as well. For a small example, physicians in an ER room could easily start creating records and sharing with other physicians, so if a patient is seen by more than one physician, the patient record is available. With the new Mobile version of One Note, these can also be shared and used with a PDA.
There are many ways to go by using the One Note Soap Kit as a starting point for charting.
The One Note Soap Kit is also a great solution for the small practice with one or more physicians.
Employers Offer Employees Incentives To Promote Improved Health, Reduce Health Care Costs
The Los Angeles Times on Monday examined how a "growing number of U.S. employers and their insurers are enticing workers to stay healthy with prizes, discounted insurance and even cash" to help address "ever-rising health care costs." Some employers and health insurers -- such as Wells Fargo, Johnson & Johnson, IBM, UnitedHealth Group and Blue Shield of California -- have begun to provide employees with incentives -- such as electronics, jewelry and cash for medical savings accounts -- to exercise regularly, quit smoking, reduce cholesterol levels, manage chronic conditions or participate in prevention programs. However, according to experts, whether such incentives lead to reduced health care costs remains unclear (Yi, Los Angeles Times, 3/12).
You can turn your practice around - Medical Economics
Interesting story on how one MD turned a practice around with changing the way she did business....BD
http://www.memag.com/memag/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=410220&ref=25
One of Lander's first acts of financial self-preservation was cutting loose three insurers—Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare—whose miserly fee schedules were depressing revenue.
Landers' biggest move on the revenue side, though, was dropping her outside billing agency in 2004 and taking that job in-house. The company that she had relied on to collect her money was lackadaisical at best. Instead of getting claims out the door within 24 hours of the service, it sometimes sat on them for a month. The company also was slow to work denied or underpaid claims. If an explanation of benefits came back stating that the patient wasn't covered under a particular health plan, the company would dun—and irk—the patient instead of finding out if he had a new health plan. When checks from health plans and Medicare didn't arrive when they should, Landers' urgent calls to the billing agency were met with nonchalance.
To set up her own operation, Landers purchased billing and scheduling software....
She's also implementing an EHR system with the hope of reaping such benefits as quicker charting to get her out of the office sooner and more accurate coding to boost revenue. The system will also qualify her for a deeper discount on malpractice premiums.
http://www.memag.com/memag/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=410220&ref=25
One of Lander's first acts of financial self-preservation was cutting loose three insurers—Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare—whose miserly fee schedules were depressing revenue.
Landers' biggest move on the revenue side, though, was dropping her outside billing agency in 2004 and taking that job in-house. The company that she had relied on to collect her money was lackadaisical at best. Instead of getting claims out the door within 24 hours of the service, it sometimes sat on them for a month. The company also was slow to work denied or underpaid claims. If an explanation of benefits came back stating that the patient wasn't covered under a particular health plan, the company would dun—and irk—the patient instead of finding out if he had a new health plan. When checks from health plans and Medicare didn't arrive when they should, Landers' urgent calls to the billing agency were met with nonchalance.
To set up her own operation, Landers purchased billing and scheduling software....
She's also implementing an EHR system with the hope of reaping such benefits as quicker charting to get her out of the office sooner and more accurate coding to boost revenue. The system will also qualify her for a deeper discount on malpractice premiums.
Not-for-profits still skittish on impact of IT subsidies (Modern Health Care OnLine)
http://www.modernhealthcare.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070315/FREE/70315002/1029/FREE
Hospitals need physicians more than physicians need hospitals..good article about the need and perils of creating a working IT environment for physicians on staff for the ROI. BD
"Physicians are the flexion point," he said at the time. "It's time to address the physician issue head-on."
One of Brailer’s earliest national prescriptions called for a waiver of federal Stark and anti-kickback laws in hopes it would spur hospitals to provide physicians with the money, infrastructure, technical help and training needed to extend their IT systems to doctors' offices.
Some hospitals, with more aggressive legal counsels, have requested "private letter rulings" on their specific plans and some have moved forward with IT extensions even under the current legal environment, she says. For them, the most common rationale hasn’t been financial.
Hospitals need physicians more than physicians need hospitals..good article about the need and perils of creating a working IT environment for physicians on staff for the ROI. BD
"Physicians are the flexion point," he said at the time. "It's time to address the physician issue head-on."
One of Brailer’s earliest national prescriptions called for a waiver of federal Stark and anti-kickback laws in hopes it would spur hospitals to provide physicians with the money, infrastructure, technical help and training needed to extend their IT systems to doctors' offices.
Some hospitals, with more aggressive legal counsels, have requested "private letter rulings" on their specific plans and some have moved forward with IT extensions even under the current legal environment, she says. For them, the most common rationale hasn’t been financial.
Microsoft to buy voice recognition company Tellme
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070314/tc_nm/microsoft_tellme_dc_5
Tellme, founded in 1999 by former Netscape executive Mike McCue, provides automated phone services to companies including Merrill Lynch and Federal Express and serves over 40 million people every month.
Microsoft's Office Communications server already allows workers to access and make changes to calendars within the Outlook e-mail system through voice commands or call someone with a click of a mouse.
Tellme, founded in 1999 by former Netscape executive Mike McCue, provides automated phone services to companies including Merrill Lynch and Federal Express and serves over 40 million people every month.
Microsoft's Office Communications server already allows workers to access and make changes to calendars within the Outlook e-mail system through voice commands or call someone with a click of a mouse.
New Yorkers Feel Right at Home With House Calls
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/13/AR2007031301485.html?referrer=email
But another kind of house call -- call it the convenience call -- also has growing appeal for young, relatively healthy professionals in New York and other high-income locales. They summon a doctor or physician's assistant with a cellphone call and a wait ranging from minutes to hours, and their demand fuels several Manhattan-based practices
The doctor texts back, one thumb flying over his Verizon Pocket PC, the other hand on the wheel. Natan Schleider, 31, then drives onto the curb to get around a car blocking his, parks illegally, props up the "Emergency Housecall" sign on his dashboard, and soon -- dressed in black scrubs, toting a black bag and black laptop -- is buzzing the bell of a West Village walkup.
But another kind of house call -- call it the convenience call -- also has growing appeal for young, relatively healthy professionals in New York and other high-income locales. They summon a doctor or physician's assistant with a cellphone call and a wait ranging from minutes to hours, and their demand fuels several Manhattan-based practices
The doctor texts back, one thumb flying over his Verizon Pocket PC, the other hand on the wheel. Natan Schleider, 31, then drives onto the curb to get around a car blocking his, parks illegally, props up the "Emergency Housecall" sign on his dashboard, and soon -- dressed in black scrubs, toting a black bag and black laptop -- is buzzing the bell of a West Village walkup.
Paying for Care Episodes and Care Coordination -fee-for-service system
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/356/11/1166
The fee-for-service system of provider payment is increasingly viewed as an obstacle to achieving effective, coordinated, and efficient care.1 It rewards the overuse of services, duplication of services, use of costly specialized services, and involvement of multiple physicians in the treatment of individual patients. It does not reward the prevention of hospitalization or rehospitalization, effective control of chronic conditions, or care coordination.
The fee-for-service system of provider payment is increasingly viewed as an obstacle to achieving effective, coordinated, and efficient care.1 It rewards the overuse of services, duplication of services, use of costly specialized services, and involvement of multiple physicians in the treatment of individual patients. It does not reward the prevention of hospitalization or rehospitalization, effective control of chronic conditions, or care coordination.
CEOs grapple with Web 2.0
http://news.yahoo.com/s/infoworld/20070314/tc_infoworld/86805
Why do we blog? Good story about the reality and value of blogging today. There are more and more medical blogs appearing all the time, including some from CEOs of hospitals too! We all learn and benefit from blogging. BD
Most CEOs today are "digital immigrants," according to Sondergaard, struggling to understand consumer technologies that are being popularized by the young and creeping into business.
But Reif said he must think about ways to innovate first and consider the compliance implications second. "If you think first about regulations, you'll never do anything," he said.
A top executive with a management consulting company in Germany said his clients, which include traditional manufacturing companies, are not using Web 2.0 technologies today. Manufacturers don't have the right mindset, he said, because they are too focused on products rather than services.
Why do we blog? Good story about the reality and value of blogging today. There are more and more medical blogs appearing all the time, including some from CEOs of hospitals too! We all learn and benefit from blogging. BD
Most CEOs today are "digital immigrants," according to Sondergaard, struggling to understand consumer technologies that are being popularized by the young and creeping into business.
But Reif said he must think about ways to innovate first and consider the compliance implications second. "If you think first about regulations, you'll never do anything," he said.
A top executive with a management consulting company in Germany said his clients, which include traditional manufacturing companies, are not using Web 2.0 technologies today. Manufacturers don't have the right mindset, he said, because they are too focused on products rather than services.
Bus offers prescription assistance across Valley.
http://www.fresnobee.com/270/story/34960.html
On Monday, representatives of the Partnership for Prescription Assistance rolled into Tulare and Visalia in a big orange bus to help people like Lopez find assistance to pay for prescriptions.
Armed with laptop computers, counselors aboard the bus can call up information on nearly 500 different aid programs offered by the government, nonprofit organizations and the pharmaceutical industry for free or discounted prescription drugs.
On Monday, representatives of the Partnership for Prescription Assistance rolled into Tulare and Visalia in a big orange bus to help people like Lopez find assistance to pay for prescriptions.
Armed with laptop computers, counselors aboard the bus can call up information on nearly 500 different aid programs offered by the government, nonprofit organizations and the pharmaceutical industry for free or discounted prescription drugs.
Marketing an unapproved new drug - ergotamine tartrate
http://www.fda.gov/cder/warn/warn2007.htm#Mar
The FDA was busy during the month of February sending several warning letters all referencing ergotamine tartrate. This link is from the FDA site where images of any warning letters sent are posted.
The FDA was busy during the month of February sending several warning letters all referencing ergotamine tartrate. This link is from the FDA site where images of any warning letters sent are posted.
FDA Approves New Drug Treatment for High Blood Pressure
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01580.html
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced the approval of Tekturna (aliskiren) tablets for the treatment of high blood pressure, or hypertension, which affects an estimated 25 percent of Americans and causes increased risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, heart failure and death.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced the approval of Tekturna (aliskiren) tablets for the treatment of high blood pressure, or hypertension, which affects an estimated 25 percent of Americans and causes increased risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, heart failure and death.
Own The Keenest Faucet On The Block...
http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/gear/8122/?cpg=49H
After looking at this, there could be some potential safety features with water temperature too.
After looking at this, there could be some potential safety features with water temperature too.
United Health Care - One More Acquisition
Acquisition Furthers UnitedHealth Growth in West, Medicare - California Healthline - Daily News Digest on Health Care Policy and Politics: "
Today's News
Minnesota-based UnitedHealth Group on Monday announced an agreement to acquire Nevada-based Sierra Health for $2.6 billion in an effort to expand operations in the West and Medicare business, the Wall Street Journal reports. Under the agreement, UnitedHealth will acquire Sierra for $43.50 per share in cash, a 21% premium over the price of Sierra shares at the end of Friday.
Today's News
Minnesota-based UnitedHealth Group on Monday announced an agreement to acquire Nevada-based Sierra Health for $2.6 billion in an effort to expand operations in the West and Medicare business, the Wall Street Journal reports. Under the agreement, UnitedHealth will acquire Sierra for $43.50 per share in cash, a 21% premium over the price of Sierra shares at the end of Friday.
RSS Reader for the Medical Industry
This is worth a look and is presently in beta format, but it works well. You can select your area of interest. This will deliver the news to your desktop after you download the software. Nice, simple and appears to work well. BD
Medical News
What is Medreader?
MedReader is a RSS Reader specifically built for the Medical & Healthcare Professional. MedReader allows you to have information directly delivered to your desktop without the worries of Spam, searching for hours, or registering/logging into a web based system.
Medical News
What is Medreader?
MedReader is a RSS Reader specifically built for the Medical & Healthcare Professional. MedReader allows you to have information directly delivered to your desktop without the worries of Spam, searching for hours, or registering/logging into a web based system.
Lilly Introduces World's First Digital Insulin Pen With Memory
Lilly Introduces World's First Digital Insulin Pen With Memory: "
Eli Lilly and Company today announced the launch of the first insulin pen with memory, HumaPen® MEMOIR™, to help simplify the daily management of diabetes.
MEMOIR is designed to meet the needs of people with diabetes who take several shots of mealtime insulin each day. It presents sophisticated technology and features in a consumer-friendly 'push-to-know' digital display that allows patients to record and review their last 16 insulin doses, including the priming doses. "
Eli Lilly and Company today announced the launch of the first insulin pen with memory, HumaPen® MEMOIR™, to help simplify the daily management of diabetes.
MEMOIR is designed to meet the needs of people with diabetes who take several shots of mealtime insulin each day. It presents sophisticated technology and features in a consumer-friendly 'push-to-know' digital display that allows patients to record and review their last 16 insulin doses, including the priming doses. "
Exactech Cleared By FDA For U.S. Distribution Of Equinoxe(R
Exactech, Inc. Cleared By FDA For U.S. Distribution Of Equinoxe(R) Reverse Shoulder
Exactech Inc. (Nasdaq: EXAC), a developer and producer of bone and joint restoration products including orthopaedic implants and biologic materials, announced today that it has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market the Equinoxe(R) Reverse Shoulder, the latest component in the company's shoulder arthroplasty line.
Exactech Inc. (Nasdaq: EXAC), a developer and producer of bone and joint restoration products including orthopaedic implants and biologic materials, announced today that it has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market the Equinoxe(R) Reverse Shoulder, the latest component in the company's shoulder arthroplasty line.
Sleeping Medications - a doctor's nightmare
www.centredaily.com | 03/12/2007 | A doctor's nightmare: "The number of adults ages 20 to 44 using sleep medications increased 114 percent between 2000 and 2005, according to Medco Health Solutions Inc. of Franklin Lakes, N.J. Prescriptions for 10- to 19-year-olds increased 117 percent.
The increases are disturbing to Dr. Lon Castle, a family physician and director of medicine and analytical affairs at Medco, which manages prescription drug benefit programs."
The increases are disturbing to Dr. Lon Castle, a family physician and director of medicine and analytical affairs at Medco, which manages prescription drug benefit programs."
Novartis To Market Newly Approved Procleix Tigris System In U.S.
Novartis To Market Newly Approved Procleix Tigris System In U.S. As The First Fully Automated System For West Nile Virus Blood Screening: "Novartis announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the Procleix Tigris System, the first fully automated nucleic acid testing system, to screen donated blood, organs and tissue for the West Nile virus."
Life Wave Device for Treatment of Bed Sores
- Life Wave: "After years of researching the neuropathophysiology of wound, LifeWave introduced an innovative electrical stimulation medical device. LifeWave™ BST (Bed Sore Treatment) is a sophisticated medical device designed to treat chronic wounds using unique technology that leverages the body's natural healing powers by stimulating “life signs” that renew blood flow in order to induce local cell regeneration and wound healing."
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Math–This Could be a Subject for Michael Moore to Explore and Document In a Movie
Screenings Too–Killer Algorithms Part 12–Medical Billing Codes Style
Assessing Consumer Credit Scores–Attack of the Killer Algorithms Chapter 21 With Flawed Data
Duping” Society Combined With A World of Rogue Algorithms & Flawed Data Continues In Markets As Seen With Knight Capital This Week-Attack of the Killer Algorithms Chapter 36
Study Fraud With EHR Technologies, Namely Medical Records/Billing Software Used by Hospitals– HHS And SEC Continue Getting Their Non-Algorithmic Fannies Kicked–Attack of the Killer Algorithms Chapter 46
SilverScript Senior Drug Program Sanctioned by Medicare Until the Payment And Billing Algorithms are Cleaned Up-Killer Algorithms Chapter 53
