Medical Quack

Sorry Works Advocacy Group for Disclosure and Apologies

Helping physicians say "I'm sorry" and manage their own liability risk in hopes to keep the pricing of malpractice manageable?  BD SORRY WORKS! AND PHYSHIELD ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP Disclosure group and new med-mal insurer joining forces to provide apology training to physicians Chicago, IL……. Sorry Works!, the nation's leading advocacy group for disclosure and apologies after adverse events and medical errors, is joining forces with Physhield, a new medical malpractice insurer for physicians, to work together to provide disclosure training to Physhield's insured physicians and potential insured physicians. The joint announcement was made in connection with both organizations' participation in the "Seeing Your Way Clear To Apology and Disclosure" conference organized by the education arm of The Joint Commission, <a href="http://www.jointcommission.org">www.jointcommission.org</a>, the leading agency for the accreditation and certification of the nation's healthcare organizations. "When it comes to medical liability, nothing is more empowering for physicians than the ability to maintain effective communications with patients and their families following adverse events. Physhield is a forward-thinking insurer, and we want our physician subscribers to develop and use superior communication skills and problem solving techniques so they can resolve many situations without litigation.  <a href="http://www.sorryworks.net/" title="http://www.sorryworks.net/">http://www.sorryworks.net/</a>

Sorry Works Advocacy Group for Disclosure and Apologies

Helping physicians say "I'm sorry" and manage their own liability risk in hopes to keep the pricing of malpractice manageable?...

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

San Diego County, 6 others sue U.S. over Medicare payments

San Diego County, 6 others sue U.S. over Medicare payments

San Diego and six other counties yesterday filed a class-action lawsuit against the federal government, accusing it of underpaying physician...

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

60% of Physicians Would Limit Number of New Medicare Patients if Scheduled Payment Cut Is Enacted, AMA Survey Finds

60% of Physicians Would Limit Number of New Medicare Patients if Scheduled Payment Cut Is Enacted, AMA Survey Finds

As part of AMA's campaign, the group released a survey of nearly 9,000 doctors showing that if the payment cut went into effect: 60...

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Aetna to Buy Schaller Anderson for About $535 Million

Aetna to Buy Schaller Anderson for About $535 Million

NEW YORK (Reuters) May 25 - U.S. health insurer Aetna Inc. said on Thursday it agreed to acquire privately-held Schaller Anderson Inc., a pr...

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

California Nurses Association plans to host private premiere parties for "Sicko"

Interestingly enough, she is also a member of an HMO and had to wait herself for a procedure.  I'm sure more press is coming before the premiere...BD  <blockquote> The California Nurses Association and its national arm plans to host private premiere parties around the country and use the film's release to distribute materials to audience members to support the union's preferred reform models. The group, which opposes Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's plan, supports the state and national single-payer proposals by state Sen. Sheila Kuehl, D-Santa Monica, and Rep. John Conyers Jr., D-Mich. In "Sicko," Moore takes on the system through heath care horror stories, such as the tale of an uninsured man who lost two fingers in an accident. Hospital officials told him it would cost $12,000 to reattach his ring finger and $60,000 for his middle finger.<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Bn59v48fPHc" width="425" height="350" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent"></embed></blockquote> <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/05/27/BUG0RQ19511.DTL">Health reformers to piggyback on 'Sicko' / Michael Moore's blast at medical care is hitting as U.S. seems ripe for changes</a> A California nurses' union has recruited "Sicko" filmmaker Michael Moore to try to help convince state lawmakers to pass healthcare reform legislation. Moore is scheduled to testify June 12 at a legislative hearing in Sacramento, the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee said in a news release Friday. After the hearing, Moore and Physicians for a National Health Program will lead a rally outside the Capitol and then attend a showing of "Sicko" for registered nurses, doctors and invited guests. Related Story:  <a href="http://www.postchronicle.com/news/entertainment/article_21284129.shtml" target="_blank">http://www.postchronicle.com/news/entertainment/article_21284129.shtml</a> One more scene from the movie...BD <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/iFUtAaeYxno" width="425" height="350" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent"></embed>

California Nurses Association plans to host private premiere parties for "Sicko"

Interestingly enough, she is also a member of an HMO and had to wait herself for a procedure. I'm sure more press is coming before the ...

Monday, June 04, 2007

Michael Moore Wants to Reform Health Care

Here's the trailer for the movie via You Tube...I think I'll put this one on my list to see when released...BD<img align="right" height="172" src="http://www.slashfilm.com/wp/wp-content/images/sickoposter21.thumbnail.jpg" width="116"> <blockquote> But many others, including those in the medical community, are hoping Moore will help make a difference. "Anything—including a film—that can bring this issue into the public eye is good for the debate," says heart surgeon Dr. William Plested, president of the American Medical Assn. "So, I'm cheering on Michael Moore, even though I haven't seen the film." <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xlDAUKSh9CQ" width="425" height="350" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent"></embed> It's that kind of notoriety that already has many in the health-care industry readying their responses to Moore's film—even before any of them have seen it. "Where there are issues raised by factual inaccuracies, obviously our member companies and we will point them out," says Mohit Ghose, a spokesman for American's Health Insurance Plans, whose members include Humana (<a href="http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/snapshot/snapshot.asp?symbol=HUM">HUM</a>), Cigna (<a href="http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/snapshot/snapshot.asp?symbol=CI">CI</a>), and Aetna (<a href="http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/snapshot/snapshot.asp?symbol=AET">AET</a>). Ghose says his group instead wants to advance "a positive agenda" that will provide universal health care "but also maintain and preserve the affordability of that access and coverage."</blockquote> <a href="http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/jun2007/db20070604_109406.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+index_businessweek+exclusives">Michael Moore Wants to Reform Health Care</a> Hat Tip and interesting point here:  <a href="http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2007/06/ama-supporting-michael-moore.html" target="_blank">Kevin, MD</a>

Michael Moore Wants to Reform Health Care

Here's the trailer for the movie via You Tube...I think I'll put this one on my list to see when released...BD But many others, i...

Monday, June 04, 2007

Electronic records catching on with doctors, patients alike

Good story about electronic records.  When you stop and think about all the time spent "chugging paper and racing to the fax machine", this really makes sense.  With the upcoming P4P for Medicare, those not using some type of electronic records with patient registry information are going to have one long paper chase and reporting task in order to supply the data requested by CMS to qualify as it will require chugging all those paper charts around to culminate the data.   EMRs are different in nature and there doesn't appear to be one that works for all, but with a little research you can narrow down the chase.  As the book says, "Paper Kills".  If you want to start with your own simple record keeping, check out what Microsoft One Note has to offer.  This can get you started on a budget and be sure to look at the <a href="http://www.abletfactory.com/products.htm" target="_blank">Ablet Factory</a> too.  We have a permanent link to the site on the left hand side of this page.  BD <blockquote> "I can also shoot her an e-mail and let her know how things are going," said Kobylik, a Murfreesboro resident who also likes arranging appointments with Hoffman's staff through electronic mail. "I can communicate with them instead of waiting for them to call me back." Electronic records allow her to see who needs to come in for a Pap smear or blood work.  "It's a lot easier to do it on the computer instead of having to go pull out 2,500 charts and go through them one by one," Hoffman said. The previous written charts could take all day to be tracked down for patients seeking treatment at a hospital from different staff. Doctors now can view a patient's chart within 30 seconds, added Castelli, who works as an obstetrician and gynecologist. Although some may worry about electronic health-care records remaining private, it's more likely someone could swipe a written chart than break into a secure data bank that requires passwords, Castelli said. Patients such as Kobylik are convinced electronic health-care records are the best way to communicate with doctors such as Hoffman.  "I would rather shoot her an e-mail, and she can shoot me an e-mail back," said Kobylik. </blockquote> <a href="http://dnj.midsouthnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070603/NEWS01/706030318/1002">The Daily News Journal - www.dnj.com -</a>

Electronic records catching on with doctors, patients alike

Good story about electronic records. When you stop and think about all the time spent "chugging paper and racing to the fax machine...

Monday, June 04, 2007

'Paper Kills: Transforming Health and Healthcare with Information Technology' Released by CHT Press @ SYS-CON Media

Many of us have said this for years, but now there's a book with the same title "Paper Kills"...BD <blockquote> WASHINGTON, June 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Center for Health Transformation (CHT) is pleased to announce the release of a new book, "Paper Kills: Transforming Health and Healthcare with Information Technology." Edited by CHT Project Director David Merritt and featuring an introduction by former U.S. House Speaker and CHT Founder Newt Gingrich, "Paper Kills" addresses the most pressing issues in the drive to modernize and improve healthcare through health information technology. "Paper Kills" guides the reader on a tour of the health information technology landscape, covering topics from protecting privacy and advancing research to building health information exchanges and achieving interoperability. Other chapters explore the role of state governments, health plans, and hospitals in implementing health information technology, as well as the potential of health IT to promote the adoption of best practices in ambulatory care and focus on prevention, wellness, and early detection.  "Paper Kills" features contributions from the leading minds in healthcare, including Brandon Savage, M.D., of GE Healthcare, Glen Tullman of Allscripts, Scott Serota of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, Richard Umbdenstock of the American Hospital Association, and Mike Heekin, chair of the Governor's Health Information Infrastructure Advisory Board for the state of Florida.</blockquote> <a href="http://www.sys-con.com/read/384159.htm">'Paper Kills: Transforming Health and Healthcare with Information Technology' Released by CHT Press @ SYS-CON Media</a>

'Paper Kills: Transforming Health and Healthcare with Information Technology' Released by CHT Press @ SYS-CON Media

Many of us have said this for years, but now there's a book with the same title "Paper Kills"...BD WASHINGTON, June 4 /PRNew...

Monday, June 04, 2007

E/Tablet Technology May Provide Benefits To Patients, Researchers

Patients like those tablets too, no more old clipboard and filling out the same information over and over.  A tablet can easily be placed in a kiosk in a private area of the office to serve the same purpose, as this way the data is collected and it can help with entering the same redundant information.  BD <blockquote> <h5>The old wooden clipboard and pen that patients typically encounter when providing information in a doctor's office may soon be replaced by wireless, handheld notebook-and-pen-style computers called E/Tablets.</h5> Patients in some community cancer clinics have been using E/Tablets for several years, but a new study by Duke University Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers shows that E/Tablets may also be useful in busy, academic medical settings for both for collecting patient history data and conducting clinical research. "When you go to the doctor's office you're asked to fill out a medical history form each and every time, and some of that information -- like gender and what your grandma died of -- never changes," said Amy Abernethy, M.D., an oncologist and lead investigator on the study. "E/Tablets allow patient information to be stored permanently and confidentially. We also found that patients are satisfied with the tablets, that they furnish comparable data to those collected on paper, and that they may even be more effective in collecting data on sensitive subjects, like sexual satisfaction." Nearly three-quarters of the patients reported that using the tablets made it easier for them to remember their symptoms.</blockquote> <a href="http://www.dentalplans.com/articles/18892/">E/Tablet Technology May Provide Benefits To Patients, Researchers</a>

E/Tablet Technology May Provide Benefits To Patients, Researchers

Patients like those tablets too, no more old clipboard and filling out the same information over and over. A tablet can easily be placed in...

Monday, June 04, 2007

New Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center unveiled at dedication ... 6/4/2007

Very nice they included "training" in the comments, a very vital part today in the success of any new technology and in the past has been back burnered or over looked.  BD <blockquote> Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, which will feature the most advanced medical technology in the world and 520 large, private rooms for patients, was officially dedicated today at a ceremony attended by former first lady Nancy Reagan, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, former Gov. Gray Davis, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, UCLA Acting Chancellor Norman Abrams, architect and UCLA Medal recipient C.C. Pei, and other dignitaries. The center is the biggest construction project in the history of the University of California. It was built with more than 3 million pounds of travertine marble imported from Tivoli, Italy, and will feature the latest technology, including wireless access to reports, lab results, clinical imaging and patient vital signs; audiovisual communications; diagnostics; robotics; imaging systems; and advanced audio and high-resolution video conferencing capabilities. The new building also features 520 large, private patient rooms, sun-filled views, daybeds to accommodate family members, wireless Internet access, room service with customized meals, outdoor play areas for pediatric patients, gardens and more. In addition, the entire facility is surrounded by green spaces, natural light, high-quality woods, carpeting, fountains and open terraces to inspire and welcome patients, guests and staff. Thousands of new, state-of-the-art technologies were made to blend seamlessly with clinician expertise, structures were built to create the sense of several smaller hospitals rather than one large one and services were clustered to maximize efficiency. Over the next nine to 12 months, UCLA's expert transition team will fit up the internal systems, install and test clinical and Internet equipment, and train more than 10,000 UCLA employees to ensure the most seamless hospital move possible.</blockquote> <a href="http://www.newsroom.ucla.edu/page.asp?RelNum=7997">New Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center unveiled at dedication ... 6/4/2007</a>

New Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center unveiled at dedication ... 6/4/2007

Very nice they included "training" in the comments, a very vital part today in the success of any new technology and in the past h...

Monday, June 04, 2007

Doctors once reserved for rich say fee-based system helps all their patients - the Boutique or Concierge Practice

SAN FRANCISCO -- After practicing medicine for 25 years, Dr. Jeffrey Duckham almost was ready to hang up his stethoscope. The high cost of maintaining a solo family practice, coupled with low reimbursement rates from insurers, required the Silicon Valley doctor to maintain a roster of 2,500 patients to stay in business. He couldn't give people the time he thought they deserved -- or that his training taught him they needed, he said. "Our whole office staff felt it was becoming more and more like a treadmill," said Duckham, 56. Patients still need insurance or some other way to pay for additional medical expenses like medications, hospital stays and visits to specialists. Taylor, who follows the $1,500-a-year MDVIP model, has about 460 patients on his roster and sees eight to 12 a day, down from the 25 to 35 patients he saw in his old, conventional practice. His overhead consists of his small office in a chic Marin County loft, a receptionist and a physician's assistant. Concierge doctors say longer appointments give them the time to focus on illness prevention and early detection they never had when they had to deal with HMOs and managed care plans. <a href="http://www.napavalleyregister.com/articles/2007/06/04/news/state/iq_3979030.txt">Napa Valley Register | Doctors once reserved for rich say fee-based system helps all their patients</a>

Doctors once reserved for rich say fee-based system helps all their patients - the Boutique or Concierge Practice

SAN FRANCISCO -- After practicing medicine for 25 years, Dr. Jeffrey Duckham almost was ready to hang up his stethoscope. The high cost ...

Monday, June 04, 2007

New York billed insurance company for 20 brain operations

This has other dangerous implications down the road with insurance companies and medical records that could be exchanged not showing correct information in both areas.  BD <blockquote> NEW YORK (AP) - Four people billed a health insurance company for 20 brain operations that were never performed on them, sometimes for the same person on multiple occasions, authorities said. One 36-year-old man from New York City claimed nine brain surgeries for himself, along with his wife and two sons, receiving reimbursements from New York-based Group Health Incorporated totaling $142,268, federal investigators said Friday. The indictment alleges that the Mount Vernon man, an employee at a medical billing company, altered claims to the insurance company by swapping the names of people who actually underwent brain surgery with two others charged in the scheme. The fraudulent claims were then sent along with altered postoperative reports to the insurance carrier for reimbursement, the indictment alleges. </blockquote> <a href="http://www.canada.com/topics/news/oddities/story.html?id=8aabc9ab-eaef-44b6-8418-36053c96c28d&k=93353">Prosecutors: 4 from New York billed insurance company for 20 brain operations</a>

New York billed insurance company for 20 brain operations

This has other dangerous implications down the road with insurance companies and medical records that could be exchanged not showing correct...

Monday, June 04, 2007

Physician Blogger unmasked, court case upended

Physician blogging about his court case under an alias revealed in court hearing -  One thing about the web is that someone will somehow figure out who you are; not sure how using an alias was helpful here with the court case ongoing at the time.  I read a lot of medical blogs and learn from them as well.  I think this particular blog, which no longer exists, when referencing the ongoing malpractice trial didn't do too many favors to anyone all the way around.  Perhaps some of these elements would have been better left unsaid during litigation on the blog.  BD  <blockquote> As Ivy League-educated pediatrician Robert P. Lindeman sat on the stand in Suffolk Superior Court this month, defending himself in a malpractice suit involving the death of a 12-year-old patient, the opposing counsel startled him with a question. Was Lindeman Flea? Flea, jurors in the case didn't know, was the screen name for a blogger who had written often and at length about a trial remarkably similar to the one that was going on in the courtroom that day. The consultant told him juries in medical malpractice cases base verdicts almost entirely on their view of a doctor's character. Over the past year, Lindeman increasingly used it to rail against the malpractice suit. <a href="http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2007/05/31/blogger_unmasked_court_case_upended/"></a>The exchange may have been lost on jurors, but Meyer said Mulvey had telegraphed that she was ready to share Lindeman's blog -- containing his unvarnished views of lawyers, jurors, and the legal process -- with the jury.</blockquote> The next day, the case was settled. Source:  <a href="http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2007/05/31/blogger_unmasked_court_case_upended/" target="_blank">Boston Globe</a>

Physician Blogger unmasked, court case upended

Physician blogging about his court case under an alias revealed in court hearing - One thing about the web is that someone will somehow fig...

Monday, June 04, 2007

Health Care Property to buy Sengro's US Unit - Slough Estates USA

<blockquote> <img align="left" src="http://www.rttnews.com/home/storyimg/hcp060407.jpg" vspace="5"> (RTTNews) - Long Beach, California-based REIT Health Care Property Investors, Inc. (HCP) revealed early Monday its definitive deal to buy Slough Estates USA Inc., the U.S.-based life sciences real estate business of Segro plc (SGRO.L), for a total cash consideration of $2.9 billion or GBP 1.5 billion, including the assumption or refinancing of about $1.2 billion of debt. In a separate communiqu?, Segro said that the proposed disposal of Slough Estates is after a highly competitive auction process following its strategic review of the U.S. business, which was announced in November 2006. The Boards of Directors of both companies have unanimously approved the deal, which is expected to close in the third quarter of 2007. The companies also said the transaction is subject to Segro shareholders' approval and other customary conditions. Health Care Property pointed out that the total consideration is subject to adjustment based on Slough Estates' net assets at closing. In connection with the deal, the company has obtained a financing commitment for a $3 billion bridge loan.</blockquote> <a href="http://new.quote.com/news/story.action?id=RTT706040515000196">Quote.com - Stock Quotes, Charts and News - News Story</a>

Health Care Property to buy Sengro's US Unit - Slough Estates USA

(RTTNews) - Long Beach, California-based REIT Health Care Property Investors, Inc. (HCP) revealed early Monday its definitive deal to b...

Monday, June 04, 2007

Methodist Hospital Is First in United States to Offer 'Custom Fit' Total Knee Replacement

<blockquote> SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As part of its ongoing commitment to bring breakthrough medical advancements to residents of Elk Grove and the greater Sacramento area, Methodist Hospital has become the first hospital in the United States to offer custom fit total knee replacement with OtisKnee(TM). Using OtisKnee, orthopedic surgeons can for the first time precisely match the size and placement of the implant to the patient's unique and normal (non-arthritic) knee anatomy. The custom fit total knee replacement is achieved in a few steps, before and during surgery. Prior to surgery, an MRI is performed to take very precise measurements of the patient's arthritic knee. Second, proprietary computer software creates a 3-D image of that knee, and then virtually corrects the deformity to return the knee to its pre-arthritic state. Third, a computerized 3-D image of the implant to be used in the patient's surgery is then Shape-Matched(TM) to the anatomically correct virtual knee model. This helps determine the correct implant size and placement, based on the patient's own normal (non-arthritic) knee anatomy. Last, using all of this information, special cutting guides are created for the surgeon to use during the procedure. These patient-specific cutting guides, which are accurate to within a few millimeters, indicate to the surgeon exactly where to make bone cuts so that the knee replacement is customized for the individual patient.</blockquote> <a href="http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070601/20070601005217.html?.v=1">Methodist Hospital Is First in United States to Offer 'Custom Fit' Total Knee Replacement: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance</a>

Methodist Hospital Is First in United States to Offer 'Custom Fit' Total Knee Replacement

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As part of its ongoing commitment to bring breakthrough medical advancements to residents of Elk Gr...

Monday, June 04, 2007

'Financial hemorrhaging' led to sale

'Financial hemorrhaging' led to sale

Another non profit turning to "for profit" in California...BD Paradise Valley Hospital in National City faced imminent closure wh...

Monday, June 04, 2007

Robots on the Hospital Ward

Interesting article on one hospital using a robot for non urgent supplies.  There are still a few bugs to work through, but they are expected to pay for themselves quickly.  This robot is ready to get in the elevator to make a delivery and the next picture shows the delivery being made.  BD  <blockquote> <img alt="A courier robot on a supply run prepares to enter an elevator at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown. Peter Seiff, an executive with the robot&#0039;s maker, Aethon, said robots seem slow, but humans stop for talk, a drink, food. His company&#0039;s studies show the machines get more done in the long run. &quot;It&#0039;s a classic case of tortoise and hare,&quot; he said." border="0" src="http://media.philly.com/images/20070603_inq_robot03-d.JPG"> <img align="right" src="http://media.philly.com/images/20070603_inq_robot03z-c.JPG"> A courier robot on a supply run prepares to enter an elevator at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown. Peter Seiff, an executive with the robot's maker, Aethon, said robots seem slow, but humans stop for talk, a drink, food. His company's studies show the machines get more done in the long run. "It's a classic case of tortoise and hare," he said. He's quiet, very polite, doesn't care about benefits, needs just one six-hour break a day, won't ever demand a promotion, and will haul stuff through hospital corridors for hours without complaining about leg cramps. On balance, Holmes said, the robots are a hit. "It really has made a big difference," he said. "In fact, the staff has told me they wouldn't want to do without it." The hospital's dietary department has budgeted for two of the robots, Holmes said, and the pharmacy is considering one as well. Mary Kate Scott, a California health-care consultant who specializes in technology, said courier robots were evidence of a relatively new interest among hospitals in becoming more efficient and businesslike. Until now, most medical technology has increased costs, but machines like these robots and computerized check-in kiosks can cut costs. "There is a big shift as hospitals start thinking about themselves differently as a business," she said.</blockquote> <a href="http://www.philly.com/inquirer/business/20070603_Robots_on_the_Ward.html">Robots on the Ward | Inquirer | 06/03/2007</a>

Robots on the Hospital Ward

Interesting article on one hospital using a robot for non urgent supplies. There are still a few bugs to work through, but they are expecte...

Monday, June 04, 2007

Ailing facility finds a buyer

Ailing facility finds a buyer

SAN GABRIEL - A local hospital group says it will buy the ailing San Gabriel Valley Medical Center, which has been on the market since S...

Monday, June 04, 2007

Prospect Medical Holdings Closes Acquisition of ProMed Healthcare for $48.0 million

<blockquote> Prospect Medical Holdings, Inc. (<a href="http://studio-5.financialcontent.com/genpublishing?Page=QUOTE&Ticker=PZZ">AMEX: PZZ</a>) ("Prospect"), which manages the medical care of HMO enrollees in Southern California, today announced that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of ProMed Health Care for cash consideration of $41.0 million and shares of Prospect common stock valued at approximately $7.0 million. Bank of America provided $53.0 million of financing to Prospect for the acquisition, which was comprised of a $48.0 million term loan, with an initial interest rate of prime plus 0.75%, and a $5.0 million revolving credit facility, with an initial interest rate of prime plus 0.25%. The term loan was used to fund the cash portion of the ProMed acquisition and to repay the remaining approximately $7.5 million balance on Prospect's existing credit facility with GMAC Health Capital.  As a result of the acquisition, Prospect is now the sixth-largest IPA in the state of California.</blockquote> <a href="http://www.genengnews.com/news/bnitem.aspx?name=18447840">News: Prospect Medical Holdings Closes Acquisition of ProMed Healthcare for $48.0 Million. Genetic Engineering News - Biotechnology from Bench to Business</a>

Prospect Medical Holdings Closes Acquisition of ProMed Healthcare for $48.0 million

Prospect Medical Holdings, Inc. ( AMEX: PZZ ) ("Prospect"), which manages the medical care of HMO enrollees in Southern Califo...

Monday, June 04, 2007

Another use for Cell Phones for the hard of hearing...

New hearin<img align="right" height="156" src="http://www.engadgetmobile.com/media/2007/05/5-29-07-epoq.jpg" width="160">g instrument connects hands-free to cell phones Oticon, Inc. today introduced Oticon Epoq, the first hearing instrument designed with wireless connectivity at its core to address the two most common listening challenges for people with hearing loss. A proprietary binaural high speed wireless technology enables a pair of Epoq hearing devices to communicate at data transfer speeds 100 faster than hearing instruments now on the market.  This real-time connectivity with voices and other sounds in the immediate listening environment provides accurate, stereophonic auditory information that is in synch with a user's visual experience.  The same wireless connectivity also enables easy, hands-free access to the world of electronically transmitted sounds from Bluetooth-enabled cell phones and other popular electronic devices such as MP3 players and computers.  Read More:  <a href="http://www.oticonusa.com/Oticon/News.html">Oticon</a> Hat Tip:  <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/30/oticon-epoq-binaural-bluetooth-headset-doubles-as-hearing-aid/" target="_blank">Engadget</a>  <a href="http://www.slashphone.com/106/7346.html" target="_blank">SlashPhone</a>

Another use for Cell Phones for the hard of hearing...

New hearin g instrument connects hands-free to cell phones Oticon, Inc. today introduced Oticon Epoq, the first hearing instrument desig...

Monday, June 04, 2007

The Restless Leg Domino Effect

The Restless Leg Domino Effect

This is an amazing video and took some real time to prepare. Cute and entertaining. BD I'm not sure how much GSK paid for this YouTub...

Monday, June 04, 2007

Men Can Now Have At-Home Fertility Screening

This includes both tests...FDA approved and home page offers advertised availability.  BD <blockquote> A new at-home screening test, called Fertell, lets couples find out if they have fertility problems without stepping into a doctor’s office. The test has his and hers components — a screening test for men that is the first at-home device to measure the concentration of motile sperm, and a test for women that measures a hormone considered a marker of egg quality.<img align="right" src="http://www.fertell.com/files/male-test.jpg"> The availability of the two-in-one test helps drive home the message that both men and women can contribute to infertility, experts say. “It takes two to have a baby, as silly as that sounds,” said Dr. Harry Fisch, director of the Male Reproductive Center at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, who does not have a financial relationship with the maker of the test, Genosis Inc. The test results could give couples early warning that they should see a doctor, Dr. Fisch said. “Couples often don’t appreciate this,” he said. “So many times the woman goes through all these tests, and the guy doesn’t even have a semen analysis.” <img align="left" src="http://www.fertell.com/files/female-test-large.jpg"> The test for the male requires a semen sample; it assesses the ability of sperm to swim through a solution similar to cervical mucus, as well as the number able to do so, said Dr. Keith B. Isaacson, an associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School who is on the board of medical advisers at Genosis. Results are available in 80 minutes. </a></blockquote> Source:  <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/04/health/04fertility.html?ei=5088&en=8027136741cc7be5&ex=1338609600&adxnnl=1&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&adxnnlx=1180934197-TFal5ZSdO4pcsOIwXJP8cQ">Men Can Now Have At-Home Fertility Screening - New York Times</a> Website:  <a href="http://www.fertell.com/">http://www.fertell.com/</a>

Men Can Now Have At-Home Fertility Screening

This includes both tests...FDA approved and home page offers advertised availability. BD A new at-home screening test, called Fertell, le...

Sunday, June 03, 2007

IRS ruling opens door for hospitals to donate IT to physicians ...

Hospital EMR systems vary quite a bit from the ones a physician may use in a local office setting.  There are more than the hospitals wanting the records though, IPAs, HMOs, insurance companies to name a few.  One other item to consider is that some physicians have privileges at more than one hospital as well, so there could be competition from that side of the coin as to which hospital's system would the physician utilize.  BD <blockquote> A recent Internal Revenue Service ruling that allows nonprofit hospitals to donate health care information technology to physicians means that private practices can expect to start hearing from those hospitals, says the American Hospital Assn. Hospitals had been itching to share their electronic medical record and electronic prescribing systems with physician offices, and now they can do so without losing their tax-exempt status. The Office of Inspector General of the Dept. of Health and Human Services in August 2006 created exemptions from federal, state and anti-kickback regulations for hospitals donating technology to doctors. <a href="http://www.e-healthcaresolutions.com/"></a>Physicians also should be aware that the ruling, because it's new, has left some questions unanswered -- particularly whether they can keep the EMR if they sever ties with the hospital and whether they have to pay taxes on it.</blockquote> Source:  <a href="news: June 11, 2007. IRS ruling opens door for hospitals to donate IT to physicians ... American Medical News">AMNews: June 11, 2007. IRS ruling opens door for hospitals to donate IT to physicians ... American Medical News</a>

IRS ruling opens door for hospitals to donate IT to physicians ...

Hospital EMR systems vary quite a bit from the ones a physician may use in a local office setting. There are more than the hospitals wantin...

Sunday, June 03, 2007

USB Camera with Facial Recognition - Sensible Vision and Digi Create Facial Log on System for PCs

I can see this in use in any health care area.  By using facial recognition software, a user can easily log in and out just be moving into the view of the camera.  With using a usb connection, almost any PC, tablet, notebook, etc. could be converted.  Good news for administrators too is the integration with the Active Directory for monitoring network permissions as well.  This gives a new meaning to a "face off".  Busy health care workers are the victims of constant interruptions and and emergency responses.  With this device, simply removing yourself from the view of the camera would sign the individual off the computer until they return to log on, thus confidential information exposure would be limited as well plus it maintains a record of every log on, which can be very helpful when a PC is shared by more than one individual.  BD “We are pleased to be adding the intelligent facial recognition of FastAccess to our Watc<img align="right" src="http://www.digi.com/images/products/prd_vs_watchportv2.jpg">hport cameras,” said Stephen Popovich, Vice President of Business Development at Digi. “We continue to see increased interest in biometrics as a seamless and transparent way to secure and monitor computers and workstations in a wide range of applications – from retail to healthcare environments. The intelligence of the FastAccess software to accurately recognize authorized users and eliminate passwords is a perfect fit with our high-performance cameras.” <ul> <li>No More Unsecured, Unattended Computers: Computers instantly secure themselves when users step away. <li>Better User Productivity: Users can focus on their jobs rather than time-consuming and frustrating processes of constantly entering passwords or other authentication procedures. <li>Improved Access Control and Auditing: Provides an accurate audit of computer and network access for business and regulatory compliance – a true audit log of who’s been at the computer and when. <li>Simple Setup and Administration: Unlike other security and biometric solutions, no special enrollment procedure is needed. Administrators can configure FastAccess locally or remotely through Microsoft's Active Directory.</li></ul> Source:  <a href="http://www.sensiblevision.com/company/releases/5-08-07.htm">http://www.sensiblevision.com/company/releases/5-08-07.htm</a>

USB Camera with Facial Recognition - Sensible Vision and Digi Create Facial Log on System for PCs

I can see this in use in any health care area. By using facial recognition software, a user can easily log in and out just be moving into t...

Saturday, June 02, 2007

PV Hospital goes wireless

Hospital becomes hot spot for Internet access.  This is a separate network from the hospital patient and administrative records, but can really be useful not only for visitors, but any medical staff member needing a connection to conduct any type of business on the web.  Can be very helpful to have this tool as an example for physicians when they are waiting for lab results, etc. to be able to be productive while waiting.  BD <blockquote> Thanks to the recent installation of a new high-tech communications system, visitors to Pauls Valley General Hospital will now have another portable means of accessing the outside world besides their personal cell phone. According to CEO Charles Johnston, the local hospital has added wireless Internet to its many local services, and the convenience is made available to all visitors free of charge. “We’re pleased to announce the addition of wireless Internet capability throughout the whole hospital,” Johnston said. “All people need to access the wireless Internet service is a personal laptop computer,” he said.However, according to hospital officials, people who choose to use the new wireless system now available at Pauls Valley General Hospital will be able to connect to the world wide web but they will not be able to connect to the hospital’s computer system nor will they be able to gain access to any of the patient’s files.</blockquote> <a href="http://www.paulsvalleydailydemocrat.com/homepage/local_story_135113029.html?keyword=leadpicturestory">Pauls Valley, OK, Pauls Valley Daily Democrat - PV Hospital goes wireless</a>

PV Hospital goes wireless

Hospital becomes hot spot for Internet access. This is a separate network from the hospital patient and administrative records, but can re...

Friday, June 01, 2007

New Siemens Software Helps To Correct Cardiac Fibrillations

<img align="right" alt="" height="20" src="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/images/transpixel.gif" width="1"> Worldwide, five percent of all people over the age of 65 suffer from atrial fibrillation. While cardiac arrhythmia can be treated with medication, patients have to take it for the rest of their lives. Ablation therapy offers an alternative: myocardial cells in the left atrium are obliterated to interrupt the problematic pathway. However, every patient is different. For this reason, electro physiologists have to be able to discern the size and shape of the left ventricle in precise detail during the intervention. Syngo DynaCT Cardiac provides the necessary support: the software from Siemens Medical Solutions provides three-dimensional displays of the ventricle. The physician is able to view the 3-D object from all sides - even during an intervention. During the examination, with the press of a button syngo DynaCT Cardiac delivers CT-like slice images of an organ in motion using an angiographic C-arm system. During the intervention, the physician simply moves the C-arm in a semicircle around the patient and -optionally ECG-triggered - acquires a defined number of projections. As with a CT scanner, these projections are then reconstructed into slice images and a 3D representation, which are sent to the monitor at the angiography system. <ul></ul> <a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=72655&nfid=rssfeeds">New Siemens Software Helps To Correct Cardiac Fibrillations</a>

New Siemens Software Helps To Correct Cardiac Fibrillations

Worldwide, five percent of all people over the age of 65 suffer from atrial fibrillation. While cardiac arrhythmia can be treated with med...

Friday, June 01, 2007

Hospitals curing financial ills with specialty surgeries

<blockquote> Parkview Community Hospital has emerged from its 2002 bankruptcy better off financially, partly because of its bariatric surgery center, which is the only one in Riverside. The hospital is on track to perform as many as 200 of the weight-loss surgeries this year, which could bring in an estimated $25,000 per procedure and ease the losses that plague hospitals nationwide. All emergency rooms at Riverside and San Bernardino county hospitals lost money in 2001, according to the California Medical Association's 2004 annual emergency room losses report, its most recent. Parkview's emergency room lost $176,013 in 2001, according to the report. Hospitals tend to select programs like orthopedics and cardiac care to round out their budgets because reimbursement rates are good and more people need them as they get older. Experts say hospitals must invest in the medical specialties to compensate for money they lose caring for Medi-Cal and indigent patients seen in emergency rooms. "Losses carried for three to five years are very strong predictors of closure," he said, including hospitals that are part of profitable health care groups. "They won't deal with losses forever. That means (a low-performing hospital) is a likely target for being sold."</blockquote> <a href="http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_S_surgery26.4243518.html">Inland hospitals curing financial ills with specialty surgeries | Inland News | PE.com | Southern California News | News for Inland Southern California</a>

Hospitals curing financial ills with specialty surgeries

Parkview Community Hospital has emerged from its 2002 bankruptcy better off financially, partly because of its bariatric surgery center,...

Friday, June 01, 2007

Hospitals Fear Privacy Claims Over Medical Records

HIPAA and the courts - still undecided? <blockquote> The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act is raising new legal fears for health care providers in light of tougher government enforcement and recent court rulings that could trigger private lawsuits. Labor and employment attorneys who represent health care providers are especially concerned about the prospect of private HIPAA litigation because the law does not currently provide a private right of action. But plaintiffs appear to be getting around that. They say that courts in recent years have begun letting plaintiffs use HIPAA standards to prove liability in privacy lawsuits alleging that their sensitive medical records were inadequately protected. For example, in Utah, a doctor is facing a lawsuit after an appeals court last year cited HIPAA standards in determining that the physician owed a duty of confidentiality to his patients, and allowed the case to proceed. Sorensen v. Barbuto, 143 P.3d 295 (Utah Ct. App. 2006). In North Carolina, a similar case is pending after an appeals court allowed a privacy claim to proceed based on the standard of care HIPAA establishes for protection of patient medical records. Acosta v. Byrum, 638 S.E.2d 246 (N.C. Ct. App. 2006). </blockquote> <a href="http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1180602326927&pos=ataglance">Law.com - Hospitals Fear Privacy Claims Over Medical Records</a>

Hospitals Fear Privacy Claims Over Medical Records

HIPAA and the courts - still undecided? The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act is raising new legal fears for health care...

Friday, June 01, 2007

WellPoint CFO resigned after investigation

WellPoint CFO resigned after investigation

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Wellpoint Inc. on Thursday said its chief financial officer, David Colby, resigned after an investigation revealed ...

Friday, June 01, 2007

Wal-Mart: $4 generics now 38 pct of filled scripts

It sounds like the generic $4.00 prescriptions are catching on.  With retailers such as WalMart and Target offering over 300 commonly prescribed generic drugs for this price, how much longer will other retailers be able to compete...I would guess until the co-pays of $5.00 or more for prescriptions are slowly eliminated by the insurance industry for these types of drugs, as economically it doesn't make a lot of sense to pay claims for prescriptions and co-pays that are far more expensive than $4.00.  It would be great to see those savings ($350 million quoted below) be available for other medical claims from the insurance industry.  BD <blockquote> BENTONVILLE, Arkansas (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said on Thursday that just six months after completing the roll-out of its $4 generic prescription drug program, 37.8 percent of all prescriptions it fills are $4 prescriptions. Wal-Mart began selling certain generic drugs for $4 per monthly prescription in September and by the end of November had extended the program to all its U.S. pharmacies -- far ahead of schedule. Other retailers, including close rival Target Corp., have rolled out similar programs. Simon estimated that Wal-Mart's $4 program has removed $350 million in costs from the U.S. healthcare system, with that number projected to rise to $1 billion in a year. Simon also said the retailer still expects to open as many as 2,000 in-store health clinics in the next five to seven years if current demand persists.</blockquote> <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070601/hl_nm/walmart_prescriptions_dc;_ylt=At6Xib7MUYkyko.TMs.Z1jjVJRIF">Wal-Mart: $4 generics now 38 pct of filled scripts - Yahoo! News</a>

Wal-Mart: $4 generics now 38 pct of filled scripts

It sounds like the generic $4.00 prescriptions are catching on. With retailers such as WalMart and Target offering over 300 commonly prescr...