Medical Quack

Twelve Things IT Managers Should Resolve to Do

This relates ever so much to health care IT and CIO responsibilities for the upcoming year too.  Use the link to view the <a href="http://lh5.google.com/DucknetServices/R30wSi6VAyI/AAAAAAAABPE/r5nywoNY_b4/image%5B16%5D?imgmax=800"><img align="left" alt="image" border="0" height="82" src="http://lh3.google.com/DucknetServices/R30wTC6VAzI/AAAAAAAABPM/bjq-n2RfHrQ/image_thumb%5B10%5D?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" width="56"></a>entire slide show...good words of wisdom...invest in at least one emerging technology...investigate <a href="http://lh6.google.com/DucknetServices/R30wTy6VA0I/AAAAAAAABPU/aYHd5UerA54/image%5B15%5D?imgmax=800"><img align="right" alt="image" border="0" height="86" src="http://lh6.google.com/DucknetServices/R30wUy6VA1I/AAAAAAAABPc/JVj1w0Adcz0/image_thumb%5B9%5D?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" width="127"></a>managed services (something I have been advocating for a while now), demand time in front of the board, and make sure everyone on staff has a Smart Phone...those are the ones that stand out for me...the last one may not sound that important, but try to coordinate work projects with someone using just a regular cell phone and it will become very clear immediately how much more work this requires to work with staff members that still have to "dig" for their information...BD    <blockquote><a href="http://lh5.google.com/DucknetServices/R30wci6VA2I/AAAAAAAABPk/3TpFDiury6E/image%5B17%5D?imgmax=800"><img alt="image" border="0" height="425" src="http://lh4.google.com/DucknetServices/R30wiS6VA3I/AAAAAAAABPs/LvNvcQTHMU8/image_thumb%5B11%5D?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" width="566"></a> </blockquote> <a href="http://www.eweek.com/slideshow/0,1206,pg=0&s=26744&a=222512,00.asp">Twelve Things IT Managers Should Resolve to Do</a>

Twelve Things IT Managers Should Resolve to Do

This relates ever so much to health care IT and CIO responsibilities for the upcoming year too. Use the link to view the entire slide show....

Thursday, January 03, 2008

Electronic Passports Raise Privacy Issues

Using RFID technology...something we discuss here quite frequently as a huge tool for hospitals...coming this spring to a passport office near you.  BD <blockquote> The federal government will soon offer passport cards equipped with electronic data chips to U.S<a href="http://lh6.google.com/DucknetServices/R30uBy6VAwI/AAAAAAAABO0/HqruF0Sdosg/image%5B3%5D?imgmax=800"><img align="right" alt="image" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh6.google.com/DucknetServices/R30uDy6VAxI/AAAAAAAABO8/srVBALOHhz4/image_thumb%5B1%5D?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" width="187"></a>. citizens who travel frequently between the United States and Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean. The cards can be read wirelessly from 20 feet, offering convenience to travelers but raising security and privacy concerns about the possibility of data being intercepted.  The goal of the passport card, an alternative to the traditional passport, is to reduce the wait at land and sea border checkpoints by using an electronic device that can simultaneously read multiple cards' radio frequency identification (RFID) signals from a distance, checking travelers against terrorist and criminal watchlists while they wait.</blockquote> <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/31/AR2007123101922.html?hpid=sec-tech">Electronic Passports Raise Privacy Issues - washingtonpost.com</a> Source:  <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/03/new-us-e-passports-to-speed-checkpoint-times-freak-out-privacy/">Engadget</a>

Electronic Passports Raise Privacy Issues

Using RFID technology...something we discuss here quite frequently as a huge tool for hospitals...coming this spring to a passport office ne...

Thursday, January 03, 2008

Microsoft adding postings to You Tube

There are several more, but this one I found to be useful for those folks who do not have Outlook, Windows Live Mail desktop is very similar in many ways and is an excellent email client to use with multiple email accounts...in other words go to one place for all your email accounts and not spend time on the web going from one to another.  BD <div class="wlWriterSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:71d51d99-ec9c-42db-9e6d-997f31bd49cc" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; width: 256px; padding-top: 0px"><div><object height="210" width="256"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Od88HVfz4t8"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Od88HVfz4t8" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="256" height="210"></embed></object></div></div><a href="http://lh5.google.com/DucknetServices/R30s5i6VAuI/AAAAAAAABOk/e4FY-EvxHfc/image%5B3%5D?imgmax=800"><img alt="image" border="0" height="202" src="http://lh4.google.com/DucknetServices/R30s7S6VAvI/AAAAAAAABOs/6buaSTIALF4/image_thumb%5B1%5D?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" width="259"></a> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Od88HVfz4t8">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Od88HVfz4t8</a>

Microsoft adding postings to You Tube

There are several more, but this one I found to be useful for those folks who do not have Outlook, Windows Live Mail desktop is very simila...

Thursday, January 03, 2008

Bush Vetoes Defense-Policy Bill including Veterans Health Funding

Bush Vetoes Defense-Policy Bill including Veterans Health Funding

President Bush on Dec. 28, 2007, vetoed a $696 billion defense-policy bill ( HR 1585 ) that included improvements to veterans' health c...

Thursday, January 03, 2008

U.S. Ruling Backs Benefit Cut at 65 in Retiree Plans

Something to be aware of if considering early retirement....employers have options to exercise with those who qualify for Medicare...BD <blockquote> In general, the commission observed, employers are not required by federal law to provide health benefits to either active or retired workers.  . “This rule gives employers free rein to use age as a basis for reducing or eliminating health care benefits for retirees 65 and older,” said Christopher G. Mackaronis, a lawyer for AARP, which represents millions of people age 50 or above and which had sued in an effort to block issuance of the final regulation. “Ten million people could be affected — adversely affected — by the rule.” Dianna B. Johnston, a lawyer for the commission, said many employers and labor unions had told it that “if they had to provide identical benefits for retirees under 65 and over 65, they would just drop retiree health benefits altogether for both groups.”  Under the new rule, employers may, if they choose, provide retiree health benefits “only to those retirees who are not yet eligible for Medicare.” Likewise, the rule says, retiree health benefits can be “altered, reduced or eliminated” when a retiree becomes eligible for Medicare. In a preamble to the new regulation, published Wednesday in the Federal Register, the commission said, “The final rule is not intended to encourage employers to eliminate any retiree health benefits they may currently provide.”</blockquote> <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/27/washington/27retire.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin">U.S. Ruling Backs Benefit Cut at 65 in Retiree Plans - New York Times</a>

U.S. Ruling Backs Benefit Cut at 65 in Retiree Plans

Something to be aware of if considering early retirement....employers have options to exercise with those who qualify for Medicare...BD In...

Thursday, January 03, 2008

Free Rx samples go to wealthy, insured-US study

Some are still helping those in the poverty levels, but the study indicated that more above the poverty level benefited from RX samples...BD  <blockquote> WASHINGTON, Jan 2 (Reuters) - Insured and wealthy Americans are more likely than needy patients to get the billions of dollars in free drug samples distributed by pharmaceutical companies to win patient and doctor loyalty, a study released on Wednesday said. Free prescription samples are popular with doctors who want to try new drugs, and the pharmaceutical industry contends that such samples also help the low income and the uninsured. But the study of prescription use of nearly 33,000 U.S. residents during 2003 found the neediest are least likely to get free samples.  Critics said the samples and representatives steer doctors and patients to the priciest drugs, and spur use of prescriptions for ailments not originally intended or tested. Similarly, of all sample recipients, 72 percent had income above 200 percent of the federal poverty line, while 28 percent had incomes below that level.</blockquote> <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN02163375">Free Rx samples go to wealthy, insured-US study | Reuters</a>

Free Rx samples go to wealthy, insured-US study

Some are still helping those in the poverty levels, but the study indicated that more above the poverty level benefited from RX samples...BD...

Thursday, January 03, 2008

The Looming CIO Shortage

Good article addressing the future of the CIO....health care in particular is a challenging role for the CIO...a good idea to make sure the CIO is in to servers, virtualization, outsourcing and Web 2.0 to build a solid organized future....CIOs of today and tomorrow need leadership, communication and IT skills....it's an executive as well as a "hands on" position....BD  <blockquote> The CIO also needs a strong set of relationship management capabilities to manage the increasingly larger network of relationships that define today's IT environment—internal staff, contractors, outsourcing partners, internal business partners, an external network of peers, and in some instances, an external <a href="http://lh5.google.com/DucknetServices/R3yjUy6VAsI/AAAAAAAABOU/C4TuGRx9ET8/image%5B4%5D?imgmax=800"><img align="right" alt="image" border="0" height="85" src="http://lh5.google.com/DucknetServices/R3yjVy6VAtI/AAAAAAAABOc/QrXnIA9OexY/image_thumb%5B2%5D?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" width="134"></a>network of clients.  For example, in healthcare, with a growing number of regional health information organizations, CIOs have responsibility for providing data and interoperability not only to members of their own organization, but also other hospitals and healthcare entities. Here, careful management of relationships with entities where there is no formal reporting structure becomes critical.</blockquote> <a href="http://www.cioinsight.com/article2/0,1540,2103337,00.asp">The Looming CIO Shortage: 2010 CIO Capabilities</a>

The Looming CIO Shortage

Good article addressing the future of the CIO....health care in particular is a challenging role for the CIO...a good idea to make sure the ...

Thursday, January 03, 2008

Critical Shock Treatment Often Delayed in Cardiac Arrest

Good point about having automated defibrillators at the hospital...they are are airports and in other public areas today...so why not at the hospital for quick access when needed...like the old fire extinguisher in the wall...have a couple defibrillators ready if needed...BD <blockquote> Just because you're in the hospital doesn't mean you'll quickly get treated if your heart stops beating. <a href="http://lh3.google.com/DucknetServices/R3x_5S6VAoI/AAAAAAAABN0/3VOlrSabXgk/image%5B3%5D?imgmax=800"><img align="right" alt="image" border="0" height="120" src="http://lh6.google.com/DucknetServices/R3x_6C6VApI/AAAAAAAABN8/UeqzF8H4y0I/image_thumb%5B1%5D?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" width="124"></a>About one-third of patients don't get a potentially live-saving shock within the recommended two minutes, a new study found.  Those who don't get prompt defibrillation are more likely to die or end up brain damaged or disabled, the study showed. For every minute of delay, the chances of survival worsens, researchers reported in Thursday's New England Journal of Medicine.  The research showed delays were more likely at smaller hospitals, after-hours or on weekends, and for patients who weren't constantly being monitored or were admitted for non-heart problems.<a href="http://lh6.google.com/DucknetServices/R3x_7C6VAqI/AAAAAAAABOE/H-WimvMJBoU/image%5B12%5D?imgmax=800"><img align="left" alt="image" border="0" height="90" src="http://lh5.google.com/DucknetServices/R3x_7y6VArI/AAAAAAAABOM/F_42zFequQc/image_thumb%5B6%5D?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" width="73"></a> One potential way to speed up response times, Chan suggests, is to make automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, available throughout hospitals so that nurses could readily use them instead of waiting for doctors to deliver shocks.  "We have them outside the hospital setting already today. Is there any reason not to have these (in hospitals)?" Chan said.</blockquote> <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Health/CardiacHealth/wireStory?id=4076871">ABC News: Critical Shock Treatment Often Delayed in Cardiac Arrest</a>

Critical Shock Treatment Often Delayed in Cardiac Arrest

Good point about having automated defibrillators at the hospital...they are are airports and in other public areas today...so why not at the...

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

YouTube and similar sites have more doctors getting ready for their close-ups ...

Nice touch to add video...even if it is just a message to call the office as an attachment to an email...hearing and seeing is not available in regular email as we have to use "smileys" sometimes to identity or emphasize a point or words...there is a multitude of medically related and instructional videos on You Tube..everything from humor to "how to" on many procedures...BD  <blockquote> Loring Jacobs. MD , an internist from Las Vegas, wanted to find a more personal way to tell patients their routine test results, otherwise relayed through a phone call, an automated system or a nurse.  <a href="http://lh5.google.com/DucknetServices/R3x7Ky6VAmI/AAAAAAAABNk/0-Lm0yOblLc/image%5B3%5D?imgmax=800"><img align="right" alt="image" border="0" height="122" src="http://lh4.google.com/DucknetServices/R3x7Li6VAnI/AAAAAAAABNs/CAziAktryMg/image_thumb%5B1%5D?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" width="167"></a> <h5>Capitalizing on the growth and popularity of Web videos, some physicians are now turning to the camera as an inexpensive tool for communicating with patients. Sometimes there's even a marketing impact.</h5> So Dr. Jacobs began making video e-mails, giving patients the results himself, and explaining them in more detail. If the news is bad, Dr. Jacobs sends a video requesting that the patient make an That "how" question is one a small but growing number of physicians are trying to figure out, as they incorporate the use of Internet video into their practices.appointment.  </blockquote> <a href="http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2008/01/07/bisa0107.htm">AMNews: Jan. 7, 2008. Click to play: YouTube and similar sites have more doctors getting ready for their close-ups ... American Medical News</a>

YouTube and similar sites have more doctors getting ready for their close-ups ...

Nice touch to add video...even if it is just a message to call the office as an attachment to an email...hearing and seeing is not available...

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Payer Trend: 'Tiering' Physicians and 'Steering' Patients

Profiling is done via "grouper" software...no this is not the fish...everything relative to one diagnosis is grouped together...physicians argue that claim data does not reflect clinical outcomes as well....and what do you do as a physician when you are at the bottom of the list?  Those payers that do not have tiered plans will more than likely employ them down the road...when looking a profile for a physician, see who created the list...and realize that sometimes information can be skewed to reflect costs and not necessarily better care...BD  <blockquote> Family physician Kevin B. Martin, MD, offers his patients top-tier medical care in Auburn, Wash. Or maybe he doesn't. Or maybe he didn't at one time, but he does now. It all depends on which health plan you ask - and when. Martin is one of many doctors who have come away shaking their heads after payers have rated the efficiency and quality of their practices based only on claims data and then have shared the results with patients. The goal of the approach, which some call "tiering and steering," is to cut costs and encourage quality. Martin just calls it frustrating.  "I am the same doctor," Martin says. "I give the same care with the same instruments and the same hands in the same rooms regardless of the payer. I'm not a good doc one day on one plan and the dregs another day on another plan." Aetna, CIGNA, Humana and United Healthcare all have tiered networks. They are called Aetna Aexcel, CIGNA Care Network, Humana Preferred and UnitedHealth Premium. Currently, the only payers that tier family physicians are United and Humana. United has stated that it will not allow employers to use benefit design incentives based on family physicians' tiers to steer their employees. United does exempt physicians in the highest tiers from its required notification program for radiology procedures. Aetna and CIGNA do not rate and tier family physicians but likely will at some point in the future.</blockquote> <a href="http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/568076_print">Payer Trend: 'Tiering' Physicians and 'Steering' Patients</a>

Payer Trend: 'Tiering' Physicians and 'Steering' Patients

Profiling is done via "grouper" software...no this is not the fish...everything relative to one diagnosis is grouped together...ph...

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Aquariums in the Doctor's Office - Attorney Chooses Sharks...

We have all seen them and they are nice to watch, and it appears this attorney is following what many physicians have done in their office....with one exception....<a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080102/ap_on_fe_st/odd_attorney_shark_tank">he's putting a shark in his aquarium...</a>true to form?    Also, the aquarium will have a live web cam, so you can check up on the "shark" at any time....not his owner, just the shark....will the shark have the same calming effect?  Tune in to the links above in a couple weeks and see how the shark is doing...a computer will monitor the aquarium and can be set up to email you if the ph levels and temperatures are out of tolerance...BD  <blockquote> An aquarium adds to the aesthetic appeal of a hotel or Doctor’s Clinic lobby. The gentile movement of <a href="http://lh6.google.com/DucknetServices/R3xtgC6VAiI/AAAAAAAABNE/m5EgHnNJOqQ/image%5B3%5D?imgmax=800"><img align="right" alt="image" border="0" height="167" src="http://lh3.google.com/DucknetServices/R3xtjS6VAjI/AAAAAAAABNM/W8a9PLsKH4I/image_thumb%5B1%5D?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" width="244"></a>fish attracts the attention of visitors instantly. In children’’s hospitals they captivate the children’’s fantasy and help them heal faster. The waiting rooms and the lobbies become more inviting, welcoming and attractive. <a href="http://lh3.google.com/DucknetServices/R3xtkS6VAkI/AAAAAAAABNU/Oe4DTues6m0/image%5B7%5D?imgmax=800"><img align="left" alt="image" border="0" height="116" src="http://lh6.google.com/DucknetServices/R3xtlC6VAlI/AAAAAAAABNc/taOPX-KhmhU/image_thumb%5B3%5D?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" width="135"></a> A good aquarium works great for lowering blood pressure. Since, it has life in it; it will definitely gain more attention than any plasma TV or expensive art in your living room. After all, an aquarium is natural living art that brings alive a piece of the coral reef or any other live aquatic environment in your home.  Cardiologists have been recommending heart patients to have aquariums in their office as well as home because they are associated with health benefits like lowered blood pressure, reduced stress, and controlled pulse rate. </blockquote> <a href="http://www.ccaqua.com/HealthBenefits.html">Welcome to Crystal Clear Aquariums - Montana - Health Benefits</a>

Aquariums in the Doctor's Office - Attorney Chooses Sharks...

We have all seen them and they are nice to watch, and it appears this attorney is following what many physicians have done in their office.....

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Wee Target zeros-in on toilet training

New technology for helping parents "potty" train the boys...and affordable...BD  <blockquote> January 3, 2007 Desperate parents resort to any number of incentives to encourage their kid to “use the potty”- special underpants, reward charts and for parents of boys, even floating toys in the toilet bowl for target practice! Inventor Joanna Haymes, a mother of three boys, took the latter idea further and <a href="http://lh6.google.com/DucknetServices/R3xmVC6VAgI/AAAAAAAABM0/w4JWZax_xUA/image%5B4%5D?imgmax=800"><img align="right" alt="image" border="0" height="115" src="http://lh3.google.com/DucknetServices/R3xmWS6VAhI/AAAAAAAABM8/bKEx0joWHb8/image_thumb%5B2%5D?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" width="188"></a>developed the “Wee Target”. Inspired by heat sensitive ink on a packet of batteries and driven to help her boys aim in the right direction, she designed a “target”- a black circle made of heat sensitive ink which is fixed temporarily inside the toilet bowl. When the target is hit by urine, the circle fades and a surprise picture appears. For about AUD$10.00 (USD$8.50) you get a target which lasts up to 6 weeks. It is attached by plastic suction cup, can be removed for cleaning and sits 2.5cm (about 1 inch) above water level so splashing is kept to a minimum. Each time the toilet is flushed, the target is cleaned and the picture disappears. So the "game" begins again on the next trip to the toilet. But hey, it’s not just the kids who get to have all the fun, urinal targets for men are not a new idea. The urinal at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam sports a “fake-fly” target and thanks to Marcel Neundorfer you can play an <a href="http://www.yankodesign.com/?p=645">interactive game </a>next time you go to the toilet!</blockquote> Source:  <a href="http://www.gizmag.com/wee-target-toilet-training/8562/">Wee Target zeros-in on toilet training - gizmag Article</a> Web Site:  <a href="http://www.weetarget.com.au/">http://www.weetarget.com.au/</a>

Wee Target zeros-in on toilet training

New technology for helping parents "potty" train the boys...and affordable...BD January 3, 2007 Desperate parents resort to any...

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

California Court Overturns Cancellation Case, Sends to Trial

California Court Overturns Cancellation Case, Sends to Trial

Blue Shield considering an appeal...BD A unanimous ruling by a California appeals court backs individuals' cases against health insure...

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

The Cost of Information Technology

Good article on hospital IS services...even though it seems like it's a lot of money, with IT/IS technology there's never enough...as this high tech hospital CIO points out....BD     <blockquote> This year's $169.4m BIDMC capital includes $57.8m for our new Center for Life Sciences Research building and $23m for backfilling vacated space as researchers move into the new building. The $15.4m IS capital budget also includes $3.4m for the Center for Life Sciences build out of telecom and network services. If you remove these for both BIDMC and IS, we are 13.5% of the total. The remainder is $8.5m for infrastructure, $.5m for Peoplesoft, and $3m for Disaster Recovery......We also provide Media Services/Telemedicine, Library Services, Telecommunications and Health Information management services (medical records). At present, I believe that the capital and operating budgets I've provided here will result in more than 99.9% reliability, under 2 second transactions speeds in all applications, reasonable progress on our effort to be 85% electronic in all our care areas, and high customer satisfaction. As I often say, providing Information Systems is a continuous journey, so we will continue to seek additional budgets to support ever evolving user requirements.</blockquote> <a href="http://geekdoctor.blogspot.com/2007/11/cost-of-information-technology.html">Life as a Healthcare CIO: The Cost of Information Technology</a>

The Cost of Information Technology

Good article on hospital IS services...even though it seems like it's a lot of money, with IT/IS technology there's never enough...a...

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

What the hell is that?

Urologist gets caught off guard here with something very unusual...something the cleaning crew found...humorous story about what happens in the ER...male chastity belt?  Worth the read and good chuckle from his blog..BD<a href="http://lh4.google.com/DucknetServices/R3vuAy6VAeI/AAAAAAAABMk/WP1jBWiT68g/image%5B4%5D?imgmax=800"><img align="right" alt="image" border="0" height="104" src="http://lh4.google.com/DucknetServices/R3vuBy6VAfI/AAAAAAAABMs/PT62e7kRJOU/image_thumb%5B2%5D?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" width="111"></a> <blockquote> So I had entirely forgotten about the most recent sexual device removal until I got a phone call from a very confused urologist today. A few weeks ago, a fellow presented requesting removal of a "male chastity device" which was, um, stuck. I didn't even know such things existed.   The patient did not wish the device returned to him, and so after the entire staff had gazed at it in wonderment it was placed in the dirty utility room for disposal.</blockquote> <a href="http://allbleedingstops.blogspot.com/2008/01/what-hell-is-that.html">Movin' Meat: What the hell is that?</a> Hat Tip:  <a href="http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2008/01/sexual-device-removal.html">Kevin, MD</a>

What the hell is that?

Urologist gets caught off guard here with something very unusual...something the cleaning crew found...humorous story about what happens in ...

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Anonymous Kidney Donors Use Internet To Find Recipients

One more health care item has turned to the web to run queries to find a match...service is not free for those listing but could be lifesaving if needed for one who needs a transplant...BD  <blockquote> A number of Web sites have launched to help match anonymous kidney donors and strangers in need, but some hospitals are reluctant to perform the surgeries because they fear that these donors might be psychologically unstable, more likely to back out of the transplant or secretly paid for the kidney, the <cite>Wall <a href="http://lh3.google.com/DucknetServices/R3vrgi6VAcI/AAAAAAAABMU/N73JAtKGpok/image%5B3%5D?imgmax=800"><img align="right" alt="image" border="0" height="129" src="http://lh3.google.com/DucknetServices/R3vrhi6VAdI/AAAAAAAABMc/ZgcpMoijnsw/image_thumb%5B1%5D?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" width="130"></a>Street Journal</cite> reports. Matching donors with needy patients online also can give advantages to the kidney recipients who create the most emotional plea, and in some cases, those who pay a Web site's fee.  For example, MatchingDonors.com charges people $295 to post their appeals for a kidney for 30 days, or $595 for a lifetime posting. Would-be donors can search the online database of profiles and select who they want to donate to, a process that allows patients to circumvent the national waiting list for transplants.</blockquote> <a href="http://www.ihealthbeat.org/articles/2008/1/2/Anonymous-Kidney-Donors-Use-Internet-To-Find-Recipients.aspx">Anonymous Kidney Donors Use Internet To Find Recipients - iHealthBeat</a>

Anonymous Kidney Donors Use Internet To Find Recipients

One more health care item has turned to the web to run queries to find a match...service is not free for those listing but could be lifesavi...

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Pentagon, VA Take Next Step To Interoperable EHR System

Department of Defense and VA team up on health records...Clinical Data Repository/Health Data Repository, has been operating on a limited basis, but new configuration enhancements have enabled all sites to view shared patient data.  BD <blockquote> Last week, the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs announced enhancements to software that <a href="http://lh6.google.com/DucknetServices/R3vqWS6VAaI/AAAAAAAABME/PtbQJfh_8js/image%5B3%5D?imgmax=800"><img align="right" alt="image" border="0" height="154" src="http://lh3.google.com/DucknetServices/R3vqXi6VAbI/AAAAAAAABMM/4m4aTOnLyLA/image_thumb%5B1%5D?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" width="205"></a>will allow the agencies to share information on clinical events, medical procedures and problems experienced by patients who receive care from both agencies, <cite>Healthcare IT News</cite> reports (Monegain, <cite>Healthcare IT News</cite>, 12/28/07). The software improvements on the agencies' Bidirectional Health Information Exchange are the third enhancement of 2007. Earlier upgrades let health care providers at DOD and VA share records on: <ul> <li>Chemistry/hematology; <li>In-theater medical treatment; <li>Microbiology; <li>Patient allergies; <li>Pharmacy; and <li>Radiology (Buxbaum, <cite>Government Health IT</cite>, 12/28/07).</li></ul></blockquote> <a href="http://www.ihealthbeat.org/articles/2008/1/2/Pentagon-VA-Take-Next-Step-To-Interoperable-EHR-System.aspx">Pentagon, VA Take Next Step To Interoperable EHR System - iHealthBeat</a>

Pentagon, VA Take Next Step To Interoperable EHR System

Department of Defense and VA team up on health records...Clinical Data Repository/Health Data Repository, has been operating on a limited ba...

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

First-Time Generic Approvals: Combunox, Dilantin, Antizol

First-Time Generic Approvals: Combunox, Dilantin, Antizol

Pain killers, seizure treatments, and emergency poison care and treatment...BD December 28, 2007 — The US Food and Drug Administration (FD...

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Research Suggests New Treatment Suitable For All Brain Tumor Patients

Combination could also apply to breast, pancreas and prostate cancers as well...BD <blockquote> New research at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center suggests that a three-drug cocktail may <a href="http://lh4.google.com/DucknetServices/R3vfXy6VAYI/AAAAAAAABL0/jqA9-X0z6uU/image%5B3%5D?imgmax=800"><img align="right" alt="image" border="0" height="147" src="http://lh3.google.com/DucknetServices/R3vfYi6VAZI/AAAAAAAABL8/HjNU4G3GpsY/image_thumb%5B1%5D?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" width="123"></a>one day improve outcomes in patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a type of brain tumor with a dismal prognosis. Two of the drug candidates have been developed, and the team is working on the third all targeted to kill or impair cancer cells and spare healthy brain. Waldemar Debinski, M.D., Ph.D., senior researcher and director of the Wake Forest Brain Tumor Center of Excellence, predicts that the cocktail could be tested in patients within five years.</blockquote> <a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/92839.php">Research Suggests New Treatment Suitable For All Brain Tumor Patients</a>

Research Suggests New Treatment Suitable For All Brain Tumor Patients

Combination could also apply to breast, pancreas and prostate cancers as well...BD New research at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical ...

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Turning Anthrax Toxin Into A Cancer Killer

Turning Anthrax Toxin Into A Cancer Killer

Mutated toxin...someday could hold some answers and help...BD Most people wouldn't consider anthrax toxin to be beneficial, but this b...

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Cocaine Vaccine May Provide Addiction Cure

A request has been sent to the FDA to approve a trial...BD <blockquote> Two Baylor College of Medicine researchers in Houston are working on a cocaine vaccine they hope will <a href="http://lh3.google.com/DucknetServices/R3vdMi6VAWI/AAAAAAAABLk/93axq8IzQtU/image%5B3%5D?imgmax=800"><img align="right" alt="image" border="0" height="188" src="http://lh4.google.com/DucknetServices/R3vdOy6VAXI/AAAAAAAABLs/oivMaVJTnck/image_thumb%5B1%5D?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" width="244"></a>become the first-ever medication to treat people hooked on the drug. "For people who have a desire to stop using, the vaccine should be very useful," said Dr. Tom Kosten, a psychiatry professor who is being assisted in the research by his wife, Therese, a psychologist and neuroscientist. "At some point, most users will give in to temptation and relapse, but those for whom the vaccine is effective won't get high and will lose interest."  The vaccine, currently in clinical trials, stimulates the immune system to attack the real thing when it's taken.  Kosten asked the Food and Drug Administration in December to green-light a multi-institutional trial to begin in the spring and is awaiting a response.</blockquote> <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory?id=4073032">ABC News: Cocaine Vaccine May Provide Addiction Cure</a>

Cocaine Vaccine May Provide Addiction Cure

A request has been sent to the FDA to approve a trial...BD Two Baylor College of Medicine researchers in Houston are working on a cocaine ...

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Celestron to debut new LCD digital microscope at CES

Microscope technology changing...nice LCD screen....BD <blockquote> It looks like those in need of something a little more serious than a <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/17/build-a-digital-microscope-from-a-webcam/">DIY</a> <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/19/webcam-cd-rom-lens-instant-microscope/">microscope</a> will soon have a new<a href="http://lh3.google.com/DucknetServices/R3vb4i6VAUI/AAAAAAAABLU/Fo7vgeLjils/image%5B3%5D?imgmax=800"><img align="right" alt="image" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh4.google.com/DucknetServices/R3vb5y6VAVI/AAAAAAAABLc/oeNiJTlnEps/image_thumb%5B1%5D?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" width="146"></a> option to consider from Celestron, which is set to debut its new LCD digital microscope at CES. Up front and center on this one, as you can see, is a relatively large 3.5-inch LCD, which gets paired with a 2 megapixel digital camera and, of course, a microscope that'll let you take a peek at things at  magnification levels up to 40x. You'll also get 128MB of internal memory to store those extreme close-ups for posterity and, thankfully, an SD card slot for further expansion. No word on a price just yet, but you'll apparently be able to get your hands on one sometime in February.</blockquote> <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/02/celestron-to-debut-new-lcd-digital-microscope-at-ces/">Celestron to debut new LCD digital microscope at CES - Engadget</a>

Celestron to debut new LCD digital microscope at CES

Microscope technology changing...nice LCD screen....BD It looks like those in need of something a little more serious than a DIY microsco...

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

FDA Approvals: Kuvan, Protonix, Kaletra

FDA Approvals: Kuvan, Protonix, Kaletra

December 27, 2007 — The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved sapropterin dihydrochloride tablets for the adjunctive treatment ...

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

If you are interested in advertising here, please use the links below for more information. Advertising spots are located in either the right hand column or at the bottom of the site. Also, if there is something of public interest you feel I should include, please let me know as well. I try to bring articles of both current interest and perhaps items you may not find easily relative to healthcare on the web, to keep it interesting. Recently I have posted a few interviews and if you are interested in such, again, just drop me an email. Lately some of the posts have been included and featured on some major publications, such as Reuters, the Wall Street Journal, Computer Shopper, Ziff Davis, Fox News, the Chicago Times and more. Watch for the Medical Quack there as well, and be sure to use the Sphere link to find other related articles quickly on the major publications such as the Wall Street Journal. <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/9663864/Medical-Quack-Advertising-Samples">Medical Quack Advertising Options</a> <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/9663933/Medical-Quack-Sponsor">Become a Sponsor for the Medical Quack </a> Medical Quack Widgets If you would like to add one to your site or blog, there are a couple sites you can visit to add. These are free.<a href="http://www.springwidgets.com/widgets/view/30288/false/true?rl=widgetize/30288"> http://www.springwidgets.com</a> <a href="http://www.widgetbox.com/widget/medical-quack">http://www.widgetbox.com/widget/medical-quack</a><a href="http://ducknet.net/default.aspx">. </a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v3zjJigoAPE/SY_CjTlDm4I/AAAAAAAAORA/2aMT58bKr6c/s1600-h/MedicalQuackTag%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="MedicalQuackTag" border="0" height="99" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v3zjJigoAPE/SY-8XQ1taUI/AAAAAAAAORE/xYjc13Zlw-U/MedicalQuackTag_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="MedicalQuackTag" width="136" /></a>

If you are interested in advertising here, please use the links below for more information. Advertising spots are located in either th...

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

<blockquote> If you are interested in advertising here, please use the links below for more information. <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/9663864/Medical-Quack-Advertising-Samples">Medical Quack Advertising Options</a> <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/9663933/Medical-Quack-Sponsor">Become a Sponsor for the Medical Quack </a> Advertising spots are located in either the right hand column or at the bottom of the site. Also, if there is something of public interest you feel I should include, please let me know as well. I try to bring articles of both current interest and perhaps items you may not find easily relative to healthcare on the web, to keep it interesting. Recently I have posted a few interviews and if you are interested in such, again, just drop me an email. Lately some of the posts have been included and featured on some major publications, such as Reuters, the Wall Street Journal, Computer Shopper, Ziff Davis, Fox News, the Chicago Times and more. Watch for the Medical Quack there as well, and be sure to use the Sphere link to find other related articles quickly on the major publications such as the Wall Street Journal. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v3zjJigoAPE/SY_CjTlDm4I/AAAAAAAAORA/2aMT58bKr6c/s1600-h/MedicalQuackTag%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="MedicalQuackTag" border="0" height="99" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v3zjJigoAPE/SY-8XQ1taUI/AAAAAAAAORE/xYjc13Zlw-U/MedicalQuackTag_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" title="MedicalQuackTag" width="136" /></a> Medical Quack Widgets If you would like to add one to your site or blog, there are a couple sites you can visit to add. These are free.<a href="http://www.springwidgets.com/widgets/view/30288/false/true?rl=widgetize/30288"> http://www.springwidgets.com</a> <a href="http://www.widgetbox.com/widget/medical-quack">http://www.widgetbox.com/widget/medical-quack</a></blockquote>

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If you are interested in advertising here, please use the links below for more information. Medical Quack Advertising Options B...

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

New equipment 'best for patient' - cardiac arrest response

It has blue tooth technology to transmit data to various locations as well....as the plan evolves and grows, the patient could bypass the ER room and go directly to the cath lab...and there's a built in GPS clock...synchronize the data and time stamp...BD <blockquote> <a href="http://lh3.google.com/DucknetServices/R3p_5y6VAQI/AAAAAAAABK0/j_ZPuFrM27M/image%5B12%5D?imgmax=800"><img align="left" alt="image" border="0" height="100" src="http://lh3.google.com/DucknetServices/R3p_6y6VARI/AAAAAAAABK8/DlzZiXJjMVM/image_thumb%5B6%5D?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" width="138"></a>The Council Bluffs Fire Department received new machines Friday and a dozen other towns are slated to receive them this month.  "Every transport unit is going to get one," Jolene Henning with Alegent Health said. <a href="http://lh3.google.com/DucknetServices/R3p_7y6VASI/AAAAAAAABLE/rUI2LSm6l1E/image%5B11%5D?imgmax=800"><img align="right" alt="image" border="0" height="108" src="http://lh3.google.com/DucknetServices/R3p_8y6VATI/AAAAAAAABLM/XAgpSecEXqA/image_thumb%5B5%5D?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" width="172"></a> "They are buying the <a href="http://www.zoll.com/product.aspx?id=390">Zoll E series</a> sensors and a package that goes with it," Brad Sauser with Carson EMS said. "It's going to give us the ability to do what is called '12 lead.'"  "As this program develops and evolves, we would bypass the ER altogether and go directly to the cath lab," Treynor EMS officer Tony Eblen said. According to Henning, all cardiac cath lab technicians are on call after hours and it can take up to 30 minutes for them to respond. With the new equipment, those technicians could be on site and set up by the time the patient arrives.</blockquote> <a href="http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19155522&BRD=2703&PAG=461&dept_id=555106&rfi=6">SW Iowa News - New equipment 'best for patient'</a> Web Site:  <a href="http://www.zoll.com/product.aspx?id=390">http://www.zoll.com/product.aspx?id=390</a>

New equipment 'best for patient' - cardiac arrest response

It has blue tooth technology to transmit data to various locations as well....as the plan evolves and grows, the patient could bypass the ER...

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

Hospital files lawsuits for payments...UVA Medical Center

If you don't pay or return calls...this hospital will send it off to the courts...BD  <blockquote> "The hospital invests significant staff time and resources to determine if patients qualify for the state authorized indigent care program," writes hospital spokesperson Peter Jump. "The state of Virginia, not the hospital, sets the guidelines for which patients are considered to be indigent." In Virginia, someone is considered indigent if they fall within 0 to 100 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, which are just over $20,000 for a family of four. Those patients who qualify owe the hospital nothing. Those who earn 100 to 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines pay on a sliding scale from 5 to 70 percent of their bill. For the year July 2006 to June 2007, the medical center wrote off indigent care charges totaling $142.1 million. The UVA Medical Center has a huge file full of lawsuits filed in Albemarle County Circuit Court in order to receive payment for unpaid medical bills.</blockquote> <a href="http://c-ville.com/index.php?cat=141404064432695&ShowArticle_ID=11432812073988827">C-VILLE Charlottesville's news & arts weekly | Charlottesville VA news music culture dining</a>

Hospital files lawsuits for payments...UVA Medical Center

If you don't pay or return calls...this hospital will send it off to the courts...BD "The hospital invests significant staff tim...

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

Technology connects family - Redlands, CA with Iraq

Great use of the free technology from the hospital to allow the US soldier to see and talk with his wife who had just given birth...Voice over IP and webcam technology....the couple was already connected but this made it exceptionally nice in the fact that he was able to see his new born daughter...many miles away...BD  <blockquote> REDLANDS - Dixee Rogers, who was born Friday night, slept while her father had his first chance to see her.  "Look Dixee, wake up, it's Daddy," mother Larissa Rogers, 21, said Monday while dad looked on from a computer screen, thousands of miles away. <a href="http://lh5.google.com/DucknetServices/R3p7fS6VAMI/AAAAAAAABKU/Hy_b2McJzm8/image%5B9%5D?imgmax=800"><img align="right" alt="image" border="0" height="137" src="http://lh4.google.com/DucknetServices/R3p7hC6VANI/AAAAAAAABKc/pPdbYZKY3PA/image_thumb%5B5%5D?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" width="129"></a> <a href="http://lh6.google.com/DucknetServices/R3p7ii6VAOI/AAAAAAAABKk/7KS__zUA1gY/image%5B8%5D?imgmax=800"><img align="left" alt="image" border="0" height="134" src="http://lh6.google.com/DucknetServices/R3p7li6VAPI/AAAAAAAABKs/4K_sjOOOsBk/image_thumb%5B4%5D?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" width="171"></a>Dixee's father, U.S. Marine Cpl. Andy Rogers, 22, is on his second tour of duty in Iraq. Rogers was able to see his newborn daughter via a technological hookup thanks to the <a href="http://www.freedomcalls.org/">Freedom Calls Foundation</a>, a nonprofit that maintains satellite connections so overseas military personnel can contact family members.   Larissa said she first started communicating with Andy via the popular MySpace social networking Web site while he was serving his first tour of duty.</blockquote> <a href="http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_7852587">San Bernardino County Sun - Technology connects family</a>

Technology connects family - Redlands, CA with Iraq

Great use of the free technology from the hospital to allow the US soldier to see and talk with his wife who had just given birth...Voice ov...

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

Brain mapping technology

Helpful for tumors and stroke victims...having a picture ahead of time via use of and MRI and software...BD <blockquote> CINCINNATI, Ohio -- In brain surgery, accuracy is crucial. Surgeons typically use electrical stimulation while <a href="http://lh3.google.com/DucknetServices/R3p40y6VAKI/AAAAAAAABKE/WSitv2Jt8f0/image%5B3%5D?imgmax=800"><img align="right" alt="image" border="0" height="154" src="http://lh4.google.com/DucknetServices/R3p42C6VALI/AAAAAAAABKM/un0oIR9OK_c/image_thumb%5B1%5D?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" width="204"></a>patients are awake to identify important areas in the brain during surgery. Now, doctors are using a new technology to map the brain. Scott Engle spends his spare time making ice cream cones and setting up a neighborhood café for teens. That’s because a hard, bony mass beneath his skull causes severe pain.  These images are merged from a functional MRI and special software. Patients perform activities during the scan, so neuroradiologists can map key areas to avoid during surgery. Leach says the brain mapping software may also be helpful to surgeons performing brain stimulation procedures on stroke patients.</blockquote> <a href="http://news14.com/content/headlines/591261/brain-mapping-technology/Default.aspx">News 14 | 24 Hour Local News | HEADLINES | Brain mapping technology</a>

Brain mapping technology

Helpful for tumors and stroke victims...having a picture ahead of time via use of and MRI and software...BD CINCINNATI, Ohio -- In brain s...

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

Hospitals' action stops spread of infection - California

In the one example cited here, data mining was a big help as patterns were identified with urinary tract infections...and traced to the catheters and their use....good example of a hospital taking advantage of data mining for a positive result...BD  <blockquote> As the public's alarm mounts over methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, and other <a href="http://lh5.google.com/DucknetServices/R3p2CS6VAII/AAAAAAAABJ0/F4tOGO0fuNM/image%5B3%5D?imgmax=800"><img align="right" alt="image" border="0" height="139" src="http://lh5.google.com/DucknetServices/R3p2DS6VAJI/AAAAAAAABJ8/zkDAXQBNDJc/image_thumb%5B1%5D?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" width="174"></a>antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a few hospitals in California and across the country are finding that aggressive action to detect and avert infections pays off.  During a recently concluded 18-month pilot project, nine California hospitals were able to prevent an estimated 600 healthcare-associated infections by using a data-mining program to comb through computerized records, flagging infections quickly enough to thwart their spread. The hospitals avoided $9 million in treatment costs, said Deborah Schwab, director of health and technology for the Blue Shield of California Foundation, the healthcare philanthropy that sponsored the million-dollar experiment. "If you asked most hospitals if they had a problem, they'd probably say no," said Schwab, a former nurse. "When I entered healthcare in the 1970s, everyone assumed that hospital-acquired infections were just tough luck." Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, one of the participating hospitals, uncovered a pattern of urinary tract infections, many of them traced to the use of urinary catheters, said Debbie Mulligan, the hospital's infection prevention manager. By limiting the amount of time a patient used a catheter and substituting high-quality diapers, the hospital has been able to reduce its infection rate by 20%, Mulligan said.</blockquote> <a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-superbugside1jan01,1,7309339.story?coll=la-headlines-pe-california">Hospitals' action stops spread of infection - Los Angeles Times</a>