MedWorm: Insurance

Boehner Vows to Fight Contraception Rule

NYT Health — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:25:37 +0100

The speaker said House Republicans would push to change the administration’s rule that religious institutions must offer insurance plans that cover birth control. (Source: NYT Health)

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Video: Catholic groups balk at covering birth control

Health News: CBSNews.com — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:58:01 +0100

A new federal rule requires all employers to cover birth control in their health insurance plans. Father Edward Beck, a CBS News contributor, and the Washington Post's Michael Gerson discuss the controversial rule. (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

Study Examines Misconceptions Of Who Picks Up Tab When Patients Walk Out

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

There are ways in which patients who leave the hospital against medical advice wind up paying for that decision. Being saddled with the full cost of their hospital stay, however, is not one of them. Insurance companies know this. Patients who walk out may know this. But many physicians, according to a study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, do not... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Obama Addresses Ire on Health Insurance Contraception Rule

NYT — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:15:01 +0100

Facing criticism from religious-affiliated institutions, the Obama administration promised on Tuesday to explore ways to make a new health insurance requirement more flexible. (Source: NYT)

Individual-Mandate Foes Warn of Affordable 'Car' ActIndividual-Mandate Foes Warn of Affordable 'Car' Act

Medscape Today Headlines — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:34:01 +0100

In a brief filed with the Supreme Court, state officials opposed to the Affordable Care Act said the individual mandate to obtain health insurance presages mandates to buy cars and other goods. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

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Integro brokerage names Marc Kunney to head new USA unit

bizjournals.com Health Care:Physician Practices headlines — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:30:02 +0100

Integro, a New York-based international insurance brokerage and risk management firm with a significant footprint in the San Francisco Bay Area, said Tuesday it is creating an Integro USA unit and putting San Francisco leader Marc Kunney in charge of it. Kunney, “operations leader” and managing principal in San Francisco, will head the division as president, but will continue to head up operations in the Bay Area, Integro said. Integro USA will house the firm’s U.S. insurance brokerage operations, and focuses on clients in the United States that face complex insurance risks, according to a spokesman... (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Physician Practices headlines)

White House says open to compromise over contraception

Reuters: Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:30:16 +0100

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Obama administration is willing to work with Catholic universities and hospitals in implementing new rules that require health insurance to cover birth control, a top adviser to the president's re-election campaign said on Tuesday. (Source: Reuters: Health)

House and Senate at Impasse on Medicare

NYT — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:36:22 +0100

Lawmakers in both parties say they want to give doctors a small increase in Medicare payments, but they cannot agree on how to pay for it. (Source: NYT)

Study Quantifies Families Without Health Insurance

MedPage Today Public Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:28:58 +0100

WASHINGTON (MedPage Today) -- More than half of poor families and a third of middle-income families had no health insurance during the preceding year, according to a new survey by the Commonwealth Fund. (Source: MedPage Today Public Health)

Catholics want birth control coverage: Survey

USATODAY.com Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:16:00 +0100

Pundits, bishops say Obama's contraception option for insurance plans will repell Catholic voters. Catholics disagree, new surveys find. (Source: USATODAY.com Health)

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Surveys: Catholics want birth control coverage

USATODAY.com Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:16:00 +0100

Pundits, bishops say Obama's contraception option for insurance plans will offend Catholic voters. Catholics disagree, new surveys find. (Source: USATODAY.com Health)

White House open to compromise over contraception: adviser

Reuters: Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:22:46 +0100

Being insured is no guarantee unemployed will seek care

American Medical News - BUSINESS — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:24:02 +0100

Research suggests they may be unable to cover co-pays and deductibles, or fear they cannot afford the expenses that result. (Source: American Medical News - BUSINESS)

Justifying insurance coverage for orphan drugs

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(The Hastings Center) Can insurers justify spending hundreds of thousands of dollars per patient per year on "orphan drugs" - extremely expensive medications for rare conditions that are mostly chronic and life-threatening -- when this money could provide greater overall health benefits to many other patients? Those spending decisions reflect the "rule of rescue," the value that our society places on saving lives in immediate danger at any expense. Will the rule of rescue become more difficult to support? (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

What contributes to self‐rated oral health among community‐dwelling older adults? Findings from the ElderSmile program

Journal of Public Health Dentistry — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Recent dental care contributed to better self‐rated oral health among community‐dwelling older adults living in northern Manhattan. Significant gradients were evident in the caries experience and periodontal inflammation of dentate adults by self‐rated oral health, suggesting that untreated oral disease contributes to poor self‐rated oral health. (Source: Journal of Public Health Dentistry)

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House and Senate at Impasse on Medicare

NYT Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:43:09 +0100

Lawmakers in both parties say they want to give doctors a small increase in Medicare payments, but they cannot agree on how to pay for it. (Source: NYT Health)

House and Senate at Impasse on Medicare Payments to Doctors

NYT Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:37:18 +0100

Lawmakers in both parties say they want to give doctors a small increase in Medicare payments, but they cannot agree on how to pay for it. (Source: NYT Health)

Kenya: NHIF Now Targets Informal Sector

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:16:53 +0100

[Capital FM] Nairobi, Kenya - The National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) will by the end of this month roll out yet another comprehensive health scheme, this time targeting the informal sector. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

Effects of Intervention Using a Community-Based Walking Program for Prevention of Mental Decline: A Randomized Controlled Trial. - Maki Y, Ura C, Yamaguchi T, Murai T, Isahai M, Kaiho A, Yamagami T, Tanaka S, Miyamae F, Sugiyama M, Awata S, Takahashi R, Yamaguchi H.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:54:53 +0100

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of a municipality-led walking program under the Japanese public Long-Term Care Insurance Act to prevent mental decline. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: The city of Takasaki. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred fifty... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

Birth-control fight unlikely to hurt Obama, his strategists say

Los Angeles Times - Science — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Democratic strategists think that most U.S. Catholic women believe birth control should be available and that people who oppose Obama because of a new rule for employers would not vote for him anyway.Even as angry Catholic leaders vow to fight a new federal requirement that most employers include contraceptives in their health insurance coverage, the Obama administration believes any political damage will be limited because it's on the side of women's rights. (Source: Los Angeles Times - Science)

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Exploring factors relevant in the assessment of the return-to-work process of employees on long-term sickness absence due to a depressive disorder: a focus group study

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This study shows that 16 factors are relevant in the assessment of RTW-ES in employees sick-listed due to DD. Further research is necessary to expand this knowledge to other health conditions, and to investigate the impact of these results on the quality of the RTW-ES assessment. (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)

Medical debt keeps rising, new report shows

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of California - Los Angeles) A comprehensive new report on health insurance from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research shows the so-called Great Recession caused hundreds of thousands of Californians to lose coverage and acquire medical debt. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Mental Health Weekly — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractColorado Promoting Efficient BH Care Delivery Through Telehealth ProgramTechnology, Work of Change Teams Enhance Access at Kentucky CenterEmployment Program Positive for Veterans With PTSDHouse Votes to Repeal Long‐Term Care Insurance ProgramGroups Prepare to File Brief to Support ACA Medicaid ExpansionBriefly NotedState NewsBusinessComing up (Source: Mental Health Weekly)

Who Is Left Out of the DSM-5 Debate? Of Course, Consumers

Psychology Today Parenting Center — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:50:12 +0100

To my ears, the current DSM-5 debate comes down to the question of who has the right to decide when an individual and a family have suffered enoughread more (Source: Psychology Today Parenting Center)

Aphysiologic performance on dynamic posturography in work-related patients

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:12:23 +0100

This study aimed to assess and compare the prevalence of aphysiologic performance on computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) in patients with the potential for secondary gain using a retrospective review of two groups of patients: work-related patients referred for dizziness and/or imbalance (Group 1) were compared against a group of patients with complaints of dizziness or imbalance, who had no history of work-related injury, or litigation procedures (Group 2). CDP and videonystagmography (VNG) were carried out in all patients. The Sensory Organization Test summaries were scored as normal, aphysiologic, or vestibular using the scoring method published by Cevette et al. in Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 112:676–688 (1995). 24 out of 88 (27%) patients had aphysiologic CDP in Group 1 an...

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Ghana: Capitation Talks End in Deadlock as Ashanti Group Gears Up for Demonstration

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:58:39 +0100

[Ghanaian Chronicle] Kumasi - A MEETING called at the behest of the management of the National Health Insurance Scheme Authority (NHIA) with the aim of talking members of the Ashanti Development Union (ADU) from going ahead with its planned demonstration against the Capitation system, ended in a stalemate as both parties failed to reach any tangible conclusion. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

Health Insurance Stocks For a Republican Win

Forbes.com Healthcare News — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:16:03 +0100

Investors busy assessing how the state of the global economy will affect their stock portfolios should start thinking about how the presidential race will weigh in. In particular, investors may want to look at how to play the health insurance space. Health care remains a subject of divide between the two parties, with Republicans trying to repeal Obama's nationwide health care reform since 2010. And, while it is unlikely they can overturn the entire law, they can certainly chip away at parts of it. Related Links (Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News)

Kenya: Plug Loopholes to Ensure Success of Medical Scheme

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:04:22 +0100

[Business Daily] The medical cover deal signed between the National Hospital Insurance Fund and the Kenya National Union of Teachers represents a corporate coup of sorts. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

Veracity Insurance Solutions, LLC Purchases Stratus Insurance...

PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:24:02 +0100

Stratus Insurance Services, Inc. has been purchased by Veracity Insurance Solutions, LLC, effective January 1, 2012. Veracity Insurance Solutions, LLC will be the name of the newly combined company...(PRWeb February 01, 2012)Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/veracity/stratusins/prweb9152072.htm (Source: PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals)

A Nationwide Cohort Study on the Incidence of Meningioma in Women Using Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy in Finland

American Journal of Epidemiology — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The authors conducted a nationwide cohort study to evaluate the association between postmenopausal hormone therapy and meningioma incidence in Finland. All women who had used hormone therapy at least for 6 months at the age of 50 years or older during 1994–2009 were included. Women who had used postmenopausal hormone therapy were identified from the medical reimbursement register of the Social Insurance Institution (131,480 estradiol users and 131,248 estradiol-progestin users), and meningioma cases were identified from the Finnish Cancer Registry. During the average 9 years of follow-up, 289 estradiol users and 196 estradiol-progestin users were diagnosed with meningioma. Ever use of estradiol-only therapy was associated with an increased risk of meningioma (standardized incidence r...

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Variation in State Unintended Pregnancy Rates In the United States

Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: State programs and policies should pay particular attention to increasing support for family planning services for minority groups. Findings also suggest that insurance coverage and receipt of Medicaid among women of reproductive age deserve further exploration as potentially important mechanisms for reducing state unintended pregnancy rates. (Source: Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health)

GNU Health 1.4.3 released

GNU/Linux And Open Source Medical Software News — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:15:46 +0100

GNU Solidario is happy to announce the release of Health 1.4.3. This version contains many enhancements and fixes. Check at the end of this article for some important links. As a summary : - Improved menus, icons and navigation - Integrate neonatology and PSC (Pediatric Symptoms Checklist ) in a new Pediatrics menu - Now we can refer to the patient using directly the social security number, in addition to the internal health center ID - Add product categories for Insurance plans - Create initial admin rights for the main modules - Create a .mo template for each module, so we can update the transifex source language (only in the tar.gz distribution) - Added patient lastname in the party tree view - Include in the translation project in transifex many data files ( occupations, drugs, ICD-1...

Explaining Health Care Reform: How Will the Affordable Care Act Affect Small Businesses and Their Employees?

Rural publications via the Rural Assistance Center — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:26:52 +0100

Describes ACA initiatives that will be implemented between now and the year 2016 and affect small businesses in terms of insurance exchanges, penalties for not providing affordable coverage, tax credits, and grants for wellness programs. -- Kaiser Family Foundation (Source: Rural publications via the Rural Assistance Center)

The Clinical Spectrum of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in a Large Urban Population

Current Rheumatology Reports — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:16:19 +0100

Abstract Urban populations present particular challenges for medical providers. Patients are extremely diverse, with varied socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds. Physicians caring for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis must be prepared to interact effectively with many types of families who bring with them varied experiences and expectations. Pediatric rheumatologists should be familiar with patient characteristics that can influence disease outcomes. Access to care is affected by place of residence, referral delays, parental education, and the child’s insurance status. Patients of different ethnic backgrounds vary in their trust of physicians and health systems. Understanding of risk in medical decision making is influenced by ethnicity as well. Adhe...

Ethnic Differences in Prevalence and Barriers of HBV Screening and Vaccination Among Asian Americans

Journal of Community Health — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:14:02 +0100

Abstract Our study identifies the prevalence of HBV virus (HBV) screening and vaccination among Asian Americans, and ethnic differences for factors associated with screening and vaccination behaviors. In 2009–2010 we recruited 877 Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese Americans 18 years of age and above through several community organizations, churches and local ethnic businesses in Maryland for a health education intervention and a self-administered survey. Prevalence of HBV screening, screening result and vaccinations were compared by each ethnic group. We used logistic regression analysis to understand how sociodemographics, familial factors, patient-, provider-, and resource-related barriers are associated with screening and vaccination behaviors, using the total samp...

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UPMC Health Plan membership rises 14.5%

bizjournals.com Health Care:Physician Practices headlines — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:01:03 +0100

UPMC Health Plan has been racking up membership gains since July while battling rival health insurer Highmark Inc. over member access to University of Pittsburgh Medical Center doctors and hospitals, the health system reported on Wednesday. Total UPMC insurance division membership rose 14.5 percent to 1.78 million during the six-month period ending Dec. 31, including an 11.1 percent, or 373,621, gain in commercial health plan members, CFO Robert A. DeMichiei said. Boosting the increase was the acquisition of Hamot Medical Center in Erie, which employs nearly 3,000 people, and Erie Physicians Network, the county’s biggest multispecialty group... (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Physician Practices headlines)

Risk of new acute myocardial infarction hospitalization associated with use of oral and parenteral non-steroidal anti-inflammation drugs (NSAIDs): a case-crossover study of Taiwan's National Health Insurance claims database and review of current evidence

BMC Cardiovascular Disorders — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The collective evidence revealed the tendency of increased AMI risk with current use of some NSAIDs. A higher AMI risk associated with use of parenteral NSAIDs was observed in the present study. Ketorolac had the highest associated risk in both oral and parenteral NSAIDs studied. Though further investigation to confirm the association is warranted, prescribing physicians and the general public should be cautious about the potential risk of AMI when using NSAIDs. (Source: BMC Cardiovascular Disorders)

Reducing the burden of morbidity and medical utilization of older patients by outpatient geriatric services: Implications to primary health‐care settings

Geriatrics and Gerontology International — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Outpatient GEM could effectively reduce growth of BOM and medical utilization for relatively healthy elderly patients in Taiwan where elderly patients haverelatively free access to general and specialty care. The results of this study implied the potential benefits of systematically implementing GEM in primary health‐care settings to improve the quality of care and slow down the growth of BOM for elderly patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; ••: ••–••. (Source: Geriatrics and Gerontology International)

Service quality of private hospitals: The Iranian patients' perspective

BMC Health Services Research — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The results showed that SERVQUAL is a valid, reliable, and flexible instrument to monitor and measure the quality of the services in private hospitals of Iran. Our findings clarified the importance of creating a strong relationship between patients and the hospital practitioners/personnel and the need for hospital staff to be responsive, credible, and empathetic when dealing with patients. (Source: BMC Health Services Research)

The quest for equity in Latin America: a comparative analysis of the health care reforms in Brazil and Colombia

BioMed Central — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Neither reform seems to have had a decisive positive impact on the health outcomes analyzed for the defined time period of this research. This, in turn, may be a consequence of both internal characteristics of the respective reforms and external factors beyond the direct control of health reformers. Among the internal characteristics: underfunding, unbridled decentralization and inequitable access to care seem to have been the main constraints. Conversely, international economic adversities, high levels of rural and urban violence, along with entrenched income inequalities seem to have accounted for the highest burden among external factors. (Source: BioMed Central)

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The Effect of HIFA Waiver Expansions on Uninsurance Rates in Adult  Populations

Health Services Research — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsOur findings suggest that public insurance initiatives that provide states with flexibility regarding eligibility and plan design are a viable policy approach to reducing uninsurance rates. (Source: Health Services Research)

Saving Medicaid: A Path to Comprehensive Medicaid Reform

The Heritage Foundation Papers: Health Care — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:47:00 +0100

The joint federal–state health program for the poor is fueling the federal entitlement crisis, bankrupting state budgets, and delivering substandard care to enrollees while crowding out private health insurance options for many (Source: The Heritage Foundation Papers: Health Care)

Health insurance counseling, other health events, Feb. 2-9

Wash Post Health — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:51:00 +0100

Tai chi chuan class For beginners, gentle exercises that emphasize balance and flexibility, led by Fred Nee and A.M. Carey. Thursdays at 10 a.m., Margaret Schweinhaut Senior Center, 1000 Forest Glen Rd., Silver Spring. 240-777-8086. Free. Read full article >> (Source: Wash Post Health)

Oregon requires concierge physicians to register with insurance department

American Medical News - BUSINESS — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:59:37 +0100

Doctors who offer a suite of services for a flat fee must share their business plan, financial history and practice information. (Source: American Medical News - BUSINESS)

Disparities in access to care at high‐volume institutions for uro‐oncologic procedures

Cancer — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS:On average, old, sick, poor, and Medicare patients were less likely to be treated at high‐volume hospitals for uro‐oncologic surgery. Similarly, black patients were less likely to have a radical cystectomy at a high‐volume hospital, and female patients were less likely to have an Nx at a high‐volume hospital. Selective referral of individuals who are less likely to receive care at such institutions may represent a health care priority intended to optimize outcomes across all population strata. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society. (Source: Cancer)

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Association between breast cancer and allostatic load by race: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2008

Psycho-Oncology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

[Reliability of morbidity data reported by GPs : Results of a longitudinal study in primary care].

Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Data on morbidity collected in epidemiological studies and reported by physicians should always be checked for validity and reliability. Appropriate options (e.g., an investigator collecting the data directly in the field or the comparison of the data with health insurance companies' claims data) are presented and discussed. PMID: 22290171 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz)

[Implementation of the new German job role code and its application in claims data analysis : Possibilities and limitations].

Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

[Implementation of the new German job role code and its application in claims data analysis : Possibilities and limitations]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz. 2012 Feb;55(2):238-44 Authors: Damm K, Lange A, Zeidler J, Braun S, Graf von der Schulenburg JM Abstract In recent years, claims data analyses have become of increasing importance in several scientific disciplines in Germany. In specific research projects, it can be necessary to refine and to standardize the results by socioeconomic data. Information about graduation, social status, and occupation are provided by the German job role code for all people insured by statutory health insurance. During recent years, the working scheme has changed and new professions have appeared. Therefore, t...

[Palliative care in the light of legal and regulatory requirements in Germany].

Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Cremer-Schaeffer P, Radbruch L Abstract In Germany, palliative care has developed rapidly since the establishment of the first palliative care unit in 1983. More improvements in patient-centered care are only possible if legal requirements as well as education of physicians, nurses, and other professionals involved in palliative care are adapted to current needs. This paper provides an overview of legal and regulatory requirements including a critical appreciation of their influence on palliative care in Germany. Only recently has medical education in palliative medicine been implemented as an integral part of medical studies at German universities. Starting in 2014, physicians applying for a license to practice medicine will have to provide a certificate of basic training...

Bill would prohibit mandatory health insurance contracts

Modern Medicine — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

A developing advocacy campaign in Washington state has the AACU Government Affairs team implementing the very practices described in this space and thereby urged upon urologists in seemingly ad nauseum Calls to Action. (Source: Modern Medicine)

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Massachusetts coverage rate nearly universal

Modern Medicine — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

More people in Massachusetts have health insurance now than when mandated coverage was enacted. Despite the gains, costs are still climbing. Learn the national implications. (Source: Modern Medicine)

A Decision-Tree Approach to Cost Comparison of Newborn Screening Strategies for Cystic Fibrosis

PEDIATRICS — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The IRT/IRT screening algorithm reduces the costs to laboratories and insurance companies but has more system failures. IRT/DNA offers other advantages, including fewer delayed diagnoses and lower out-of-pocket costs to families. (Source: PEDIATRICS)

Dramatically Increased Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Utilization From 2000 to 2009, Especially by Podiatrists in Private Offices

Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The MSK ultrasound volume increase among nonradiologists, especially podiatrists, was far higher than that among radiologists from 2000 and 2009, with the highest growth in private offices. These findings raise concern for self-referral. (Source: Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR)

Med Sci Monit 2012; 18(2):CR72-77 "Persistence of initial oral antidiabetic treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus"

Medical Science Monitor — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The persistence of initial treatment with metformin and/or sulphonylureas is far from optimal. Better diabetic care and continuous patient education should be encouraged to achieve higher persistence of oral antidiabetic treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes. (Source: Medical Science Monitor)

Improved access to life insurance after genetic diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolaemia: cross-sectional postal questionnaire study

European Journal of Human Genetics — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Roeland Huijgen, Sietske JM Homsma, Barbara A Hutten, Iris Kindt, Maud N Vissers, John JP Kastelein & Jan LA van Rijckevorsel (Source: European Journal of Human Genetics)

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A Comparison of Two Approaches to Increasing Access to Care: Expanding Coverage versus Increasing Physician Fees

Health Services Research — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsThe findings suggest that (1) coverage expansions, even if they substantially reduce patient cost sharing, do not necessarily increase physician utilization, and (2) increasing the generosity of provider payments in public programs can improve access among low‐SES children, and, through spillover effects, increase higher‐SES children as well. (Source: Health Services Research)

Young adults grab coverage opportunity

Managed Healthcare Executive Magazine Online — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The healthcare overhaul has allowed 2.5 million young adults to gain insurance coverage under their parents' plans, a figure that is more than double previous estimates. (Source: Managed Healthcare Executive Magazine Online)

PPACA's affordability definition remains unclear

Managed Healthcare Executive Magazine Online — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

When it comes to health insurance and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, defintion "affordable" can be a complex and confounding task. (Source: Managed Healthcare Executive Magazine Online)

Adherence with Migraine Prophylaxis in Clinical Practice

Pain Practice — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that many patients who begin migraine prophylaxis with antidepressants, antiepileptics, or beta blockers are no longer taking these medications at 6 months. (Source: Pain Practice)

Cost, utilization, and patterns of medication use associated with chronic idiopathic urticaria.

Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Primary care physicians managed most patients with CIU. Antihistamines were the most common treatment for CIU, although OCSs were frequently prescribed. Thirty days of OCS supply among users may represent multiple steroid bursts each year. Given the known risks of OCSs, identifying other CIU treatments with more favorable safety profiles may be beneficial. PMID: 22289728 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology)

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Healthcare Costs Associated with Osteoarthritis in US Patients

Pain Practice — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Newly diagnosed osteoarthritis patients incurred higher annual costs, but lower pain‐related prescription drug costs in the year following diagnosis than patients with existing osteoarthritis. (Source: Pain Practice)

Non-Specialists Expand Into Lucrative Cosmetic Surgery Procedures

NYT — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:10:08 +0100

With declining insurance reimbursements, more doctors are expanding their practices to include things like breast augmentation and liposuction paid for out-of-pocket by patients. (Source: NYT)

Portland Archbishop blasts U.S. gov't over contraception

bizjournals.com Health Care:Hospitals headlines — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:06:14 +0100

Portland Archbishop John G. Vlazny has called a requirement that employers include contraception in their health care plans a "severe assault on religious liberty." In a letter written to his "Brothers and Sisters in Christ" and republished by several media outlets, Vlazny took aim at a Jan. 20 Health and Human Services ruling that health insurance plans cover all FDA-approved forms of contraception without charging a co-pay, co-insurance or deductible. Similar letters were written by other U.S... (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Hospitals headlines)

Do Your Doctors Use EHRs?

ICMCC: The International Council on Medical and Care Compunetics — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:35:24 +0100

Source: Elinore Boeke, HIMSS News Content: “I recently took my youngest in for a first visit with the new practice, for his 5-year check up. I brought copies of Alex’s immunization and other records from his previous pediatrician, and I traded my insurance card for the familiar clipboard and pages of additional forms to fill [...] (Source: ICMCC: The International Council on Medical and Care Compunetics)

Worker's compensation bill has support in Florida House

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:51:10 +0100

TALLAHASSEE—A bill to allow workers compensation insurance companies to keep about $25 million a year instead of returning the windfall to the businesses that pay the premiums passed a House committee on Monday with the support of two of the state's biggest business advocates. By a party-line vote, the House Insurance and Banking Subcommittee approved a measure (HB 4169) that would repeal a law that's been on the books since 1979 that requires workers' compensation insurance companies to refund premiums to policyholders if their profits consistently exceed the allowable rate of return... (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)

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StanCorp beats Wall Street estimates again

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:28:45 +0100

StanCorp Financial Group Inc. on Monday reported earnings that surpassed Wall Street expectations. Portland-based StanCorp (NYSE: SFG), Oregon’s third-largest public company, earned $39.3 million, or 89 cents per share, on $727.7 million in revenue in the fourth quarter. In the same quarter in 2010, it earned $52 million, or $1.12 per share, on $710.2 million in revenue. The insurance and financial services company (NYSE: SFG) beat Wall Street expectations for the second consecutive quarter after coming up short the previous two quarters... (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)

Taxes and the ACA: Home Sales Killer?

Forbes.com Healthcare News — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:47:17 +0100

One goal of my “Quest for Simplicity” is to explain the ACA in terms we can all understand, so we can decide what parts of the law we should keep and what we should change. In previous articles, I have discussed the costs and complexity of our current insurance and medical care financing. Basically, our lawmakers decided to build upon this ineffective system when they could have cleaned it up, simplified, improved efficiency, and cut costs. (Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News)

Financial Responsibility of Hospitalized Patients Who Left Against Medical Advice: Medical Urban Legend?

Journal of General Internal Medicine — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:11:12 +0100

CONCLUSIONS Contrary to popular belief, we found no evidence that insurance denied payment for patients leaving AMA. Residency programs and hospitals should ensure that patients are not misinformed. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ResearchPages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s11606-012-1984-xAuthors Gabrielle R. Schaefer, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USAHeidi Matus, Internal Medicine Residency Program, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC 2007, AMB W216, Chicago, IL 60637, USAJohn H. Schumann, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine, Tulsa, OK, USAKeith Sauter, Patient Financial Services, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USABenjamin Vekhter, Department of Me...

The impact of health insurance mandates on drug innovation: evidence from the United States

The European Journal of Health Economics — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:09:29 +0100

Abstract An important health policy issue is the low rate of patient enrollment into clinical trials, which may slow down the process of clinical trials and discourage their supply, leading to delays in innovative life-saving drug treatments reaching the general population. In the US, patients’ cost of participating in a clinical trial is considered to be a major barrier to patient enrollment. In order to reduce this barrier, some states in the US have implemented policies requiring health insurers to cover routine care costs for patients enrolled in clinical trials. This paper evaluates empirically how effective these policies were in increasing the supply of clinical trials and speeding up their completion, using data on cancer clinical trials initiated in the US betwe...

Images: States With The Most Uninsured

WDSU.com - Health — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:00:05 +0100

More Americans than ever are going without health insurance. Find out where uninsured rates are highest. (Source: WDSU.com - Health)

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The impact of insurance status on outcomes after surgery for spinal metastases

Cancer — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS:This nationwide study suggests that disparities based on insurance status for patients undergoing surgery for spinal metastases may be attributable to a higher acuity of presentation. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society (Source: Cancer)

Comparison of adverse events during 5‐fluorouracil versus 5‐fluorouracil/oxaliplatin adjuvant chemotherapy for stage III colon cancer

Cancer — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS:The incremental harms of adjuvant chemotherapy with 5FU/oxaliplatin versus 5FU alone were modest in patients with stage III colon cancer who were insured by Medicare and Medicaid. The additional harms in patients aged ≥75 years largely were restricted to outpatient events and did not extend to an increased rate of hospitalization or early death. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society (Source: Cancer)

Examining factors influencing patient satisfaction with nurse practitioners in rural urgent care centers

Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: No statistical significance was noted in regards to patient satisfaction for the demographic factors age, gender, country of upbringing, or education level. Presence of health insurance was a significant factor, with uninsured patients rating higher levels of satisfaction. However, based on patients' responses to role clarity for this survey, it is evident that there continues to be insufficient public understanding of the role of NPs.Implications for practice: The future of the NP relies on patient approval as well as acceptance of the role. This study joins the pioneering efforts towards describing what patient satisfaction is and supports NPs serving as providers in rural, nonprimary care venues. By identifying influential factors of satisfaction, NPs can bridge the gap bet...

Exploring and Comparing the Characteristics of Nonlatent and Latent Composite Scores: Implications for Pay-for-Performance Incentive Design

Medical Decision Making — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study compared several nonlatent and latent composite quality scores to evaluate the quality of care using diabetes mellitus (DM) P4P data and discusses their characteristics and implications for P4P policy. The authors describe a cross-sectional study of the DM P4P data collected from the claims data of the Bureau of National Health Insurance (NHI) in Taiwan from January 2007 to December 2007. The DM patient outcome data, such as hemoglobin A1C values, were retrieved from the P4P database sponsored by the Bureau of NHI in Taiwan. The composite scores were derived from the following methods: 1) nonlatent scores methods (e.g., the raw sum score and the all-or-none score methods)and 2) latent scores methods (e.g., item-response theory-based Models I and II and the PRIDIT model). These s...

Opinionator: The End of Health Insurance Companies

NYT Health — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 02:00:16 +0100

Accountable care organizations will shift the focus of medicine away from treating sickness and toward keeping patients healthy. (Source: NYT Health)

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Catholic Church Blasts HHS Birth Control Rule

MedPage Today Campaign '08 — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:57:14 +0100

WASHINGTON (MedPage Today) -- The Catholic Church is protesting an Obama administration rule that requires nearly all employers -- even Catholic ones -- who provide insurance to their employees to include coverage of birth control services. (Source: MedPage Today Campaign '08)

Political Science | Women and Faith: Law Fuels Contraception Controversy on Catholic Campuses

NYT — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:00:58 +0100

Many Catholic colleges are pushing back against a ruling by the Obama administration that the new health care law requires insurance plans at Catholic institutions to cover birth control. (Source: NYT)

Non-Specialists Expand Into Lucrative Cosmetic Surgery Procedures

NYT Health — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:32:06 +0100

With declining insurance reimbursements, more doctors are expanding their practices to include things like breast augmentation and liposuction paid for out-of-pocket by patients. (Source: NYT Health)

The Keys to Professional Success Today: Bureeda Bruner's Story

Forbes.com Healthcare News — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:39:05 +0100

The so-called “Great Recession” has caused tremendous despair among employees and job-seekers alike, who have justifiably felt disillusioned and frustrated. Many younger and older Americans, who never thought they would need government assistance, are now living off unemployment insurance. In fact, while we’ve seen some improvement in the unemployment rate, there are still more than 5 million people without jobs. Given these trying circumstances, it is easy to lose hope and question whether one will ever again enjoy compelling professional opportunities; this is especially true for those with little, if any, post-secondary education. (Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News)

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How Often Do Catastrophic Injury Victims Become Medicaid Recipients? - Zaloshnja E, Miller TR, Coben J, Steiner C.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:32:08 +0100

BACKGROUND:: People without adequate insurance may separate financially from their families and move onto Medicaid after a catastrophic injury. Medicaid then covers all of their medical care costs. No estimates for Medicaid conversions due to injury exist ... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

Comparison of data sources for the surveillance of work injury. - Mustard CA, Chambers A, McLeod C, Bielecky A, Smith PM.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:32:08 +0100

The objective of this study was to compare the incidence of work-related injury and illness presenting to Ontario emergency departments to the incidence of worker's compensation claims reported to the Ontario Workplace Safety & Insurance Board ove... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

Are Your Claims Being Rejected?

Blogged_Arteries — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0100

TMA and the American Medical Association report that many medical practices are seeing more of their claims rejected in recent weeks. The conversion to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Version 5010 transaction standards on Jan. 1 could be the culprit. (Source: Blogged_Arteries)

Greg Hatcher On What Health Care Reform Is Missing (Executive Q&A)

Arkansas Business - Health Care — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0100

Little Rock insurance agency owner Greg Hatcher works where business and fitness intersect: the health insurance industry. (Source: Arkansas Business - Health Care)

Political Science | Women and Faith: Law Fuels Contraception Controversy on Catholic Campuses

NYT Health — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:32:06 +0100

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New‐Onset Treatment‐Dependent Diabetes Mellitus and Hyperlipidemia Associated with Atypical Antipsychotic Use in Older Adults without Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionUse of atypical antipsychotics in older adults for conditions other than schizophrenia and bipolar disorder was associated with incident treatment of diabetes mellitus but not of hyperlipidemia, suggesting that older adults may be susceptible to the adverse metabolic consequences of these agents. (Source: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society)

Effects of Intervention Using a Community‐Based Walking Program for Prevention of Mental Decline: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionWalking programs may provide benefits in some aspects of cognition, QOL, and functional capacity including social interaction in elderly community members. This study could serve as the basis for implementation of a community‐based intervention to prevent mental decline. (Source: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society)

Lymphoma Study Group of JCOG

Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The Lymphoma Study Group (LSG) of the Japan Clinical Oncology Group (JCOG) was initiated in 1978 by five institutions and now has 47 members. JCOG-LSG has focused on combined modalities, dose intensification and the incorporation of new agents for major disease entities of lymphoid malignancies. More than 30 trials including 10 randomized trials have been conducted for aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), adult T-cell leukemia–lymphoma (ATL), lymphoblastic lymphoma/acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL), multiple myeloma, NK/T-NHL and indolent B-NHL, and correlative epidemiological and pathological studies have been performed on human T-lymphotropic virus type-I and T/B cell phenotypes. The first trials for aggressive NHL revealed significant differences in the pro...

Moral Hazard or Morality for Health: An Ethical Debate on Insurance Coverage for the Obese

Bariatric Nursing and Surgical Patient Care — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 04:04:02 +0100

Bariatric Nursing and Surgical Patient Care , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Bariatric Nursing and Surgical Patient Care)

Medicare Overpaid Billions in 2010, GAO Says

MedPage Today Public Health — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:11:21 +0100

WASHINGTON (MedPage Today) -- The U.S. government overpaid private insurance companies administering Medicare Advantage plans by as much as $3.1 billion in 2010, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office. (Source: MedPage Today Public Health)

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Could the PPACA's Medicaid Expansion be Unconstitutional?

Forbes.com Healthcare News — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:54:03 +0100

While most of the public debate on the constitutionality of the health reform law has centered on the “individual mandate” – the requirement to obtain government-approved health insurance or pay a penalty – the Supreme Court has also agreed to consider another, far less discussed issue: whether the law's expansion of Medicaid eligibility might be an unconstitutional federal infringement on state legislative authority. (Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News)

What Happens After CLASS?

Forbes.com Healthcare News — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:05:20 +0100

My best guess is that Congress will formally repeal the CLASS Act in 2012. Already abandoned by the Obama Administration, CLASS has no champion on Capitol Hill and is likely to fall victim to implacable Republican opposition and a lack of Democratic support. Thanks to technical budget rules, Congress can now kill the national, voluntary long-term care insurance program without adding to the deficit. (Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News)

Could the PPACA's Medicaid Expansion be Unconstitutional?

Forbes.com Health News — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:02:03 +0100

While most of the public debate on the constitutionality of the health reform law has centered on the "individual mandate" - the requirement to obtain government-approved health insurance or pay a penalty - the Supreme Court has also agreed to consider another, far less discussed issue: whether the law?s expansion of Medicaid eligibility might be ... (Source: Forbes.com Health News)

Spending Other People's Money: What Professors And Doctors Have In Common

Forbes.com Healthcare News — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:10:10 +0100

Consider these two common scenarios: SCENARIO A You go to the doctor's office and get a prescription. Late the pharmacist runs it through her computer and against your insurance--and hands you the bill. If it's a brand-name med get ready for the sticker shock. I've had to pay $10 per pill, out of pocket, when I've been under my deductible. I know another patient who had a $300 course of eye drops prescribed when a $25 alternative existed--and his doctor had no idea. SCENARIO B You go to class and pick up your syllabus for the semester. At the college bookstore you pick up one of the books that's been assigned. Again: sticker shock ensues. I recently was assigned this flimsy, out-of-date paperback for one of my cla...

Sallie Mae Insurance Services for College Students

Disabled World — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:47:26 +0100

Sallie Mae Insurance Services Now Available to College Students - Families Now Have Options to Protect the Investment in Higher Education. (Source: Disabled World)

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Balloon angioplasty vs nitinol stent placement in the treatment of venous anastomotic stenoses of hemodialysis grafts after surgical thrombectomy

Journal of Vascular Surgery — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:25:15 +0100

In 2010, CPT code 36147 was created and bundles the work of establishing single catheter access with the diagnostic contrast imaging of the dialysis circuit. In 2012, the introductory wording was updated to clarify reporting concerns voiced by the insurance industry and coding groups. (Source: Journal of Vascular Surgery)

Lower Extremity Vascular Injuries: Increased Mortality for Minorities and the Uninsured?

Journal of Vascular Surgery — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:25:15 +0100

There are mortality disparities associated with race and insurance status in patients with penetrating lower extremity vascular injury. Outcome disparities for Medicaid patients, people of color and the uninsured may be partially attributable to differences in baseline healthcare characteristics and/or hospital performance (Osborne NH et al. J Vasc Surg 2009;50:709-13). The author's considered that in trauma patients heterogeneity of injury, difficulties in injury measurement and a lack of standardized care may contribute to potential disparities in trauma outcomes, including vascular injury. Their hypothesis was that mortality rate disparities by socioeconomic status and race could be explained by injury heterogeneity. They therefore limited analysis of vascular injury to a group with ho...

Older Prisoners Mean Rising Health Costs, Study Finds

NYT Health — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:20:07 +0100

More Americans older than 55 are being imprisoned, and many prisons are unprepared to provide them with health care, Human Rights Watch said in a new report. (Source: NYT Health)

eHealth Literacy: Extending the Digital Divide to the Realm of Health Information

Journal of Medical Internet Research — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The present study documented differences between respondents high and low in eHealth literacy in terms of background attributes, information consumption, and outcomes of the information search. The association of eHealth literacy with background attributes indicates that the Internet reinforces existing social differences. The more comprehensive and sophisticated use of the Internet and the subsequent increased gains among the high eHealth literate create new inequalities in the domain of digital health information. There is a need to educate at-risk and needy groups (eg, chronically ill) and to design technology in a mode befitting more consumers. (Source: Journal of Medical Internet Research)

UC Davis students to staff Knight's Landing clinic

bizjournals.com Health Care:Pharmaceuticals headlines — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:27:52 +0100

UC Davis medical students will open a new health clinic Sunday in Knight’s Landing to provide free care to underserved residents in rural Yolo County. The clinic will be open every third Sunday of the month. It will be staffed by medical students and undergraduates, along with volunteer doctors, nurses and graduate students in public health. Knights Landing hasn’t had a local medical clinic since Davis-based CommuniCare Health Centers pulled out in 2008. The clinic was losing more than $10,00 a month at the time, because of a drop in use and high numbers of people without insurance... (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Pharmaceuticals headlines)

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Hospitals cut back on elective deliveries, Leapfrog Group survey finds

bizjournals.com Health Care:Pharmaceuticals headlines — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:02:51 +0100

U.S. hospitals are making inroads on limiting the number of mothers having early deliveries without a medical reason, which researchers say can lead to complications and higher health costs, a new survey claims. The Leapfrog Group, which represents employer-based insurance plans, said Wednesday that 39 percent of U.S. hospitals participating in the survey reported that elective deliveries before 39 weeks gestation made up 5 percent or fewer of their total births in 2011. That compared with 30 percent of hospitals the year before... (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Pharmaceuticals headlines)

New Life Agency Rolls Out Assisted Reproduction Insurance Program

Medical News (via PRIMEZONE) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:22:00 +0100

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif., Jan. 26, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New Life Agency has announced a new Assisted Reproduction Insurance Program(r) (ARI). The Program will be spearheaded by infertility nurse, Ellen Argall, RN. New Life Agency, the only company specializing exclusively in Assisted Reproduction Insurance(r), thus far has partnered with three Fertility Centers to provide insurance for fertility patients. The ARI program provides a tremendous cost savings, as well as a peace of mind, to patients in need of in vitro fertilization (IVF). The average IVF cost is roughly $12,000 and is generally only for one cycle. Also, frozen embryos are typically not included in the cost and could result in another $3,000 for a frozen embryo transfer (FET). The ARI program includes both FET, as we...

Mass. Health Plan Works, but Cost Still an Issue

MedPage Today Infectious Disease — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:21:14 +0100

WASHINGTON (MedPage Today) -- Healthcare reform in Massachusetts -- a.k.a. Romneycare -- has resulted in a higher percentage of residents with medical insurance and better self-reported health, but climbing costs are still an issue, a statewide survey showed. (Source: MedPage Today Infectious Disease)

Usage and Attitudes of Physicians in Japan Concerning Traditional Japanese Medicine (Kampo Medicine): A Descriptive Evaluation of a Representative Questionnaire-Based Survey

Journal of Oncology — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:25:09 +0100

This article aims to provide information about the extent to which Kampo is now used in clinics throughout Japan and about physician's current attitudes toward Kampo. We used the results of a 2008 survey that was administered to physicians throughout Japan (n = 684). The data showed that 83.5% of physicians currently use Kampo in the clinic, although the distribution of physicians who use Kampo differ widely depending on the specialty and provided a breakdown of Kampo usage by specialty. It will be interesting to see how each specialty incorporates Kampo into its respective field as Kampo continues to play a pertinent role in Japanese medical system. (Source: Journal of Oncology)

Blues plans form subsidiary to handle expected boost in individual, small-business claims

American Medical News — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:07:07 +0100

The move anticipates more insured patients once health reform is in place in 2014. The plans say physicians should notice faster claims processing. (Source: American Medical News)

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Flooding rated as worst climate change threat facing UK

Guardian Unlimited Science — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:01:00 +0100

This report says, for the first time, that not only are our homes and offices leaky, but that they will start to overheat in a warmer world," said Mallaburn. "We need a coherent strategy to sort out this mess. Let's hope that this report acts as a wake-up call."A website has been set up asking for the public's views on the national adaptation programme.Climate changeFloodingClimate changeEnvironmental sustainabilityWildlifeWaterForestsJuliette Jowitguardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds (Source: Guardian Unlimited Science)

UK considers cosmetic surgery insurance

Modern Medicine — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

A breast implant scandal has spurred a move to introduce an insurance plan to protect cosmetic surgery patients in the United Kingdom. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Maryland tax climate ranks as ninth worst

bizjournals.com Health Care:Physician Practices headlines — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 22:31:52 +0100

Maryland ranks as having the ninth-worst tax climate in the nation for businesses, dragged down by its income, unemployment insurance and property tax rates, according to the Tax Foundation. The state ranks No. 42, just above the likes of New Jersey, New York, California and North Carolina. It was an improvement by two spots over the previous year’s rankings, mostly due to the expiration of the so-called “millionaire’s tax” on the highest earners’ income. Virginia ranks No. 26. The District was not included in the rankings... (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Physician Practices headlines)

Arizona midpack for business tax friendliness

bizjournals.com Health Care:Physician Practices headlines — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:31:30 +0100

Arizona falls in the middle of the pack when it comes to the “business friendliness” of state tax systems. According to the State Business Tax Climate Index for 2012, created by the Tax Foundation, Arizona ranks 27th overall. The best ranking belongs to Wyoming. The worst belongs to New Jersey. Arizona ranks among the worst states when it comes to the burden of overall sales taxes, but it ranks the best for of unemployment insurance taxes. Other components that are factored in are corporate income tax, individual income tax and property taxes... (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Physician Practices headlines)

Health Insurance Premiums, the ACA, and a Third Way

Forbes.com Healthcare News — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:28:10 +0100

Almost two years after the ACA was passed, it astounds me the number of people who still don't understand two important points regarding health insurance under the health care law: (Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News)

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Black–white differences in receipt and completion of adjuvant chemotherapy among breast cancer patients in a rural region of the US

Breast Cancer Research and Treatment — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:04:45 +0100

This article presents the first focused evaluation of black–white differences in receipt and completion of chemotherapy for breast cancer in a primarily rural region of the United States. We performed chart abstraction on initial therapy received by 868 women diagnosed with Stages I, IIA, IIB, or IIIA breast cancer in 2001–2003 in southwest Georgia (SWGA). For chemotherapy, information collected included treatment plan, dates of delivery, concordance between therapy planned and received, and date and reasons for end of treatment. The patient’s age at diagnosis, race, marital status, insurance coverage, hormone receptor status, comorbidities, socioeconomic status, urban/rural status, treatment site, and distance to the site were also collected. Following univariate analyses, we ...

Young breast cancer survivors face serious quality-of-life challenges

UCLA Newsroom: Health Sciences — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:22:04 +0100

Quality of life in younger patients treated for breast cancer is seriously compromised, and these women face more physical and mental health issues than women their age who haven't had cancer and women over 50 who have, according to a study by researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. The study, published Jan. 20 in the peer-reviewed Journal of the National Cancer Institute, found that younger breast cancer survivors suffer from a slew of problems, including severe psychological distress, infertility, premature menopause, a decrease in physical activity and weight gain. The study points to the need for oncologists to let these younger patients know from the beginning of their therapy what may happen to them after it's finished, said the study's lead author, D...

Obama on Health Insurance Reform: 'I Won't Go Back' (State of The Union Excerpts)

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0100

Kaiser Health News article reports that in his State of the Union speech, President Barack Obama made just one explicit mention of the 2010 health law and offers a transcript of the few parts of his speech that mentioned health care issues. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

Tech Q&A: Minor tweaks will help track medical claims

Modern Medicine — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

What kind of technology exists to assist in tracking insurance claims from the office visit to paid in full? (Source: Modern Medicine)

Tech Q&A: Tracking systems catch insurance denials quickly

Modern Medicine — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Decide whether to invest in an automated denial tracking system to keep better tabs on delayed or denied insurance payments. (Source: Modern Medicine)

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Massachusetts Health Reforms: Uninsurance Remains Low, Self-Reported Health Status Improves As State Prepares To Tackle Costs [Web First]

Health Affairs — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The Massachusetts health reform initiative enacted into law in 2006 continued to fare well in 2010, with uninsurance rates remaining quite low and employer-sponsored insurance still strong. Access to health care also remained strong, and first-time reductions in emergency department visits and hospital inpatient stays suggested improvements in the effectiveness of health care delivery in the state. There were also improvements in self-reported health status. The affordability of health care, however, remains an issue for many people, as the state, like the nation, continues to struggle with the problem of rising health care costs. And although nearly two-thirds of adults continue to support reform, among nonsupporters there has been a marked shift from a neutral position toward opposition ...

Geographic variation in the cost of ambulatory care in Switzerland

Journal of Health Services Research and Policy — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions There are persistent regional differences in the per capita cost of ambulatory care that are not explained by demographic factors, access to care, or needs. It is likely that higher access to care leads to greater inappropriate use, particularly of specialists. Implementing gatekeeping systems and financial incentives that encourage better coordination of primary care may slow growth in costs and improve care. (Source: Journal of Health Services Research and Policy)

Risk factors of underutilization of childhood immunizations in ultraorthodox Jewish communities in Israel despite high access to health care services.

Vaccine — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The risk factors of under-immunization are in part modifiable, by means of health education on the risks of vaccine preventable diseases and by improving the trust in the MOH. The leaders of the ultraorthodox communities could play an important role in such interventions. PMID: 22285273 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

Landscape moderation of biodiversity patterns and processes ‐ eight hypotheses

Biological Reviews — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:48:08 +0100

Understanding how landscape characteristics affect biodiversity patterns and ecological processes at local and landscape scales is critical for mitigating effects of global environmental change. In this review, we use knowledge gained from human‐modified landscapes to suggest eight hypotheses, which we hope will encourage more systematic research on the role of landscape composition and configuration in determining the structure of ecological communities, ecosystem functioning and services. We organize the eight hypotheses under four overarching themes. Section A: ‘landscape moderation of biodiversity patterns' includes (1) the landscape species pool hypothesis—the size of the landscape‐wide species pool moderates local (alpha) biodiversity, and (2) the dominance of beta diversity ...

Children’s and Blue Cross Blue Shield usher in new age of quality-based benchmarks in pediatrics

Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:27:29 +0100

Sandra Fenwick, president and COO I’ve worked at Children’s Hospital Boston for more than a decade, and I’m still inspired every day by the hope and strength I see on the faces of our patients and their families. As Children’s navigates a challenging and evolving health care landscape, I draw on that inspiration and determination, especially when many in our industry seem to imply that cost is the only measure of a hospital’s worth. At Children’s, our worth—our value—is so much more than just dollars and cents. It means being treated by pediatric experts—doctors, nurses and support staff—who understand that children are not small adults and their care needs to reflect that fact. It’s a commitment to care and innovation that produces programs like our Community As...

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Sickness presenteeism is more than an alternative to sickness absence: results from the population-based SLOSH study

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:33:04 +0100

Conclusions The results suggest that sickness presenteeism is not, as earlier hypothesised, just an alternative to sickness absence, given a certain level of health or work incapacity. Other, so far unknown explanations for both sickness absence and sickness presenteeism must be sought. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-10DOI 10.1007/s00420-012-0735-yAuthors Constanze Leineweber, Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, SwedenHugo Westerlund, Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, SwedenJan Hagberg, The Institute of Environmental Medicine (IMM), Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, SwedenPia Svedberg, Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska In...

Part-Time Sick Leave as a Treatment Method for Individuals with Musculoskeletal Disorders

Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:30:35 +0100

Conclusions Considering that part-time sick leave may also be less expensive than assigning individuals to full-time sick leave, this would imply efficiency improvements from assigning individuals, when possible, to part-time sick leave. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s10926-011-9348-7Authors Daniela Andrén, Swedish Business School, Örebro University, Örebro, SwedenMikael Svensson, Swedish Business School, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden Journal Journal of Occupational RehabilitationOnline ISSN 1573-3688Print ISSN 1053-0487 (Source: Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation)

Axillary lymph node accumulation on FDG-PET/CT after influenza vaccination

Annals of Nuclear Medicine — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:21:06 +0100

Conclusions Recent influenza vaccination before FDG-PET/CT examination may cause ipsilateral axillary lymph node accumulations, especially within several days after vaccination. Questionnaires about vaccination can help to avoid false interpretation of FDG avid axillary lymph nodes. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original articlePages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s12149-011-0568-xAuthors Norihisa Shirone, Department of Radiology, Takai Hospital, 461-2 Kuranosho-cho, Tenri, Nara 632-0006, JapanTakayuki Shinkai, Department of Radiation Oncology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, JapanTomohiko Yamane, Division of Molecular Imaging, Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation, 2-2, Minatojima Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, JapanF...

Changing trends of surgical approaches for uterine prolapse: an 11-year population-based nationwide descriptive study

International Urogynecology Journal — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:45:56 +0100

Conclusions There has been a considerable change in the surgical approach for uterine prolapse in Taiwan over the past 11 years. Patient age and concomitant anti-incontinence surgery, surgeon age and gender, and hospital accreditation and ownership may correlate with the choice of surgery for women with uterine prolapse. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s00192-011-1647-1Authors Ming-Ping Wu, Division of Urogynecology and Pelvic Floor Reconstruction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chi Mei Foundation Hospital, Tainan, TaiwanCheng-Yu Long, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Municipal Hsiao-Kang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, TaiwanKuan-Hui Huang, Division of Gynecology, Departme...

Colorectal cancer screening of high-risk populations: A national survey of physicians

BMC Research Notes — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: There is a lack of knowledge amongst physicians of the screening guidelines for high-risk populations, based on family history and ethnicity. Educational programs to improve physician knowledge and to reduce perceived barriers to CRC screening are warranted to address health disparities in colorectal cancer. (Source: BMC Research Notes)

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Identifying factors relevant in the assessment of return-to-work efforts in employees on long-term sickness absence due to chronic low back pain: a focus group study

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This focus group study shows that 19 factors may be relevant to RTW-ES in sick-listed employees with CLBP. Providing these results to professionals assessing RTW-ES might contribute to a more transparent and systematic approach. Considering the importance of the quality of the RTW process, optimizing the RTW-ES assessment is essential. (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)

Impact of cost-sharing on treatment augmentation in patients with depression

NeLM - Mental Health — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between patient cost-sharing and the use of augmentation among a sample of commercially insured patients. Study Design: Retrospective observational study of adult patients diagnosed with depression and receiving antidepressant therapy (n = 48,807). Methods: Logistic regression models estimated the likelihood of augmentation as a function of patient cost-sharing amounts. An alternative-specific conditional logit model of the likelihood of each augmentation class, varying the cost-sharing prices faced for each class, was also estimated. All models controlled for sociodemographic characteristics, physical and mental comorbidities, health plan ... (Source: NeLM - Mental Health)

Medically certified sickness absence with insurance benefits in women with and without children

The European Journal of Public Health — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Despite the well-developed social security system and child care services in Sweden, parenthood predicts increased sickness absence, particularly in young and in lone women. (Source: The European Journal of Public Health)

QuickStats: Health Care Visits* for Children Aged 1-17 Years, by Health Insurance Status{dagger}--National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2006-2010 [From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]

JAMA — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: JAMA)

Landscape moderation of biodiversity patterns and processes - eight hypotheses.

Biological Reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Tscharntke T, Tylianakis JM, Rand TA, Didham RK, Fahrig L, Batáry P, Bengtsson J, Clough Y, Crist TO, Dormann CF, Ewers RM, Fründ J, Holt RD, Holzschuh A, Klein AM, Kleijn D, Kremen C, Landis DA, Laurance W, Lindenmayer D, Scherber C, Sodhi N, Steffan-Dewenter I, Thies C, van der Putten WH, Westphal C Abstract Understanding how landscape characteristics affect biodiversity patterns and ecological processes at local and landscape scales is critical for mitigating effects of global environmental change. In this review, we use knowledge gained from human-modified landscapes to suggest eight hypotheses, which we hope will encourage more systematic research on the role of landscape composition and configuration in determining the structure of ecological communities, ecosystem...

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Prevalence and causes of dysphonia in a large treatment‐seeking population

The Laryngoscope — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:20:24 +0100

Conclusions:This analysis of insurance claims data from a nationally representative database represents the largest study of its kind. Important differences in dysphonia prevalence related to age, sex, diagnosis, and physician type were identified. Laryngoscope, 122:343–348, 2012 (Source: The Laryngoscope)

Health plan to offer Telcare BGM to members

mobihealthnews — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:52:49 +0100

A health plan that services self-funded employers in New York and New Jersey, MagnaCare, recently announced that it would offer Telcare’s cellular-enabled blood glucose meter to its members. MagnaCare said the device and its corresponding apps will help its members be more proactive in managing their own health conditions, while also helping physicians stay better [...] (Source: mobihealthnews)

U.S. consumers tell insurers to cover experimental drugs

Reuters: Health — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:42:33 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters) - When your health insurance provider denies an experimental treatment or a high-cost drug, how much are you willing to pay for the care you believe you need? (Source: Reuters: Health)

Big insurers investing in mobile health apps

American Medical News - BUSINESS — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:45:21 +0100

Health plans are moving past the "basics" of taking insurance functions mobile and developing wellness and diagnostic apps. (Source: American Medical News - BUSINESS)

Legal immigrants eligible for Massachusetts insurance plan

American Medical News - GOVERNMENT — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:45:21 +0100

In 2009, the state cut immigrants out of an aid program to save money, but the state high court calls the move discriminatory. (Source: American Medical News - GOVERNMENT)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Doctors still face harsh medical liability realities

American Medical News — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:45:21 +0100

Reports by the AMA show that defending against a claim averages more than $47,000, and liability insurance premiums vary widely by state. (Source: American Medical News)

Health insurance company preys upon the poor with junk food reward program for vaccinating your baby

NaturalNews.com — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0100

"Will vaccinate my baby for food!" That seems to be the goal of a program launched last year by the UnitedHealthcare health insurance company of Michigan. It has resorted to enticing parents with junk food to convince them to inject their infants with potentially deadly... (Source: NaturalNews.com)

Factors Associated With 30-Day Readmission Rates After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention [Original Investigation]

Archives of Internal Medicine — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Nearly 1 in 10 patients undergoing PCI were readmitted within 30 days. Thirty-day readmission after PCI was associated with a higher risk of 1-year mortality. (Source: Archives of Internal Medicine)

A snapshot of smokers after lung and colorectal cancer diagnosis

Cancer — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS:After diagnosis, a substantial minority of patients with lung and colorectal cancers continued smoking. Patients with lung cancer had higher rates of smoking at diagnosis and after diagnosis; whereas patients with colorectal cancer were less likely to quit smoking after diagnosis. Factors that were associated with continued smoking differed between lung and colorectal cancer patients. Future smoking‐cessation efforts should examine differences by cancer type, particularly when comparing cancers for which smoking is a well established risk factor versus cancers for which it is not. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society. (Source: Cancer)

Should Everyone Be Required to Have Health Insurance?

WSJ.com: Health — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:43:52 +0100

Yes, says Karen Davenport of George Washington University, because it's the key to making health care more affordable and accessible. No, says Michael F. Cannon from the Cato Institute, because it will make health care more costly and scarce. (Source: WSJ.com: Health)

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Opinionator: What We Give Up for Health Care

NYT Health — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 22:41:04 +0100

If liberals care about middle-class salaries, public education and other state-funded services, they need to care about controlling health care costs as much as conservatives do. (Source: NYT Health)

The insurance industry pays out £1.9bn a year for neck injuries but an orthopaedic surgeon claims 'there's no such thing as whiplash'

the Mail online | Health — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 22:04:09 +0100

The rise in claims is pushing up insurance premiums and about 600,000 whiplash claims are made each year, the equivalent of £66 on every car policy. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

The correlation of antidepressive agents and the mortality of end‐stage renal disease: a Health Insurance Research Database Study in Taiwan

Nephrology — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 12:51:21 +0100

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that (1) the mortality rate of ESRD patients was not affected by the diagnosis of depression, and (2) exposure of antidepressive agents in ESRD patients was associated with a higher mortality rate. The high mortality rate in ESRD patients exposed to antidepressive agents can be a bias by indication. Equally, a true contribution of the antidepressive agents cannot be ruled out and this needs for clarification.© 2012 The Authors. Nephrology © 2012 Asian Pacific Society of Nephrology (Source: Nephrology)

Changing insurance company claims handling processes improves some outcomes for people injured in road traffic crashes. - Schaafsma F, De Wolf A, Kayaian A, Cameron ID.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 12:05:52 +0100

BACKGROUND: Regaining good health and returning to work are important for people injured in road traffic crashes and for society. The handling of claims by insurance companies may play an important role in the rate at which health recovers and return to wo... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

Mild brain injuries in emergency medicine. - Liimatainen S, Niskakangas T, Ohman J.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 12:05:52 +0100

Diagnostics and correct classification of mild brain injuries is challenging. Problems caused by insufficient documentation at the acute phase become more obvious in situations in which legal insurance issues are to be considered. A small proportion of pat... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

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Prioritization of Evidence-Based Preventive Health Services During Periodic Health Examinations

American Journal of Preventive Medicine — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 12:05:51 +0100

Conclusions: A combination of patient, patient-physician relationship, and visit contextual factors are associated with preventive service delivery. Additional studies are warranted to understand the complex interplay of factors that support and compromise preventive service delivery. (Source: American Journal of Preventive Medicine)

Transarterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinomas in Watershed Segments: Utility of C-Arm Computed Tomography for Treatment Planning

Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology : JVIR — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 08:07:51 +0100

We describe the impact C-arm CT can have on determining a dual blood supply in watershed region tumors and, more importantly, its ability to portray incomplete treatment at the time of the procedure itself. An exemption from obtaining informed consent was provided by the institutional review board for this retrospective report. All data were handled in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. (Source: Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology : JVIR)

Administration Rules Insurers Must Cover Contraceptives

NYT — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:24:38 +0100

In ruling for free coverage for women, the administration rejected a broad exemption for employees of Roman Catholic hospitals, colleges and charities. (Source: NYT)

Cost-utility analysis of adjuvant goserelin (Zoladex) and adjuvant chemotherapy in premenopausal women with breast cancer

BMC Cancer — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Goserelin therapy results in better survival and higher utility-weighted life-years, and is more cost-effective than TC or TEC chemotherapy. (Source: BMC Cancer)

MedWorm: Insurance

Boehner Vows to Fight Contraception Rule

Video: Catholic groups balk at covering birth control

Study Examines Misconceptions Of Who Picks Up Tab When Patients Walk Out

Obama Addresses Ire on Health Insurance Contraception Rule

Individual-Mandate Foes Warn of Affordable 'Car' ActIndividual-Mandate Foes Warn of Affordable 'Car' Act

Integro brokerage names Marc Kunney to head new USA unit

White House says open to compromise over contraception

House and Senate at Impasse on Medicare

Study Quantifies Families Without Health Insurance

Catholics want birth control coverage: Survey

Surveys: Catholics want birth control coverage

White House open to compromise over contraception: adviser

Being insured is no guarantee unemployed will seek care

Justifying insurance coverage for orphan drugs

What contributes to self‐rated oral health among community‐dwelling older adults? Findings from the ElderSmile program

House and Senate at Impasse on Medicare

House and Senate at Impasse on Medicare Payments to Doctors

Kenya: NHIF Now Targets Informal Sector

Effects of Intervention Using a Community-Based Walking Program for Prevention of Mental Decline: A Randomized Controlled Trial. - Maki Y, Ura C, Yamaguchi T, Murai T, Isahai M, Kaiho A, Yamagami T, Tanaka S, Miyamae F, Sugiyama M, Awata S, Takahashi R, Yamaguchi H.

Birth-control fight unlikely to hurt Obama, his strategists say

Exploring factors relevant in the assessment of the return-to-work process of employees on long-term sickness absence due to a depressive disorder: a focus group study

Medical debt keeps rising, new report shows

Table of Contents

Who Is Left Out of the DSM-5 Debate? Of Course, Consumers

Aphysiologic performance on dynamic posturography in work-related patients

Ghana: Capitation Talks End in Deadlock as Ashanti Group Gears Up for Demonstration

Health Insurance Stocks For a Republican Win

Kenya: Plug Loopholes to Ensure Success of Medical Scheme

Veracity Insurance Solutions, LLC Purchases Stratus Insurance...

A Nationwide Cohort Study on the Incidence of Meningioma in Women Using Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy in Finland

Variation in State Unintended Pregnancy Rates In the United States

GNU Health 1.4.3 released

Explaining Health Care Reform: How Will the Affordable Care Act Affect Small Businesses and Their Employees?

The Clinical Spectrum of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in a Large Urban Population

Ethnic Differences in Prevalence and Barriers of HBV Screening and Vaccination Among Asian Americans

UPMC Health Plan membership rises 14.5%

Risk of new acute myocardial infarction hospitalization associated with use of oral and parenteral non-steroidal anti-inflammation drugs (NSAIDs): a case-crossover study of Taiwan's National Health Insurance claims database and review of current evidence

Reducing the burden of morbidity and medical utilization of older patients by outpatient geriatric services: Implications to primary health‐care settings

Service quality of private hospitals: The Iranian patients' perspective

The quest for equity in Latin America: a comparative analysis of the health care reforms in Brazil and Colombia

The Effect of HIFA Waiver Expansions on Uninsurance Rates in Adult Populations

Saving Medicaid: A Path to Comprehensive Medicaid Reform

Health insurance counseling, other health events, Feb. 2-9

Oregon requires concierge physicians to register with insurance department

Disparities in access to care at high‐volume institutions for uro‐oncologic procedures

Association between breast cancer and allostatic load by race: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2008

[Reliability of morbidity data reported by GPs : Results of a longitudinal study in primary care].

[Implementation of the new German job role code and its application in claims data analysis : Possibilities and limitations].

[Palliative care in the light of legal and regulatory requirements in Germany].

Bill would prohibit mandatory health insurance contracts

Massachusetts coverage rate nearly universal

A Decision-Tree Approach to Cost Comparison of Newborn Screening Strategies for Cystic Fibrosis

Dramatically Increased Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Utilization From 2000 to 2009, Especially by Podiatrists in Private Offices

Med Sci Monit 2012; 18(2):CR72-77 "Persistence of initial oral antidiabetic treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus"

Improved access to life insurance after genetic diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolaemia: cross-sectional postal questionnaire study

A Comparison of Two Approaches to Increasing Access to Care: Expanding Coverage versus Increasing Physician Fees

Young adults grab coverage opportunity

PPACA's affordability definition remains unclear

Adherence with Migraine Prophylaxis in Clinical Practice

Cost, utilization, and patterns of medication use associated with chronic idiopathic urticaria.

Healthcare Costs Associated with Osteoarthritis in US Patients

Non-Specialists Expand Into Lucrative Cosmetic Surgery Procedures

Portland Archbishop blasts U.S. gov't over contraception

Do Your Doctors Use EHRs?

Worker's compensation bill has support in Florida House

StanCorp beats Wall Street estimates again

Taxes and the ACA: Home Sales Killer?

Financial Responsibility of Hospitalized Patients Who Left Against Medical Advice: Medical Urban Legend?

The impact of health insurance mandates on drug innovation: evidence from the United States

Images: States With The Most Uninsured

The impact of insurance status on outcomes after surgery for spinal metastases

Comparison of adverse events during 5‐fluorouracil versus 5‐fluorouracil/oxaliplatin adjuvant chemotherapy for stage III colon cancer

Examining factors influencing patient satisfaction with nurse practitioners in rural urgent care centers

Exploring and Comparing the Characteristics of Nonlatent and Latent Composite Scores: Implications for Pay-for-Performance Incentive Design

Opinionator: The End of Health Insurance Companies

Catholic Church Blasts HHS Birth Control Rule

Political Science | Women and Faith: Law Fuels Contraception Controversy on Catholic Campuses

Non-Specialists Expand Into Lucrative Cosmetic Surgery Procedures

The Keys to Professional Success Today: Bureeda Bruner's Story

The Effect of HIFA Waiver Expansions on Uninsurance Rates in Adult  Populations