MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'con'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:10:35 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050722&cid=t_124326_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F18%2F9-tips-to-keep-reality-tv-from-ruining-your-life%2F At lunch today, I was part of a spirited conversation on the pros and cons of reality TV. That’s a broad category, of course, covering a wide range of shows from The Real Housewives to American Idol to Jersey Shore to Project Runway. My older daughter loves that show where they do fancy cake decorations — what’s it called? TV is significant for happiness — if for no other reason, because of the time involved. In terms of hours, watching TV is probably the world’s most popular pastime. Among Americans, it’s the most common free-time activity — for an average of about five hours a day. It’s a source of relaxing fun. But while television is a good servant, it’s a bad master. It can swallow up huge quantities of our lives, without much happiness bang for t... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050722 Mon, 18 Jul 2011 12:15:55 +0100 5050722 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4953080&cid=t_124326_114_f&fid=34646&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hcawv.org%2FCertOfNeed%2FSupport%2FRad_Therapy_Standard_for_public_comment.pdf The West Virginia Health Care Authority has issued a Notice of Public Comment Period to obtain comments on proposed amendments to Certificate of Need Standards for Megavoltage Radiation Therapy Services/Units. Here are the "proposed amendments" to the Megavoltage Radiation Therapy Services/Units. Here is a link to the current CON Standards for Megavoltage Radiation Therapy Services/Unit (Approved by Governor on October 9, 2002). Written comments must be submitted to Tim Adkins, Director of Certificate of Need, at the West Virginia Health Care Authority, 100 Dee Drive, Charleston, West Virginia 25311, no later than July 15, 2011. (Source: Health Care Law Blog) Health Care Law Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4953080 Mon, 20 Jun 2011 15:45:54 +0100 4953080 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4693464&cid=t_124326_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2FClV7YIA8kik%2F @PattiNPatti Niehoff Better than this #cancer con-artist deserves. http://gaw.kr/fngZzL about 9 hours ago via KiwiReplyRetweetFavorite Filed under: Cancer Tagged: Cancer, con-artist, twitter (Source: white pebble) white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4693464 Fri, 08 Apr 2011 15:45:49 +0100 4693464 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4436750&cid=t_124326_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ftoo-drunk-to-drive-your-car-will-tell-you-if-s%2F2011.02.04 Drunk driving continues to be a serious problem. In 2009 for example, alcohol was a factor in more than 10,000 highway deaths. The same year, a stunning 10 percent of respondents to a survey of U.S. adults said they had operated an automobile while drunk during the previous year. Nearly 6 percent said they had done it more than once. So how would you feel about a car that can instantly detect whether a driver is drunk and prevent that person from starting the car? You better make up your mind quickly, because scientists are close to perfecting this technology. “We’re five to seven years away from being able to integrate this into cars,” Robert Strassburger, the VP for safety at the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (AAM) told the Washington Post. The AAM, an automotive trade... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4436750 Fri, 04 Feb 2011 16:00:23 +0100 4436750 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4405775&cid=t_124326_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhat-everyone-should-know-about-plastics%2F2011.01.27 Information circulating about the dangers of plastic containers has created fear and confusion. Are plastic containers toxic? Do harmful chemicals leach out into its contents? Do we need to discard all plastic containers? Recently, I interacted in a live health chat on MedHelp about the safety of plastics. Scientist, Joe Schwarcz, Ph.D., Director of McGill University’s Office for Science and Society, talked about “The Real Truth About Plastics: What You Should And Shouldn’t Worry About.” While Dr. Schwarcz states that some plastics like those made by Tupperware and Rubbermaid are safe to use, there are other plastics made of Bisphenol A (BPA) that may cause some concern, however he did not become alarmed. There is extensive information on the safety of plastics, and reading some of... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4405775 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 18:00:39 +0100 4405775 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4298670&cid=t_124326_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F12%2F29%2Fcalories-in-disguise%2F Low-carb proponents claim that eating a low-carb diet enhances weight loss irrespective of caloric content.  Low-fat proponents often make the same claim.  Many other advocates of special diets make similar claims: It’s not calories, it’s something else causing weight loss. In support of their diet’s efficacy, proponents often cite their own successes or the success of other followers. However, they often fail to acknowledge that many other people lose weight following radically different weight-loss plans.  And never mind the scientific research, as it provides evidence that all successful weight loss programs share a common characteristic: create a calorie deficit on a consistent basis and weight loss follows. Calorie Defined A calorie is a unit of energy. It is the amount ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4298670 Wed, 29 Dec 2010 13:20:17 +0100 4298670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4233366&cid=t_124326_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2FsasuebJzHUk%2F I was just skimming through Twitter, as I unfortunately do, and came across several notices or quotes or references to alleged “spiritual guides” (aka “con men“) who offer guidance for the soul in bits and pieces of 140 characters or less. These con men, as I shall hereafter refer to them in blog postings — except in the instances where they are con women — all have names in languages and traditions that are not what they grew up in. I’ve been guilty of this sort of thing myself. An allegedly Zen practitioner once gave me a Japanese Zen name, but I can’t remember what it was. I even once had a Hebrew name which was so freaking silly that I ain’t gonna mention it here. No sir. Not even if you ask. I dumped the Hebrew name long ago, along with th... white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4233366 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 14:38:50 +0100 4233366 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4055713&cid=t_124326_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fshould-patient-engagement-be-regulated%2F2010.10.11 Last month in Cambridge I met Twitter friend Bryan Vartabedian, M.D. (Twitter @Doctor_V) at a meeting at Vertex Pharmaceuticals. We’ll cross paths this fall on the conference speaking circuit. [Recently] on his blog he raised a rowdy, rough, but valid point: As e-patients (obviously including me) get into the business, should they/we be regulated? He said: Will industry be required to publicly list monies used for sponsorship, travel and swag support of high profile patients in the social sphere? Should high visibility patients who serve as stewards and advocates disavow themselves of contact with pharma just as many academic medical centers have begun? As is often the case, I don’t have an answer. I’m just raising the questions. Smart questions. My short answer: Fine with me if ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4055713 Mon, 11 Oct 2010 18:00:46 +0100 4055713 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3865268&cid=t_124326_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Famerican-cancer-society-only-a-fundraising-ad-right%2F2010.08.13 EDITOR’S NOTE: Following Gary Schwitzer’s HealthNewsReview.org August 11th blog post below entitled “American Cancer Society: ‘Only’ A Fundraising Ad, Right?”, the American Cancer Society pulled its “Screening Is Seeing” ad the next day. See Schwitzer’s follow-up post “Screening Is Seeing” Ad By American Cancer Society-Cancer Action Network (ACS-CAN) Is Pulled” and a related article by Mary Carmichael of Newsweek: ”The American Cancer Society’s Misleading New Ads.” Also see “Common Themes In The Alzheimer’s Test Stories And The Cancer Society Screening Ad” by Schwitzer. (ORIGINAL POST) American Cancer Society: “Only” A Fundraising Ad, Right? A well-intentioned ad campaig... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3865268 Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:00:32 +0100 3865268 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3776480&cid=t_124326_114_f&fid=34646&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hcawv.org%2FSupport%2FMRT_CON_Standards.pdf The West Virginia Health Care Authority has issued a Notice of Public Comment Period on a new Proposed Certificate of Need Standard for Megavoltage Radiation Therapy Services/Unit.Written comments on the proposed Certificate of Need Standard must be filed with the Authority on or before July 30, 2010. Written comments should be directed to Timothy E. Adkins, Director of Certificate of Need Division. (Source: Health Care Law Blog) Health Care Law Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3776480 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:31:17 +0100 3776480 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3758090&cid=t_124326_147_f&fid=39202&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnicolaziady.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F15%2Fwhat-are-we-again%2F Today’s marketing sits in an entirely different sector of blog posts, tweets & status updates. We are now “content marketers” Content marketing is the idea of distributing relevant and beneficial content to engage potential patients and provide them with something of value. Yes, you read that correctly! Nowhere does it say anything about pitching your services or promoting your hospital. Instead, content marketing focuses on delivering information and services that inform your target markets and enables them to become more intelligent buyers. (Source: Nicola Ziady) Nicola Ziady blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3758090 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 01:58:43 +0100 3758090 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3706764&cid=t_124326_114_f&fid=34646&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sos.wv.gov%2Fadministrative-law%2Fproposed%2FDocuments%2F65-07.pdf On June 15, 2010, the West Virginia Health Care Authority filed a Notice of a Comment Period on a Proposed Rule with the West Virginia Secretary of State amending West Virginia CSR 65-7, Certificate of Need Rule.According to the Summary and Statement of Circumstances filed with the Proposed Rule the "amendment clarifies the definition of "private office practice" for purposes of administering the Certificate of Need Program. Those entities meeting this criteria may be eligible for an exemption from Certificate of Need review pursuant to West Virginia Code 16-2D-R(a)."Written comments on the Proposed Rule are due on or before July 16, 2010. (Source: Health Care Law Blog) Health Care Law Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3706764 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 19:14:33 +0100 3706764 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3193827&cid=t_124326_114_f&fid=34646&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FHealthCareBlogLaw%2F%7E3%2Fl1W1IpUBLas%2Fwvhca-2010-con-capital-expenditure.html The West Virginia Health Care Authority announced that the capital expenditure minimum for calendar year 2010 is $2,767,500. The capital expenditure minimum is typically used by the Authority when reviewing whether or not certain health relate projects require certificate of need review. The Authority provided the following announcement via its website: Pursuant to West Virginia Code §§ 16-2D-2(h) and (s), the Authority is required to adjust the expenditure minimum annually and publish an update of the amount on or before December 31 of each year. The expenditure minimum adjustment shall be based on the DRI inflation index published in the Global Insight DRI/WEFA Health Care Cost Review. The DRI inflation index as of December 31, 2009 is 2.5%. The capital expenditure minimum for calen... Health Care Law Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3193827 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 21:29:19 +0100 3193827 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2881206&cid=t_124326_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F10%2F11%2Fa-loved-ones-photo-helps-reduce-your-pain%2F Previous psychological research has demonstrated that the mere presence of a loved one — a partner, family member or friend — can help reduce one’s subjective experience of physical pain (for instance, during a medical procedure), versus experiencing similar pain while alone. This research has been replicated over the years in various settings and in such a way as to suggest that this indeed might be a causal relationship. That is, the presence of a loved one actually helps reduce our feelings of pain. What is this same phenomenon could occur without a loved one being present? Would a photo suffice to also help reduce pain? Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (Master et al., 2009) designed an elegantly simple laboratory experiment to find out. They ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2881206 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 10:09:34 +0100 2881206 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2995818&cid=t_124326_114_f&fid=34646&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hcawv.org%2FSupport%2FCSR65-10.pdf On July 15, 2009, the West Virginia Health Care Authority filed with the West Virginia Secretary of State proposed amendments to the its procedural rule regarding the schedule of fees for the filing of certificate of need applications and exemption requests under the West Virginia Certificate of Need Program.The amendment revises the fee schedule pursuant to Senate Bill 321 passed during the 2009 Legislative Session. The amendment required the fee schedule contain a maximum amount or cap for certificate of need application fees.The proposed rule, Fee Schedule for Certificate of Need Matters, CSR 65-10 (redline version showing amendments) has been filed with the West Virginia Secretary of State. Written comments to the proposed rule may be submitted to the Authority before August 14, 2009 a... Health Care Law Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2995818 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 22:34:33 +0100 2995818 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2523250&cid=t_124326_114_f&fid=34646&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hcawv.org%2FSupport%2F65CSR27.pdf On June 8, 2009, the West Virginia Health Care Authority filed a proposed legislative rule with the Secretary of State and Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee titled Hospital Ambulatory Health Care Facilities. CSR 65-27. The official notice can be found in the June 12, 2009 issue of the West Virginia Register. The proposed rule impacts the procedure used by West Virginia hospitals to obtain approval prior to developing an ambulatory health care facility. The proposed legislative rule establishes the circumstances and procedures by which a certificate of need may not be required for the construction, development, acquisition or other establishment by a hospital of an ambulatory health care facility. The proposed rule sets out exemption criteria and the exemption procedure. The Autho... Health Care Law Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2523250 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 18:55:37 +0100 2523250 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2348923&cid=t_124326_114_f&fid=34646&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hcawv.org%2FCertOfNeed%2FSupport%2FAmbulatory_Care_Centers.pdf On April 9, 2009, the West Virginia Legislature sent Senate Bill 321 to Governor Manchin for signature (see strikethru/underline Committee Substitute version). Senate Bill 321 makes substantive changes to the current certificate of need law in West Virginia overseen by the West Virginia Health Care Authority.The certificate of need law requires health care providers, including hospital, physicians, long term care facilities, hospice providers, home health agencies and other health care providers to first seek approval prior to expanding health services, incurring capital expenditures above a particular threshold, purchasing certain medical equipment and developing or acquiring new health facilities or services.Below is a summary of the major changes to the law that will go into effect 90 d... Health Care Law Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2348923 Sun, 12 Apr 2009 13:10:02 +0100 2348923 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2039870&cid=t_124326_114_f&fid=34646&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FHealthCareBlogLaw%2F%7E3%2F485640764%2Fjoe-letnaunchyn-ceo-of-west-virginia.html Joe Letnaunchyn, CEO of the West Virginia Hospital Association, responds to the continuing discussion on the pros and cons of certificate of need regulatory oversight in West Virginia. The commentary, Certificate of Need Program Benefits West Virginia, appears in the most recent edition of the State Journal. Mr. Letnaunchyn responds to the commentary by Dashle Gunn Kelley, dated October 30 2008, State Doesn't Need Certificates of Need, asserting that West Virginia "doesn't need certificates of need" to deliver health care. Mr. Kelley is a doctoral student in economics at West Virginia University and is an associate fellow for the Public Policy Foundation of West Virginia. Throughout the year the Select Committee D - Health (Subcommittee Certificate of Need) - Interim has been looking at ... Health Care Law Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2039870 Mon, 15 Dec 2008 15:50:48 +0100 2039870 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1825471&cid=t_124326_114_f&fid=34646&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthcarebloglaw.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F09%2Fwvhca-examining-current-con-standards.html The West Virginia Health Care Authority has scheduled various public meetings over the coming months to discuss and examine the current certificate of need standards for a variety of service areas. As states on the Authority's website these meetings are being held as a part of the legislature's review of West Virginia's certificate of need statute. The dates of the meetings scheduled to be held at the Authority's Charleston office are as follows. Most of the meetings are set for 1pm. Those interested can also participate by phone. Call-in information: 1.800.244.2500, Code #9271804. September 25 - Renal DialysisOctober 7 - Hospice & Home HealthOctober 14 – Medical RehabilitationOctober 15 – Lithotripsy (2nd meeting)October 22 – Long Term CareOctober 23 – Ambulatory Surgical C... Health Care Law Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1825471 Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:34:00 +0100 1825471 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1746030&cid=t_124326_114_f&fid=34646&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthcarebloglaw.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F08%2Fjohn-stossels-perspective-on-wv.html Yesterday's Daily Mail article reports that John Stossel, co-anchor of ABC's 20/20 speaking at the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce's Business Summit spoke out against West Virginia's Certificate of Need laws. Stossel argues that free market is better than regulation of health care.Regulation vs. free market makes for great conversation. The debate as it relates to health care is made more complex when we have a largely single payor (government funded) health care reimbursement system in West Virginia. I don't know the actual statistics but well over half and probably near 75% of health care costs are paid in West Virginia by Medicare, Medicaid, PEIA and other government payors. As for private payors we only have a few that have any influence in West Virgina. This makes West Virginia clos... Health Care Law Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1746030 Sat, 30 Aug 2008 15:12:00 +0100 1746030 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1664363&cid=t_124326_136_f&fid=35288&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmomscancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F07%2Fwhatever-happened-to-world-of-tomorrow.html My very first post on this blog was about winning the first Eisner Award for Best Digital Comic at the 2005 Comic-Con International in San Diego. So it seems entirely symmetrical and appropriate that my very last post on this blog follows my report on the same event almost exactly three years later.Today I'm closing up shop here and opening a new establishment right around the virtual corner athttp://brianfies.blogspot.com.It'll be the same old stuff from the same old guy, which raises the question: Why bother? Why force my six regular readers to change their bookmarks and links? Who do I think I am?Well, I'll explain...First: my site stats show me that a lot of people arrive here while searching for help and information about cancer. Mom died October 1, 2005, and the fact is that I left C... Mom's Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1664363 Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:50:00 +0100 1664363 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1660842&cid=t_124326_136_f&fid=35288&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmomscancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F07%2Fcomic-con-08.html Overview of about 4% of Comic-Con's exhibition floor.I'm home from my day-and-a-half whirlwind trip to San Diego for Comic-Con International, and wondering whether I'm going to write a little or a lot about it. There doesn't seem to be a middle ground. I'm gonna try to keep this brief; we'll see how I do.I flew into town about 10 o'clock Saturday--traditionally the con's busiest day--took a taxi to the Convention Center and got my badge with no trouble. One big difference this year was that Comic-Con was completely sold out in advance, meaning there were no on-site ticket sales. That seemed to change the people-flow quite a bit and, with no enormous mobs milling around the front doors, my first impression was that it was less crowded than usual. That impression was recalibrated once I got ... Mom's Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1660842 Mon, 28 Jul 2008 17:00:00 +0100 1660842 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1655546&cid=t_124326_136_f&fid=35288&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmomscancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F07%2Ffree-to-breathe.html Last year I wrote about a charity walk my sister Brenda ("Nurse Sis") helps organize to support the National Lung Cancer Partnership. The organization hosts several "Free to Breathe" run/walks around the country this time of year, including a 5K/1.5 mile event in Los Angeles on August 3. I don't vouch for much--for example, the reason I don't provide a long list of links to cancer-related sites on my blog or at momscancer.com is I don't feel I have the expertise to evaluate them or the time to keep them current--but the NLCP is a worthwhile organization that provided good information for me when Mom was diagnosed.A few friends and readers were kind enough to donate last year and I thought I'd offer the same opportunity again. Brenda has set up a donation page for her fundraising team, "Bar... Mom's Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1655546 Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:28:00 +0100 1655546 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1634819&cid=t_124326_114_f&fid=34646&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthcarebloglaw.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F07%2Fongoing-debate-over-revised-cardiac.html Larry Messina at Lincoln Walks at Midnight round up of latest links/articles discussing the ongoing debate over the revised certificate of need Cardiac Catheterization standards. The debate has pitted hospital against hospital and resulted in full page ads and a media blitz by both sides in the debate.Governor Manchin has until Friday (tomorrow) to decide whether he will approve the revised standards developed by the West Virginia Health Care Authority or send them back with recommended modifications.For more history on the standards with links to the revised standards see my previous post. (Source: Health Care Law Blog) Health Care Law Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1634819 Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:58:00 +0100 1634819 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1563997&cid=t_124326_136_f&fid=35288&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmomscancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F07%2Fwhooooooooooosh.html I am so busy riding the deadline rocket sled that I can't even tell you. Can't tell you now, anyway, but in about a month you won't be able to shut me up. .I wasn't planning to attend the San Diego Comic-Con this year, but it looks like I'm going to be in town for a day after all. Saturday, to be specific, so I should be able to take a nice, leisurely stroll through the exhibition hall and not worry about overcrowding at all (that's a joke, son). I mention it now because I know some of my writer and artist buddies read the blog occasionally and Comic-Con is one of the few chances we get to meet. Don't be surprised to see me popping up at your table mid-Saturday. In fact, you probably shouldn't even take a lunch or bathroom break..More later. Happy Canada Day (just past) and Independence Da... Mom's Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1563997 Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:15:00 +0100 1563997 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1531114&cid=t_124326_114_f&fid=34646&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthcarebloglaw.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F06%2Fyesterday-west-virginia-health-care.html Yesterday, the West Virginia Health Care Authority Board approved the changes to the Certificate of Need Standards for Cardiac Catheterization. The approved modification will now be delivered to Governor Manchin for review and approval.Eric Eyre of the Charleston Gazette covers the story today in his article, Smaller hospitals get OK to offer heart procedures.The new Standards will not go into effect until approved by the Governor. The current Cardiac Catheterization Standards were last updated and approved by the Governor on May 3, 2007.For more on the process of modifying the standards check out my previous posts. (Source: Health Care Law Blog) Health Care Law Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1531114 Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:34:00 +0100 1531114 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1433733&cid=t_124326_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2008%2F05%2F10%2Fsexbolt-saturday-mothers-day-style%2F Image details: Vinyl Ready Art - Holidays served by picapp.com Since tomorrow marks the famed Mother’s Day, this week’s Sexbolt Saturday is all about satisfying the mommies (and moms-to-be) of the world. So girls, read up, then grab your guy, sit him down, and tell him the biggest gift he could give you for Mom’s Day is to check these links. There’s good stuff in here, y’all. Promise. Ready for some super female satisfaction? Thought so. Check this link for the best sexual positions for female orgasm. Does the stress of life leave sex as just another item on your to-do list? Give some of these super-hot relaxation (read: massage and intimacy) tips from the true experts a go. Trying to conceive? Here’s a group of links covering things from the best baby-... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1433733 Sat, 10 May 2008 16:26:05 +0100 1433733 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1418393&cid=t_124326_114_f&fid=34646&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthcarebloglaw.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F05%2Fwvhca-proposed-amendments-to-cardiac.html The West Virginia Health Care Authority approved for public comment proposed revisions to the Certificate of Need Cardiac Catheterization Standards (current 3/19/2007 standards).These revisions were made by the Authority after Governor Manchin rejected the previously proposed standards. The proposed standards continue to modify the requirements for the participants in the demo pilot project involving offering therapeutic cardiac catheterization.The standards distinguish between Primary (Emergency) Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (Primary PCI) which involves providing cardiac catheterization services within 120 minutes of an emergency myocardial infarction and Elective Therapeutic Catheterizations. The proposed standards also set new need threshold levels for elective therapeutic cathete... Health Care Law Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1418393 Fri, 02 May 2008 12:23:00 +0100 1418393 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1277937&cid=t_124326_136_f&fid=35288&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmomscancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F03%2Fin-praise-of-pioneers.html A recent discussion at an Internet watering hole got me thinking about pioneering cartoonists, comic book artists and writers, and the lack of respect they get. The business has always been cruel to its veterans--comic books much more than comic strips, I think, but both find new voices more compelling, new styles more diverting. They eat their old. That's the way of the world, the way of business, and I understand it. I expect a profit-driven publisher (and publishers not profit-driven don't publish long) to put out what sells.What pains me is that fans go along.The newspaper comic strip is just over a century old. Comic books have a history almost as long--at first, many of them existed to reprint newspaper strips--but turned a corner when Superman debuted in 1938, 70 years ago this June... Mom's Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1277937 Tue, 04 Mar 2008 17:06:00 +0100 1277937 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1233351&cid=t_124326_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fkinoki-detox-foot-pads-a-scambuster-report%2F Just when I think I’ve seen it all, along comes the Kinoki Foot Pad, an adhesive pad that you apply to the sole of your foot while sleeping and which, according to the distributor’s website is alleged to “assist your body in the removal of heavy metals, metabolic wastes, toxins, microscopic parasites, mucous, chemicals, cellulite and much more.” This is such a blatant scam that it gives other scams a bad name! There may also be other suppliers of similar detox foot pads such as Chikusaku Bamboo Vinegar Patches, but they are all basically the same. Under the heading of “What specific benefits can I expect?” they have the gall to list the following: Kinoki Detox Foot Pads may help: • Absorb toxins released by the body. • Relieve the burden on the immune system. • Assist ... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1233351 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 23:17:57 +0100 1233351 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1149624&cid=t_124326_114_f&fid=34646&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthcarebloglaw.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F01%2Fwvhca-update-on-proposed-cardiac.html I previously posted about the proposed amendments to the Certificate of Need Cardiac Catheterization Standards issued by the West Virginia Health Care Authority for public comment.Today, Charleston Gazette reporter, Eric Eyre, reports on the current debate over the standards. To learn more you can read the comments submitted regarding the proposed standards. (Source: Health Care Law Blog) Health Care Law Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1149624 Mon, 14 Jan 2008 21:41:00 +0100 1149624 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1111767&cid=t_124326_114_f&fid=34646&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthcarebloglaw.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F12%2Fwvhca-grants-motion-to-dissolve-stay-in.html Yesterday the West Virginia Health Care Authority issued an Order Dissolving Stay. The Order granted MCHCR's (Carlyle Group) Motion to Dissolve Stay but denied the Motion to Affirm the Initial CON Decision.The Authority set January 7 as the date for initial briefs to be submitted by both parties as a result of the Reconsideration Hearing held on December 14. (Source: Health Care Law Blog) Health Care Law Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1111767 Fri, 21 Dec 2007 16:05:00 +0100 1111767 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1082041&cid=t_124326_114_f&fid=34646&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthcarebloglaw.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F12%2Fgovernor-manchin-rejects-new.html Eric Eyre reports in today's Sunday Gazette-Mail that Governor Manchin has rejected the proposed new Certificate of Need CT Standards approved by the West Virginia Health Care Authority last month.The article indicates Governor Manchin sent a letter to the Authority's Board on Friday, December 7, asking that they re-examine the imaging equipment proposal and submit a revised plan. The article also indicates that Governor Manchin rejected the proposed new standards on the basis that the standards did not require physicians to accept low income patients.For more background on the proposed new standards see my previous posts - here and here. (Source: Health Care Law Blog) Health Care Law Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1082041 Sun, 09 Dec 2007 22:01:00 +0100 1082041 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1074896&cid=t_124326_114_f&fid=34646&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthcarebloglaw.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F12%2Fwvhca-reconsiders-hcr-manor-care-con.html The State Journal provides background on the pending reconsideration hearing set for December 14, 2007 (9am), before the the West Virginia Health Care Authority regarding the Authority's granting of a certificate of need for the $6.3 billion buyout of HCR Manor Care by The Carlyle Group, a private global investment firm.The Authority granted HCR Manor Care a certificate of need on October 19, 2007, however, on November 15 the Service Employees International Union Local 1199 filed a Request for Reconsideration with the Authority along with an Appeal to the Office of Judges.On November 20, the Authority issued its Decision on Request for Reconsideration granting the reconsideration and ordering a stay of its October 19, 2007 decision pending resolution of the request for reconsideration. (So... Health Care Law Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1074896 Thu, 06 Dec 2007 17:46:00 +0100 1074896 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1030087&cid=t_124326_114_f&fid=34646&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthcarebloglaw.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fwvhca-issues-proposed-amendments-to.html The West Virginia Health Care Authority issued and approved on November 14, 2007, proposed amendments to the Cardiac Catheterization Standards.The Notice of Public Comment Period indicates that comments must be submitted to the Authority by December 14, 2007. (Source: Health Care Law Blog) Health Care Law Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1030087 Thu, 15 Nov 2007 20:42:00 +0100 1030087 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1021221&cid=t_124326_114_f&fid=34646&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthcarebloglaw.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fwvhca-approves-new-certificate-of-need.html Eric Eyre of the Charleston Gazette reports on the board decision by the West Virginia Health Care Authority approving new Computerized Tomography (CT) Standards under West Virginia's Certificate of Need Program. The proposed standards will now be sent to Governor Manchin for final approval.Eyre reports:A state agency cleared the way Wednesday for doctors across West Virginia to put diagnostic imaging equipment in their offices, a move hospital executives predict will drive up health costs and force them to raise rates. West Virginia Health Care Authority members voted unanimously to approve standards that doctors’ offices must meet before the state allows them to buy and use computed tomography machines, also known as CT scanners. The authority wrestled with the standards for nearly a ... Health Care Law Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1021221 Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:05:00 +0100 1021221 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512981&cid=t_124326_140_f&fid=36503&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FAzureone%2F%7E3%2FiqtO49RcKm4%2Fbipolar-fun-con.html It makes perfect sense. Bipolar disorder is an illness of variations, therefore the entertainment this week is from two variations on the con game. The first con exploits bipolar disorder in an attempt to trick the court system into handing down a ‘get out of jail free card.’ The second con uses caring words and ridiculous ‘celebrations’ to maintain the status quo thereby securing benefactor roles for two organizations. Bipolar disorder is once again at play this week. This time it is a pawn in simple and elaborate con games. Let’s begin with a master con artist, Sharon Blevins. Blevins, the would-be ‘poster child for bipolar disorder,’ seems an unlikely choice for a poster child. As, Mike Willis, the team leader of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service describes, “She [Blevin... azureone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512981 Tue, 09 Oct 2007 13:54:00 +0100 2512981 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=770757&cid=t_124326_136_f&fid=35288&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmomscancer.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F07%2Fcomic-con-2007.html Well, that went pretty much as I expected.Comic-Con International in San Diego was a tightly packed pressure cooker of crowds, noise and fun. Compared to the past two years, my impression was that the mob was maybe a little less unruly, perhaps because convention organizers stopped selling tickets and advertised the fact that particular days were sold out. We had no trouble getting our badges. In terms of organization and crowd control, Con organizers seem to have learned from past difficulties. Still, 120,000 people in one place is a bunch no matter how you slice 'em. A short movie I shot on Saturday, the busiest day, panning the convention floor from the mezzanine. Booths are downstairs, several simultaneous panels are going on upstairs. It's all more than anyone could possibly absorb.... Mom's Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=770757 Tue, 31 Jul 2007 15:57:00 +0100 770757 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=765024&cid=t_124326_136_f&fid=35288&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmomscancer.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F07%2Fcongratulations-to-me.html My forecast for the two Eisner Awards I was up for--posted hereJuly 18 and completely untouched, unedited, and unrevised in the interim--was completely accurate! As a psychic, I went 2 for 0!Unfortunately, in terms of actually winning one of the awards, I went 0 for 2.I still had a very fine time. Just arrived home; more stories and pictures when I have the time and energy later. Thanks for everyone's well wishes and my congratulations to the winners. Which I totally predicted.. (Source: Mom's Cancer Blog) Mom's Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=765024 Sun, 29 Jul 2007 23:56:00 +0100 765024 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=747105&cid=t_124326_114_f&fid=34646&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthcarebloglaw.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F07%2Finjunction-haults-wvhca-cardiac.html Today's State Journal reports on Kanawha County Circuit Judge Stucky's granting of a preliminary injunction halting the West Virginia Health Care Authority from moving forward with a demonstration program that would enable three West Virginia hospitals to perform therapeutic angioplasties without having open heart backup services. The injunction was filed in seperate actions by St. Mary's Medical Center and St. Joseph's Hospital.Details on the demonstration pilot project can be found under Section VII of the State Health Plan Cardiac Catheterization Standards. (Source: Health Care Law Blog) Health Care Law Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=747105 Fri, 20 Jul 2007 19:49:00 +0100 747105 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=742650&cid=t_124326_136_f&fid=35288&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmomscancer.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F07%2Fcomic-con-pre-flight.html Quick note for those interested in how our girls are doing in Scotland: great! Their course on Medieval History & Warfare sounds engrossing without being so demanding that they have no time for fun. They've done quite a bit of exploring on their own, and also tried their hand at Scottish cooking. They'll get to spend a few days in London on their way home and we're looking forward to having them back at the end of the month. Maybe they'll let me post some photos (we haven't seen any yet; their Internet access is limited, plus they have better things to do than sit at a computer typing to the folks). A tiny slice of last year's Comic-ConIt's hard to believe that Comic-Con International is a week away. San Diego is a city my wife and I like very much and we're going to make a nice vacation o... Mom's Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=742650 Wed, 18 Jul 2007 20:58:00 +0100 742650 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=729773&cid=t_124326_114_f&fid=34646&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthcarebloglaw.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F07%2Fwvhca-issues-proposed-ct-standards.html Yesterday, July 11, the West Virginia Health Care Authority issued proposed CON Standards covering computerized tomography (CT) services in West Virginia.The proposed Computed Tomography Services CON Standards provide a new need methodology process for new, additional or replacement CT scanning services by hospital and non-hospital applicants. The proposed standards set forth a weighted need methodology threshold of 3,000 scans per year and provide an exemption for CT scanners costing less that $300,000.Although I've not read anything official from the Authority, today's Charleston Gazette article indicates that the Authority will accept comments on the proposed standards during the next 30 days and the Authority's board will vote on the regulations at its September meeting. The new standa... Health Care Law Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=729773 Thu, 12 Jul 2007 13:12:00 +0100 729773 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=674464&cid=t_124326_114_f&fid=34646&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthcarebloglaw.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F06%2Fwvhca-issues-proposed-con-standards-for.html The West Virginia Health Care Authority has issued new proposed Certificate of Need Standards for Bone Marrow Transplantation Services. For more information go to the "Notice of Public Comment Period".The proposed CON standards are out for public comment. Public comments can be submitted to the WVHCA no later than July 6, 2007. Notice of the proposed standards were published in today's Charleston Gazette legal advertisement (June 16, 2007).The proposed standards indicated that West Virginia bone marrow transplants are currently performed exclusively at West Virginia University Hosptials, Inc. The standards state that WVUH "performed 43 bone marrow transplants in 2003, 37 in 2004 and 46 in 2005." The proposed standards indicate that WVUH will be the exclusive provider of bone marrow transpl... Health Care Law Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=674464 Sat, 16 Jun 2007 13:45:00 +0100 674464 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=620463&cid=t_124326_136_f&fid=35288&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmomscancer.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F05%2Fsan-diego-e-italia.html Yesterday I firmed up plans to attend the International Comic-Con in San Diego this July--meaning I finally found a place to stay, which is a genuine challenge when 100,000-plus descend on a city. As I mentioned earlier, the people who decide such things were nice enough to nominate Mom's Cancer for two Eisner Awards, and it seems polite to show up even though I don't expect to win (not being humble, just analytically realistic). It's a fun event regardless. I'll get to sign some books at my publisher's booth, see a few friends, and no doubt make one or two new ones. My wife and I also enjoy the city itself and we'll make a nice, not-all-comics-all-the-time vacation of it.I also found out yesterday that the Italian edition of Mom's Cancer will be published in June. And that's literally all... Mom's Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=620463 Sat, 12 May 2007 15:14:00 +0100 620463 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=554974&cid=t_124326_136_f&fid=35288&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmomscancer.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F04%2F2007-eisner-award-nonimations.html The official press release has been posted, so I'm free to report that Mom's Cancer has been nominated for two 2007 Will Eisner Awards in the categories "Best Reality-Based Work" and "Best Graphic Album--Reprint." The Eisners are the comic industry's Oscars, voted on by professionals and presented at Comic-Con International in San Diego in July. The other nominees in my categories are:Best Reality-Based WorkFun Home by Alison BechdelI Love Led Zeppelin by Ellen ForneyProject X Challengers: Cup Noodle by Tadashi KatohStagger Lee by Derek McCulloch and Shepherd HendrixBest Graphic Album—ReprintAbsolute DC: The New Frontier by Darwyn CookeCastle Waiting by Linda MedleyShadowland by Kim DeitchTruth Serum by Jon AdamsSurprising? Exciting? Intimidating? Yeah. I had to double-check it a few tim... Mom's Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=554974 Thu, 19 Apr 2007 16:36:00 +0100 554974