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Mich. hospital systems announce large-scale merger plan

The two large hospital systems' merger plan would create a 10-hospital system that company officials say would be better suited to face health law implementation challenges.

3 Nov 2012

First edition of HIE Ready Buyers' Guide to facilitate health information exchange released

The UC Davis Health System's Institute for Population Health Improvement today released the first edition of its "HIE Ready Buyers' Guide" to facilitate health information exchange, especially in California.

3 Nov 2012

Studies provide new information on diet and blood pressure in kidney disease patients

Three studies presented during the American Society of Nephrology's Annual Kidney Week provide new information on diet and blood pressure in kidney disease patients.

3 Nov 2012

Forecasting health policy for the post-election landscape

Various news stories examine how the outcome of the presidential election could lead to very different courses for the health law's implementation and approaches to Medicare reform.

3 Nov 2012

GHDonline provides virtual discussion on health care delivery

Sarah Arnquist, who runs Global Health Hub, writes in Harvard University's Global Health Delivery Project blog about a Monday session at the American Public Health Association's annual conference that discussed "using online communities to promote health and engage communities -- of either professionals or patients."

3 Nov 2012

Resolve to fight TB must be strengthened in U.S. global AIDS blueprint

As part of its "Blueprint" series discussing the creation of a U.S. global AIDS blueprint called for by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in July, the Center for Global Health Policy's "Science Speaks" blog features an opinion piece by Salmaan Keshavjee of Harvard Medical School and Partners In Health. With an estimated 1,000 people with HIV dying of tuberculosis (TB) every day, "it is clear that our current approaches to addressing the global tuberculosis pandemic are inadequate," he writes.

3 Nov 2012

Hurricane Sandy's aftermath leaves older adults particularly vulnerable

Older adults left in the wake of Hurricane Sandy will likely suffer disproportionately in the days ahead, based on data from other recent natural disasters.

3 Nov 2012

Health experts gather in Sydney for 3-day malaria conference

"More than 200 health experts have gathered in Sydney for a three-day conference to bolster political commitment to tackle the spread of malaria," IRIN reports.

3 Nov 2012

Near-complete blood flow restoration necessary to preserve neurological function following stroke

Two Rhode Island Hospital researchers recently found that restoring near-complete blood flow to the brain is necessary to restore or preserve neurological function following stroke. Seems like a no-brainer, right? Yet until their research was complete, many physicians and researchers believed that partial blood-flow restoration was good enough. Not anymore.

3 Nov 2012

Public health threats, struggling hospitals loom in Sandy's wake

Public health officials are warning that people in areas devastated by Superstorm Sandy face many risks in the aftermath and are urging people to protect themselves from health threats in the water, air and even their refrigerators.

3 Nov 2012

New article asserts concerns about revisions to gestational diabetes diagnostic criteria

A number of important questions and issues should be addressed before changes are made to the guidelines for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes, according to a new article by University of Maryland School of Medicine Dean E. Albert Reece, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A., published online in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology on Oct. 31. The article publishes in advance of a new National Institutes of Health (NIH) initiative to reconsider diagnostic guidelines for the condition.

3 Nov 2012

Obama administration won't block religious challenge to health law

In court papers, the administration said it has no objection to revisiting Liberty University's challenge to the health overhaul.

3 Nov 2012

Public-private partnerships can help improve nutrition worldwide

InterAction President and CEO Sam Worthington, as part of a series organized by the Chicago Council On Global Affairs' Global Agriculture Development Initiative and InterAction to highlight the importance of public-private partnerships in agricultural development, writes in the Chicago Council's "Global Food for Thought" blog that recent figures showing one in eight people in the world is undernourished is "a call to collective action."

3 Nov 2012

Abortion, health law drive messaging in tight Senate and House races

The state Democratic Party runs a "coordinated campaign" to augment the Obama team's efforts and promote Mr. Kaine and other Democratic candidates, with hubs in Alexandria, a Washington suburb; Richmond, the capital; the Hampton Roads area, a military center; and Charlottesville, a student bastion.

3 Nov 2012

Hurricane Sandy’s impact on home care: an interview with Joanne Cunningham

Home care agencies, like all health providers, have only a matter of days to prepare for a specific weather event like Hurricane Sandy. However, disaster preparedness planning is a core function of home care service providers.

2 Nov 2012

Romney campaign focuses on new trio of states

With just days to go until Election Day, the Romney campaign sees possibilities to win in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Minnesota, while pro-Obama groups launch new ads about Medicare and women's health.

2 Nov 2012

Doctor self-referrals for advanced imaging cost Medicare $100M in 2010

According to a Government Accountability Office report, doctors who referred patients for tests involving advanced imaging machines that they or a family member owned cost Medicare more than $100 million in 2010.

2 Nov 2012

Stakeholders scramble to define starting points for fiscal cliff negotiations

Lawmakers, CEOs, business groups and charities are scrambling to shape the debate over tax and spending policy after the November elections, staking out negotiating positions for what could be a fast-paced brawl.

2 Nov 2012

Compounding pharmacies rarely get tough punishments; Another firm recalls drugs

USA Today examines how officials have dealt with charges of misconduct at the pharmacies in the past. Meanwhile, a compounding pharmacy, which is owned by the same company that owned the plant linked to the meningitis outbreak, is recalling its products after an FDA review.

2 Nov 2012

BMJ examines debate over government program to reduce maternal mortality in India

"An Indian government program to reduce the number of home births by giving expectant mothers cash grants has increased the number of hospital deliveries, but gaps in health care services are still causing avoidable maternal deaths, an alliance of health organizations has said," BMJ reports.

2 Nov 2012