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Medicaid is the United States health program for eligible individuals and families with low incomes and resources. It is a means-tested program that is jointly funded by the states and federal government, and is managed by the states.

Patients of orthopedists are more apt to undergo back surgery

When doctors own or lease MRI equipment, their patients are more likely to receive scans for low back pain. Patients of orthopedists are more apt to undergo back surgery as well, according to a study published online in Health Services Research.

26 Apr 2011

State roundup: Fla. hospitals divided public/private oversight; generous health benefits for Calif. elected officials

Hundreds of part-time elected officials throughout the Bay Area received full-time health care benefits in 2010 at taxpayer expense, with individual policies sometimes costing tens of thousands of dollars, according to government compensation data acquired by Bay Area News Group and published on its websites Sunday.

26 Apr 2011

Viewpoints: Sebelius on medical mistakes; Stockman on solving deficit; Fox on Medicare's political history

A recent study found that as many as one out of three hospital patients is harmed by his or her care. And the Institute of Medicine estimates that as many as 100,000 Americans die each year from preventable medical errors in hospitals. That's about the number of annual deaths caused by auto accidents, AIDS, and breast cancer combined.

26 Apr 2011

Aetna achieves full pharmacy benefit management accreditation from URAC

Aetna Pharmacy Management today announced that it has been awarded full pharmacy benefit management accreditation from URAC, an independent health care accrediting organization that evaluates and monitors PBM's for quality, safety and effectiveness.

26 Apr 2011

Child's death renews medical error debate

News outlets examine efforts to end hospital errors and a different case may challenge laws that protect military medical personnel from medical malpractice lawsuits.

25 Apr 2011

Governors feeling the pinch on Medicaid funding

Medicaid was created in 1965 to provide health coverage for the poorest Americans, particularly those with children. States pay, on average, 43% of the tab for Medicaid. Washington pays the rest and, as part of the new health-care law, the federal government restricts states' ability to save money by narrowing eligibility for the program or charging more for coverage.

25 Apr 2011

House Republicans face heat at home over proposed Medicare cuts

During the congressional recess, constituents have grilled some House Republicans on how deficit reduction proposals will affect Medicare. Meanwhile, Don Berwick says GOP plans deserve the "rationing" label more than the health law does.

25 Apr 2011

Nausea and vomiting are most feared of all chemotherapy-related side effects

PediatRx, Inc. today commented on studies which reveal that chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting is one of the most feared of all chemotherapy-related side effects. The fear of nausea and subsequent vomiting is many times so significant that patients can develop a condition known as 'anticipatory' nausea, where the patient becomes nauseous primarily as a result of the fear of becoming nauseous.

25 Apr 2011

Analysis of the health law's effects continues

Reports look at the diverse effects of the health law — from Medicare and Medicaid to the accountable care organizations.

25 Apr 2011

Epic Imaging receives 100% Mammography Quality Standards Act score

Epic Imaging recently received a 100 percent score on its yearly American College of Radiology Mammography Quality Standards Act inspection.

25 Apr 2011

Enrollment in managed Medicaid plans on the rise

Tough economic times are driving people both in and out of Medicaid programs. Medicaid enrollment climbs as individuals deal with loss of insurance through employment channels. Then, state legislators challenged with making budget cuts, are forced to reduce Medicaid rosters to balance budgets. Many states are increasing their use of care management strategies to help rein in costly Medicaid programs.

22 Apr 2011

Roswell Park Cancer Institute named Blue Distinction Center for Transplants

Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) has been named a Blue Distinction Center for Transplants® by BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York for demonstrating better overall quality of care and patient results in bone marrow/stem cell (autologous and allogeneic) procedures.

22 Apr 2011

Politics swirl around plans for Medicare's future, the deficit

At home in their districts, Republicans are taking positions — and heat — on the Ryan budget plan, which would make significant changes to the Medicare program. Meanwhile, President Barack Obama is taking his message — and his budget framework — on the road.

22 Apr 2011

Research roundup: New hips, Medicare & hospital stays; Medicaid update

JAMA: Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Medicare Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty, 1991-2008 - "Total hip arthroplasty is a common surgical procedure but little is known about longitudinal trends," according to this study which found that "Between 1991 and 2008, the mean age for patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty increased from 74.1 to 75.1 years and for revision total hip arthroplasty from 75.8 to 77.3 years (P < .001)."

22 Apr 2011

Viewpoints: Gov. Walker on 'obsolete' Medicaid; Are patients consumers?; The Onion pokes fun at Romney

What does Medicaid have in common with "I Dream of Jeannie," "Lost in Space" and "Get Smart"? They all made their debut in 1965. ... the television networks have updated their programming.

22 Apr 2011

State news: Calif. report faults screening of in-home care providers

Two of the state's largest private medical practices are in talks to merge into a giant doctor-run group that would care for nearly a million Massachusetts patients and significantly escalate the pace of health care consolidation throughout the state. Atrius Health, which runs the Harvard Vanguard system and four other doctors practices, is in advanced talks with Fallon Clinic, the Worcester-based medical group.

22 Apr 2011

HHS unveils new national patient safety initiative

Health and Human Services Regional Director Marguerite Salazar unveiled today a new national patient safety initiative, Partnership for Patients, on behalf of the Obama Administration at The Children's Hospital. Partnership for Patients will help save 60,000 lives across the country by stopping millions of preventable injuries and complications in patient care over the next three years.

22 Apr 2011