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Cedars-Sinai's community benefit contribution is $502.4 million for 2010

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's financial contribution to community benefit programs and services totaled $502.4 million in fiscal year 2010, reflecting its long-standing mission and dedication to improving community health.

26 Apr 2011

COGCare chooses UPMC Health Plan as exclusive insurance provider

UPMC Health Plan has been chosen as the exclusive provider of a health care benefits program for COGCare, an insurance cooperative representing 40 Councils of Government that include over 400 municipalities, county governments and other local governmental agencies in western Pennsylvania.

26 Apr 2011

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

Aussies avoiding regular dental check-ups: Report

According to a new report, the annual visit to the dentist is becoming a luxury for many Australians and almost 40 per cent of the population does not go for regular check-ups.

25 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

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

Cambridge Heart releases new MTWA software

Cambridge Heart, Inc., a developer of non-invasive diagnostic tests for cardiac disease, today announced the release of its redesigned Microvolt T-Wave Alternans software for its HearTwave II and CH2000 platforms.

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

Parties sparring over Medicare as Sen. Collins vows 'no' vote on Ryan budget

News outlets are covering the increasing politicization of Medicare.

25 Apr 2011

UNH takes immediate action to assist tornado victims in Southern states

UnitedHealth Group and its benefits and services businesses, UnitedHealthcare and Optum, are taking immediate action to assist people in Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Virginia affected by the recent tornadoes.

25 Apr 2011

LABJ honors SCAN Health Plan for community outreach programs

SCAN Health Plan, the country's fourth largest not-for-profit Medicare Advantage plan, was among the healthcare organizations honored by the Los Angeles Business Journal (LABJ) for its outstanding efforts in serving the community. The prestigious Healthcare Leadership Award ceremonies are conducted annually by the LABJ to recognize locally based companies whose community outreach programs help make the city a better place to live.

22 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

U.S. healthcare costs continue to increase at a declining rate

Data released today by S&P Indices for the S&P Healthcare Economic Composite Index indicate that the average per capita cost of healthcare services covered by commercial insurance and Medicare programs increased by 6.19% over the 12-months ending February 2011. This is a drop from the 6.31% increase in annual growth rate posted in January 2011 for this index.

22 Apr 2011

Now campaigning, Obama to ask voters to give health law a chance

Meanwhile, The Hill reports that health lobbying has dropped off compared to the level a year ago when Congress was in the midst of the health reform debate.

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