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First Edition: September 21, 2010

In today's headlines, news about major insurers' plans to stop offering child-only health policies in advance of new rules.

21 Sep 2010

Tips to protect physical health

Fifteen years ago, the non-profit Educational Television Network created Healthy Aging Month to focus attention on the positive aspects of getting older and to encourage people to learn how to increase longevity and avoid preventable declines in physical, mental and emotional health. Healthy aging is of particular interest as life expectancy in the United States continues to rise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2007 the life expectancy was 75.4 for men and 80.4 for women .

21 Sep 2010

For-profit clinics charge patients unlawful user fees for health services already covered by Medicare

New research conducted by the BC Health Coalition has revealed evidence that for-profit clinics across the province continue to openly charge patients additional fees to jump the queue for health services already covered by Medicare.

21 Sep 2010

New MTWA technology is integrated in Quinton Q-Stress cardiac stress systems

Cambridge Heart, Inc., a developer of noninvasive diagnostic tests for cardiac disease, today announced the launch of its Microvolt T-Wave Alternans (MTWA) technology as an integrated part of industry-leading cardiac stress test systems manufactured and distributed by Cardiac Science Corporation. The MTWA technology, which can predict a patient's risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), is now being offered to new and existing users of Cardiac Science's Quinton Q-Stress cardiac stress systems.

21 Sep 2010

Cardiac Science launches MTWA module with Quinton Q-Stress systems

Cardiac Science Corporation, a global leader in automated external defibrillator (AED) and diagnostic cardiac monitoring devices, today announced the launch of a Microvolt T-Wave Alternans (MTWA) module that integrates with its industry leading Quinton Q-Stress cardiac stress systems.

21 Sep 2010

Cook Medical sponsors sessions to reduce risk of CRBSI infections

At the 24th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Association for Vascular Access (AVA), Cook Medical continues its dedication to educating medical communities on advancements in procedures and technologies. Cook will sponsor two sessions that examine how to combine process and technology to reduce the risk of dangerous catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs).

21 Sep 2010

Recession leads to closure of long-term care facilities: Study

The 2008-2009 recession led to smaller cost increases at many long-term care facilities and forced some to close altogether, according to a study released today by Prudential Financial Inc. (NYSE). The bi-annual report, 2010 Long-Term Care Cost Study, measures trends in costs associated with the major forms of long-term care services. And, for the first time, the research includes consumer views that measure sentiment around the cost of services and levels of awareness and concern about the future need for long-term care and how to fund it.

21 Sep 2010

ACP, AARP launch online guide to help inform consumers about health care law

Today, the American College of Physicians and AARP launched an online guide to help inform consumers about the health care law. The guide is written and organized in a way that clearly explains what the law has changed, why these changes were made and when the changes will take effect.

21 Sep 2010

Multinational study demonstrates positive effects of laquinimod in patients with RRMS

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. and Active Biotech today announced results from a 36-week active extension study evaluating two doses of laquinimod, an investigational, once-daily oral immunomodulator, for the treatment of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis.

21 Sep 2010

Global dementia costs hit $604 billion: World Alzheimer Report 2010

The total estimated worldwide costs of dementia are $604 billion in 2010, according to the newly released World Alzheimer Report 2010, The Global Economic Impact of Dementia from Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI), a London based, nonprofit, international federation of 73 national Alzheimer organizations, including the Alzheimer's Association (U.S.).

21 Sep 2010

Alzheimer's disaster is no longer 'emerging'

Tomorrow on World Alzheimer's Day, the Alzheimer's Association recognizes the efforts of the Obama Administration for bringing stakeholders to the table to begin an important dialogue on how best to address the Alzheimer epidemic. The meeting will include representatives of the Alzheimer community, policymakers from across the federal government, Alzheimer researchers, people with Alzheimer's and care providers to exchange objectives and strategies on how to overcome the growing Alzheimer epidemic.

21 Sep 2010

MediMedia launches Formulary Quick Lookup tool

MediMedia Information Technologies LLC, the complete source for formulary intelligence, has introduced Formulary Quick Lookup. Developed to enhance our Formulary Compass™ data suite, this website now joins the other Formulary Compass offerings.

21 Sep 2010

Lifepoint Hospitals announces pricing of 6.625% Senior Notes due 2020

LifePoint Hospitals, Inc. announced today the pricing of $400 million in aggregate principal amount of its 6.625% Senior Notes due 2020. The Notes will be senior unsecured obligations of the Company and will be guaranteed by substantially all of the Company's subsidiaries that guarantee its senior secured credit facilities.

21 Sep 2010

Talecris Biotherapeutics announces 2010 eALTA award recipients

Talecris Biotherapeutics GmbH announced yesterday the recipients of the 2010 European alpha1-antitrypsin Laurell's Training Awards (eALTA). The annual awards, sponsored by Talecris, provide two fellowships of 50,000 euros to young investigators whose research aims to enhance the understanding and treatment of alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency (AAT deficiency).

21 Sep 2010

GOP divided over health law repeal as White House readies midterm push

In the run up to November's midterm elections, President Obama will tout the new health law, hoping the consumer-friendly provisions taking effect this week will help erode ill will toward the overhaul, The Wall Street Journal reports. "Starting Thursday, insurers officially must adhere to about a half-dozen key changes under the law, including eliminating co-payments for preventive services and allowing children to stay on their parents' insurance policy until their 26th birthday.

21 Sep 2010

'Village' movement allows seniors who need care to stay in their homes longer

The Fiscal Times reports that, as the population ages, more communities are trying to find ways to allow older Americans to remain in their homes, even when they need health care. "The small but fast-growing 'village' movement — where seniors help seniors to coordinate and deliver services within their communities — is a grass-roots response to the well-documented preference of older people to remain in their homes as they age.

21 Sep 2010

FDA Advisory Committee recommends approval of dabigatran etexilate for stroke prevention in AFib patients

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Cardiovascular and Renal Drugs Advisory Committee today voted 9 to 0 in favor of approving dabigatran etexilate for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib). An estimated 2.3 million Americans have AFib and the prevalence is expected to increase 2.5 fold to 5.6 million by 2050, reflecting the growing population of elderly individuals.

21 Sep 2010

Medicare receives increased scrutiny regarding fraud, payment issues

USA Today: "Proposed regulations being unveiled today seek to crack down on Medicare and Medicaid fraud by subjecting operators of certain medical firms to fingerprinting and stopping payments when credible fraud allegations are made, documents show. The rules would give federal health officials key powers to identify fraud early and reduce the estimated $55 billion in improper payments made each year in the Medicare and Medicaid programs, said Peter Budetti, director of the new anti-fraud office at the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services" (Young, 9/20).

20 Sep 2010

Examining the first wave of health overhaul changes coming this week

Houston Chronicle: Wider access and protections for health care consumers kick in on Thursday as a set of health law provisions take effect. "Most of this month's changes apply directly to the 12 million Texans covered by private health insurance plans, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Insurers may no longer charge co-payments, deductibles or co-insurance for preventive services.

20 Sep 2010

Medical errors continue to pose major risk to patients

Albany Times Union reports on continuing medical errors. "Health care reform consumed the nation for the last 12 months but, despite all the talk, the country took only baby steps toward reducing medical errors that injure and kill millions of hospital patients.

20 Sep 2010