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CPPR expresses concern over recently passed health care bill's flaws

Coalition to Protect Patients Rights spokesman Donald J. Palmisano, MD, expressed concern this week over the recently passed health care bill's flaws after new survey results indicated that overall health care costs actually will increase following the bill's passage.

22 Sep 2010

First Edition: September 22, 2010

Today's headlines focus on news surrounding tomorrow's six-month anniversary of the new health law and some of the specific provisions that will kick in on that day.

22 Sep 2010

Teva asserts infringement of 4 COPAXONE-related patents by Mylan, files complaint in U.S. District Court

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. announced today it has filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against Mylan asserting infringement of four patents related to the characterization of COPAXONE® (glatiramer acetate injection). The latest of these patents expires in February 2020.

22 Sep 2010

How Medicare changes are playing out for advocates and in the campaign season

News outlets track both concerns about how Medicare will fare as a result of the health law's changes and examine how other changes advanced by reform are being characterized during the election season.

22 Sep 2010

Sebelius: Medicare Advantage premium costs to decline slightly in 2011

The Associated Press: "Seniors enrolled in popular private health insurance plans through Medicare will pay a little less on average next year, the Obama administration said Tuesday. The average monthly premium in so-called Medicare Advantage plans will dip to $35.69 in 2011, a 45-cent reduction from $36.14 this year, Medicare officials said."

22 Sep 2010

AMA launches new online tool to strengthen the financial health of physician practices

The American Medical Association (AMA) today announced a new online tool designed to help physician practices prepare for billing and payment audits by insurers and federal contractors. The AMA’s Practice Analysis Tools for Healthcare (AMA PATH™) puts self-auditing tools in the hands of physicians, allowing them to develop and evaluate fee schedules and billing safeguards without hiring an expensive consultant.

21 Sep 2010

Rising Medicare premiums and no cost-of-living adjustment can reduce Social Security payments

The combination of rising Medicare premiums and no annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) would reduce Social Security payments for about 23 million of the nation's seniors in 2011, according to The Senior Citizens League. This figure represents two-thirds of the 37 million seniors who receive Social Security benefits.

21 Sep 2010

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