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Debate on rationality of coronary angiography in low risk patients continues

A new study reveals that American hospitals vary widely in how they decide who's eligible for an invasive type of heart scan.

9 Aug 2011

Provider groups weigh in with Supreme Court on Calif. Medicaid case; Fla. docs oppose Medicaid revamp

In other Medicaid news, Texas switches its Medicaid recipients to cards instead of using monthly proof-of-coverage letters to save cash while some advocates worry that children's health could be at risk.

9 Aug 2011

HPV-related throat cancer cases increase sharply over the past 10 years

Forty-two-year-old Manahawkin, New Jersey resident David Caldarella can recite a long list of dates off the top of his head. The first one starts with the day he found a lump on the right side of his neck while shaving. It was March 23, 2010. Caldarella immediately called his physician.

8 Aug 2011

Research roundup: Hospitalists & health costs; treating substance abuse

This study looks at the effects hospitalists -- or physicians who specialize in hospital medicine and health care -- have on patient care, costs and use of medical services.

6 Aug 2011

Telephone interviewers enhance effectiveness of community stroke care screenings

Even though many Americans learn through community health screenings that they are at high risk for having a stroke, they rarely follow-up with their doctor for care.

5 Aug 2011

State roundup: Windfall for Mass. hospitals

Hospitals in Massachusetts will reap an annual windfall of $275 million due to a loophole enshrined in the new health care law. Hospitals in most other states will get less money as a result.

5 Aug 2011

WSU receives $3M NIH grant for student development program

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced a five-year grant of more than $3 million to support the Wayne State University Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD) program.

5 Aug 2011

Safe Kids USA to host Youth Sports Safety Clinics

With many young school athletes working hard this month to prepare for fall sports, Safe Kids USA is hosting Youth Sports Safety Clinics across the country to educate parents and coaches on how to keep children safe and prevent sports injuries, including heat-related illnesses. Nearly 3/4 of U.S. households have at least one child who plays organized sports.

4 Aug 2011

Different health care delivery systems offer differing visions of efficiency

One California partnership that involved a large insurance company, a major hospital chain and a group of doctors has reduced health care costs. But a new report shows that the growing number of hospital-based physicians may ultimately be taxing Medicare resources.

3 Aug 2011

New HHS rule requires insurance coverage for contraception, other preventive services for women

The regulations, which were issued Monday by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, implement what is likely to be one of the most wide-reaching and popular provisions of the health law.

3 Aug 2011

Roundup: Atlanta hospital facing questions about extending dialysis care to immigrants; Fla. to limit HMO choices for state workers

The agreement providing dialysis for immigrants who were former Grady patients expires at the end of August, and it's unclear what will happen next. ... Grady's financial situation has deteriorated recently, and its losses this year could reach $20 million or more. Meanwhile, the hospital continues to shoulder an enormous financial burden in caring for uninsured patients, including immigrants, providing more than $200 million in indigent care annually.

3 Aug 2011

First Edition: August 2, 2011

Today's headlines reveal how some specific elements of the debt-ceiling deal might impact Medicare providers.

2 Aug 2011

Key Mass. hospital-doctor group still looking to fulfill pledge on reducing insurance premiums

Partners HealthCare System vowed to pay $40 million to help reduce insurance costs for small businesses, the Boston Globe reports. Also, California group announces plans for an ACO and Minnesota Public Radio examines how cost cutting efforts will affect health care.

2 Aug 2011

FDA warns U.S. consumers not to use Evital emergency birth control medicine

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning U.S. consumers not to use the emergency birth control medicine labeled as Evital.

2 Aug 2011

Obesity more prevalent among Maryland and Virginia residents

Experts at My Weight Doctor, one of the Washington area's most prestigious weight loss clinics, expressed alarm over reports that obesity rates had surged in Maryland and Virginia residents.

2 Aug 2011

Roundup: Calif.'s health-budget cuts; new med school for rural docs; community health centers packed

Faced with years of recession-driven budget shortfalls, state lawmakers have made deep cuts to health and social services. The reductions, including a round that took effect this month, translate into sizable state savings but are sharply scaling back the safety net for California's most vulnerable residents: the elderly, the disabled and the poor.

2 Aug 2011

Mobile health software effectively helps manage diabetes

An interactive computer software program appears to be effective in helping patients manage their Type 2 diabetes using their mobile phones, according to a new study by University of Maryland School of Medicine researchers.

1 Aug 2011

Tips for obtaining life insurance after heart attack

Life Quotes, Inc. wants heart attack survivors to know that, while it may be tough to get a life insurance policy, it's not impossible. Heart disease is the #1 cause of death in America and many survivors are unaware of the life insurance options that may be open to them.

1 Aug 2011

Kenya Medical Services Minister to establish African Cancer Foundation

When Anyang' Nyong'o, Medical Services Minister of Kenya, returned cancer-free to his native land in March of this year, he made a commitment to the people of Kenya. "My experience is a wake-up call for us in Kenya," he proclaimed.

1 Aug 2011

Colon cleansing can cause side effects like cramping, renal failure and death

Colon cleansing - it's been described as a natural way to enhance well-being, but Georgetown University doctors say there's no evidence to back that claim. In fact, their review of scientific literature, published today in the August issue of The Journal of Family Practice, demonstrates that colon cleansing can cause side effects ranging from cramping to renal failure and death.

1 Aug 2011