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As more reform specifics emerge, so do questions, answers and impacts

As details of health reform policies shake out, questions, answers and consequences are emerging.

22 Apr 2010

States reach compromise on financial healthcare reforms

After all the posturing and grand standing the states have finally reached a compromise on the financial healthcare reforms suggested by the Federal Government. Prime Misnter Kevin Rudd may be happy about the outcome, but he still has more to do. The work is only just beginning for the long haul.

22 Apr 2010

Proposed Medicare payment changes for hospitals would lower reimbursements slightly

The Wall Street Journal: "Hospital stocks moved higher Tuesday after the agency that runs Medicare proposed new inpatient services rates for the next fiscal year that were somewhat better than many had expected. Monday evening the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said it would like to cut Medicare operating payments to acute care hospitals for inpatient services occurring in the next fiscal year by $142 million, or 0.1%. These figures don't include the impact of the new health-care reform law, which analysts said would cut the rate by another 0.25%".

22 Apr 2010

Women and men experience different outcomes at U.S. hospitals: HealthGrades

Women and men experience different outcomes at U.S. hospitals for the same procedures and treatments, according to a new study released today by HealthGrades, the leading independent healthcare ratings organization.

22 Apr 2010

Berwick may face difficult confirmation in Senate

News outlets continue to report on Donald Berwick, who was nominated by President Barack Obama to be administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

22 Apr 2010

Abbott's first-quarter worldwide pharmaceutical sales increases by 12.9%

Abbott today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2010.

21 Apr 2010

Drugmakers raised prices last year in anticipation of new health law, Eli Lilly reports financial hit

"Drug companies sharply raised prices last year, ahead of increased rebates they must pay to Medicaid and other expenses tied to the federal health overhaul passed last month. Prices for brand-name pharmaceuticals rose 9.1% last year, the biggest increase in at least a decade, according to pharmacy-benefit manager Express Scripts Inc."

21 Apr 2010

CVS Caremark survey results of specialty pharmacy patients

CVS Caremark today announced results of a survey of the company's specialty pharmacy patients that provides insights into their views on medication adherence and their perceptions about the role of their specialty pharmacy. The survey results show nearly 70 percent of respondents believe their specialty pharmacy team played an important role in encouraging them to take their specialty medications as prescribed.

21 Apr 2010

Physicians, patients sign online petition to stop Medicare Meltdown

Medicare, the foundation of America's health system, is crumbling and needs permanent repair. Yet Congress just passed major health system reform legislation without solving the Medicare problem.

21 Apr 2010

New survey shows 82% of patients select OTC products recommended by their pharmacist

According to the most recent Pharmacy Today Over-the-Counter Product Survey conducted by the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), pharmacists believe that 82 percent of consumers purchase over-the-counter products that were recommended by their pharmacist.

21 Apr 2010

Elan's first-quarter total revenue up by 27% to $310.5M

Elan Corporation, plc, today reported its first quarter 2010 financial results.

21 Apr 2010

Study: Magazine's rankings of hospitals reflect reputation, not necessarily quality

The Cleveland Plain Dealer: "Hospital rankings shouldn't be a popularity contest. But U.S. News & World Report's annual Best Hospitals issue is just that -- and not a reflection of the quality of care that is provided -- says a study conducted by a local physician.

21 Apr 2010

UnitedHealth's profits rise while future gains may be impacted by reform

The Associated Press: "Insurer UnitedHealth Group Inc. trumped first-quarter earnings expectations and raised its 2010 profit forecast Tuesday, but a meager stock reaction showed investors haven't forgotten about the recently concluded health care reform push. The Minnetonka, Minn., insurer said it trimmed the percentage of premium revenue it spent on medical bills for its commercial insurance to 79 percent, down from 81 percent in last year's first quarter."

21 Apr 2010

Hospital chiefs worry about health law's effects, CMS proposes Medicare payment cuts

Kansas hospital chiefs worried about their bottom lines are waiting to see the consequences that the n ew health law will have on their organizations, the Kansas Health Institute News Service reports.

21 Apr 2010

Capario secures CAQH CORE Phase II Certification for Phoenix Processing System

Capario, a leading provider of revenue cycle management solutions that connect healthcare payers and providers nationwide, today announced it has achieved the CAQH® Committee on Operating Rules for Information Exchange (CORE®) Phase II Certification for its Phoenix Processing System.

21 Apr 2010

AdvaMed Dx welcomes Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics as association's newest member

AdvaMed Dx, a division of the Advanced Medical Technology Association focused on topics affecting the in vitro diagnostics industry, is pleased to welcome Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics as the association's newest member. Donal Quinn, chief executive officer of Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, has been appointed to the AdvaMed Dx Board of Directors.

21 Apr 2010

First Edition: April 20, 2010

Today's headlines highlight coverage of the political implications of health reform as well as action taken by the nation's two largest insurers to meet a requirement of the new health law early.

20 Apr 2010

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries presents ADAGIO study results at AAN Annual Meeting

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. today announced results from the placebo group analyses of the ADAGIO study that were presented at the 62nd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology. The ADAGIO study stands out from other Parkinson's disease trials as it is the largest clinical study conducted in patients who were still in the very early stages of their disease course (average time from PD diagnosis of 4.5 months).

20 Apr 2010

UnitedHealth Group's consolidated first-quarter 2010 revenues increase 5% to $23.2 billion

UnitedHealth Group today reported first quarter results, including better-than-projected membership and services growth and effective cost management across its businesses. Financial metrics were in line with or better than Company expectations.

20 Apr 2010

National health care reform package promises to reduce number of uninsured Americans

The national health care reform package signed by President Obama recently promises to significantly reduce the number of uninsured Americans. According to the Congressional Budget Office, 31 million Americans who are currently uninsured will gain health care coverage under the federal legislation.

20 Apr 2010

Medicare News and Research

As more reform specifics emerge, so do questions, answers and impacts

States reach compromise on financial healthcare reforms

Proposed Medicare payment changes for hospitals would lower reimbursements slightly

Women and men experience different outcomes at U.S. hospitals: HealthGrades

Berwick may face difficult confirmation in Senate

Abbott's first-quarter worldwide pharmaceutical sales increases by 12.9%

Drugmakers raised prices last year in anticipation of new health law, Eli Lilly reports financial hit

CVS Caremark survey results of specialty pharmacy patients

Physicians, patients sign online petition to stop Medicare Meltdown

New survey shows 82% of patients select OTC products recommended by their pharmacist

Elan's first-quarter total revenue up by 27% to $310.5M

Study: Magazine's rankings of hospitals reflect reputation, not necessarily quality

UnitedHealth's profits rise while future gains may be impacted by reform

Hospital chiefs worry about health law's effects, CMS proposes Medicare payment cuts

Capario secures CAQH CORE Phase II Certification for Phoenix Processing System

AdvaMed Dx welcomes Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics as association's newest member

First Edition: April 20, 2010

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries presents ADAGIO study results at AAN Annual Meeting

UnitedHealth Group's consolidated first-quarter 2010 revenues increase 5% to $23.2 billion

National health care reform package promises to reduce number of uninsured Americans

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