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Miami Medicare case spotlights federal probes into HIV therapy fraud

A new Miami Medicare fraud case spotlights federal investigations of massive scams using HIV therapies.

9 Apr 2010

Democrats, Republicans using health reform votes to plot November strategies

The Associated Press: Vulnerable Democrats around the country are "tiptoeing" during the recess as they prepare for midterm elections. "Tough votes for Obama's health care plan have further complicated the re-election prospects of dozens of already vulnerable freshman and second-term Democrats. There's even a chance the party could lose control of one or both houses in the midterm elections."

9 Apr 2010

QuadraMed introduces Quantim ICD-10 Coding Simulator

QuadraMed® Corporation, a leading provider of healthcare technologies and services that help turn quality care into positive financial outcomes, today announced the general availability of the industry's first ICD-10 Simulator developed to help coders prepare for the transition to ICD-10. The Quantim ICD-10 Coding Simulator, which is available today as a component of the ICD-10 Countdown Program, is a unique solution that duplicates the ICD-10 coding environment for accelerated training and practice purposes.

9 Apr 2010

Bernanke warns: Trouble ahead for Medicare and Social Security

"Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke warned Wednesday that Americans may have to accept higher taxes or changes in cherished entitlements such as Medicare and Social Security if the nation is to avoid staggering budget deficits that threaten to choke off economic growth," The Washington Post reports. "'These choices are difficult, and it always seems easier to put them off -- until the day they cannot be put off anymore,' Bernanke said..."

9 Apr 2010

First Edition: April 8, 2010

Today's health policy news coverage explores the political and policy implications of the new health reform law.

8 Apr 2010

Obese patients may receive higher rate of recommended care than normal-weight patients, but not lower

Despite a concern that obese or overweight patients may receive lower quality of health care, an analysis of eight common outpatient quality measures from a sample of nearly 70,000 patients finds no evidence that obese or overweight patients receive inferior care when compared with normal-weight patients, and in fact may receive a higher rate of recommended care on several measures, according to a study in the April 7 issue of JAMA.

8 Apr 2010

Health Affairs report shows value of patient-centered IT at Group Health

Hopes are high that health information technology will support care between office visits, boost efficiency and convenience, and help patients lead healthier lives. An evaluation in the April Health Affairs suggests how to make the most of this new approach: Routinely ask patients how they like it and what they want.

8 Apr 2010

Investment report on CardioNet from StockPreacher.com

StockPreacher.com announces an investment report featuring CardioNet, Inc. The report includes financial, comparative and investment analyses, and industry information you need to know to make an educated investment decision.

8 Apr 2010

Survey reveals retiree confidence in Medicare eroding

A March 2010 independent survey of 1,472 retirees covered by Medicare revealed that while 59% are "very" or "somewhat" confident Medicare will be available the rest of their lives, just 20% have the same confidence it will be here for the succeeding generation. In fact, 62% of respondents are not confident that Medicare will be here for their children.

8 Apr 2010

Individuals should act now to prepare for major tax hikes: Kahler Financial Group

The ink is barely dry on the health care bill but individuals should act now to prepare for major tax hikes and possibly higher interest rates, which could increase borrowing costs and require the need to reallocate some investment assets. That's the call from fee-only financial planner Rick Kahler, president of the largest financial planning firm in the seven-state Midwest region, Kahler Financial Group.

8 Apr 2010

Saint Mary's and Sierra Neurosurgery Group partner to create Nevada's first Brain Tumor Center

Saint Mary's and Sierra Neurosurgery Group have partnered to create the region's first Brain Tumor Center in an effort to speed up the time between diagnosis and treatment.

8 Apr 2010

Consumer engagement program for diagnostic imaging services

More consumers than ever before are seeking additional knowledge to make more informed decisions, especially when it comes to their health care.

8 Apr 2010

Debiopharm Group, Biocartis sign investment agreement

Debiopharm Group, a Swiss-based global biopharmaceutical group of companies with a focus on the development of innovative prescription drugs that target unmet medical needs, and which has embarked in the field of companion diagnostics with a view to progressing in the area of personalized medicine, today announced the signature of an investment agreement with Biocartis.

8 Apr 2010

L.A. Care Health Plan receives $15.6M federal grant to establish HITEC-LA

L.A. Care Health Plan, the nation’s largest public health plan, announced today that the organization has received a $15.6 million federal grant to establish the Health Information Technology Regional Extension Center, called HITEC-LA, that will help doctors in L.A. County adopt and use Electronic Health Records in a meaningful way.

8 Apr 2010

Complex back surgeries skyrocket, raising concerns about cost, complications

NPR: "Too many complex back surgeries are being done and people are suffering as a result, according to a study in the current issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. The general tendency noted in the study — that many patients and doctors think more medical care is always better — has implications for the new health overhaul law.

8 Apr 2010

Sebelius promises help to confused Americans on health law, says to beware of scammers

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said Tuesday that Americans can expect help from her department as health reform is implemented. She also cautioned consumers to watch out for scammers using the new health bill to try to defraud people.

8 Apr 2010

New studies supporting Teva Pharmaceutical Industries' CNS portfolio to be presented at AAN 2010

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. today announced that several new studies supporting the company's innovative central nervous system portfolio will be presented at the 62nd American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting in Toronto, April 10-17, 2010.

8 Apr 2010

Health reform's Medicaid expansion, payment increase causes mixed feelings for MDs

Kaiser Health News reporter Maggie Mertens writes: "While doctors are worrying a lot about whether Congress will block the 21 percent scheduled cut in Medicare payments, a fix to another public health program is raising another question" (Mertens, 4/6).

8 Apr 2010

Data illustrates methods for improving adherence to medication, lowering prescription drug costs

CVS Caremark presented data at the 22nd Annual Meeting of the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy that illustrate successful methods for improving adherence to medication and lowering prescription drug costs. The company showed results from three studies which demonstrated the positive impact of various tools available to pharmacy benefit managers – including automated telephonic messaging, fax alerts to physicians about gaps in care, and strategic co-pay waivers for generic medications.

8 Apr 2010

Health reform law raises hopes, issues for Medicaid

Changes coming because of the health reform law could affect the delivery of care for Medicaid patients.

8 Apr 2010

Medicare News and Research

Miami Medicare case spotlights federal probes into HIV therapy fraud

Democrats, Republicans using health reform votes to plot November strategies

QuadraMed introduces Quantim ICD-10 Coding Simulator

Bernanke warns: Trouble ahead for Medicare and Social Security

First Edition: April 8, 2010

Obese patients may receive higher rate of recommended care than normal-weight patients, but not lower

Health Affairs report shows value of patient-centered IT at Group Health

Investment report on CardioNet from StockPreacher.com

Survey reveals retiree confidence in Medicare eroding

Individuals should act now to prepare for major tax hikes: Kahler Financial Group

Saint Mary's and Sierra Neurosurgery Group partner to create Nevada's first Brain Tumor Center

Consumer engagement program for diagnostic imaging services

Debiopharm Group, Biocartis sign investment agreement

L.A. Care Health Plan receives $15.6M federal grant to establish HITEC-LA

Complex back surgeries skyrocket, raising concerns about cost, complications

Sebelius promises help to confused Americans on health law, says to beware of scammers

New studies supporting Teva Pharmaceutical Industries' CNS portfolio to be presented at AAN 2010

Health reform's Medicaid expansion, payment increase causes mixed feelings for MDs

Data illustrates methods for improving adherence to medication, lowering prescription drug costs

Health reform law raises hopes, issues for Medicaid

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