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SJH and Pharos Innovations team up to enhance care and reduce healthcare costs

According to Stephen F. Jencks, MD, MPH, in a recent New England Journal of Medicine article, America's healthcare crisis is fueled by unnecessary and costly hospitalizations, including re-admissions -- 90% of which are unplanned and at a price-tag of $17.4 billion. To enhance care and combat readmissions, South Jersey Healthcare (SJH), a leading regional healthcare provider in southern New Jersey, has entered a partnership with Pharos Innovations that aims to reduce healthcare costs while improving quality of life for patients.

3 Dec 2009

Senate debate moving slowly, Reid could extend session

As debate over health care reform legislation continues in the Senate, Democrats are accusing Republicans of delaying votes and strategizing over how the schedule could unfold in the coming weeks.

2 Dec 2009

Orszag: Current health bills only a first step to controlling health costs

Reuters: "Congressional efforts to revamp the U.S. healthcare system are not enough to stem soaring health costs or close the nation's budget gap, a top Obama administration official said on Wednesday." White House budget director Peter Orszag did not offer specific ideas or changes President Obama might include in his next budget proposal

2 Dec 2009

Senators consider women's insurance amendment, Medicare funding issues, with votes likely today

The New York Times: "In a day of desultory debate on sweeping health care legislation, senators appealed to two potent political constituencies ... with Democrats seeking additional medical benefits for women and Republicans vowing to preserve and protect Medicare for older Americans. The Democrats' first amendment, offered by Senator Barbara A. Mikulski of Maryland, would require insurers to cover more screenings and preventive care for women, with no co-payments."

2 Dec 2009

Sorin Group includes the first patient in its Clepsydra clinical trial

Sorin Group announced today the first inclusion of a patient in the Clepsydra clinical trial. The study will investigate the sensitivity to changes in heart failure status of PhD™, a unique diagnostic feature using the dual sensor technology of minute ventilation and accelerometer to monitor patient’s breathing and activity levels every day.

2 Dec 2009

Medpac examines regional differences in use of medical care

The New York Times Prescriptions blog: "A federal advisory panel said Tuesday that regional differences in the use of health care services were substantial but smaller than many experts had suggested. The panel, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, found that the use of services by Medicare beneficiaries in the Miami area was almost 40 percent higher than the national average.

2 Dec 2009

Coding guidelines for Agendia's MammaPrint test established by Palmetto GBA

Agendia, a world leader in molecular cancer diagnostics, announced today that Palmetto GBA, California's Part B Medicare administrator, has established coding guidelines for the company's MammaPrint test.

2 Dec 2009

Columbia University VP testifies on medical malpractice reform

Lee Goldman, M.D., executive vice president for health and biomedical sciences and dean of the faculties of medicine and health sciences at Columbia University testified today on medical malpractice reform before the New York State Senate Committees on Codes, Health and Insurance in Albany, New York.

2 Dec 2009

First Edition: December 2, 2009

Today's headlines detail the Senate's effort to confront contentious amendments and partisan strife on day two of that chamber's health reform debate.

2 Dec 2009

SCIP amends perioperative temperature management guidelines by including Hotdog patient warming technology

The Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP) recently amended its guidelines for perioperative temperature management by changing the definition of active warming to include HotDog® patient warming.

2 Dec 2009

Educational resource guide about pharmaceutical industry practices released

The educational resource, "The Value of Medicine, Improving Health... Improving Life," created by Lilly USA (NYSE: LLY), is now available at www.lillyforbetterhealth.com/value_of_medicine.jsp. The booklet supports Lilly's commitment to providing "Answers That Matter" and encourages an open dialogue with patients, providers, payers and the public about pharmaceutical industry practices.

2 Dec 2009

Pharmacists provide strategies to minimize disruption on common prescription drugs

Seniors may find that many common prescription drugs that Medicare Part D has covered for years may suddenly be denied due to a new policy being implemented by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

2 Dec 2009

ASH Annual Meeting to showcase latest research and treatments for blood disorders

The American Society of Hematology (ASH), the world's largest professional association of blood specialists, expects more than 20,000 attendees at the 51st ASH Annual Meeting from December 5-8, 2009, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA. The meeting will showcase the latest research and treatments for blood disorders.

2 Dec 2009

Despite price transparency legislation in California, uninsured patients do not receive price estimates

Uninsured patients in California are unable to successfully obtain information about the cost of medical care at hospitals despite recent state legislation intended to improve price transparency, according to a new study.

2 Dec 2009

AANS and CNS join other surgical organizations to oppose 'Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act'

The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) have joined 17 other surgical organizations in opposing the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act” introduced by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

2 Dec 2009

New patented technology to combat healthcare-associated infections

Independent testing performed at ATS Labs, an internationally recognized antimicrobial testing laboratory, demonstrated that PerfectClean with Micrillon wipers eliminated biological contaminants in a very short time. This promising technology has the potential to impact disinfection practices in the healthcare market.

2 Dec 2009