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Study: Patients may face radioactive risk from imaging tests

"At least four million Americans under age 65 are exposed to high doses of radiation each year from medical imaging tests, according to a new study in The New England Journal of Medicine," The New York Times reports. And about ten percent of those patients "receive very high doses, more than the maximum annual exposure allowed for nuclear power plant employees or anyone else who works with radioactive material." The study was based on a survey of nearly one million patients insured by UnitedHealthcare.

27 Aug 2009

Sunquest Information Systems to co-develop laboratory information system with MGH, Partners HealthCare System

Sunquest Information Systems, Inc., a market leader in laboratory and diagnostic information systems, the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), an innovator in medical care, research and teaching, and Partners HealthCare System, an integrated health care delivery system with a tradition of IT excellence, today announced a collaborative agreement to jointly develop the next generation anatomic and clinical pathology based laboratory information system.

27 Aug 2009

First Edition: August 27, 2009

Today's news: Speculation begins regarding the impact Sen. Kennedy's death will have on the health reform debate and the Democrat's prospects for success.

27 Aug 2009

Four medical groups of Resurrection Health Care Preferred earn nine blue stars in the 2009 Blue Star Report

Three out of four medical groups of Resurrection Health Care Preferred (RHCP) have earned nine blue stars, a perfect score, in the 2009 Blue Star Report -- an annual ranking of doctors in medical groups from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois.

27 Aug 2009

MN Community Measurement publishes cost and quality information together to help consumers make informed decisions about their health care

In a significant step toward bringing cost and quality information together to help consumers make informed decisions about their health care, MN Community Measurement has published new information about how much medical groups are paid to provide more than 100 common health care services. MN Community Measurement, a nonprofit organization, already provides objective information on the quality of health care through its Web site, www.mnhealthscores.org.

27 Aug 2009

New analysis tool from Sg2 to help hospitals gear up for reform-driven payment changes

To help hospitals and health systems prepare for the impending payment changes associated with health care reform initiatives and a changing incentive structure, Sg2, a future-focused health care intelligence company, has released an innovative new tool -- the Sg2 Reform Readiness Analysis.

27 Aug 2009

Biotechnology Industry Organization mourns the death of Ted Kennedy

BIO joins the nation in mourning the loss of Senator Ted Kennedy. A dedicated public servant for more than four decades, Senator Kennedy was well-known for his leadership on health care issues in the Senate.

27 Aug 2009

Aetna health insurance application forms can now be accessed from Gohealthinsurance.com

Michigan is one of the states hit hardest by the current recession, proven by its estimated 15 percent unemployment rate -- the highest in the country. There are also 1.3 million residents in Michigan without health insurance coverage, a number likely to grow as a result of high unemployment.

27 Aug 2009

Boston Scientific extends its sympathies to Senator Kennedy's family

Our tribute - and pledge - to Senator Kennedy is to continue working relentlessly on behalf of patients, many of whom saw him as their most dedicated champion and for whom medical innovation offers the greatest hope for restored health.

27 Aug 2009

NCMHCSO condoles the death of Senator Edward M. Kennedy

The National Coalition of Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Organizations (NCMHCSO) deeply mourns the death of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, an ardent and lifelong champion of the rights of people with disabilities and of all Americans.

27 Aug 2009

Prescription Solutions launches consumer website that features updated content and drug pricing tool

Prescription Solutions, a leading pharmacy benefits management organization and a UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) company, today announced the launch of its refreshed consumer website, www.PrescriptionSolutions.com, featuring enhanced functionality, updated content, and simplified navigation. The site makes prescription drug information more accessible and provides education customers need to make informed health care choices.

27 Aug 2009

Detroit area physical therapist involved in a conspiracy to defraud the Medicare program

Detroit area physical therapist Jay Jha, 45, pleaded guilty today to participating in a conspiracy to defraud the Medicare program of approximately $18.3 million, Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Terrence I. Berg of the Eastern District of Michigan and Daniel R. Levinson, Inspector General of the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) announced.

27 Aug 2009

HHS secretary Sebelius mourns death of Senator Kennedy

I join Americans across the country in mourning the death of Senator Edward M. Kennedy and extending my deepest condolences to the Kennedy family. The Kennedys are a part of my family's political history. I vividly remember my parents’ joyous celebration when President Kennedy was elected in 1960. I was proud to serve as one of Senator Kennedy's Kansas campaign co-chairs in 1980 and it was a tremendous honor to work with him throughout the course of my career.

27 Aug 2009

New genetic mechanism to control body's fat-building process identified

At a time of alarming increases in obesity and associated diseases -- and fiery debates about the cost of health care -- a UCF research team has identified a new genetic mechanism that controls the body's fat-building process.

27 Aug 2009

Town halls continue across the country

Boos and cheers at events across the nation indicate that the often-tense and vitriolic August town halls continue. Sen. John McCain, D.-Ariz., "said Tuesday that President Obama's efforts to reform health care have sparked 'a peaceful revolt in America,'" CNN reports.

27 Aug 2009

Specialty doctors displeased with American Medical Association Representation

The American Society of Medical Doctors (ASMD) today released additional results from a nationwide, nonpartisan poll of physicians showing that 86 percent of specialty doctors feel that the American Medical Association has become too political and has lost touch with the doctors it is supposed to represent.

27 Aug 2009

Integrated Healthcare Association releases healthcare performance results for California

New healthcare performance results released by the Integrated Healthcare Association (IHA) include a comparison of average composite scores across eight California regions in four performance measurement domains: clinical quality, patient experience, information technology-enabled systemness, and coordinated diabetes care.

27 Aug 2009

Enzi and Thune among major Republican voices in health reform

Newspapers highlight some of the major Republican players in health reform, including Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., and Sen. John Thune, R-S.D.

27 Aug 2009

EHR Association to help hospitals install and use electronic health records

The HIMSS Electronic Health Record Association (EHR Association) responded with enthusiasm to the announcement on August 20 of the availability of grants totaling nearly $1.2 billion to help hospitals and health care providers successfully install and use electronic health records (EHRs) as part of the continued implementation of the healthcare IT provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

27 Aug 2009

Walgreens collaborates with Caterpillar to provide transparent prescription drug pricing for employers

Walgreens today announced an agreement with Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) that establishes a direct relationship for the purchase of prescription drugs using a transparent pricing model.

27 Aug 2009

Health Care News and Research

Study: Patients may face radioactive risk from imaging tests

Sunquest Information Systems to co-develop laboratory information system with MGH, Partners HealthCare System

First Edition: August 27, 2009

Four medical groups of Resurrection Health Care Preferred earn nine blue stars in the 2009 Blue Star Report

MN Community Measurement publishes cost and quality information together to help consumers make informed decisions about their health care

New analysis tool from Sg2 to help hospitals gear up for reform-driven payment changes

Biotechnology Industry Organization mourns the death of Ted Kennedy

Aetna health insurance application forms can now be accessed from Gohealthinsurance.com

Boston Scientific extends its sympathies to Senator Kennedy's family

NCMHCSO condoles the death of Senator Edward M. Kennedy

Prescription Solutions launches consumer website that features updated content and drug pricing tool

Detroit area physical therapist involved in a conspiracy to defraud the Medicare program

HHS secretary Sebelius mourns death of Senator Kennedy

New genetic mechanism to control body's fat-building process identified

Town halls continue across the country

Specialty doctors displeased with American Medical Association Representation

Integrated Healthcare Association releases healthcare performance results for California

Enzi and Thune among major Republican voices in health reform

EHR Association to help hospitals install and use electronic health records

Walgreens collaborates with Caterpillar to provide transparent prescription drug pricing for employers

Achieving and maintaining ISO/IEC 27001 and BS 10012 certifications

Expanding research and clinical options for children with cancer

Examining how pain could play a direct protective role in the gut

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