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Veterans Affairs and Kaiser Permanente launch pilot medical data exchange program in San Diego

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Kaiser Permanente recently launched a pilot medical data exchange program in San Diego using the Nationwide Health Information Network. This

7 Jan 2010

HHS introduces National Influenza Vaccination Week to raise awareness about flu vaccine

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has designated the week of January 10 through 16 as National Influenza Vaccination Week, in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of the flu vaccine.

6 Jan 2010

CDC and AAFP recommend whooping cough vaccine for adults and adolescents

Many people may think of whooping cough as a disease of the past -- something eradicated generations ago. However, the number of cases reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that whooping cough (pertussis) is still very much a public health concern; health experts estimate that up to 600,000 cases occur each year in adults alone. In fact, whooping cough cases are on the rise in San Diego

6 Jan 2010

Special Notice announces BARDA's intentions to negotiate contract modification with PharmAthene

PharmAthene, Inc. a biodefense company specializing in the development and commercialization of medical countermeasures against chemical and biological threats, today commented on a Special Notice published by the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) on December 29, 2009.

6 Jan 2010

Findings suggest abuse is a risk factor for chronic headache

Researchers from the American Headache Society's Women's Issues Section Research Consortium found that incidence of childhood maltreatment, especially emotional abuse and neglect, are prevalent in migraine patients.

5 Jan 2010

Philips DirectLife, a new interactive fitness program launched

Philips is delivering on their commitment to be the leader in health and well-being with the launch of Philips DirectLife, a new customized, interactive fitness program that offers a fun and simple solution to people eager to adopt a more active lifestyle.

5 Jan 2010

HHS to host special flu webcast on Jan 6, 2010

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will host a Know What to Do about the Flu Webcast on Wednesday, January 6, 2010 from 1 – 2 p.m. EST.

5 Jan 2010

Hospitals to receive payments from Medicare and Medicaid for effective use of EHRs

According to a survey released today by CSC titled “Are Hospitals Ready for Meaningful Use of EHRs?” U.S. hospitals are only halfway to qualifying for government incentive payments aimed at controlling healthcare costs while improving the quality and effective delivery of patient care.

5 Jan 2010

Zynx Health lauds definition of “meaningful use” of EHR technology

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Medicare & Medicare Services (CMS) and the Office of the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology have announced that the definition of “meaningful use” will include the use of evidence-based order sets and clinical decision support at the point of care. This is good news because the peer-reviewed scientific literature has repeatedly shown that clinical decision support and evidence-based order sets can save patient lives and reduce overall healthcare costs.

5 Jan 2010

CDC leaders to team up with USOC to hold H1N1 vaccination events in Alaska and Colorado

As America gears up for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the U.S. Surgeon General and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) leaders will team up with the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) to hold H1N1 vaccination events at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the 2010 U.S. Cross Country Championships in Anchorage, Alaska on Tuesday, January 5, 2010.

5 Jan 2010

WCH to pay $846,461 over allegations of false Medicare claims

Wheaton Community Hospital, the City of Wheaton, Minn. and Dr. Stanley Gallagher (collectively WCH) have agreed to pay $846,461 to settle allegations that their hospital admission practices violated the False Claims Act, the Justice Department announced today.

5 Jan 2010

HMS acquires Verify Solutions

HMS today announced that it has acquired the assets of Verify Solutions, a metropolitan Atlanta-based company specializing in dependent eligibility audit services for employer-sponsored healthcare plans.

5 Jan 2010

Elusys Therapeutics signs contract to complete the final development of Anthim

Elusys Therapeutics, Inc. (Elusys), a privately-held biopharmaceutical company, announced today that it has signed a contract potentially totaling up to $143 million to complete the final development, commercial manufacturing and licensure of Anthim, the company's late stage anthrax therapeutic.

5 Jan 2010

Cepheid granted EUA for Xpert Flu A Panel test

Cepheid today announced it has been granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Xpert® Flu A Panel test.

4 Jan 2010

CDC and USOC to hold H1N1 vaccination events in Colorado and Alaska

4 Jan 2010

HHS secretary unveils new H1N1 flu vaccination advertisement

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced a new H1N1 flu vaccination advertisement that will air during four College Football Bowl Games held over the New Year's holiday.

4 Jan 2010

CMS and ONC issue regulations to implement widespread adoption of EHR incentive programs

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Medicare & Medicare Services (CMS) and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) encourage public comment on two regulations issued today that lay a foundation for improving quality, efficiency and safety through meaningful use of certified electronic health record (EHR) technology.

31 Dec 2009

HHS Secretary to unveil new H1N1 flu vaccination advertisement

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius will hold a press conference call at 12 p.m. EST, Thursday, December 31st, to announce a new H1N1 flu vaccination advertisement that will air during four College Football Bowl Games held over the New Year's holidays.

31 Dec 2009

Website explores pros and cons of obesity

ProCon.org, a nonpartisan 501(c)3 nonprofit public charity dedicated to promoting critical thinking, created the new website http://www.obesity.procon.org to explore the core question "Is obesity a disease?"

30 Dec 2009

Spectranetics reports settlement of matters related to federal investigation

Spectranetics Corporation (“Company”) today reported the settlement of matters related to the federal investigation initiated by the Food & Drug Administration and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which was previously announced in a press release dated September 4, 2008.

30 Dec 2009