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Terminally ill missing out on palliative care: Survey reports

According to two new surveys, increased hospital admissions in the last three months of life could be of little benefit to dying people and are in contrast to the wishes of many.

23 May 2011

Is ACO the healthcare Holy Grail?

Providing a seamless, integrated system of care across a range of healthcare settings, accountable care organizations (ACOs) are increasingly being touted as the cure for a failing health system. But challenges remain.

23 May 2011

In N.Y. special election, Medicare politics playing major role

A GOP candidate's once comfortable lead has narrowed amid voter backlash to the Republican Medicare plan.

23 May 2011

G20 meets to discuss food price spikes

Inter Press Service reports on the G20's recent working meeting on commodities in Buenos Aires. "The meeting was organised to address the causes of the new upward trend in food prices, including the growing demand in China and India, financial speculation and growing production of biofuels," IPS writes.

23 May 2011

The Boston Business Journal names athenahealth as 'Best Place to Work'

athenahealth, Inc., a leading provider of cloud-based practice management, electronic health record, and patient communication services to medical groups, was named a '2011 Best Place to Work in Massachusetts' by The Boston Business Journal.

23 May 2011

Viewpoints: IPAB debate; Medicare flap continues; WSJ on VT single payer

While I applaud Ryan for getting the conversation started, I cannot support his specific plan — and therefore will vote "no" on his budget. Why can't I go along with the Ryan Medicare plan?

23 May 2011

Without medical liability reform, health care costs will continue to rise

Nearly half (44 percent) of almost 1,800 emergency physicians responding to a poll report that the biggest challenge to cutting costs in the emergency department is the fear of lawsuits. Even more respondents (53 percent) said the main reason they conduct the number of tests they do is the fear of being sued.

23 May 2011

Vermont Gov. to sign single-payer bill Thursday

Vermont is about to accomplish something the federal government couldn't. Once Gov. Peter Shumlin signs a bill on May 26, the state will be on track to having a single-payer health care system.

23 May 2011

Study links early complementary feeding with infant malnutrition in Kenya

A study of infants under 36 months old in a low-income area of Nairobi, Kenya, found that a "lack of information on exclusive breast feeding and low level of education for the mothers is the main cause of the frequent illness and malnutrition among infants," the East African reports.

23 May 2011

Kansas, Iowa pursue health law waivers

Meanwhile, The Hill reports that most of the denials resuting from early waiver requests went to unions. And, in other health reform implementation news, Politico Pro reports on what it describes as an "ACO dilemma."

23 May 2011

Lifestyle modifications help control blood pressure levels: More evidence

Evidence continues to build that lifestyle modifications help control blood pressure (BP) levels. Data evaluating the consumption of coffee and alcohol and the impact of low fitness levels will be presented at the American Society of Hypertension, Inc.'s 26th Annual Scientific Meeting and Exposition (ASH 2011) and will be featured in the May 22 ASH press briefing.

23 May 2011

Baby boomers becoming the replacement generation

The Associated Press reports that knee and hip replacement surgeries are on the rise for the baby boomer generation, not because of obesity, but because of their efforts to stay fit.

23 May 2011

EDITORIAL: Study results show need for more data on HIV prevention economics

A recent study showing a "near-perfect way to halt sexual transmission of the AIDS virus has the potential to change the way international agencies and nations cope with the epidemic. But that can only happen if troubling issues of cost and practicality can be surmounted," a New York Times editorial says.

23 May 2011

AP-GfK Poll: Most Americans don't believe Medicare has to be cut

They're not buying it. Most Americans say they don't believe Medicare has to be cut to balance the federal budget, and ditto for Social Security, a new poll shows.

23 May 2011

State Roundup: States' economic success often beyond their control

State leaders love to make promises about healing a sick economy. Often, though, economic success depends on factors far beyond their influence. ... When It comes to Medicaid, the restrictions largely emanate from the federal budget.

23 May 2011

Chamberlain College of Nursing announces opening of Miramar campus in Florida

Chamberlain College of Nursing is opening a new campus in Miramar, Fla. with classes beginning in July 2011. This expansion reinforces Chamberlain's commitment to prepare additional nurses in the southern portion of the state in response to the growing demand for nurses.

23 May 2011

New hybrid OR at Loyola equipped with advanced fluoroscopy equipment

Loyola University Medical Center has opened a hybrid operating room that combines the imaging capabilities of a cardiac catheterization lab with the sterile environment of a conventional operating room (OR).

23 May 2011

Healthways, BCBSNC to offer SilverSneakers to Blue Medicare HMO and PPO members

In a continuing effort to promote well-being and prevention to its older-adult members, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) and Healthways, the leading well-being improvement company, have agreed to offer the award-winning SilverSneakers Fitness Program to BCBSNC's eligible Blue Medicare Supplement members beginning June 1, 2011.

23 May 2011

First Edition: May 23, 2011

Today's headlines include reports about a new poll that shows Americans don't believe Medicare has to be cut in order to balance the budget.

23 May 2011

Millennium Laboratories founder to be honored as 2011 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur for pain care

Millennium Laboratories, a leading provider of medication monitoring services to physicians and staff treating chronic pain, announced today that James Slattery, CEO and founder, is a regional finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2011 San Diego region.

23 May 2011