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Study explores impact of electronic record systems on quality of care in developing countries

A new study, conducted by researchers from the Regenstrief Institute and the schools of medicine at Indiana University and Moi University, is one of the first to explore and demonstrate the impact of electronic record systems on quality of medical care in a developing country.

19 Mar 2011

Medicaid, state health programs face continued budget cuts

Voters in a Pennsylvania poll expressed their opposition to the cuts proposed by the state's governor. Meanwhile, though, a number of states continue to wrestle with these spending challenges.

19 Mar 2011

CDC to award $2M grant to continue CARPE program in preventing healthcare-associated infections

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is awarding researchers at the Cook County Health & Hospitals System and Rush University Medical Center a $2 million grant to continue a successful program aimed at preventing healthcare-associated infections, antibiotic resistance, and other adverse events associated with healthcare.

19 Mar 2011

HRSA report finds only 57% of children in the U.S. have access to medical home

Researchers at the Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau publish their findings on health care for children in medical homes in the April issue of Pediatrics.

19 Mar 2011

Oncologists to discuss treatment of blood cancer in elderly

Top oncologists are meeting in Rome today to discuss the treatment of blood cancer in the elderly, with the aim of driving widespread change to ensure equality of care for everyone, whatever their chronological age.

19 Mar 2011

Viewpoints: Too many CT scans; single payer is 'best solution'; WSJ on Wash. state 'overregulation'

Studies indicate patients are receiving more CT scans than ever before in emergency rooms, hospitals and outpatient settings. This burgeoning application of CT scanning has important implications for patients, diagnostically and in terms of radiation exposure, as well as consequences for the country's overall medical budget.

19 Mar 2011

[UPDATE] Pediatric heart surgery unit of Royal Brompton faces closure

A London NHS trust would challenge proposals to end child heart surgery at the Royal Brompton Hospital. The Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust added that this would mean the loss of other services, which could call into question its viability.

18 Mar 2011

Scant high-quality research on hospice care in nursing homes

A new evidence review finds that there's scant high-quality research on the best comprehensive strategies for nursing homes hoping to ease the suffering of older patients through hospice care.

18 Mar 2011

Medical expert offers tips to protect from nuclear radiation exposure

As the world watches the nuclear tragedies unfold in Japan, fears are rising regarding the potential for radioactive fallout to travel to the United States, particularly the West Coast. Could this really happen and can we protect ourselves from a nuclear event? The general answer to both questions is yes, according to Medical Expert Dr. Isaac Eliaz.

18 Mar 2011

First Edition: March 18, 2011

Today's headlines include news about events planned to mark the health law's first anniversary as well as other developments related to the measure's implementatioin and the budget issues Congress continues to wrestle.

18 Mar 2011

Autism Speaks supports ICM-9-CM diagnostic code for ASD detection in children

With increasing frequency, parents of children with autism spectrum disorder report the terrible consequences that can occur when their children wander or unexpectedly run away.

18 Mar 2011

M7T, MGH collaborate to implement Keystone Engine for radiology workflow scenario

Mach 7 Technologies, a global provider of vendor neutral medical image management solutions, has collaborated with Massachusetts General Hospital to implement Keystone Engine to improve a highly specialized radiology department workflow scenario.

18 Mar 2011

Medical researcher's commentary for clinicians published in JAMA

Charles H. Hennekens, M.D., DrPH, the first Sir Richard Doll Research Professor of Medicine in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University, has published a commentary for clinicians in this week's issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association.

18 Mar 2011

Politics surround the health overhaul, grab headlines

While Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, the Senate Finance Committee's ranking Republican, is taking an increasingly hard line on efforts to undo the health law, supporters of former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney are giving him political cover as other GOP presidential hopefuls step up their attacks on "RomneyCare." Also, Politico reports that the health law continues to be a boon for the K Street economy.

18 Mar 2011

World Vision begins Japan relief operations in city of Tome

As Japan approaches the one-week mark since the destructive 9.0 earthquake and tsunami, World Vision relief distribution operations began today in the city of Tome and tomorrow will reach Minami Sanriku, one of the hardest-hit coastal towns in the country.

18 Mar 2011

Senate Finance Committee hearing marked by detailed policy discussions

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius testified before the panel where she defended the health law waivers so far granted by the administration and other aspects of the overhaul that have been subject to scrutiny and criticism.

18 Mar 2011

Medicare officials signal no payment changes on anemia drugs

Medicare officials signaled Wednesday that they will not change a payment policy for biotech drugs made by Amgen and Johnson & Johnson when they are used to treat anemia in kidney disease patients, despite data suggesting heart risks for those patients.

18 Mar 2011

S&P Healthcare Economic Composite Index for 12-month period ending January 2011 is 6.29%

Data released today by Standard & Poor's for the S&P Healthcare Economic Composite Index indicate that the average per capita cost of healthcare services covered by commercial insurance and Medicare programs increased by 6.29% over the 12-months ending January 2011.

18 Mar 2011

Longer looks: Health policy picks that will fascinate, captivate

Thirty-four states have some type of HIV-criminalization law. Depending on the state, it may be illegal to expose someone else to HIV, transmit the virus or conceal your own HIV-positive status from potential sexual partners. This criminalization extends even to cases in which condoms were used or when the virus was not transmitted, as well as to acts, such as spitting or biting, that pose minuscule to no risk.

18 Mar 2011

Experts warn radiation fears are diverting attention from public health threats in Japan

Concerns about radiation leaks from Japan's nuclear plant, which was damaged in the recent earthquake and tsunami, might be "diverting attention from potentially worse threats to public health ... like the cold and disrupted supplies of water," Reuters reports.

18 Mar 2011