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Pro-health reform, other rallies to start this week

In an effort to counter the public's growing skepticism over health reform, "supporters of President Barack Obama's health care agenda are ramping up their efforts with rallies and bus tours starting this week," the Associated Press reports.

26 Aug 2009

Antimicrobial-resistant typhoid fever in U.S. patients is associated with international travel

Infection with an antimicrobial-resistant strain of typhoid fever among patients in the United States is associated with international travel, especially to the Indian subcontinent (India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh), according to a study in the August 26 issue of JAMA. The study also shows an increase in certain strains of typhoid fever that are resistant to the most commonly used medications for treatment.

26 Aug 2009

Obama's rhetoric fails to capture voters' support

The rhetoric being used by Democrats on health care has been carefully planned but it doesn't appear to be capturing voters' support for health care reform. Wall Street Journal reports: "In the rhetorical battle over health care, the forces backing President Barack Obama's overhaul have spent years polling and using focus groups to find the precise language that would win over voters -- an effort that doesn't at the moment appear to be working."

26 Aug 2009

One-quarter of medicare beneficiaries will see premium hikes next year

While some in Medicare will not see premiums rise, Medicaid recipients, wealthy retirees and new enrollees will all have to pay more, U.S. News and World Report reports.

26 Aug 2009

The University of Nottingham scientists conduct research on swine flu virus

Scientists at The University of Nottingham and Health Protection Agency East Midlands are carrying out urgent research into the swine flu virus after being commissioned as part of the government's response to the pandemic.

26 Aug 2009

Survey reveals that majority of middle-class Americans are worried about about health care costs in retirement

Amid growing protests from opponents of health care reform, the majority of middle-class Americans are expressing concern about paying for medical costs during retirement – and dramatically underestimating the financial burden they’ll be expected to bear.

26 Aug 2009

Amerinet enters strategic partnership with Indiana Federation of Ambulatory Surgical Centers

The Indiana Federation of Ambulatory Surgical Centers (IFASC) has signed a new sole-source agreement with Amerinet Inc., a leading national healthcare group purchasing organization (GPO).

26 Aug 2009

Customized health plan introduced by American Community

As Nebraska employers seek out additional ways to reduce rising healthcare costs, American Community Mutual Insurance Company announced today the addition of Latitude(TM), a small group product that allows employers to customize a health plan with the benefits that employees want at a price that business owners can afford.

26 Aug 2009

Democrats talk of moving reform bill without republicans, plan rallies

Democrats are preparing to move ahead without Republicans on health care reform, a leading House Democrat said Monday, The Hill reports.

26 Aug 2009

Veterans receive false health scare

USA Today reports: "More than 1,800 Gulf War veterans were sent letters from the Veterans Administration this month informing them that they had Lou Gehrig's disease — a fatal neurological disease. But at least some of the letters — and the diagnoses — were a mistake."

26 Aug 2009

Fear mongering abounds in health debate

"What many people say they fear most from an overhaul of the health care system [is] the prospect of the federal government's limiting the medical care they receive," the New York Times reports. Policy experts say people are right to worry about health care costs, but this fear of rationing is unrealistic. "[T]here is nothing in the current proposals in Washington to suggest that the country is likely to embark on a system of medical rationing anytime soon," the Times reports.

26 Aug 2009

U.S. troops serving overseas to be tested for H1N1 infection

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced it has issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) that allows a 2009 H1N1 influenza virus test to be used to detect the virus in troops serving overseas.

26 Aug 2009

CPM’s physician relationship management system implemented by Advocate Health Care System

CPM Marketing Group (CPM), the market leader for healthcare customer relationship management (CRM) and strategic marketing solutions, announced today that Advocate Health Care System, the largest health care provider in Illinois, has implemented CPM’s physician relationship management (PRM) system to assist its hospitals in building and maintaining relationships with physicians.

26 Aug 2009

Medicare's Part D program subsidizes cost of prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries

Medicare's Part D program, designed to subsidize the cost of prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries, has been the subject of much debate. Proponents have touted the plan's ability to expand access to prescription drugs to seniors; critics have long questioned its design and user-friendly appeal.

26 Aug 2009

Prescription assistance program helps Iowa residents to save money on drugs

Iowa residents have saved over $800,000 on prescription drugs through Iowa Drug Card since the launch of the free statewide prescription assistance program. The program, which offers free discount drug cards to Iowa residents, was launched in June, 2008. Every resident of Iowa is eligible to participate in the prescription assistance program.

26 Aug 2009

Grassley: 'Government is not a competitor, it's a predator'

Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley, 75, is presenting new skepticism about reform plans, The Wall Street Journal reports. "(S)peaking in front of a mostly friendly audience of about 250, Mr. Grassley stressed the distance between the two parties and what he thinks wouldn't work. 'Government is not a competitor, it's a predator,' he said of the public option that has been embraced by key congressional Democrats.

26 Aug 2009

Mental health in the news: Foreclosures spur depression

Nearly half of people questioned who were in foreclosure proceedings in Philadelphia showed some signs of depression, The Washington Post reports.

26 Aug 2009

Arizona awards health care contract to Aetna

Aetna (NYSE:AET) announced today that it was awarded a contract to provide health care benefits to Arizona’s state employees. The contract becomes effective on October 1, 2009.

26 Aug 2009

Experts in government healthcare from Affiliated Computer Services to aid state Medicaid programs

As state agencies navigate unprecedented economic challenges, Affiliated Computer Services, Inc. (NYSE: ACS) is working to help state Medicaid programs maximize federal stimulus dollars and to prepare for the economic rebound.

26 Aug 2009

Aetna promotes patient safety measures through informative website

Aetna (NYSE:AET) is strengthening its efforts to promote patient safety with easy-to-find online information for members. New policies also require health care facilities, physicians and other health care professionals to take action to prevent medical errors and changes the way they are paid when medical errors do occur.

26 Aug 2009