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Office managers set the policy for allowing sales rep visits

In a national survey of U.S. medical practices, SK&A Information Services, Inc., a leading provider of healthcare information and research, found that office managers wield as much influence as lead physicians in determining the policy for allowing industry sales representatives to visit with physicians.

3 Sep 2009

President Obama urged to make medical liability a more central component of health care reform

The American College of Surgeons applauds Democrats - led by House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) - for recognizing the need for Congress to address medical liability reform as part of the overall health care reform bill currently under consideration.

3 Sep 2009

TAHU recommends revision of proposed healthcare plan

The Texas Association of Health Underwriters (TAHU) released a statement on behalf of more than 1700 insurance agents from across the state of Texas outlining their recommendation for a revision to the proposed healthcare plan.

3 Sep 2009

Netherlands shows the way in healthcare accountability

As national healthcare reform initiatives grab headlines throughout the U.S., Maasstad Hospital in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, is quietly demonstrating how physicians, nurses, and administrators can be held accountable to national performance standards.

3 Sep 2009

SDA survey participants questioned about their level of concern on H1N1 virus

The good news: Americans recognize that good hygiene is an effective line of defense against the H1N1 virus (previously known as Swine Flu).

3 Sep 2009

Resident duty-hour reform increases medical complications in teaching hospitals

A new study finds a 2003 reform of the length of resident on-duty hours has led to an increase in the rate of perioperative (the span of all three phases of surgery: before, during and after) complications for patients treated for hip fractures.

3 Sep 2009

Will Obama disavow the pledge-breaking tax hikes that violate his campaign promise?

If Obama is serious about keeping his central campaign promise, will he disavow the four pledge-breaking provisions in the House Democrat healthcare bill?

3 Sep 2009

Obama to address Congress on health reform

The Washington Post reports: "President Obama will address a joint session of Congress next Wednesday about the nation's health-care system, Democratic officials said Wednesday.

3 Sep 2009

Small business, labor and insurance groups express opinions on health reform 'must-haves'

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that a majority of small business owners in California support health reform. "A solid majority - 61 percent of 700 California small businesses that participated in a survey released Tuesday - said health care reform is needed now to get the economy on track.

3 Sep 2009

Connecticut increases tax on cigarettes to prevent kids from becoming addicted adult smokers

Connecticut's leaders have taken decisive action to protect the state's kids and taxpayers from the devastating toll of tobacco use by increasing the state cigarette tax by $1 to $3.00 per pack, making it the second highest state cigarette tax in the nation (Rhode Island's tax is $3.46 per pack).

3 Sep 2009

Asparity extends free usage period for PlanSmartChoice online tool for federal employees

Asparity Decision Solutions is pleased to announce that www.PlanSmartChoice.com will continue to be available free to all federal employees during the 2010 open season, which begins November 9, 2009.

3 Sep 2009

Rural states with much to gain under reform also feature most vocal opponents

The Los Angeles Times reports: "Some of the most vociferous opposition to the proposals before the House and Senate comes from residents of rural states that could benefit most if the present system is revamped.

3 Sep 2009

Health systems, HIV/AIDS, malaria discussed at WHO Regional Committee meeting

Luis Gomes Sambo, WHO regional director for Africa, on Tuesday at the 59th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa in Kigali, Rwanda, presented a nine-point guide suggesting malaria control strategies for African countries, Agencia AngolaPress reports. Suggested approaches include updating policies and strategic plans, strengthening research and scaling up supplies of medicines (9/1).

3 Sep 2009

Riverside Medical Center adds two more doctors

Internal Medicine Physician Rahul Deepankar, M.D. and Pediatrician Jane Kapral, M.D. are the two newest team members to join the Riverside Medical Center - West Campus in Coal City.

3 Sep 2009

Wellness program helps company control health care costs

"Healthy Quest is designed to focus on health issues that 'drive a lot of costs, and drive a lot of lost productivity,' like obesity, smoking and stress, [Steve Burton, vice president of health and wellness services at Quest Diagnostics] said."

3 Sep 2009

Moveon plans heath care vigils tonight

The Washington Post reports: "MoveOn.org says it expects to attract 50,000 participants to 350 health-care 'vigils' around the country tonight.

3 Sep 2009

Pioneer in the eHealth industry calls for calm in healthcare debate

In the midst of a tempestuous healthcare debate, one private citizen is proving you don't have to shout to be heard. A pioneer in the eHealth industry, Steve Parker, Jr., speaks with the calm voice of reason. His online call for a careful, strategic approach to reform is attracting the attention of business leaders inside and outside the healthcare industry, as well as everyday Americans currently struggling to pay their medical bills.

3 Sep 2009

The AARP seeks a more neutral image after shedding thousands of members

AARP, the seniors' lobby, has shed as many as 60,000 members in two months over its implicit support for health reform that some members say could lead to Medicare cuts, USA Today reports. The group will launch a campaign next week in hopes of regaining ground with seniors and reestablishing a politically neutral image.

3 Sep 2009

Grassley aide disputes White House complaints, says finance talks will continue

An aide to Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, responded Wednesday to a complaint by White House adviser David Axelrod that Grassley and Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo, two Finance Committee members involved in bipartisan negotiations on health care reform, were not acting in good faith.

3 Sep 2009

Healthcare-acquired infection costs $1 billion per annum

Infections caught in hospital are costing the Australian healthcare system more than 850,000 lost bed days, according to a new study by Queensland University of Technology.

3 Sep 2009