Healthcare News and Research

Latest Healthcare News and Research

Lawmakers brace for conference as House Liberals vow not to give in on key issues

The Los Angeles Times reports that Democrats are looking ahead — and at each other — before beginning the "potentially difficult" process of reconciling the Senate and House versions of health care reform.

23 Dec 2009

Costs of health overhaul may be felt before benefits accrue

The Associated Press reports: "The costs of health care reform being pushed through Congress by Democrats will be felt long before the benefits. Proposed taxes and fees on upper-income earners, insurers, even tanning parlors, take effect quickly.

23 Dec 2009

VTT Innovation Program on food, nutrition and eating pattern

The objective of this roadmap was to feature the drivers, needs and future potential for various actors involved in the food production and distribution chain, but also for actors developing services offering communication and motivation tools for consumers who wish to improve their nutrition.

23 Dec 2009

Special issue on climate justice highlights effects of global warming on human health

Global warming, pollution, and the environmental consequences of energy production impose a greater burden on low-income, disadvantaged communities, and strategies to prevent these inequities are urgently needed.

23 Dec 2009

BioLife Solutions receives ISO 13485:2003 certification

BioLife Solutions, Inc., a leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer of biopreservation tools for cells, tissues, and organs, today announced that it has successfully completed audits of its quality systems and GMP production facility in Bothell, Washington by BSI Group and has been issued a certification to ISO 13485:2003, an international standard for quality systems supporting the design, development, and manufacture of medical devices.

23 Dec 2009

Otsuka America Pharmaceutical joins NPC

The National Pharmaceutical Council (NPC) today announced that Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. has joined the health policy research organization as a member.

23 Dec 2009

ABBM grants certification for medical community who treats obesity and related conditions

The American Board of Bariatric Medicine (ABBM) recently administered its certification exam designed to recognize doctors, nurse practitioners and physicians assistants who practice bariatric medicine and the non-surgical medical management of overweight and obese patients.

23 Dec 2009

Mediware Information Systems introduces new system interface to the U.S. Biovigilance Network

Continuing its diligent focus on patient safety, Mediware Information Systems, Inc. has announced the availability of a new system interface that will enable customers using the Company's LifeTrak® blood donor management software to electronically transmit blood donation data to the U.S. Biovigilance Network.

23 Dec 2009

Chattem to be acquired by sanofi-aventis

In the spirit of the current era of industry growth through mergers and acquisitions, drug giant sanofi-aventis is set to buy Chattanooga, Tennessee, consumer healthcare company Chattem Incorporated for $1.9 billion.

23 Dec 2009

'Partners in Focus online' portal will be available in January 2010

Access MediQuip, LLC, the nation's first and largest provider of outsourced implantable medical device management solutions to the healthcare industry, announced today that the latest release of its Partners in Focus online portal will be available to its 1800 provider customers in January.

23 Dec 2009

RPC declares 2010 business plans

Radient Pharmaceuticals Corporation, a US-based vertically integrated pharmaceutical company, whose wholly-owned subsidiary AMDL Diagnostics, Inc. (ADI) announced today it 2010 Business Plan. This forecast is based upon the Company raising at least $2 million during the first half of 2010.

23 Dec 2009

Chronic overeating plays fundamental role in obesity epidemic

The causes of obesity are complex and individual, but it is clear that chronic overeating plays a fundamental role. But when this behaviour becomes compulsive and out of control, it is often classified as "food addiction" - a label that has generated considerable controversy, according to a McMaster University psychiatrist and obesity researcher.

23 Dec 2009

Researchers mix active drug and placebo to maximize drug benefits for efficient treatment

Researchers used the placebo effect to successfully treat psoriasis patients with one quarter to one half of their usual dose of a widely used steroid medication, according to an early study published online today in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine.

23 Dec 2009

URAC announces its new Consumer Education Initiative

URAC, the nation's leading health care accreditation and education organization, today announced its new Consumer Education Initiative, which teaches consumers about health insurance and identifies ways they can make more informed decisions about their health care.

23 Dec 2009

Hispanics should consider healthy sight as a key resolution for New Year

As a new decade begins, more Hispanics share in the desire to better themselves by making a New Year's resolution list. Many will start off the year trying to live healthier lifestyles through exercise, a proper diet and regular visits to healthcare professionals. One aspect of overall health and wellness that often gets overlooked is eye health. It's important for Hispanics to include a comprehensive eye exam on their New Year's resolution list to improve their quality of vision throughout the year.

23 Dec 2009

Bishops urge Congress and the Administration to fashion health care reform legislation

The current health care reform bill is "deficient" and should not move forward without "essential changes," the chairmen of three committees of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops said December 22.

23 Dec 2009

IBM Global Financing enters into agreements with four leading EHR providers

IBM today announced that its lending arm, IBM Global Financing, has entered into new financing agreements with four leading electronic healthcare records (EHR) providers, highlighting the growing need for private financing for health IT and the pressing challenges hospitals and medical practices face to adopt health IT solutions.

23 Dec 2009

Elizabethtown DI exceeds standard performance markers set by the RBMA

Opening day for any business is generally a nerve-wracking experience. Last-minute surprises are not uncommon. For Shonna Galloway, administrator for the brand-new Elizabethtown Diagnostic Imaging, however, the day before her employer's grand opening in October 2007 was one she'll never forget.

23 Dec 2009

St. John Health System to pay over $13M for settling False Claims Act allegations

St. John Health System, headquartered in Tulsa, Okla., has agreed to pay the United States $13,229,348.88 to settle allegations that it violated the False Claims Act, the Justice Department announced today.

23 Dec 2009

New drug to stop cancer cells from growing and to stimulate immune system to destroy cancer cells found

A study conducted at Scott & White Healthcare in Temple, Texas, found that a new drug stopped the growth of breast tumors in mice. This drug is unique in that it works both by stopping the cancer cells from growing and metastasizing to other organs, and by stimulating the immune system to destroy breast cancer cells and keeps them from coming back.

23 Dec 2009