Healthcare News and Research

Latest Healthcare News and Research

Lack of evidence a problem for policymakers, doctors and patients

One category of medical mysteries that stumps expert doctors and policymakers alike falls under the heading: What works? News reports on two new studies - and one that was never completed - offer insight into that issue.

6 Nov 2009

Democrats must clear remaining hurdles on path to health vote

As House Democrats move towards a weekend vote, they must resolve a series of outstanding issues, The Hill reports. Blue Dog Democrats, a fiscally conservative voting bloc, said up to 30 of their members "are considering voting against the bill because of concerns that it will increase healthcare costs in its second 10 years."

6 Nov 2009

Prescription drug abuse among teens: NCPIE, SAMHSA launches campaign

The National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE), along with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and representatives from 15 nationally recognized prevention, health professional and child advocacy organizations, are launching Maximizing Your Role as a Teen Influencer: What You Can Do to Help Prevent Teen Prescription Drug Abuse.

6 Nov 2009

Today's selection of opinions and editorials

When Speaker Nancy Pelosi unveiled the revised House Democratic health care bill last week, the Obama White House hailed it as a "critical milestone" in the process. No doubt senior administration officials were relieved to see signs of "momentum" toward passage of something. But if the president really meant what he has said about health care policy throughout this year, his administration would be working to defeat the Pelosi bill, not supporting it (James Capretta).

5 Nov 2009

Doctors scrutinize defensive medicine, surgeons oppose Senate reform bill

Doctors and lawyers are disputing the true costs of defensive medicine, while surgeons oppose provisions being considered by the Senate for health reform.

5 Nov 2009

Saturday night vote set on house health reform

The Washington Post reports: "Democratic whips worked their rank and file, while House leaders tried to secure a momentum-building endorsement from the AARP, the nation's largest association of people over 50. President Obama, meanwhile, laid plans to visit Capitol Hill on Thursday or Friday to address House Democrats in a final push for his signature domestic initiative.

5 Nov 2009

Environmental Tectonics bags two new contracts worth $700,000 from previous customers

Environmental Tectonics Corporation's Sterilization Systems Group (SSG), a division of ETC's Control Systems Group (CSG), today announced the award of two new contracts for large, industrial sized sterilization systems from previous customers. The combined contract values exceed $700,000.

5 Nov 2009

GOP lawmakers seek to explore health reform's impact on FEHBP

Government Executive.com: "Sixteen Republican representatives wrote to Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Edolphus Towns, D-N.Y., to demand that he schedule hearings on reform proposals' potential impact on the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program."

5 Nov 2009

Democrats weigh impact of election results on health reform

While some Democrats seem rattled by election results this week, others say the GOP victories in two races for governor won't change their approach to health overhaul legislation.

5 Nov 2009

CBO: GOP health bill would cut deficit somewhat, do little to expand coverage

"The Congressional Budget Office said Wednesday that the alternative health care bill proposed by House Republicans would have little impact in extending health benefits to the roughly 30 million uninsured Americans, but would reduce average insurance premium costs for people who have coverage," The New York Times reports.

5 Nov 2009

TPG Capital, CPP Investment Board to acquire IMS Health

IMS Health, the world’s leading provider of market intelligence to the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by investment funds managed by TPG Capital (“TPG”) and the CPP Investment Board (“CPPIB”) in a transaction with a total value of $5.2 billion, including the assumption of debt.

5 Nov 2009

IntegraMed America reports operating results for the third quarter of 2009

IntegraMed America, Inc., the nation’s leading manager of specialty outpatient healthcare facilities in the emerging, technology-focused medical niches of fertility and vein care, today reported improved overall operating results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2009.

5 Nov 2009

LaserBand signs an agreement for healthcare wristbands and labels with MedAssets Supply Chain Systems

LaserBand, the leading provider of patient identification wristbands and related products, recently signed an agreement for healthcare wristbands and labels with MedAssets Supply Chain Systems, one of the nation’s largest group purchasing organizations (GPO).

5 Nov 2009

Sonomax U.K. to supply SonoCustom earplugs to DFRMO

Sonomax UK Limited reports that working for extended periods on military airfields and in close proximity to fast jet aircraft with a typical noise exposure of between 110 and 140 decibels, the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence Fire Risk Management Organization (DFRMO) recognized the need to review the hearing protection being supplied to their fire fighters.

5 Nov 2009

FDA approves the New Drug Application for Pennsaid Topical Solution

Covidien, a leading global provider of healthcare products, and Nuvo Research Inc., a Canadian drug development company, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the New Drug Application for Pennsaid(R) Topical Solution (diclofenac sodium topical solution) 1.5% w/w.

5 Nov 2009

Pennsaid Topical Solution approved by FDA

Covidien, a leading global provider of healthcare products, and Nuvo Research Inc. (TSX:NRI), a Canadian drug development company, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the New Drug Application for Pennsaid® Topical Solution (diclofenac sodium topical solution) 1.5% w/w.

5 Nov 2009

Third-quarter financial results of Metropolitan Health Networks reported

Metropolitan Health Networks, Inc., a leading provider of healthcare services in Florida, today reported the company’s financial results for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2009.

5 Nov 2009

First Edition: November 5, 2009

Today's headlines center on the House health overhaul vote scheduled for Saturday -- what some are calling a potentially 'historic moment' for Democrats.

5 Nov 2009

Patients demand improved pricing transparency and charity eligibility, reveals national survey

A national survey of recent hospital patients commissioned by TransUnion found that two-thirds of adults nationwide would like to see greater transparency in their hospital bill while only three in 10 of those surveyed were aware they could possibly qualify for charity care programs.

5 Nov 2009

STMicroelectronics and Mayo Clinic collaborate on a novel heart-monitoring platform

STMicroelectronics, one of the world's leading semiconductor companies, and Mayo Clinic, a premier health-care organization, are collaborating on a novel platform for remotely monitoring patients with chronic cardiovascular disease.

5 Nov 2009