Healthcare News and Research

Latest Healthcare News and Research

Poll: Support for Democratic health plan hits new low

"Just 41% of voters nationwide now favor the health care reform proposed by President Obama and congressional Democrats. That's down two points from a week ago and the lowest level of support yet measured," Rasmussen reports on its latest poll.

30 Sep 2009

Automated SafetySurveillor system to detect healthcare-associated infections

The Premier healthcare alliance today announced that Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center of Midlothian, Va., selected Premier’s SafetySurveillor® Web-based infection tracking and antimicrobial utilization tool. More than 270 hospitals use SafetySurveillor to help prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and optimize antibiotic use, thereby protecting patients more effectively while safely reducing hospital costs.

30 Sep 2009

PAIRO partners with Ministry of Health to organize Health Professionals Recruitment Tour

Over the coming weeks, the Professional Association of Internes and Residents of Ontario (PAIRO) will play host to over 90 Ontario communities in need during the Health Professionals Recruitment Tour. Communities, experiencing a shortage of doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers will take the opportunity to showcase lifestyle, educational and employment opportunities available. Last year, over 1200 students, residents and established healthcare professionals visited the job fair.

30 Sep 2009

Today's opinions and editorials

It is the Republicans' right to choose this course of hard-line opposition. But, just as surely, Democrats are the majority party in Congress. And we have a responsibility to lead (Sen. Tom Harkin, 9/29).

30 Sep 2009

Liberals sponsor anti-Baucus ad, former lawmakers call for civility

A new ad from a liberal group attacks Sen. Max Baucus' position on the public option. Meanwhile, some former lawmakers want to tone down the rhetoric in the debate.

30 Sep 2009

Finance Senators picking sides as panel continues health bill markup

Politico: "Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus faces multiple challenges as he gavels in another week of work on health care Tuesday. High on the list: controlling the drama in the hearing room."

30 Sep 2009

Is using health resources less expensively "rationing?"

Critics of the Democrats' health care overhaul effort see veiled "rationing" schemes behind plans to curb misused and overused tests, treatments and drugs that drive up medical costs without helping patients, The Washington Post reports.

30 Sep 2009

State Republicans attack health reform bill

Republican state officials are escalating their opposition to elements of the proposed health care overhaul.

29 Sep 2009

Solos to supply MammoView surgical endoscopy instruments for Beth Israel Medical Center

Solos Endoscopy, Inc. (Pink Sheets: SNDY) is pleased to announce that the Company has received purchase orders for the MammoView(TM) line of surgical endoscopy instruments from Beth Israel Medical Center, one of the five Continuum Health Partners health care facilities that play a vital role in providing quality medical care for millions of New Yorkers.

29 Sep 2009

90-day supply program to improve overall healthcare

Walgreens (NYSE:WAG) today launched a broad initiative for 90-day prescriptions that promotes delivery of maintenance and chronic care medication through its national network of more than 7,000 community pharmacies and employer worksite centers.

29 Sep 2009

Doctations launches blog to improve healthcare

Doctations, Inc., an innovative leader in applying Internet technology to improve healthcare, today announced the launch of its new DocPatient blog. Weekly postings to the blog site by company executives and thought leaders will address timely healthcare related topics, express expert opinions and pose provocative questions intended to inform the community, stimulate constructive dialogue and promote healthcare improvement.

29 Sep 2009

New Jersey hopsital chooses JAOtech's embedded Smart Terminals

Holy Name hospital of Teaneck, New Jersey has selected JAOtech Smart Terminals for its second generation bedside entertainment and communication system.

29 Sep 2009

Newsweek ranks Medtronic 2nd in the healthcare industry sector

Recognizing its leadership in meeting the needs of economic, environmental, and social stakeholders, Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) has been named a member company in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) for North America and the FTSE4Good Index Series.

29 Sep 2009

First edition: September 29, 2009

The Finance Committee will resume work today on its mark up of its health bill -- with some fireworks likely on the public plan and other wild cards.

29 Sep 2009

Oculus launches Microcyn Skin & Wound HydroGel OTC

Oculus Innovative Sciences, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and markets a family of products based upon the Microcyn Technology platform, which is intended to treat chronic and acute wounds, today launched Microcyn Skin & Wound HydroGel for both the U.S. professional and over-the-counter markets. The Microcyn HydroGel received FDA 510(k) marketing clearance in May of this year.

29 Sep 2009

Benefits and harms of screening infants for hyperbilirubinemia still unclear

According to a new recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, there is insufficient evidence to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening infants for hyperbilirubinemia to prevent chronic bilirubin encephalopathy. Hyperbilirubinemia is a condition marked by a high level of bilirubin in the blood, which is often apparent as yellow-colored skin and eyes (jaundice).

29 Sep 2009

Smart Card Alliance: Cybersecurity and healthcare identity to be prioritized in upcoming year

The Smart Card Alliance Identity Council will turn its attention to cybersecurity and healthcare identity in the upcoming year, the Council said today, while continuing its work to educate and make identity credentialing recommendations for corporate enterprise, healthcare, state and local governments, and more. The Identity Council also announced new officers and steering committee, and plans to attend the Smart Card Alliance 8th Annual Smart Cards in Government Conference in Washington, DC.

29 Sep 2009

NINDS: $50 billion spent each year for low back pain

A study by researchers at The George Institute for International Health in Australia found that it is rare for patients presenting to PCPs with acute lower back pain to have previously undiagnosed serious diseases. The most common serious disease cause documented was vertebral fracture, with half of the cases identified at the time of initial consultation.

29 Sep 2009

Changes to Louisiana's healthcare system can promote standardized care for patients

Before Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana's healthcare system was strained, with a quarter of the population living below the poverty line and an estimated 20 percent uninsured. Healthcare for this population was provided through the state-run Charity Hospital and financed through Medicaid DSH (Disproportionate Share Hospital) dollars.

29 Sep 2009

Biochemistry professor to discuss controversies in dietary strategies in diabetes treatment

Richard Feinman, PhD, professor of biochemistry and of family medicine at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, will speak at the annual conference of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) on October 2, 2009. EASD is holding its annual conference September 28 - October 2 in Vienna, Austria.

29 Sep 2009