Categories
Cardiovascular
Diagnostics
Endocrinology
Health Insurance
Medical Devices
Mental Health
Nutrition
Oncology
Public Health
Sexual Health
Popular Articles
Teeth Whitening

Likelihood Of Survival May Be Improving For Extremely Preterm Infants
Infants born extremely preterm are surviving at a high rate, with about 70 percent of infants born alive between 22 and 26 weeks of gestation in Sweden surviving at least one year, with high rates of interventions being used to improve survival, according to a study in the June 3 issue of JAMA, a theme issue on child and adolescent health.
generic viagra online
OurParents Launches First Independent, Unbiased Online Service To Match Families Of Aging Parents With Senior Care Providers
Millions of Baby Boomers are struggling to care for their aging parents. Many don"t know where to turn or even what their options are in making important decisions about senior care facilities for their parents.
News of the day
Lawsuit Filed Over Gene Patent
A group of cancer patients, genetic researchers and professional pathologist organizations has filed a lawsuit against Myriad Genetics and the U.S. Patent Office over the patent of two genes associated with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers, the New York Times reports. According to the Times, the government more than 10 years ago granted Myriad the patent on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, as well as the company"s genetic test that measures a patient"s risk for the cancers.The lawsuit was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union and is believed to be the first of its kind, the Times reports. The lawsuit challenges the decision to grant patents on genes to Myriad and companies like it. The plaintiffs say that patents on genes restrict medical and research efforts, while companies like Myriad have said that the patent system supports innovation by giving them a temporary monopoly after they make a discovery, thereby rewarding prior investment in research and development.Wendy Chung, the director of clinical genetics at Columbia University and a plaintiff in the case, said, "With a sole provider, there"s mediocrity." The plaintiffs say that BRCA testing would improve with market competition. Furthermore, some plaintiffs argue that certain natural materials cannot be patented. Jan Nowak, president of the Association for Molecular Pathology and a plaintiff in the case, said, "You can"t patent my DNA, any more than you can patent my right arm, or patent my blood."To date, two government panels, including the National Research Council, found no evidence that gene patents result in significant impediments to research or medical care (Schwartz, New York Times, 5/13).
Cardiovascular

Medigap Plans In Illinois To Benefit From Medicare Advantage Reimbursement Cuts

HealthLeaders-InterStudy, a leading provider of managed care market intelligence, reports that planned cuts to Medicare Advantage reimbursement will benefit organizations offering Medicare supplement plans in Illinois. According to the recent Illinois Health Plan Analysis, the shift from Medicare Advantage to Medicare supplement plans, also known as Medigap plans, will likely benefit Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, the state"s top Medigap insurer. Medicare Advantage plans have traditionally not been strong in the Illinois market because of the state"s generous retirement benefit culture. In June 2009, the penetration rate for Medicare Advantage in Illinois was 10 percent, well below the national average of 24 percent. However, in recent years, companies such as HealthSpring entered the state with Medicare Advantage plans that offered many of the same benefits as Medicare supplement policies at a lower price, prompting growth in the state"s Medicare Advantage market. However, with reimbursement cuts planned for Medicare Advantage plans in 2010, recent growth in Illinois may be stalled. "Traditionally, Illinois has not had a high Medicare Advantage reimbursement rate, and now planned cuts will mean reimbursement for Medicare Advantage will be reduced even further. With decreased federal funding, Medicare Advantage plans in Illinois will need to reduce benefits or increase premiums," said Paula Wade, assistant director, Health Plan Analysis. "Current Medicare Advantage members may shift to Medicare supplement policies, which will be attractive because of their stability and cost relative to Medicare Advantage plans. As the largest Medicare supplement policy writer in the state, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois stands to benefit from this shift, particularly because it offers guaranteed issue at all ages." Why Pharmaceutical Companies Need Health Plan Analysis Health Plan Analysis identifies key health plan trends, allowing pharmaceutical companies to create comprehensive strategic plans and sales strategies at state and local levels. Updated quarterly, Health Plan Analysis provides a detailed look at plan design and financials, as well as information about mergers, legislation and other influencers driving healthcare in a particular region. About HealthLeaders-InterStudy HealthLeaders-InterStudy, a Decision Res, Inc. company, is the authoritative for managed care data, analysis and news. HealthLeaders-InterStudy


Add your comment:
Name:
Site address: http://
Your message:
Enter today\\\\'s date, 2 digits
(spam protection):

© Copyright 2009