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Study sheds light on why some hospitals have lower mortality than others

A compelling University of Michigan Health System study debunks assumptions about the role of complications in distinguishing good and bad hospitals.

1 Oct 2009

Amicus brief filed against tobacco companies' lawsuit challenging FDA tobacco regulation law

Today, eleven public health and consumer advocacy organizations filed a friend of the court (amicus) brief asking a federal court to reject a lawsuit by R.J. Reynolds, Lorillard and other tobacco companies that seeks to block key provisions of the new federal law regulating tobacco products. The immediate issue before the court is the industry's challenge of a provision that requires FDA approval before tobacco companies can make claims about "modified risk tobacco products."

1 Oct 2009

US employers form buying groups to keep health insurance premiums at a manageable level

While Congress debates the many aspects of health care reform, one means of reducing insurance costs already helps many US employers keep health insurance premiums at a manageable level.

1 Oct 2009

Today's opinions and editorials

There are those who would like to turn the nation's vexing struggle to find health care reforms into a state's rights argument. Why? It diverts attention from the fact that the current public health care system isn't working (9/30).

1 Oct 2009

MSN launches new online service to help people manage healthcare decisions

Today, MSN released the beta of My Health Info, a new online service that helps people manage their health information on the Web. My Health Info is a unique service that offers people a variety of tools and widgets to upload, organize and monitor health information stored in their personal Microsoft HealthVault accounts.

1 Oct 2009

Todd Cancer Institute granted approval for constructing proton therapy center

The Todd Cancer Institute (TCI) at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center (LBMMC) and Miller Children’s Hospital (MCH) today announced it has been granted approval to proceed with the architecture and engineering for its proton therapy center, becoming one of only 13 centers in the country currently planning for a compact unit.

1 Oct 2009

VA's reliance on for-profit health care providers is straining medical center budgets, says Union

The American Federation of Government Employees today told Congress that the Department of Veterans Affairs' over reliance on private for-profit health care providers is straining medical center budgets and jeopardizing veterans' health care. AFGE represents 180,000 employees on the frontlines of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

1 Oct 2009

NCD recommends health care reform for disabled people

The National Council on Disability (NCD) today released a report entitled The Current State of Health Care for People with Disabilities, calling for immediate health care reform for people with disabilities.

1 Oct 2009

Senate Committee rejects public insurance option

The Senate Finance Committee voted down Tuesday two amendments to include a public options for health insurance coverage in health care reform.

1 Oct 2009

METI Nurse Residency Program for reducing health care costs

METI, the Sarasota-based manufacturer of medical simulation products and educational software, today announced that it has begun rolling out its groundbreaking, experiential-based Nurse Residency Program at the first of many health care organizations throughout North America.

1 Oct 2009

Reconciliation: A health reform end-run with its own obstacles

Budget reconciliation, a procedural tool that allows the Senate to avoid filibusters with only 51 votes, has become increasingly attractive to Democrats who feel they can not rely on support from more conservative Democratic colleagues or Republicans, MSNBC explains. The potential use of the procedure is a political lightning rod, but in practice, it presents its own challenges, too.

1 Oct 2009

Consumer Watchdog urges Democrats to to support a robust public option in health insurance reform

Consumer Watchdog today called on Congressional Democrats to support a robust public option and rate regulation as a part of any health insurance reform.

1 Oct 2009

WHO: 2.7 is the new limit for indoor radon gas

The World Health Organization announced that they have established a new limit for indoor radon gas. The new maximum radon level is 2.7. This is a 32% reduction from the previously accepted "action level" of 4.0. http://www.mitigationsystem.com/releases/release/7166404/19723.htm

1 Oct 2009

The RMC foundation develops videos for schools on how to tackle swine flu

According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, the H1N1 swine flu could be severe enough to cause major staffing shortages and other workplace disruptions, the supply of vaccines to prevent the disease is taking longer to produce than originally forecast.

1 Oct 2009

HHS announces grants to help them find eligible uninsured children for Medicaid or CHIP

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced $40 million in grants to 69 grantees in 41 states and the District of Columbia to help them find and enroll children who are uninsured but eligible for either Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

1 Oct 2009

Stanford Hospital invests $3 million in technology for safe patient handling

Swaddled in a cushy green hammock, the patient began her ascent off the bed. While one nurse regulated the speed of the lifting device, two of his colleagues guided the patient toward a bedside chair. Within seconds, she was securely lowered onto a cushion, and ready to begin rehabilitation exercises.

1 Oct 2009

Public feels its voice is not heard in debate, Poll finds

News outlets report on issues surrounding support for health care reform including polls that find the public feels its voice is not being heard in the debate and that many people would support paying for reform.

1 Oct 2009

Mondial Assistance participates in global fundraising initiative

Mondial Assistance today announced its participation in a new global fundraising initiative, aptly named: MASSIVEGOOD. The aim of MASSIVEGOOD is to encourage consumers to make small, voluntary financial contributions (around $2, for example) when they make a travel-related purchase.

1 Oct 2009

The American Legion urges Congress to pass VA budget without delay

The leader of The American Legion expressed disappointment today at the failure of Congress to okay an appropriations bill to fund the Department of Veterans Affairs during this new fiscal year, though a Continuing Resolution (CR) to provide additional funding for VA medical accounts was approved.

1 Oct 2009

University of Michigan researchers say students need better curriculum

Less than half of graduating medical students in the U.S. say they received adequate training in understanding health care systems and the economics of practicing medicine, according to a study conducted by the University of Michigan Medical School.

1 Oct 2009