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Health insurers ask employees to lobby Congress to weaken health reform

Consumer Watchdog today asked California Atty. Gen. Jerry Brown to investigate major health insurers that have asked their workers to lobby Congress -- during business hours -- to weaken health reform. United Healthcare and Wellpoint have launched national campaigns to individually "assist" employees in writing and calling members of Congress.

3 Sep 2009

Health Information Resource Center recognizes SHPS, presents nine awards

SHPS, a leading provider of health improvement and health benefits solutions, received nine awards for its healthcare communications in the 2009 National Health Information Awards(SM) program.

3 Sep 2009

Seasonal flu vaccinations increases by 237% this season compared to the same four weeks during last season

According to SDI, a leading healthcare market insight and analytics firm that consolidates electronic healthcare claims data, there have been over 477,000 seasonal flu vaccinations already administered through Aug. 29 — the fourth week of this year’s flu season. That is an increase of 237% compared to the same four weeks during last season.

3 Sep 2009

Oracle OpenWorld conference to discuss challenges facing healthcare organizations

The upcoming Oracle OpenWorld conference, October 11-15, 2009 at Moscone Center in San Francisco, will feature dedicated programming and lively discussion exploring today's unprecedented challenges facing life sciences and healthcare organizations.

3 Sep 2009

Report on ageing world inspires employers to expand and shift their strategic thinking, says Chairman of Mercer

The World Economic Forum has just published Transforming Pensions and Healthcare in a Rapidly Ageing World: Opportunities and Collaboration Strategies with the support of Mercer and the OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development). The report and a related Mercer Perspective can be downloaded at www.mercer.com/WEF.

3 Sep 2009

Pfizer pleads guilty of defrauding Medicare, Medicaid and other government-funded health care programs

Pfizer, Inc. announced today it has agreed to plead guilty to criminal conduct and to pay more than $2 billion in criminal and civil fines, penalties and damages to settle allegations made in multiple whistleblower lawsuits that the pharmaceutical giant defrauded Medicare, Medicaid and other government-funded health care programs in connection with its market practices for four of its drugs. The settlement is the largest qui tam settlement in U.S. history.

3 Sep 2009

Green to Grow calls for support of the California Toxics-Free Babies and Toddlers Act

Green to Grow (www.greentogrow.com), a leading Los Angeles-based manufacturer of BPA-free baby bottles that provide a safe alternative to polycarbonate products containing Bisphenol A (BPA) - a chemical currently banned in Canada, Minnesota, Connecticut and under scrutiny in several European nations - is urging the public and California Assembly members to support the Toxics-Free Babies and Toddlers Act (SB 797).

3 Sep 2009

Office managers set the policy for allowing sales rep visits

In a national survey of U.S. medical practices, SK&A Information Services, Inc., a leading provider of healthcare information and research, found that office managers wield as much influence as lead physicians in determining the policy for allowing industry sales representatives to visit with physicians.

3 Sep 2009

President Obama urged to make medical liability a more central component of health care reform

The American College of Surgeons applauds Democrats - led by House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) - for recognizing the need for Congress to address medical liability reform as part of the overall health care reform bill currently under consideration.

3 Sep 2009

TAHU recommends revision of proposed healthcare plan

The Texas Association of Health Underwriters (TAHU) released a statement on behalf of more than 1700 insurance agents from across the state of Texas outlining their recommendation for a revision to the proposed healthcare plan.

3 Sep 2009

Netherlands shows the way in healthcare accountability

As national healthcare reform initiatives grab headlines throughout the U.S., Maasstad Hospital in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, is quietly demonstrating how physicians, nurses, and administrators can be held accountable to national performance standards.

3 Sep 2009

SDA survey participants questioned about their level of concern on H1N1 virus

The good news: Americans recognize that good hygiene is an effective line of defense against the H1N1 virus (previously known as Swine Flu).

3 Sep 2009

Resident duty-hour reform increases medical complications in teaching hospitals

A new study finds a 2003 reform of the length of resident on-duty hours has led to an increase in the rate of perioperative (the span of all three phases of surgery: before, during and after) complications for patients treated for hip fractures.

3 Sep 2009

Will Obama disavow the pledge-breaking tax hikes that violate his campaign promise?

If Obama is serious about keeping his central campaign promise, will he disavow the four pledge-breaking provisions in the House Democrat healthcare bill?

3 Sep 2009

Obama to address Congress on health reform

The Washington Post reports: "President Obama will address a joint session of Congress next Wednesday about the nation's health-care system, Democratic officials said Wednesday.

3 Sep 2009

Small business, labor and insurance groups express opinions on health reform 'must-haves'

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that a majority of small business owners in California support health reform. "A solid majority - 61 percent of 700 California small businesses that participated in a survey released Tuesday - said health care reform is needed now to get the economy on track.

3 Sep 2009

Connecticut increases tax on cigarettes to prevent kids from becoming addicted adult smokers

Connecticut's leaders have taken decisive action to protect the state's kids and taxpayers from the devastating toll of tobacco use by increasing the state cigarette tax by $1 to $3.00 per pack, making it the second highest state cigarette tax in the nation (Rhode Island's tax is $3.46 per pack).

3 Sep 2009

Asparity extends free usage period for PlanSmartChoice online tool for federal employees

Asparity Decision Solutions is pleased to announce that www.PlanSmartChoice.com will continue to be available free to all federal employees during the 2010 open season, which begins November 9, 2009.

3 Sep 2009

Rural states with much to gain under reform also feature most vocal opponents

The Los Angeles Times reports: "Some of the most vociferous opposition to the proposals before the House and Senate comes from residents of rural states that could benefit most if the present system is revamped.

3 Sep 2009

Health systems, HIV/AIDS, malaria discussed at WHO Regional Committee meeting

Luis Gomes Sambo, WHO regional director for Africa, on Tuesday at the 59th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa in Kigali, Rwanda, presented a nine-point guide suggesting malaria control strategies for African countries, Agencia AngolaPress reports. Suggested approaches include updating policies and strategic plans, strengthening research and scaling up supplies of medicines (9/1).

3 Sep 2009

Healthcare News

Health insurers ask employees to lobby Congress to weaken health reform

Health Information Resource Center recognizes SHPS, presents nine awards

Seasonal flu vaccinations increases by 237% this season compared to the same four weeks during last season

Oracle OpenWorld conference to discuss challenges facing healthcare organizations

Report on ageing world inspires employers to expand and shift their strategic thinking, says Chairman of Mercer

Pfizer pleads guilty of defrauding Medicare, Medicaid and other government-funded health care programs

Green to Grow calls for support of the California Toxics-Free Babies and Toddlers Act

Office managers set the policy for allowing sales rep visits

President Obama urged to make medical liability a more central component of health care reform

TAHU recommends revision of proposed healthcare plan

Netherlands shows the way in healthcare accountability

SDA survey participants questioned about their level of concern on H1N1 virus

Resident duty-hour reform increases medical complications in teaching hospitals

Will Obama disavow the pledge-breaking tax hikes that violate his campaign promise?

Obama to address Congress on health reform

Small business, labor and insurance groups express opinions on health reform 'must-haves'

Connecticut increases tax on cigarettes to prevent kids from becoming addicted adult smokers

Asparity extends free usage period for PlanSmartChoice online tool for federal employees

Rural states with much to gain under reform also feature most vocal opponents

Health systems, HIV/AIDS, malaria discussed at WHO Regional Committee meeting

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