Monday 1 June 2009

Disease News Update

Talk Medical (http://talk.news-medical.net). Post news from your organization or company, post events you are involved in or feel would be of interest to the wider community, blog to your heart's content on current health issues or simply just share any interesting health stories you may have.

Latest News

A pandemic of human fear and anxiety
Is a flu pandemic looming and if so should we worry? It is now 41 years since we experienced the last pandemic of flu and many think that we are overdue for the next one. But have we over-reacted to the present outbreak of swine flu?
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090601/A-pandemic-of-human-fear-and-anxiety.aspx
Experts say let swine flu run its course
With the number of influenza A H1N1 (swine flu) cases in Australia now over 300 federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon says the government is considering whether to elevate the nation's response to the disease from the contain to sustain phase, as it may be impossible to keep quarantining people.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090601/Experts-say-let-swine-flu-run-its-course.aspx
Australian swine flu toll now over 300
The World Health Organisation's last update on the outbreak of influenza A(H1N1) - swine flu says as of the 29th of May, 53 countries have officially reported 15,510 cases including 99 deaths and Australian health authorities have confirmed that more than 300 people have been diagnosed with swine flu in Australia and all states and territories are now affected by the virus.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090601/Australian-swine-flu-toll-now-over-300.aspx
Marijuana effectiveness as an HIV self-care strategy
Those in the United States living with HIV/AIDS are more likely to use marijuana than those in Kenya, South Africa or Puerto Rica to alleviate their symptoms, according to a new study published in Clinical Nursing Research, published by SAGE.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090531/Marijuana-effectiveness-as-an-HIV-self-care-strategy.aspx
Researchers plan to target immune cells responsible for eluding antiretroviral treatment
Certain human immune cells known as macrophages are composed of hybrid HIV strains that elude treatment and antiretroviral drugs, according to a new study by researchers from the University of Florida and other institutions, the Gainesville Sun reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090531/Researchers-plan-to-target-immune-cells-responsible-for-eluding-antiretroviral-treatment.aspx
Thai HIV/AIDS advocates urge increased treatment access for IDUs
The Thai AIDS Treatment Action Group recently called on the country to launch a comprehensive harm reduction program for injection drug users in an effort to help curb the spread of HIV, Thailand's The Nation reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090531/Thai-HIVAIDS-advocates-urge-increased-treatment-access-for-IDUs.aspx
Report estimates significant impact of widespread circumcision effort in Botswana
Botswana's campaign to circumcise about 500,000 men by 2012 will prevent nearly 70,000 new HIV cases by 2025, according to a report published Thursday in the Journal of the International AIDS Society, AFP/Yahoo! News reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090531/Report-estimates-significant-impact-of-widespread-circumcision-effort-in-Botswana.aspx
HIV prevention efforts in five African countries not reaching at-risk groups, report says
National HIV prevention strategies in at least five African countries are not reaching the groups most at risk of infection, according to a report from UNAIDS and the World Bank conducted in conjunction with the national HIV/AIDS authorities of Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Swaziland and Uganda, IRIN/PlusNews reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090531/HIV-prevention-efforts-in-five-African-countries-not-reaching-at-risk-groups-report-says.aspx
'Complacency,' 'stigma' hindering efforts to reduce HIV/AIDS in black communities, opinion piece says
"Nearly 30 years after the discovery of HIV and AIDS, the epidemic is still ravaging black neighborhoods in Baltimore and across the nation," Kevin Fenton -- director of CDC's National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention -- writes in a Baltimore Sun opinion piece.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090528/Complacency-stigma-hindering-efforts-to-reduce-HIVAIDS-in-black-communities-opinion-piece-says.aspx
Fishing industry contributing to spread of HIV around Africa's Lake Victoria
The fishing industry and some cultural practices in communities living around Africa's Lake Victoria are contributing to the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections in the area, according to a panel of experts at a recent meeting in Kisumu, Kenya, The Citizen reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090528/Fishing-industry-contributing-to-spread-of-HIV-around-Africas-Lake-Victoria.aspx
Thailand aims to halve new HIV cases by 2011, Prime Minister says
Thailand has set a goal of reducing by half the number of new HIV cases in the country by 2011, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Wednesday, TNA/MCOT English News reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090528/Thailand-aims-to-halve-new-HIV-cases-by-2011-Prime-Minister-says.aspx
About 75% of people in Rwanda who have experienced discrimination are HIV-positive, survey finds
A recently released survey on stigma in Rwanda indicates that at least 74% of people in various segments of society who have experienced discrimination are HIV-positive, the New Times/AllAfrica.com reports. The discrimination often is in the form of isolation from family and physical harassment, according to the survey.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090528/About-7525-of-people-in-Rwanda-who-have-experienced-discrimination-are-HIV-positive-survey-finds.aspx
About 0.59% of Vietnamese fishery workers are HIV-positive, prevalence could rise by 2013, survey says
An estimated 33,000 of the total 5.5 million workers in Vietnam's fishery sector, or about 0.59%, were living with HIV in 2008, according to a survey released Tuesday by Vietnam's fishery program, VNA/VOV News reports (VNA/VOV News, 5/27).
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090528/About-05925-of-Vietnamese-fishery-workers-are-HIV-positive-prevalence-could-rise-by-2013-survey-says.aspx
Second death from mosquito-borne disease prompts calls for more spraying programs
The recent death of a second person from Murray Valley Encephalitis (MVE) in Northern Australia has prompted calls for an increase in mosquito control spraying programs.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090528/Second-death-from-mosquito-borne-disease-prompts-calls-for-more-spraying-programs.aspx
Stranded swine flu cruise ship plays a waiting game
According to the World Health Organisation's latest update, #40, on Influenza A H1N1 (swine flu), as of the 27th May, 48 countries have officially now reported 13,398 cases of the virus, including 95 deaths.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090527/Stranded-swine-flu-cruise-ship-plays-a-waiting-game.aspx
New cellular targets for HIV drug development
Focusing HIV drug development on immune cells called macrophages instead of traditionally targeted T cells could bring us closer to eradicating the disease, according to new research from University of Florida and five other institutions.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090527/New-cellular-targets-for-HIV-drug-development.aspx
Solomon Islands could see increase in HIV cases, WHO says
A recent estimate from the World Health Organization says that the number of HIV cases in the Solomon Islands could reach at least 350 by 2010, the Solomon Star News reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090527/Solomon-Islands-could-see-increase-in-HIV-cases-WHO-says.aspx
Rwanda launches campaign to address cross-generational sex
The Rwanda Ministry of Youth recently launched a six-month campaign aimed at reducing the trend of cross-generational sex, which some health officials say is contributing to the spread of HIV among young people in the country, the New Times/AllAfrica.com reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090527/Rwanda-launches-campaign-to-address-cross-generational-sex.aspx
World Cup campaign to build centers to provide HIV/AIDS education, other services to 'at-risk' African youth
Authorities in South Africa have begun construction of one of the 20 planned Football for Hope centers in Africa -- part of a 2010 World Cup campaign called "20 Centers for 2010" aimed at reducing the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, poverty and crime in local communities -- the AP/Google.com reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090527/World-Cup-campaign-to-build-centers-to-provide-HIVAIDS-education-other-services-to-e28098at-riske28099-African-youth.aspx
South African Health Minister to launch 'plan to address mother-to-child HIV transmission'
South African Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi within the next two weeks is expected to launch a plan to address mother-to-child HIV transmission in an effort to reduce infant mortality in the country, The Times reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090527/South-African-Health-Minister-to-launch-e28098plan-to-address-mother-to-child-HIV-transmissione28099.aspx
Advocates at Kenyan conference explore new strategies to combat HIV/AIDS in Africa
Nearly 30 years after the emergence of HIV/AIDS, the global health community must develop new strategies to curb the spread of the disease in sub-Saharan Africa, some experts said Tuesday ahead of the Global Citizens Summit for Social Mobilization to End AIDS in Nairobi, Kenya, AFP/Google.com reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090527/Advocates-at-Kenyan-conference-explore-new-strategies-to-combat-HIVAIDS-in-Africa.aspx
California Gov. Schwarzenegger's plan to reduce state spending includes cuts to HIV/AIDS services
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) on Tuesday sent state lawmakers a plan to reduce more than $5 billion in spending that includes cuts to HIV/AIDS services, the Los Angeles Times reports (Rothfeld/McGreevy, Los Angeles Times, 5/27).
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090527/California-Gov-Schwarzeneggers-plan-to-reduce-state-spending-includes-cuts-to-HIVAIDS-services.aspx
Australian swine flu toll climbs but expert says threat is over-hyped
According to the World Health Organisation's latest update, # 39, as of the 26th of May the latest figures in the influenza A H1N1 (swine flu) outbreak are 12,954 confirmed cases in 46 countries, including 92 deaths.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/26/Australian-swine-flu-toll-climbs-but-expert-says-threat-is-over-hyped.aspx
Australian scientist finds two new animal viruses
An Australian scientist has discovered two new animal viruses, one in cattle and the other in mosquitoes - the unknown viruses were found in isolated regions of northern Australia - neither of the viruses cause disease in livestock.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/26/Australian-scientist-finds-two-new-animal-viruses.aspx
Ancient skeletal evidence for leprosy in India
A biological anthropologist from Appalachian State University working with an undergraduate student from Appalachian, an evolutionary biologist from UNC Greensboro, and a team of archaeologists from Deccan College (Pune, India) recently reported analysis of a 4000-year-old skeleton from India bearing evidence of leprosy. This skeleton represents both the earliest archaeological evidence for human infection with Mycobacterium leprae in the world and the first evidence for the disease in prehistoric India.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/26/Ancient-skeletal-evidence-for-leprosy-in-India.aspx
De-worming drug praziquantel could help reduce spread of HIV in Africa
Providing girls in rural Africa with a deworming drug could help reduce the spread of HIV, according to a study recently published in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, the New York Times reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/26/De-worming-drug-praziquantel-could-help-reduce-spread-of-HIV-in-Africa.aspx
City of Sheffield to participate in pilot home-based HIV testing program
The United Kingdom government has selected the city of Sheffield to participate in a three-month pilot program aimed at increasing HIV detection rates by offering home-based test kits, the Sheffield Star reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/26/City-of-Sheffield-to-participate-in-pilot-home-based-HIV-testing-program.aspx
Sex education in Singapore's schools should provide teens with objective, reliable information, Education Ministry says
The number of teenagers contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections has increased over the past several years, Singapore's Education Minister Ng Eng Hen said on Thursday, the Straits Times reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/26/Sex-education-in-Singapores-schools-should-provide-teens-with-objective-reliable-information-Education-Ministry-says.aspx
Economic recession, emerging diseases should not replace efforts to fight HIV/AIDS, IAS President says
Concerns regarding the H1N1 flu strain or the current global economic recession should not take attention away from the long-term fight against HIV/AIDS, Julio Mantaner, head of the International AIDS Society, said recently, VOA News reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/26/Economic-recession-emerging-diseases-should-not-replace-efforts-to-fight-HIVAIDS-IAS-President-says.aspx
Meeting addresses mother-to-child HIV transmission in Africa
Health officials recently held a regional consultation in Kenya to examine mother-to-child HIV transmission services and pediatric HIV/AIDS care in nine Eastern and Southern African countries, IRIN/PlusNews reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/26/Meeting-addresses-mother-to-child-HIV-transmission-in-Africa.aspx
More funding urged for yellow fever vaccine stockpile
The International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Yellow Fever Vaccine Provision is warning that the global emergency stockpile of yellow fever vaccine for the world's most vulnerable populations in Africa is under threat.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/26/More-funding-urged-for-yellow-fever-vaccine-stockpile.aspx
Researchers gain ground in efforts to fight parasite infection
New findings by researchers UT Southwestern Medical Center are accelerating efforts to eradicate worm infections that afflict a third of the world's population.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/26/Researchers-gain-ground-in-efforts-to-fight-parasite-infection.aspx
Sanofi Pasteur receives U.S. Government order to produce new influenza A(H1N1) vaccine
Sanofi Pasteur announced today it has received the first of what is expected to be a series of orders from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to commence production of a vaccine to help protect against the new influenza A(H1N1) virus.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/25/Sanofi-Pasteur-receives-US-Government-order-to-produce-new-influenza-A(H1N1)-vaccine.aspx
Australian H1N1 flu toll climbs to 17
The latest update, # 37, from the World Health Organisation on the influenza A H1N1 (swine flu) outbreak says as of the 23rd of May, 43 countries have now officially reported 12,022 cases, including 86 deaths.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/24/Australian-H1N1-flu-toll-climbs-to-17.aspx
New understanding on how superbugs manipulate the immune system
It appears that some superbugs have evolved to develop the ability to manipulate the immune system to everyone's advantage.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/24/New-understanding-on-how-superbugs-manipulate-the-immune-system.aspx
HHS directs $1 billion towards commercial-scale production of a candidate vaccine for H1N1
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has announced that the department will take important steps necessary to prepare for potential commercial-scale production of a candidate vaccine for the novel Influenza A ( H1N1).
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/24/HHS-directs-241-billion-towards-commercial-scale-production-of-a-candidate-vaccine-for-H1N1.aspx
California's AIDS funding cuts would be 'catastrophic,' says AHF
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has criticized California state officials for planning draconian budget cuts that will jeopardize the public health by eliminating all funding for AIDS care and treatment from the state's General Fund.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/24/Californiae28099s-AIDS-funding-cuts-would-be-e28098catastrophice28099-says-AHF.aspx
Scientists map sequence mutations of the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus
In just two weeks from the time the first patient virus samples were made available, Singapore scientists report an evolutionary analysis of a critical protein produced by the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus strain.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/Scientists-map-sequence-mutations-of-the-2009-H1N1-influenza-A-virus.aspx
Vaginal ring could protect against HIV
A researcher with Weill Cornell Medical College has developed a vaginal ring that releases microbicides and could prevent HIV and unplanned pregnancies, ANI/Times of India reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/Vaginal-ring-could-protect-against-HIV.aspx
London Health Service begins offering rapid HIV tests
Barts and the London NHS Trust has become the first National Health Service provider in the United Kingdom to offer rapid, oral HIV tests, BBC News reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/London-Health-Service-begins-offering-rapid-HIV-tests.aspx
Majority of HIV-positive pregnant women in developing world lack access to PMTCT services, report says
Two-thirds of HIV-positive pregnant women in the developing world do not have access to treatment to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission, which could lead to 370,000 new HIV cases annually among infants, according to a study released Thursday by the International Treatment Preparedness Coalition, Bloomberg reports (Chase, Bloomberg, 5/21).
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/Majority-of-HIV-positive-pregnant-women-in-developing-world-lack-access-to-PMTCT-services-report-says.aspx
Australia's swine flu toll rising
Australia's 10th confirmed case of influenza A H1N1 (swine flu) has appeared in Adelaide in South Australia - the first case for that state.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/Australias-swine-flu-toll-rising.aspx
62nd World Health Assembly closes with resolutions on public health
The 62nd World Health Assembly, which brought together health ministers and senior health officials from WHO's Member States, closed today with the adoption of resolutions on a variety of global health issues including primary health care, the prevention and control of multidrug- resistant and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis, public health, innovation and intellectual property and pandemic influenza preparedness. The Health Assembly also passed the Programme Budget for 2010 -2011.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/62nd-World-Health-Assembly-closes-with-resolutions-on-public-health.aspx
Call for vaccination against HPV 16 in young men and women to prevent head and neck cancers
Researchers at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) in Buffalo, New York, are strongly advocating a national discussion about the need to vaccinate both young men and women against HPV 16 to prevent head & neck cancers.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/Call-for-vaccination-against-HPV-16-in-young-men-and-women-to-prevent-head-and-neck-cancers.aspx
Prevalence of vCJD agent in Britain remains uncertain
First results from a large tissue survey in Britain of the agent that causes variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) are unable so far to establish that the prevalence is lower than that given by previous estimates, concludes a study published on bmj.com.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/Prevalence-of-vCJD-agent-in-Britain-remains-uncertain.aspx
Chemical found in green tea shows promise as low-cost intervention against sexual HIV transmission,
A chemical found in green tea might be an effective tool against the sexual transmission of HIV, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Heidelberg in Germany and published online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, AFP/Google.com reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/Chemical-found-in-green-tea-shows-promise-as-low-cost-intervention-against-sexual-HIV-transmission.aspx
Elton John calls for increased HIV/AIDS education, care
Singer Elton John on Tuesday at the 2009 Bio International Convention in Atlanta called for renewed efforts to fight HIV/AIDS, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/Elton-John-calls-for-increased-HIVAIDS-education-care.aspx
East African officials meet to coordinate HIV/AIDS, transport efforts
East African health officials on Tuesday met in Kisumu, Kenya, to examine integrating HIV/AIDS issues into transport policies in the region, Xinhua/CRI.com reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/East-African-officials-meet-to-coordinate-HIVAIDS-transport-efforts.aspx
HIV transmission in Europe occurs primarily in vacation destinations
HIV in Europe is transmitted primarily in vacation destinations, according to a study published recently in the journal Retrovirology, the PA/Google.com reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/HIV-transmission-in-Europe-occurs-primarily-in-vacation-destinations.aspx
Former President Clinton, U.N. advisor Douste-Blazy announce voluntary airline ticket donation
Former President Clinton has joined efforts to raise money for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria from travelers purchasing electronic airline tickets, the New York Times reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/Former-President-Clinton-UN-advisor-Douste-Blazy-announce-voluntary-airline-ticket-donation.aspx
Tuberculosis can evade immune response
Current research suggests that Mycobacterium tuberculosis can evade the immune response. The related report by Rahman et al, "Compartmentalization of immune responses in human tuberculosis: few CD8+ effector T cells but elevated levels of FoxP3+ regulatory T cells in the granulomatous lesions," appears in the June 2009 issue of The American Journal of Pathology.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/Tuberculosis-can-evade-immune-response.aspx
New insights into a new strain of chlamydia
New sequencing and analysis of six strains Chlamydia will result in improved diagnosis of the sexually transmitted infection. This study provides remarkable insights into a new strain of Chlamydia that was identified in Sweden in 2006 after spreading rapidly across the country by evading most established diagnostic tests.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/20/New-insights-into-a-new-strain-of-chlamydia.aspx
United States should increase its commitment to improving the health of developing nations, IOM report says
To fulfill America's humanitarian obligations as a member of the international community and to invest in the nation's long-term health, economic interests, and national security, the United States should reaffirm and increase its commitment to improving the health of developing nations, says a new report from the Institute of Medicine.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/20/United-States-should-increase-its-commitment-to-improving-the-health-of-developing-nations-IOM-report-says.aspx
Methylene blue in combo with new malaria drugs curbs the spread of malaria parasites
New combinations of agents based on the oldest synthetic malaria drug, the methylene blue stain, can curb the spread of malaria parasites and make a significant contribution to the long-term eradication called for by the international "Roll Back Malaria Initiative."
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/20/Methylene-blue-in-combo-with-new-malaria-drugs-curbs-the-spread-of-malaria-parasites.aspx
Cambodian health officials expand HIV/AIDS prevention education to primary schools
The Cambodian Ministry of Health has begun training primary education teachers in 12 provinces on HIV/AIDS prevention education, the Phnom Penh Post reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/20/Cambodian-health-officials-expand-HIVAIDS-prevention-education-to-primary-schools.aspx
Governments should increase efforts to reduce stigma, improve access to HIV services among MSM, UNAIDS Executive Director Sidibe says
Governments worldwide should take action to eliminate stigma and discrimination against men who have sex with men, women who have sex with women and transgender people and improve their access to HIV services, UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe said recently, the Stabroek News reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/20/Governments-should-increase-efforts-to-reduce-stigma-improve-access-to-HIV-services-among-MSM-UNAIDS-Executive-Director-Sidibe-says.aspx
Georgia receives $63.9 million in Ryan White funding
Georgia has received $63.9 million in Ryan White Program grants to fund treatment and other services for people living with HIV, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/20/Georgia-receives-24639-million-in-Ryan-White-funding.aspx
HIV/AIDS, gay rights advocate McFarlane dies
Rodger McFarlane, a leader in gay rights and HIV/AIDS advocacy efforts, died on Friday in New Mexico at age 54, the New York Times reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/20/HIVAIDS-gay-rights-advocate-McFarlane-dies.aspx
HIV/AIDS Vaccine Coalition urges continued funding for research amid economic crisis
A recently released AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition report says that although there has been a renewed focus on discovery, innovation and basic science in vaccine research, action is needed to ensure that research funding continues during the economic downturn, VOA News reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/20/HIVAIDS-Vaccine-Coalition-urges-continued-funding-for-research-amid-economic-crisis.aspx
HIV/AIDS advocates react to Obama's proposed global health initiative
Some HIV/AIDS advocates have voiced disappointment with the level of HIV/AIDS funding in President Obama's proposed $63 billion, six-year global health initiative, VOA News reports. According to VOA News, the advocates say that Obama has not met pledges he made as a presidential candidate, while other say that the "picture is more complicated."
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/20/HIVAIDS-advocates-react-to-Obamas-proposed-global-health-initiative.aspx
Algae may the key to SARS vaccine
A protein from algae may have what it takes to stop Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) infections, according to new research.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/20/Algae-may-the-key-to-SARS-vaccine.aspx
Arsenic exposure linked to influenza A (H1N1) susceptibility
The ability to mount an immune response to influenza A (H1N1) infection is significantly compromised by a low level of arsenic exposure that commonly occurs through drinking contaminated well water, scientists at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) and Dartmouth Medical School have found.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/20/Arsenic-exposure-linked-to-influenza-A-(H1N1)-susceptibility.aspx
NIH to develop therapeutics for rare and neglected diseases
The National Institutes of Health is launching the first integrated, drug development pipeline to produce new treatments for rare and neglected diseases. The $24 million program jumpstarts a trans-NIH initiative called the Therapeutics for Rare and Neglected Diseases program, or TRND.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/20/NIH-to-develop-therapeutics-for-rare-and-neglected-diseases.aspx
Australia's H1N1 flu cases up to 3
Australia's recorded cases of the new H1N1 flu (Swine flu) has now reached 3 with the confirmation of two new cases.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/20/Australias-H1N1-flu-cases-up-to-3.aspx
Recommendations by experts to WHO on influenza A (H1N1) vaccines
Current epidemiological information suggests that the influenza A (H1N1) virus transmissibility potential is at least comparable to that of seasonal influenza viruses, with ability to sustain community spread. There is therefore no reason to expect that ongoing spread of the virus will stop.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/19/Recommendations-by-experts-to-WHO-on-influenza-A-(H1N1)-vaccines.aspx
Experts warn of dangers of swine flu with almost 10,000 now infected, forecasts 4.9 billion doses needed
The latest figures from the World Health Organisation (WHO) has the worldwide influenza A H1N1 (swine flu) tally fast approaching 10,000 human cases.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/19/Experts-warn-of-dangers-of-swine-flu-with-almost-10000-now-infected-forecasts-49-billion-doses-needed.aspx
New map depicts the spread of HIV in Europe
Those travelling abroad should take seriously advice to pack their condoms and keep their needles to themselves: research published today in the open access journal Retrovirology shows that tourists, travellers and migrants from Greece, Portugal, Serbia and Spain actively export HIV-1 subtype B to other European nations.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/19/New-map-depicts-the-spread-of-HIV-in-Europe.aspx
GIS used to map past and predicted malaria outbreak hotspots
A Geographic Information System (GIS)-driven digital map of past and predicted malaria outbreak hotspots has been used in India as part of a national control program.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/19/GIS-used-to-map-past-and-predicted-malaria-outbreak-hotspots.aspx
Opinion piece examines efficacy of foreign aid
"President Obama signaled recently a major shift in the way the United States tries to help poor countries," Philip Stevens, policy director at the International Policy Network, writes in a Providence Journal opinion piece, adding, "Whereas the Bush presidency pushed to spend enormous sums on individual high-profile diseases such as AIDS, Obama says he will broaden U.S. aid to improve health more generally."
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/19/Opinion-piece-examines-efficacy-of-foreign-aid.aspx
Convicting HIV-positive people contributes to spread of virus, opinion piece says
The recent conviction of HIV-positive Toronto resident Johnson Aziga is "part of an upward trend," as more "charges and prosecutions for HIV transmission -- and even potential HIV exposure -- are popping up around the planet," Regan Hofmann, editor-in-chief of POZ, writes in a Dallas Morning News opinion piece.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/19/Convicting-HIV-positive-people-contributes-to-spread-of-virus-opinion-piece-says.aspx
'Swift action driven by courage needed' to remove ban on federal funding for needle-exchange programs, letter to editor says
"The Obama administration's budget dealt a serious blow to those who support syringe exchange programs to prevent the transmission of HIV, hepatitis C and other infectious diseases," Paola Barahona, senior global health policy analyst for Physicians for Human Rights and founding executive director of Prevention Works!, writes in a Washington Post letter to the editor.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/19/Swift-action-driven-by-courage-needed-to-remove-ban-on-federal-funding-for-needle-exchange-programs-letter-to-editor-says.aspx
Maryland County officials create State's first suburban HIV/AIDS commission
Anne Arundel County, Md., Executive John Leopold recently appointed 20 community leaders, government officials and health workers to serve on the county's first HIV/AIDS commission, which aims to understand and develop strategies for addressing the disease, the Baltimore Sun reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/19/Maryland-County-officials-create-States-first-suburban-HIVAIDS-commission.aspx
Study shows decreased risk of death from opportunistic infections with earlier antiretroviral treatment
HIV-positive people with opportunistic infections who receive earlier antiretroviral treatment lower their risk of death compared with people who delay treatment, according to a new study conducted by the Stanford University School of Medicine and published in PLoS One, the San Jose Mercury News reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/19/Study-shows-decreased-risk-of-death-from-opportunistic-infections-with-earlier-antiretroviral-treatment.aspx
Researchers develop questions to determine risk of HIV/AIDS drug resistance
Researchers from the Makerere University hospital in Uganda, the U.S. and Belgium have developed a formula, based on a set of questions, for determining HIV-positive people's risk of treatment failure and drug resistance, according to a study recently published in the Journal of the International AIDS Society, the New York Times reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/19/Researchers-develop-questions-to-determine-risk-of-HIVAIDS-drug-resistance.aspx
Research may lead to improved TB vaccines
A team of Vanderbilt University Medical Center investigators has cracked one of clinical medicine's enduring mysteries - what happened to the tuberculosis vaccine. The once-effective vaccine no longer prevents the bacterial lung infection that kills more than 1.7 million people worldwide each year.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/19/Research-may-lead-to-improved-TB-vaccines.aspx
Molecular clues to halting HIV virus
Rice University's Andrew Barron and his group, working with labs in Italy, Germany and Greece, have identified specific molecules that could block the means by which the deadly virus spreads by taking away its ability to bind with other proteins.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/19/Molecular-clues-to-halting-HIV-virus.aspx
Risk perceptions and behaviour towards pandemic control of emerging infectious diseases
With the current outbreak of swine flu, and in the absence of a vaccine or treatment at present, the only way to contain the virus is to get people around the world to take precautionary measures.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/19/Risk-perceptions-and-behaviour-towards-pandemic-control-of-emerging-infectious-diseases.aspx
UN, WHO heads meet 30 vaccine manufacturers
WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan and United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon met with over 30 vaccine manufacturers from developing and developed countries at WHO headquarters today.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/19/UN-WHO-heads-meet-30-vaccine-manufacturers.aspx
Salmonella's weakness for sugar predicts its downfall
For the first time UK scientists have shown what the food poisoning bug Salmonella feeds on to survive as it causes infection: glucose.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/19/Salmonellae28099s-weakness-for-sugar-predicts-its-downfall.aspx

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Healthcare News Update

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Calculating the return on investment of mobile healthcare
Every $1 invested in mobile healthcare for the medically disenfranchised saves $36 in combined emergency department costs avoided and value of life years saved.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090601/Calculating-the-return-on-investment-of-mobile-healthcare.aspx
Pay-for-performance may benefit doctors who care for multiple health problems
Physicians who treat patients with multiple health problems will fare well under pay-for-performance, which bases physician reimbursement on the quality of care provided, said researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Houston in a report in the current issue of the journal Circulation.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090601/Pay-for-performance-may-benefit-doctors-who-care-for-multiple-health-problems.aspx
Nevada Assembly passes bill to protect physicians on J-1 visas
The Nevada Assembly last week voted to approve a bill (SB 229) that would authorize the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services to stop the exploitation of foreign physicians who have come to the state to provide care to residents in underserved areas, the Las Vegas Sun reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090531/Nevada-Assembly-passes-bill-to-protect-physicians-on-J-1-visas.aspx
Massachusetts, Tennessee health plans might offer ideas on U.S. health care system overhaul
Congressional lawmakers who are crafting a plan to overhaul the U.S. health care system might be able to look to state health insurance programs in Massachusetts and Tennessee for ideas, the AP/Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090531/Massachusetts-Tennessee-health-plans-might-offer-ideas-on-US-health-care-system-overhaul.aspx
Data ranks health insurers according to speed of claim payment, share of denials
Aetna, Cigna and Humana ranked highest nationally on criteria including speed of health claim payments and fewest claims denied, according to the 2009 PayerView Rankings, the Boston Globe reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090531/Data-ranks-health-insurers-according-to-speed-of-claim-payment-share-of-denials.aspx
Obama says health reform must be done this year
The opportunity to enact health care reform legislation could be missed unless Congress passes it this year, President Obama on Thursday said to thousands of supporters in a phone call made from Air Force One, the AP/USA Today reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090531/Obama-says-health-reform-must-be-done-this-year.aspx
Sen. Kennedy circulates draft of health reform legislation
Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chair Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) is circulating an outline of health care overhaul legislation that includes a requirement that all individuals obtain coverage and requires contributions from employers, the Washington Post reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090531/Sen-Kennedy-circulates-draft-of-health-reform-legislation.aspx
UnitedHealth Group offers 15 recommendations to reduce federal health spending by $540 billion over 10 years
UnitedHealth Group's Center for Health Reform and Modernization on Wednesday suggested 15 steps that could be taken to save $540 billion in federal in health care costs over the next 10 years, the AP/Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports (Werner, AP/Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 5/27).
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090528/UnitedHealth-Group-offers-15-recommendations-to-reduce-federal-health-spending-by-24540-billion-over-10-years.aspx
Massachusetts health insurance law has increased access to care, though residents' ability to obtain treatment hampered by provider supply
Since the implementation of the Massachusetts health insurance law in 2006, more residents have health coverage and increased access to care, but rising health care costs combined with the current economic recession could undermine some of the law's successes, according to the third annual "Update on Health Reform in Massachusetts" report by the Urban Institute, the Boston Globe reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090528/Massachusetts-health-insurance-law-has-increased-access-to-care-though-residents-ability-to-obtain-treatment-hampered-by-provider-supply.aspx
Miami-Dade, Blue Cross announce low-cost PPO aimed at county's uninsured
Florida's Miami-Dade County and BlueCross BlueShield of Florida on Tuesday announced a new low-cost health plan, called Miami-Dade Blue, aimed at helping the estimated 600,000 uninsured county residents, the Miami Herald reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090528/Miami-Dade-Blue-Cross-announce-low-cost-PPO-aimed-at-countys-uninsured.aspx
Farmer still under consideration for Obama administration position, takes Harvard Medical School appointment
While Partners in Health co-founder Paul Farmer is still being considered for a senior role in the Obama administration, Farmer has been appointed chair of Harvard Medical School's Department of Global Health and Social Medicine -- Jeffrey Flier, the medical school's dean, said on Wednesday -- the Boston Globe reports. Flier said that Farmer will take a leave of absence from the medical school if he is offered a position with the administration. For now, Farmer is slated to succeed the current chair, Jim Kim, on July 1 (Smith, Boston Globe, 5/28).
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090528/Farmer-still-under-consideration-for-Obama-administration-position-takes-Harvard-Medical-School-appointment.aspx
Is Australia's national health reform agenda taking account of social determinants of health?
Never shy of a tough question, on April 28, the Sydney University's Menzies Centre for Health Policy (MCHP) and the Oxford Health Alliance (OxHA) Asia Pacific Centre co hosted a seminar to ask Australia's three imminent major health policy reform commissions if and how they are approaching the core issue of the role of social disadvantage in health and illness.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090527/Is-Australiae28099s-national-health-reform-agenda-taking-account-of-social-determinants-of-health.aspx
1 million California residents travel to Mexico annually for health care, study finds
About one million adults living in California, including 500,000 immigrants, travel to Mexico for health care each year, according to a study published Tuesday in the journal Medical Care, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090527/1-million-California-residents-travel-to-Mexico-annually-for-health-care-study-finds.aspx
California official details proposed health care cuts in Schwarzenegger's budget plan
California Department of Finance Chief Deputy Director Ana Matosantos on Tuesday discussed Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's (R) plans to address the state budget deficit in part by cutting Medi-Cal spending and eliminating Healthy Families, the Sacramento Bee reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090527/California-official-details-proposed-health-care-cuts-in-Schwarzeneggers-budget-plan.aspx
United Auto Workers to accept up to 20% of GM stock; agrees to concessions on retiree health care obligations, labor rules
United Auto Workers leaders on Tuesday agreed to accept up to 20% of General Motors stock, as well as concessions on labor rules and retiree health care obligations, as the automaker faces a June 1 deadline to restructure or seek bankruptcy protection, the Detroit News reports (Aguilar/Shepardson, Detroit News, 5/27).
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090527/United-Auto-Workers-to-accept-up-to-2025-of-GM-stock3b-agrees-to-concessions-on-retiree-health-care-obligations-labor-rules.aspx
Wall Street Journal examines group health insurance policies as option for uninsured
People who no longer have health insurance because of a job loss, voluntary retirement or other reasons have begun obtaining health coverage through the "little-known" option of group coverage, the Wall Street Journal reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090527/Wall-Street-Journal-examines-group-health-insurance-policies-as-option-for-uninsured.aspx
Study finds no link between cost, quality of care
Quality of care is not linked to the cost of care, according to a study published last week on the Web site of the journal Health Affairs, CQ HealthBeat reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090527/Study-finds-no-link-between-cost-quality-of-care.aspx
Pledges to reduce health care costs, spending growth could violate antitrust laws, lawyers say
U.S. antitrust laws could affect health care industry groups' efforts to work together to rein in health care costs, the New York Times reports (Pear, New York Times, 5/27).
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090527/Pledges-to-reduce-health-care-costs-spending-growth-could-violate-antitrust-laws-lawyers-say.aspx
Financial contracts to care for sick or aging relatives adding legal twist to family health care
Financial contracts to care for sick or aging relatives - nearly unthinkable just a decade ago - are drawing new interest as everyday Americans wrestle with the time and expense of providing long-term health care, a University of Illinois legal expert says.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090527/Financial-contracts-to-care-for-sick-or-aging-relatives-adding-legal-twist-to-family-health-care.aspx
Preoperative team briefings improves communication, reduce medical errors
A short, preoperative team briefing prior to cardiac surgery - where each person on the team speaks - improves communication and reduces errors and costs, according to a pilot study conducted at Mayo Clinic.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/27/Preoperative-team-briefings-improves-communication-reduce-medical-errors.aspx
Effect of the quality and outcomes framework on diabetes care in the UK
The care of patients with diabetes has improved over the last decade, but this does not seem to be a direct result of the quality and outcomes framework - the scheme that rewards UK general practices for delivering quality care.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/26/Effect-of-the-quality-and-outcomes-framework-on-diabetes-care-in-the-UK.aspx
U.S. bill would establish survey to collect health data from native Hawaiians, Pacific islanders
Madeleine Bordallo, the U.S. delegate from Guam, has introduced legislation that would fund a survey to collect health data from Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, the Pacific Daily News reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/26/US-bill-would-establish-survey-to-collect-health-data-from-native-Hawaiians-Pacific-islanders.aspx
Rep. Wolf says entitlement programs could affect U.S. bond rating
Rep. Frank Wolf (R-Va.) on Friday in a letter to President Obama said that the U.S. could lose its triple-A bond rating if Congress does not act quickly to overhaul U.S. entitlement programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, and reduce federal debt, the AP/Detroit News reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/26/Rep-Wolf-says-entitlement-programs-could-affect-US-bond-rating.aspx
Lawmakers prepare for health care reform action during Memorial Day recess; advocacy groups promote reform agendas
Republican and Democratic lawmakers have been given "talking points" on health care reform to discuss with constituents during the Memorial Day recess as House and Senate committees work to develop comprehensive reform bills by mid-June, Politico reports (Budoff Brown, Politico, 5/26).
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/26/Lawmakers-prepare-for-health-care-reform-action-during-Memorial-Day-recess3b-advocacy-groups-promote-reform-agendas.aspx
Some small businesses must cut employee health benefits or lay off workers amid global downturn
Small businesses increasingly are eliminating their employee health coverage plans because of rising health care premiums and declining revenue attributed to the current economic recession, the Wall Street Journal reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/26/Some-small-businesses-must-cut-employee-health-benefits-or-lay-off-workers-amid-global-downturn.aspx
Few retail health clinics located in low-income areas, study finds
Most retail health clinics are located in more affluent areas of the U.S., rather than in low-income, medically underserved neighborhoods, according to a study published on Monday in the Archives of Internal Medicine, the AP/Washington Times reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/26/Few-retail-health-clinics-located-in-low-income-areas-study-finds.aspx
'Homework assignment' could mean success, failure for health reform legislation
How well health care industry groups follow through on their "homework assignment" from President Obama to submit specific plans by early June on how they intend to reduce health care spending growth by $2 trillion over the next decade could determine whether current attempts to develop health care overhaul legislation are successful, the AP/Contra Costa Times reports (Alonso-Zaldivar, AP/Contra Costa Times, 5/25).
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/26/Homework-assignment-could-mean-success-failure-for-health-reform-legislation.aspx
Obama says he is 'absolutely committed' to health reform
During a C-SPAN interview on Saturday, President Obama said he remains "absolutely committed" to overhauling the U.S. health care system despite obstacles that might surface during reform efforts, the Los Angeles Times reports (Dorning, Los Angeles Times, 5/24).
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/26/Obama-says-he-is-absolutely-committed-to-health-reform.aspx
Future cancer care, can we afford it?
When a cancer patient and his or her doctor discuss the value of a treatment option, the conversation usually centers on a consideration of the treatment's medical benefits versus its possible side effects for the patient. Increasingly, however, as the already high costs of cancer care continue to rise, a full view of the patient's welfare must also take into account the economic impact of the treatment on the patient and his or her family.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/26/Future-cancer-care-can-we-afford-it.aspx
Hospice care under-used by many terminally ill patients
Hospice, a well-established approach to palliative care, has enabled countless people worldwide to die with dignity. Through focusing on the patient rather than the disease, individuals can spend the last weeks of their lives in an environment where hospice caregivers minimize their pain, maximize their comfort, and provide bereavement services for loved ones and family members.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/25/Hospice-care-under-used-by-many-terminally-ill-patients.aspx
Penn study shows 'in-store' clinics more apt to be based in higher-income neighborhoods
Since 2000, nearly 1,000 "retail clinics" -- offering routine care like sports physicals and immunizations and treatment for minor illnesses like strep throat -- have opened their doors inside pharmacies and grocery stores across the United States. Retail chain operators proposed that the new clinics would improve access to medical care among uninsured or underserved populations.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/25/Penn-study-shows-e28098in-storee28099-clinics-more-apt-to-be-based-in-higher-income-neighborhoods.aspx
Australian Government shies away from election promise to takeover control of hospitals
Kevin Rudd's Government appears to be backing out of another of its election promises - the financial takeover of public hospitals if they fail to come up to scratch.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/24/Australian-Government-shies-away-from-election-promise-to-takeover-control-of-hospitals.aspx
Indian Health Service releases $500 million in stimulus funding to improve health care for American Indian, Alaska native communities
The Indian Health Service on Wednesday announced it will release $500 million in federal economic stimulus funding to improve health care for American Indian and Alaska Native communities, Health Data Management reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/Indian-Health-Service-releases-24500-million-in-stimulus-funding-to-improve-health-care-for-American-Indian-Alaska-native-communities.aspx
New Maryland law requires insurers to provide incentives for EHR adoption
Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) on Tuesday signed a bill making the state the first to require private insurance companies to offer physicians financial incentives for adopting electronic health records, the Baltimore Sun reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/New-Maryland-law-requires-insurers-to-provide-incentives-for-EHR-adoption.aspx
Connecticut House approves two health insurance pooling bills
The Connecticut House on Wednesday approved two separate measures to expand health insurance pooling in the state, the Hartford Courant reports. The first measure would create a public health insurance pool open to all residents.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/Connecticut-House-approves-two-health-insurance-pooling-bills.aspx
Reducing medical residents' hours would cost $2.5 billion annually, study says
Implementing proposed reductions in the number of hours medical residents work could cost as much as $2.5 billion annually, according to a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the Baltimore Sun reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/Reducing-medical-residents-hours-would-cost-2425-billion-annually-study-says.aspx
GM bankruptcy plan would use stock worth 39% of firm to fund half of VEBA obligation
General Motors and United Auto Workers on Thursday agreed to a tentative deal that would allow the automaker to use company stock to fund half of its obligation to a retiree health care fund, the Washington Post reports (Cho et al., Washington Post, 5/22).
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/GM-bankruptcy-plan-would-use-stock-worth-3925-of-firm-to-fund-half-of-VEBA-obligation.aspx
Sen. Baucus says health care overhaul will cover about 95% of citizens, will not cover undocumented immigrants
Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus (D-Mont.) on Thursday said that Congress' health care overhaul plan would cover 94% to 96% of the population but not undocumented immigrants, the AP/Las Vegas Sun reports (Alonso-Zaldivar, AP/Las Vegas Sun, 5/21).
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/Sen-Baucus-says-health-care-overhaul-will-cover-about-9525-of-citizens-will-not-cover-undocumented-immigrants.aspx
WA Health workers stood down because of scam
According to reports a number of people working for the West Australian Health Department have been suspended because of suspect behaviour.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/WA-Health-workers-stood-down-because-of-scam.aspx
Yolo County, Calif., approves proposal to cut funding for health care services to undocumented immigrants
Yolo County, Calif., Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a proposal to cut county funding for health care services for undocumented immigrants in an effort to save the county more than $1 million, the Sacramento Bee reports (Sangree, Sacramento Bee, 5/20).
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/Yolo-County-Calif-approves-proposal-to-cut-funding-for-health-care-services-to-undocumented-immigrants.aspx
Health information technology lobby group rallies support for certification group; critics question group's ties
The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society has asked HHS to give the Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology authorization to determine which electronic health records systems can receive funding from the economic stimulus package, the Washington Post reports. In a letter dated April 27 to HHS officials, HIMSS officials wrote, "To ensure continuity, recognize CCHIT as the certifying body" of EHRs.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/Health-information-technology-lobby-group-rallies-support-for-certification-group3b-critics-question-groups-ties.aspx
Wall Street Journal examines patients' confusion over coverage of preventive exams
As employers increasingly offer no-cost preventive care as a means of controlling health costs, some people under such plans are being charged for services not deemed preventive by the insurer, the Wall Street Journal reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/Wall-Street-Journal-examines-patients-confusion-over-coverage-of-preventive-exams.aspx
Department of Justice, HHS boosts number of investigators, prosecutors looking at Medicare, Medicaid fraud
HHS and the Department of Justice on Wednesday launched the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team to detect and prevent fraud in Medicare and Medicaid, the Washington Post reports (Johnson, Washington Post, 5/21).
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/Department-of-Justice-HHS-boosts-number-of-investigators-prosecutors-looking-at-Medicare-Medicaid-fraud.aspx
Senate Finance Committee discusses funding for health reform in final 'walk through' meeting
The Senate Finance Committee met Wednesday to discuss potential funding mechanisms for health reform legislation but indicated that no concrete decisions had been reached, The Hill reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/Senate-Finance-Committee-discusses-funding-for-health-reform-in-final-walk-through-meeting.aspx
Republicans introduce health reform plan that would provide tax credits to purchase health coverage, establish state insurance exchanges
Sens. Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) and Reps. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) and Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) on Wednesday introduced the Patients' Choice Act (S 1099, HR 2520), a counter proposal to Democratic health care reform plans that would create state-based health insurance exchanges and provide U.S. residents tax credits to subsidize coverage premiums, Roll Call reports (Drucker [1], Roll Call, 5/20).
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/Republicans-introduce-health-reform-plan-that-would-provide-tax-credits-to-purchase-health-coverage-establish-state-insurance-exchanges.aspx
California primary care physician shortage affecting clinics that serve minority populations
A shortage of primary care physicians in California "is driving community clinics to find innovate ways" to provide care to an increasingly linguistically and culturally diverse patient population, New America Media reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/20/California-primary-care-physician-shortage-affecting-clinics-that-serve-minority-populations.aspx
Investigation urgently needed into treatment of mentally ill immigration detainees at California facility, editorial states
"Although the number of mentally ill immigration detainees" at the La Mesa, Calif.-based private psychiatric hospital Alvarado Parkway Institute "at any one time seems to range from as few as two to only five or so, their situation needs to be addressed quickly," a San Diego Tribune editorial states (San Diego Tribune, 5/19).
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/20/Investigation-urgently-needed-into-treatment-of-mentally-ill-immigration-detainees-at-California-facility-editorial-states.aspx
U.S. residents to pay greater share of employer-sponsored health insurance coverage in 2009
U.S. residents enrolled in employer-sponsored health plans will contribute an average of 41% of their health care costs in 2009, the largest share to date, according to a study released on Monday by the Seattle-based actuarial consulting firm Milliman, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/20/US-residents-to-pay-greater-share-of-employer-sponsored-health-insurance-coverage-in-2009.aspx
New Democrat coalition proposes independent panel to oversee comparative effectiveness research
Members of the moderate New Democrat Coalition on Tuesday proposed legislation (HR 2502) that would establish a non-governmental, independent office to oversee research efforts to compare the effectiveness of medical treatments, CQ HealthBeat reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/20/New-Democrat-coalition-proposes-independent-panel-to-oversee-comparative-effectiveness-research.aspx
Republicans to introduce health reform plan that would establish state health insurance exchanges, provide tax credits
Congressional Republicans are releasing two health care reform proposals -- one from conservatives and one from moderates -- as alternatives to plans by Democrats, CQ Today reports (Wayne, CQ Today, 5/19).
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/20/Republicans-to-introduce-health-reform-plan-that-would-establish-state-health-insurance-exchanges-provide-tax-credits.aspx
Pennsylvania House approves bill allowing young adults to remain on parents' health insurance policies up to age 29
The Pennsylvania House last week voted to approve a bill that allows state residents up to age 29 to be added to or remain on their parents' health insurance plans as long as they live in the state or are full-time students, the Harrisburg Patriot-News reports. They also must be single and not have dependents.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/19/Pennsylvania-House-approves-bill-allowing-young-adults-to-remain-on-parents-health-insurance-policies-up-to-age-29.aspx
Hospital room design can have effect on patient care, outcomes, studies show
Hospital room design can help reduce medical errors, infections and falls, as well as patient stress, according to results emerging from more than 1,500 studies, the New York Times reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/19/Hospital-room-design-can-have-effect-on-patient-care-outcomes-studies-show.aspx
Waits to see specialists in Boston increased to average of 50 days, study finds
The average time patients in Boston wait for an appointment to see a specialist has increased over the last five years to an average of 50 days and can be up to one year, despite the fact that the city has an "abundance" of specialists, according to a recent study, the Boston Globe reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/19/Waits-to-see-specialists-in-Boston-increased-to-average-of-50-days-study-finds.aspx
Sen. Olympia Snowe holds private meetings to discuss fallback public plan
Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) last week held a private meeting to discuss a compromise on health care reform legislation that would include a "fallback public plan," implemented in several years if private insurers do not take steps to make coverage more affordable and accessible, CongressDaily reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/19/Sen-Olympia-Snowe-holds-private-meetings-to-discuss-fallback-public-plan.aspx
Senate Finance Committee releases policy paper describing options to pay for health overhaul
Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and ranking member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) on Monday released a 41-page document outlining policy options for financing health care reform, The Hill reports (Young, The Hill, 5/18).
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/19/Senate-Finance-Committee-releases-policy-paper-describing-options-to-pay-for-health-overhaul.aspx

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Suite 24, MVB
90 Mona Vale Road
Mona Vale
Sydney
NSW, 2103
Australia
 
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