As President-elect Obama appoints the man who’ll lead health care reform efforts, Democratic Congressman Henry Waxman indicates his intention to increase scrutiny on consumer advertising of prescription drugs.
No consequences for bad hospitals?
The New York Times has an interesting piece about the difficulty of shutting down bad hospitals, taking as its example University Hospital in Syracuse, New York.
Medicare Advantage in the crosshairs
New research, just published by the journal Health Affairs, supports President-Elect Obama’s contention that Medicare Advantage – a program that allows private insurers to offer Medicare-funded health plans – is wasteful and ineffective. Obama has pledged to make cuts to the program, a move that would have serious implications for many private insurers.
Baucus takes the reins on health care reform
In the wake of a presidential election mandating change, Democratic senator Max Baucus has made a play for leadership on health care reform with a policy paper outlining his plan to revamp the health care system and provide coverage for all Americans.
Big Pharma goes bargain-hunting
As cash-strapped consumers these days are trading in Neiman Marcus for the discount stores, big pharmaceutical companies flush with cash are looking to spend some of that money on bargain-bin acquisitions.
JAMA stands up to drug companies over patients’ right to sue
First the Bush administration gave us the doctrine of preemptive war. Now they want to give us the legal precedent of preemption, a principle that would prevent ordinary citizens from seeking redress in the courts for injuries caused by defective drugs.
Former biopharma employees get energized about clean technology
If you’ve been wondering what the hot new hangout for biopharmaceutical researchers is (and face it, who hasn’t?), here’s the scoop: Scientists and executives are fleeing the biopharma industry for the trendier environs of clean technology.
The FDA hires a PR firm, creates a public relations nightmare for itself
After several public relations embarrassments, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration hired a PR company to improve its image. Now, it’s in trouble yet again for the way it went about choosing that firm.
Prognosis for AIG? Wait and see
Insurance giant AIG, teetering on the brink of financial disaster, calls on the Federal Reserve for help.
Have illness, will travel: the growth of domestic medical tourism
The phenomenon of international medical tourism has been much talked of but also a little overhyped. However, a less flashy manifestation of the trend — traveling within the US for lower prices on medical care — may be catching on with employers and insurers.
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