Janice Simmons, Senior Editor

Changes are afoot for the millions with chronic diseases and disabilities in the form of biomarkers, which can be used to diagnose disease risks, assess the presence of disease in an individual, or tailor treatments for the disease in an individual. The big question, though, is: How long will it take? [Read More]

October 8, 2009

Editor's Picks

Elderly Fall Injuries Cost $20 Billion in 2006 and Price Is Rising
Three in 10 elderly patients who sought care in an emergency room after a fall were admitted to the hospital for treatment of their injuries, which was a major share of the $20 billion cost for treating falls in people over age 65 in 2006. This was one of the findings from a new Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality report, which said that each year about one third of elderly adults experiences a fall. [Read More]

Scripps Health Brings Heart Patients Personalized Medicine With Genetic Test
Scripps Health is saying it is the first U.S. hospital network to bring its heart care into the world of genetic medicine by offering a test to determine which stent patients may benefit from anti platelet drug therapy, and which ones won't. [Read More]

Heart Failure Program Certification is a First for Joint Commission
Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, IL, has become the first organization in the country to be certified under the new Advanced Certification Program in Heart Failure, according to the Joint Commission. [Read More]

Nurse Leaders Showcased
HealthLeaders Media launched NursingLeaders, its newest weekly e newsletter, this week. Nurses play a vital role on the senior leadership team of healthcare organizations and my colleague, Rebecca Hendren, showcases two organizations—Hackensack (NJ) University Medical Center and University Hospital of Brooklyn SUNY Downstate Medical Center—that have demonstrated transformational nursing leadership. [Read More]

This Week's Headlines

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Texas healthcare ranked 46th in nation
Dallas Morning News - October 8, 2009

Patients, Docs Rip ED Waits in Massachusetts
John Commins, for HealthLeaders Media - October 6, 2009

Hospitals find way to make care cheaper: Make it better
Wall Street Journal - October 6, 2009

U.S. losing ground on preventable deaths
Washington Post - October 6, 2009

Webcasts/Audio Conferences

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Service Lines Strategies Workshop 2009: Stroke Care (November 17)

RAC Strategy: Preserve Margin, Prevent Take-backs, Promote Alignment (November 10)

Flexible Medical Staff Models of the Future (October 29)

Marketing to Physicians: Build Relationships to Increase Referrals (October 22)