While presidential candidates are beating each other up about their plans for the uninsured, they've failed to notice that access to primary care for millions of people enrolled in Medicare is in peril, says Benjamin Brewer, MD.
Clinical-trial results showing that the blood-cancer drug Velcade increases remission rates in patients could boost its chances of winning regulatory approval for wider use. Velcade currently is approved in the United States to treat multiple myeloma in patients who have received at least one prior therapy.
Treating older patients with chronic conditions requires talking to families, ordering medicine and consulting with other physicians. But much of this additional care is not reimbursed by Medicare, according to a study.
Nurses have argued for years that injuries could be avoided with devices that make it easier to lift or slide patients, and now hospitals and lawmakers are listening. Some hospitals are voluntarily investing in equipment they hope will keep nurses on the job and reduce workers-compensation claims. Also, New Jersey lawmakers expect to vote on a bill that would require hospitals and nursing homes to minimize manual lifting by employees.
Communication between doctors and patients regarding prescription drugs sorely needs improvement. According to Consumer Reports, 45 percent of U.S. adults regularly take at least one prescription drug, and 18 percent take three or more--meaning consumers need to know how to get the best value for their healthcare dollar.
The lead contractor building a new replacement hospital in Clarskville, TN, says the $200 million construction effort is a full four months ahead of schedule and is expected to be completed by April 2008. In response to the news, Gateway Health System administrators say they now plan to have the new hospital ready to receive patients a few weeks later.