The National Institute of Mental Health has decided to end a study of chelation, a controversial treatment to treat autism that some say is unethical. The government agency will instead fund other potential therapies for the disorder.
Aurora Health Care's Chief Operating Officer Don Nestor has announced plans for retirement, effective Dec. 31. Nestor will continue serving as the health system's president and CEO, and will also be a consultant for several ongoing construction projects.
The National Committee for Quality Assurance has awarded Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield's HMO Colorado Inc. with an excellent accreditation status. The company's rating was based on a review of how the health plan ensures high quality healthcare for its members.
The Food and Drug Administration has blocked imports of more than 30 generic medications made by India's largest pharmaceutical company—among them are generic versions of Cipro and Zocor. Officials say poor quality is to blame.
The former CEO of MedImmune will become a general partner at New Enterprise Associates, a Chevy Chase venture capital firm. According to officials, David M. Mott will be working with the healthcare investment team, focusing specifically on biotechnology and specialty pharmaceuticals.
Humana of Indiana has partnered with St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers. Per a contract, the two will provide in-network healthcare benefits for Humana members at Sisters of St. Francis Health Services Inc. facilities beginning next month.
A physician shortage coupled with a lack of funding continue to slow the progress of rural areas of Uganda. The country's minister for primary healthcare says that while Uganda has begun to tackle issues like malaria and HIV, it still only reaches about 68% of patients.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has proposed changes to the Medicare reimbursement system, which would ultimately impact healthcare services such as hospice care. CMS had attempted to cut reimbursements to physicians, but this has been put off by Congress until at least 2010.
Hospitals nationwide, including those in the St. Louis area, are beginning to adopt concepts that will ultimately enhance the quality of care and make facilities more efficient, taking a lesson from manufacturing companies that have been employing such tools for decades.
Many medical insurance companies across the country have ideas about how to fix the nation's healthcare system. They're hopeful their ideas will be heard soon, as America prepares to usher in a new president. The companies' ideas include a plan to insure all Americans.
