ALSO NOTED: Medical journals under fire; Hot competition in N.C.; and much more...

> Medical journals are under fire for not asking their authors about financial ties to the subjects of their papers. Last week it was JAMA, revealing that the authors of an article on depression during pregnancy had been paid by an antidepressant maker. This week the journal Neuropsychopharmacology admits it failed to mention that its own editor is a consultant to a company that makes a treatment reviewed favorably in the journal's pages. Article (WSJ sub. req.)

> North Wilkesboro, NC must be quite an appealing place. It has three suitors--Carolinas Health Care System, Novant Health and Community Health Systems--vying to manage its 140-bed hospital. Report

> Piedmont Healthcare, including Piedmont Hospital, Piedmont Fayette Hospital and the 492-member Piedmont Clinic, has signed a three-year agreement with CIGNA HealthCare of Georgia. The agreement covers the health plan's health maintenance organization, point-of-service and preferred provider organization plans. Report

> A new skin patch may make it easier to manage medication for Alzheimer's patients. The Exelon patch, made by Novartis Pharmaceuticals, will seek U.S. approval later this year. Exelon is widely used in pill form, but nausea is a common side effect and noncompliance is a problem. The patch evens out the absorption of the drug, and is easier for caregivers to administer. Article

> The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation of North Carolina has awarded $1.5 million in grants to the state's free clinics to develop disease management programs and otherwise strengthen care for the uninsured. Article

And Finally... A group of docs in Columbus, OH, fed up with how much it costs to provide health coverage for themselves and their employees, are mulling the idea of starting their own insurance company. About 20 doctors and 30 group practice managers attended a preliminary meeting, and now they're trying to raise money for a feasibility study. Article

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