ALSO NOTED: Pharmacists helping Katrina victims; Stress fights cancer?; and much more...

> The Walgreen pharmacy chain has given up charging Katrina victims for prescriptions in Houston and Louisiana. With the doctor shortage widespread, pharmacists are stepping in to provide a range of healthcare services. Story (Wall Street Journal sub. req.)

> Time to move to New York? A study in the British Medical Journal suggests that stress may actually reduce the chances women will develop breast cancer. Story

> HIT: CMS announced that it has added information on three new quality markers to its HospitalCompare consumer website. Story

> Cases of post traumatic stress syndrome are reportedly hitting epidemic proportions in some Hurricane affected areas. A call has been put out for mental health professionals and counselors to assist. Story

> A Miami radiologist has filed suit against Boston Scientific claiming a new experimental device the company plans is copied from his design. Story

> GeneOhm sciences said it has developed a quick and effective test for methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. Story

> Payments specialist ProxyMed said it has signed a three-year deal to supply payments processing for the physician practice management division of NDCHealth. Release

> Employers continue to get tough with providers in Michigan. They now have a formal role to "advise" providers on cost containment and quality issues. Release

> Commentary: A panel of industry analysts at The Wall Street Journal thinks long-term prospects for healthcare players look exciting. The short term, they argue, will be a little more boring. Story (sub. req.)

> MIT Technology Review looks at a new biomarker cancer test being developed by Johnson & Johnson and Belgium's OncoMethylome Sciences. Story

> Chutes & Ladders: eICU maker VISICU has named Vincent E. Estrada as vice president and CFO. Release

> Chutes & Ladders: HealthSouth chairman Bob May has tendered his resignation. May will be replaced by current director Jon Hanson. Story

> Chutes & Ladders: QuadraMed said it has named Keith Hagen to replace Lawrence English as CEO effective December 31. Release

And Finally... Experts note that cases of autism are virtually non-existent among the Amish. That appears to deepen the mystery surrounding the condition. Story

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