stem cell research news from FierceHealthcare
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Pfizer gets into stem cell research
In recent years, research based on embryonic stem cells has led to a great deal of controversy. However, increasingly, researchers are finding techniques that may allow them to turn average cells... Read more...
ALSO NOTED: UnitedHealth offers real-time claims submissions; CA considers health insurance rate regs; and much more...
> UnitedHealth has created a new claims submission website allowing physicians to file claims in real time. The health plan says the system can confirm patient costs within 10 seconds. Article
> A group of California lawmakers and consumer advocates are pushing for state regulation of medical insurance rates, similar to rules that already govern auto insurance. …
... Read more...ALSO NOTED: CA med mal insurer offers $21M in discounts; Retail clinic group offers standards; and much more...
> A doctor-owned med mal insurer based in California is offering insured physicians a total of $21 million in discounts. Premiums should drop about 7.5 percent. Article
> An emerging trade group for retail clinics has released its own set of quality and safety standards. …
... Read more...Johns Hopkins top R&D spender
As it has for decades, Johns Hopkins University has topped the list of big spenders among U.S. academic institutions pulled together by a long-term government survey. JHU spent a combined $1.44 billion on science, medicine and engineering R&D during 2005, according to National Science Foundation rankings. No other academic research organization spent more than $1 billion. Not surprisingly, given the amount of money spent, the school's dollars have flowed into a wide range of projects, …
... Read more...ALSO NOTED: Does the U.S. need more MD diversity?; Many healthcare workers can't afford homes; and much more...
> Does the U.S. medical field need a more diverse group of doctors? Editorial
> A new housing study finds that many healthcare workers in metropolitan areas are unable to afford homes. Report
> Taiwanese researchers have developed a new method for providing insulin to diabetics. Instead of injecting insulin, the …
... Read more...Poll shows support for Democrats' healthcare agenda
All eyes are on Washington D.C. as Democrats regain control of Congress today, and one of the incoming party's top priorities will be making easier for Americans to buy cheaper prescription drugs from other countries. An Associated Press-AOL News poll found that 69 percent of respondents support legislation that would makes these inexpensive drugs easier to acquire. "Importing prescription drugs to the United States is illegal, but the FDA generally does not bar individuals from …
... Read more...Report: States, consumers take lead in '07
According to a newly-issued report, the brain trust at PriceWaterhouseCoopers expects 2007 to be a signal year in the healthcare history. Among other things, they say, it should be the point at which states begin to take a lead role in reform and consumer-driven health initiatives reach the tipping point. With federal regulators at a standstill, PwC expects to see states jump into controversial issues such as …
... Read more...MDs favor political involvement
Should physicians get involved in political activity? Most say "yes," according to research published in the most recent issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. A JAMA analysis of data from the Institute of Medicine's Survey on Medical Professionalism found that more than 90 percent of physicians felt they should have a public role. (The IOM data was collected between November 2003 and June 2004, and was drawn from physicians in general internal …
... Read more...ALSO NOTED: Kaiser whistleblower talks; CDHPs fuel Florida Blue plan growth; and much more...
> So what was Kaiser whistleblower Justen Deal really thinking? Read this live interview with Justen and decide for yourself. Blog
> Uptake of consumer-driven plans grows dramatically for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida. The health plan, which just …
... Read more...Impact of Democratic gains? Not much
With yesterday's Democratic takeover of the U.S. House of Representatives, and the possibility of a Senate win still in the air, what might the impact be on healthcare providers? Not much, at least in the short term, it seems. True, the Democrats have vowed to address the Medicare Part D "donut hole" issue and invest in medical research, including stem cell research. The party also offers a none-too-specific pledge to provide Americans with access to affordable health care. But no one …
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