> Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt says 40,000 hospital rooms have been identified nationwide as available for Katrina victims; 1,000 beds are available in New Orleans. Story
> HCA evacuated Tulane Medical Center with apparently no federal government help or coordination. Story (Wall Street Journal sub. req.)
> Med Tech: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts becomes the latest insurer to require pre-approval for scans. Mysteriously, the provider says it will not deny requests, only provide "guidance." Story
> The Los Angeles Country Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to approve $63 million in additional funding to help turn around troubled King/Drew Medical Center. Story
> HIT: Georgetown University Medical Center said it has selected Sun Microsystems and its InstantDX system for its RHIO system. Release
> The Federal Trade Commission said that PBMs offer decent value. Story (Wall Street Journal sub. req.)
> The last for-profit hospital on Long Island closed its doors yesterday. Officials said the structure may be used to house Katrina refugees. Story
And Finally... Drug prices have been cut in half; unfortunately, the drugs are illegal ones on the streets of Glasgow. Story