> A Texas judge in the Vioxx case will allow the jury to hear testimony from former medical examiner Maria Araneta, which is believed to implicate the painkiller in the death of Robert Ernst. Story
> Chutes & Ladders: Cigna HealthCare named David M. Cordani as president, replacing H. Edward Hanway. Story
> Responding to recent criticism following the well-publicized recalls of its defibrillators, Guidant says it will work to increase transparency. Story
> Rep. Nancy Johnson (R-Conn.) introduced a bill to move Medicare's physician payment schedule toward one based on bonuses for quality and performance. Story
> Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center CIO John Halamaka, who has an RFID chip implanted in his arm, says he is an "unscientific study with a sample of one." Story
> McKesson provider technologies president Pamela Pure testified to Congress this week that health IT legislation will save both lives and money. Story
> An ugly fight over the publication of suspect research leads to a falling out between the American Journal of Hypertension and its parent association. Story (Wall Street Journal sub. req.)
> Health authorities in the UK said they will recall thousands of caplets of Lipitor after the discovery of fake tablets. Story
> Capella Healthcare said it will buy five hospitals put up for sale by HCA. Release
> A government investigation finds intolerable conditions at a state mental institution in Napa, California. Story
And Finally... A Buffalo, New York, man has become the latest person in need of a kidney transplant to put up a billboard pleading for help. Story