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News brief.

Employers are beginning to think so, as employees clamor for coverage and physicians and CAM practitioners sometimes meet on common ground.

As long as alternative therapies aren't dangerous, consumers should beable to get the treatments they choose

When Congress returned from its August recess after Labor Day, it lookedlike partisan politics combined with a national economic slowdown mightderail action on patients' rights legislation along with bills to reformthe Medicare+Choice program or establish a Medicare drug benefit. Democratsand Republicans were having trouble agreeing on spending programs, and interestgroups were squabbling over how to craft a fair pharmaceutical coverageprogram for seniors.

The marriage of health plans and PBMs can improve quality of care and prevent catastrophic events

Experts predict more pressure on independent practices to consolidate information technology management

The challenge for plans will be to merge the individual needs of patients with 'cookbook' population control


Surging utilization, especially for expensive new drugs, is driving increases. New copay structures and wellness programs may provide new help reining in expenses.

Former workers are being asked to pay a larger share of this valued benefit. What difference would Medicare Rx coverage make?

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News brief.

Data watch.

NCEP's new guidelines on high cholesterol treatment and prevention will ultimately improve care, but a high cost to plans

Though MCO infrastructures can offer some support, the task of identifying smokers falls squarely on the shoulders of PCPs

Prescription drug expenditures. Richard Markham, CEO of Aventis Pharmaceuticals.

Prescription drug costs are a favorite target for employers these days, but the forces that drive spending increases range far beyond pricing.


Large employers increasingly use Internet pharmacy services to save money while improving the quality of pharmaceutical services provided to employees.


Depression is a common, debilitating and costly condition. These programs offer standards for comparison with your current behavioral health provider.

News brief.

News brief.

News brief.