Urology

Just mentioning "contract negotiations" can put plans and providers on the defensive or maybe even the offensive. The sometimes-contentious relationship between the two, triggered by the high cost of healthcare and complaints from providers about not being paid enough, escalates while both parties try to come to some kind of agreement.

The high cost of emergency department (ED) care is a concern for commercial and government insurers, hospitals, physicians and patients. Two-thirds of EDs operate at full capacity or over capacity, a situation exacerbated by increased ED visits from both insured and uninsured patients. Software applications that automate the ED can help improve patient outcomes and reduce costs. Payer organizations should be aware of four key adoption trends in ED automation.

While healthcare is highly competitive from a business perspective, when it comes to the actual delivery of care, everyone is on the same team. The ultimate goal is to provide the best possible care at the lowest possible cost, and that's exactly why the Cleveland Clinic created its Disease Management Project.

Critics contend that DTC promotion boosts medical costs.

About three years ago I asked a large group of health plan executives if they knew how much they spend annually for ?specialty pharmacy? products. Few could respond, and virtually none had launched any efforts to control the then unknown rapid increase in these costs.Today, this is not the case.

New entities and actions in brief

New molecular entities

Fibromyalgia is real and prevalent, yet many physicians and employers may inadvertently ignore or demean sufferers, not only at the cost of those with the condition, but at the cost of productivity and healthcare expenditures.

FDA actions and new molecular entities

Washington, D.C. - Last month, the House approved legislation that would make it easier for Americans to obtain prescription drugs from Canada and other countries, similar to action it took last year. This time the legislators voted overwhelmingly to add to FDA's 2005 budget bill a provision that blocks FDA from enforcing a ban on drug reimportation. The drug import language is not expected to survive House-Senate negotiations on a final FDA spending bill, but it allows members of Congress to portray themselves as import advocates at election time.

New molecular entities, new biologics and new formulations

Our recent "ER is a Hit With Insured Americans" news item stirred up some reader response.

Recent approvals and FDA actions

Data allow MCOs to evalutate their pharmacy services and which drugs should or should not be covered

New HEDIS measures for 2004; President&s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health report; The Commonwealth Fund's report on eroding retiree benefits

Providers and payers benefit from efficient scheduling,vbalanced utilization and adequate staffing

Ranked by total of all payers, 2001

Expert analysis of a debate on cancer screening reveals 63 permutations on points of view. Is it any wonder, then, that the nation has trouble achieving consensus on health care policy?

...then bring the doctors to the men. An on-site screening program at Lockheed addressed that reluctance.

Some tips on deciding which plan or network will consistently produce better outcomes in specialized care.

Healthcare still has high hopes for the elusive technology

A roundtable discussion with Vincent T. Andriole, MD, Chairperson; Paul B. Iannini, MD; Lionel A. Mandell, MD, FRCPC; Charles H. Nightingale, PhD; Lance R. Peterson, MD

Product Profile

New tools that include IS, Internet processing, ASPs and outsourcing help manage transactions and free resources to focus on core competencies

MCOs implement multi-tier benefit to slow drug-spending growth, but future fiscal controls could limit access

Worksite education about overactive bladder needn't be elaborate or expensive to be of great value for employees who endure the condition, care for an affected family member or stigmatize symptoms.

People with overactive bladder, incontinent or not, often think they must tolerate symptoms, but that&s a terrible mistake. Therapy is safe, effective, and uncomplicated.

People with overactive bladder, incontinent or not, often think they must tolerate symptoms, but that&s a terrible mistake. Therapy is safe, effective, and uncomplicated.

Government and private organizations offer a wealth of helpful information. Surf the net, send a letter or make a call.

Current estimates indicate that overactive bladder is a widespread disorder. Yet, these figures only capture people willing to admit to symptoms.