News

Like other health insurers before it, Aetna considers selling off its PBM unit.

In a retrospective analysis published in the journal Neurology, investigators demonstrated that previous treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) was associated with a reduced risk of the development of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders (ADRD) in patients aged at least 65 years.

This review discusses emerging risk factors for CVD, including hs-CRP, lipoprotein(a), homocysteine, fibrinogen, homocysteine, and coronary artery calcification.

Rivaroxaban is a highly potent direct factor Xa inhibitor that is pending FDA approval for the indication of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in patients undergoing total knee replacement or total hip replacement surgery.

Recent FDA action (through August 2009) related to trazodone, casopitant, sertindole, alogliptin, bepotastine, trabectedin, and velaglucerase alfa

Generic drug approved by FDA (through August 2009): ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate tablets

New molecular entity: Dronedarone (Multaq), a benzofuran derivative, was approved on July 1, 2009, to reduce the risk of CV hospitalization in patients with AF

New molecular entity: Prasugrel (Effient), a platelet activation and aggregation inhibitor, was approved on July 10, 2009, to reduce the rate of thrombotic CV events in patients with ACS undergoing PCI

Agents in late-stage development for the treatment of osteoarthritis and acute/chronic pain

Collaborative healthcare communities gather clinical and claims data to apply to real-world settings

Dean Health Plan and its PBM business seek sure footing for today's changing times in healthcare

Discussing hospice and palliative care with patients and families lowers healthcare costs and allows patients to realize maximum benefits of care

Outcomes-based contracting enables risk sharing between plans and manufacturers while also allowing better patient adherence to regimens

The United Kingdom implemented ICD-10 as far back as 1995, making the United States one of the last major global economies to begin the implementation process.

Straying from the popular opinion of the industry, a handful of medical device manufactures have aligned with Obama's proposed investment in comparative effectiveness research.

If these programs are executed correctly, they can educate patients about their medications, provide physicians with information about the effectiveness of drugs and facilitate communication

The Golden Gate Restaurant Association argues that contributions to San Francisco's Health Access Program under a 2006 ordinance are preempted by ERISA

Commonwealth Fund State Performance Ranking (2007): 14

While co-ops do provide good care and the right incentives, they still face market pressures that have historically destroyed them

Sensitive to market pressures, 67% of employers prefer a phased approach to reform and 68% believe the current tax treatment of coverage should not be changed

Democrats back insurance market changes, coverage mandates and a public plan option. House leaders generally ignored Republican protests.

Standardized medical policies, appropriate technology, centralized authorization tools can render a decision before the patient leaves the clinic

Smaller companies might offer innovation with a lower price tag, but they might not be able to achieve proper certification for incentives

HealthPartners' spreading care system redesign reforms nationwide could save up to $2.4 trillion over next decade.

Through access to more robust data, actuaries can help predict and analyze the long-term feasibility of proposed healthcare reform plans.

5 million adults age 19 to 23 didn't have health insurance in 2006 for the whole year.

Aetna study shows HSAs save money for members and employers.

Educate policymakers on the industry to avoid bad or over-simplified healthcare reform legislation.