In-lesion restenosis is similar between the sirolimus-eluting stent (Cypher) and the paclitaxel-eluting stent (Taxus) when used for the treatment of routine coronary artery stenoses, but the sirolimus-eluting stent may offer an advantage in patients with diabetes, according to a study reported at the ACC Annual Scientific Session 2005.
An antihypertensive therapeutic strategy that starts with the calcium antagonist amlodipine is superior to one starting with the beta-blocker atenolol in preventing coronary heart disease (CHD) events, Peter S. Sever, MD, reported at the ACC Annual Scientific Session 2005.
Atorvastatin 80 mg/d is associated with better cardiovascular outcomes than atorvastatin 10 mg/d in patients with stable coronary heart disease (CHD), according to John LaRosa, MD, who presented the results of the Treating to New Targets (TNT) study at the ACC Annual Scientific Session 2005.
The angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) eprosartan is superior to the calcium antagonist nitrendipine in secondary stroke prophylaxis in patients with hypertension, Hans-Christian Diener, MD, reported at the ASA's International Stroke Conference 2005.
Ramelteon (Takeda Pharmaceuticals) is a selective melatonin receptor agonist awaiting FDA approval for the treatment of insomnia. Unlike the currently prescribed hypnotic agents that work by targeting gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, ramelteon offers a novel mechanism of action, specifically targeting the MT1 and MT2 receptors in the brain, which are thought to play a role in regulating sedation and circadian rhythms. Ramelteon is characterized by undergoing extensive first-pass metabolism along with having high oral bioavailability. Results of phase 2 clinical trials have demonstrated that ramelteon-treated patients had significantly shorter sleep onset latencies and longer total sleep times than placebo-treated patients. Furthermore, ramelteon therapy did not appear to impair patient cognition, memory recall, levels of alertness, or ability to concentrate. Data from animal studies suggest that ramelteon is not likely to cause abuse or physical dependence. Unlike the current FDA-approved..
First once-monthly therapy approved for treatment and prevention of osteoporosis
Cost management attributes compared
Cost management attributes compared
OTC and generics help the cause
Group purchasing organizations bring efficiencies
Review of the Watson Wyatt survey
Top 25 drug classes included in step therapy
Viral illnesses are notoriously difficult to treat. There are a host of antibiotics to fight bacteria, but until recently, most viruses were treated with over-the-counter analgesics plus supportive measures such as bed rest and fluids.
Healthcare consumers and purchasers finally are getting what they've wanted for years: online information about health plans and hospitals. But is it data they need and can use to make good healthcare decisions? Employers say, "not yet."
Three plan CEOs invest in the health of the Hawaiian community, tailoring their approach to the unique needs of the island's residents. MHE brings them together for snapshot of their plans' challenges.
In the early-to-mid 1990s, employers began choosing HMO products over PPOs and traditional health insurance plans because of cost concerns.
A review of agents in late-stage development for the treatment of HIV/AIDS (April 2005).
A review of agents in late-stage development for the treatment of HIV/AIDS (April 2005).
If approved, tipranavir (Boehringer Ingelheim) will be the ninth protease inhibitor (PI) available and the first nonpeptidic PI available in the United States. Designed by structure-based analysis, tipranavir is more flexible at the binding site, allowing for a potent and durable antiretroviral response. The tipranavir (TPV) and ritonavir (RTV) PI regimen (TPV/r) studied in clinical trials had a moderate pill burden, requiring 4 pills to be taken twice daily (2 RTV 100 mg and 2 TPV 250 mg).
Although oral antidiabetic medications initially may be effective for controlling hyperglycemia, these agents often fail to maintain adequate glycemic control as the disease progresses, and insulin eventually is required in most patients. This review explores strategies for identifying patients with type 2 diabetes who are failing to maintain glycemic control on oral agents and for transitioning these patients to insulin. Based on available data, patients are not reaching recommended glycemic goals due to delays in and reluctance towards intensification of therapy, resulting in an increased risk of complications.
At first glance, you might wonder what the Japanese auto industry has to do with managed healthcare in the United States. For Anthony Horbal (pictured left), founder and CEO of Erie, Pa.-based Ion Health Inc. and Mike Nelson, Ion Health's president and director, Japanese automakers just might have provided an epiphany.
Disease management maintains popularity
Computerized provider order entry reaches ambulatory care setting.
Disease management programs
Parkinson's Disease is a chronic, progressive neurological disorder that occurs when neurons in the part of the brain that controls movement start to degenerate. This leads to a shortage of the neurotransmitter dopamine, causing characteristic movement problems.
Effective boards begin to identify and develop the CEO's replacement the moment he/she starts.
At first glance, you might wonder what the Japanese auto industry has to do with managed healthcare in the United States. For Anthony Horbal (pictured left), founder and CEO of Erie, Pa.-based Ion Health Inc. and Mike Nelson, Ion Health's president and director, Japanese automakers just might have provided an epiphany.
When worker's compensation laws were first adopted in the early part of the 20th century, they were promoted as a revolutionary advancement of employees' rights.
Not long ago, I was talking with a family friend, Jamie, a young, single mom and then Medicaid recipient. We were discussing our families and I had mentioned how busy I was driving my children to and from their many extracurricular activities and social events.
Realistic reimbursement calculations are crucial to any stragetic plan, but how do you arrive at a reasonable answer?
