News

Part 1 introduces the concept of Six Sigma and its application in a variety of healthcare environments.

By degree of integration and performance level, April 2001

But an off-the shelf CRM package just won't do when you want to deliver claims status reporting, benefit details or case management

Minneapolis Veterans Administration Medical Center-Decreasing or eliminating the use of alprostadil-based erectile dysfunction treatments and converting to 100% sildenafil use would save this VA medical center more than $101,000 annually. Furthermore, the projected savings would allow an additional 405 men with erectile dysfunction to be treated for an entire year, say clinicians at this facility.

Patients' adherence ability is by far the top patient factor guiding selection of a first-line antiretroviral regimen for HIV, according to a new physician survey.

For the first time, a large clinical trial has shown that a medication can help prevent type 2 diabetes in high-risk individuals. At the same time, drug therapy emerged as a less effective preventive strategy than fairly modest diet and exercise changes.

The unprecedented Medicaid disease management deal struck between Florida and Pfizer this summer represents an important "move past unit cost control into total disease control," according to Perry Cohen, PharmD.

A few weeks ago, it looked like the national economic slowdown, which was eroding the anticipated federal budget surplus, might put the costly Medicare pharmaceutical benefit on the endangered list. Congress was having trouble agreeing on a coverage plan, and interest groups were squabbling over how to craft a fair and effective pharmacy program for the elderly.

Pipeline Preview as reported September 1, 2001

News brief.

News brief.

It's a massive project, and meeting the construction deadlines will require planning and interaction with your health care providers right now.

Paid time off banks.

George Halvorson does not pull punches or skirt sensitive issues. In the first chapter of his 1993 book Strong Medicine,

Despite the squabbling, everyone in healthcare wants the same thing: more effective care for patients

As of July 1, 2000

Customized communication via the Internet is new and effective, but don't forget the value of ace-to-face attention

Technology aids with negotiation, information exchange and organizational performance to control expenses against risk pool

Flush from victory in passing patients' rights legislation, Senate Democrats are expected to push for a Medicare prescription drug benefit this fall. The new Senate leadership seems to have found that championing health care is a winning strategy and is eager to build on its success.

Pipeline Preview for August

Interview with U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher.

Interview with U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher.

The issues are much the same, but many of the key players have changed. With the clock ticking, compromise may prove as elusive as ever.

They just don't want to pay for it. And while they'd as soon have their employers pick a plan, they want open access to the doctors their families and friends like.

Tired of waiting for Washington to act, governors and legislators are becoming reluctant reformers. A heady mix of proposals is seasoned by money problems and well stirred by neophyte legislators.

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

Are health plans managing care or cash? And who should pay when things go wrong for patients? Emerging lawsuits have many employers worried.

News brief.