Categories
Cardiovascular
Diagnostics
Endocrinology
Health Insurance
Medical Devices
Mental Health
Nutrition
Oncology
Public Health
Sexual Health
Popular Articles

Breast MRI Shows It's Not The Size Of The Lymph Node That Signals Spread Of Cancer
Physicians treating breast cancer first look to lymph nodes in a patient"s armpit to see whether cancer is spreading elsewhere in the body - but they may not be evaluating the nodes in the most effective way.
generic viagra online
Salmonella And E. Coli Bacteria Found In Packets Of Shelled Nuts
A recent study carried out by the Health Protection Agency and LACORS (Local Authorities Co-ordinators of Regulatory Services) has revealed the presence of Salmonella and E. coli bacteria in a small number of samples of ready-to-eat shelled nuts.
News of the day
"Artificial Golgi" May Provide New Insight Into Key Cell Structure
Scientists in New York and North Carolina are reporting assembly of the first functioning prototype of an artificial Golgi organelle. That key structure inside cells helps process and package hormones, enzymes, and other substances that allow the body to function normally. The lab-on-a-chip device could lead to a faster and safer method for producing heparin, the widely used anticoagulant or blood thinner, the researchers note. Their study is scheduled for the Aug. 12 issue of the Journal of the American Chemical Society, a weekly publication.
Public Health

With Health Reform Uncertain, Maryland Hospitals Consolidate

"Facing difficult economic times and the uncertainties of national health care reform, some Maryland hospitals are choosing to be swallowed up by larger medical systems, with an unusual string of mergers over the past 16 months and more likely on the way," The Baltimore Sun reports. The consolidations could offer benefits to all those involved. Small hospitals gain "the hope of safe harbor from whatever financial storms are on the horizon, hospital chains "get footholds in new areas, where they can build market share and increase the number of patients they serve," and patients may "gain access to large networks of top-notch doctors, even if the patients live many miles from a major medical institution." The Sun notes that "In Maryland, where nearly all hospitals are not-for-profit, mergers require no money to change hands. The parent company simply takes over the debts - and assets - of its new affiliate." Smaller hospitals often benefit from extra money for "building and expansion projects" and the "cost savings that come when doing business as a bigger organization." But "not everyone is convinced that mergers are good news for patients." The concern is that the mergers, for example, could "upend" patients" "relationships with their longtime physicians, particularly if the new owner eliminates services at their local hospital." In addition, "local jobs can be lost when redundant services are eliminated in order to save money after institutions merge." A 2007 survey by the American Hospital Association found that "56 percent of the nearly 5,000 hospitals in the United States were part of systems, large or small" (Desmon, 5/31). This information was reprinted from kaiserhealthnews.org with kind permission from the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives and sign up for email delivery at kaiserhealthnews.org. © Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.


Add your comment:
Name:
Site address: http://
Your message:
Enter today\\\\'s date, 2 digits
(spam protection):

© Copyright 2009