Medicare aims to change payment system for drug program
Medicare officials, hoping to reduce errors in the Part D drug benefit program, want new enrollees to pay their premiums directly to insurers. The current program, launched January 1, 2006, relies on deductions from Social Security checks, but that system has suffered from some issues, and the government is encouraging the new payment approach. The Washington Post /Associated Press (free registration)
Drug chains, others offering in-store medical care
Despite concern among doctors’ groups, CVS, Walgreens, Wal-Mart and other major retailers are opening in-store clinics – run by nurse practitioners and physician assistants – where customers can be treated for common ailments and receive prescriptions, most likely to be filled in the same outlet. Bloomberg
Editors Note: Have you had experience with these “Minute Clinics” in your area? If so, please write to me at allewellyn@dorlandhealth.com to share your experience so that we can all learn how this new healthcare setting is working.
Time to get your flu shot . . . check out who should be first in line
The U.S. CDC reports more than 100 million doses of flu vaccine should be available over the next several months, a near-record amount that exceeds the 95 million distributed in 2002. The shots are recommended for infants and children from 6 months to 5 years of age, pregnant women, adults 65 and older, people with chronic health conditions and a few other groups. Forbes/Associated Press
Researchers find molecular link to aging
A single molecular switch plays a central role in inducing stem cells in the brain, pancreas, and blood to lose function as they age, say researchers. Mice lacking that switch show considerably reduced aging-related decline in stem cell function and tissue regeneration. “People tend to think that old tissues have less regenerative capacity because they are wearing out,” said Sean J. Morrison, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator at the University of Michigan who led the study of the switch’s role in the brain. “This work shows that they are not just wearing out; they are actively shutting themselves down.” Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Study: Health literacy rates among Americans only “intermediate”
Most adults have only an intermediate level of health literacy, according to a new report from the National Center for Education Statistics. The findings mean that a majority of U.S. adults will have some difficulty understanding health-related materials, experts said. The Washington Post /Associated Press (free registration)
“My Medicare” program to give beneficiaries health record tools
In announcing his resignation as the head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Dr. Mark McClellan said the CMS soon will launch a new program offering beneficiaries more tools for personalizing health records and getting information about their healthcare. The program, called “My Health, My Medicare,” is expected to be introduced early next month, before McClellan leaves. Government Health IT
Boston Scientific acknowledges thrombosis risk from stents
Case managers should look back on records of patients who have had stents placed to ensure they are on the proper treatment in view of this announcement. Wall Street Journal (subscription required)
She did it!
In one of the most highly anticipated developments in the recent history of network news, Katie Couric stepped into the spotlight Tuesday night as the anchor of the CBS Evening News. I missed the first show, but caught the second night. What impressed me most was that Katie had an exclusive interview with President Bush, while her rivals, Brian Williams and Charles Gibson relied on video clips on the topic. Time will tell how she does, but I think she is off to a good start!
