CDC survey finds education needed for signs of stroke

A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that less than half of the 71,000 Americans surveyed for this study could identify the top five warning signs of stroke. Whites, women and people with higher levels of education were more likely able to recognize the signs of stroke. Click here to read more.

Blood pressure not routinely monitored, says report

A Stanford University study shows that routine blood pressure readings were taken in only 56 percent of patients who had an office visit with their physician. The percentage increased to 93 percent for patients who had a hypertension diagnosis, but only 39 percent of hypertensive patients on medication actually were at the recommended levels. Click here for the report.

Most Americans take drugs for chronic conditions

A survey by Medco Health Solutions shows that 51 percent of insured Americans are taking prescription medications for chronic health problems, with blood pressure and cholesterol drugs leading the way. The numbers reflect growing problems with obesity and heart disease, but also show pharmaceutical advances are turning fatal diseases into controllable ones. Click here to read more.

Study shows care at safety-net hospitals declines

Researchers say the quality of care at safety-net hospitals that serve the poor is worse than care provided at hospitals that do not rely on Medicaid or other public sources for funding. Quality of care is a key indicator because pay-for-performance measures affect funding levels for safety-net hospitals. Click here to read more.

New payer initiative aims to enable more accessibility to providers

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Aetna, Independence Blue Cross and other insurers in the Philadelphia region are paying health providers, including family doctors, to closely track the treatment and condition of their patients. Through the initiative, the insurers are striving to boost accessibility of providers to their patients through phone calls and e-mail to improve care and reduce costs. Click here to read more.