Brain pacemaker shown to be effective in treating depression, OCD

Two studies have found that a brain pacemaker developed by Medtronic was able to improve the conditions of patients with major depressive behavior and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Researchers did not uncover any serious adverse events linked to the device, which is being evaluated by the FDA for approval for treatment of OCD. Click here to read more.

Heart failure hospitalizations tied to secondary factors

Research that included almost 49,000 patients shows pneumonia, irregular heartbeat and obstructed blood-flow to the heart are the most common reasons U.S. heart failure patients are hospitalized. More than 60 percent of heart failure patients hospitalized had at least one of these factors, and the study’s authors point out that early interventions – such as immunizations for flu and pneumonia – could help reduce hospital admissions. Click here to read more.

CDC reports rates of hepatitis A, B cases down; hepatitis C up slightly

New data from the CDC show rates of new hepatitis A and B infections have fallen to the lowest levels ever recorded, which experts attributed to routine childhood vaccination. However, the data also found infection with hepatitis C has increased slightly each year since 2003, leading one CDC expert to call for more effective interventions. Click here for the report.

Providers, payers and patients like virtual visits

Virtual doctor visits are becoming more popular throughout the United States. For the patient, “seeing” the doctor becomes simpler, less time-consuming and less expensive. It’s also more convenient for doctors, and it’s generally less expensive for insurance companies. Click here to read more.

IOM calls healthcare industry to prepare for the Boomers

The healthcare community needs to start making preparations for aging baby boomers, says a report by the Institute of Medicine. The report warns of serious breakdowns if the healthcare system is not adequately prepared for the 20 percent of the population that will be over 65 years of age by the year 2030. The report calls for more healthcare workers and changes to the fundamentals of the system. The changes involve re-thinking everything from education and training to models of care and private and public insurance programs. Click here for the report.