Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Health Informatics News

Health Informatics News


Pro-doctors' bill draws legal question

Posted:

 By Christine Jordan Sexton
5/27/2009 © Health News Florida 
The heat keeps rising over a bill pushed by doctors that would force insurers to change the way they pay. An attorney says it may be unconstitutional, and state Insurance Consumer Advocate Sean Shaw urges the governor to veto. But the docs plan TV ads.

Doctors still push PSA screening

Posted:

3/27/2009 © Palm Beach Post
Studies have found little benefit to the PSA blood test used to screen for prostate cancer, yet doctors still push it. Patients, too.

USF offers free e-coaching for doctors

Posted:

Klasko
3/16/2009 © Florida Health News

A lot of doctors say they can't afford to adopt electronic prescribing. Others need technical help. Today, USF's top doctor Stephen Klasko and Allscripts Inc. announced an end to both barriers with free software and 1-on-1 in-training in doctors' offices in up to 10 counties.

Coalition: Protect drug access

Posted:

By Carol Gentry
3/10/2009 © Florida Health News
USF psychiatrist Michael Bengtson advises the Florida Medicaid program on which drugs need to be readily available.  But even he can't always get the drugs his patients need, he says, because the process is "murky." Consumer groups agree; they've formed a coalition to keep drugs available at a time of budget cuts.

Reform could cost hospitals $4B

Posted:

By Carol Gentry
2/27/2009 © Florida Health News
A former state health official says if Florida’s Medicaid Reform plan is expanded statewide it will cost hospitals nearly $4 billion a year in uninsured emergency-room visits and make it difficult for patients to get immediate treatment.

Crist wants to merge health agencies

Posted:

By Christine Jordan Sexton
2/25/2009 © Florida Health News
Gov. Charlie Crist is reportedly preparing to recommend a merger of the two largest state health agencies into one, a proposal that would affect thousands of state employees. He also wants to keep Medicaid “Reform” unchanged and increase the fees doctors and HMOs get for treating the poor.

Local docs now part of drug trials

Posted:

2/22/2009 © Palm Beach Post
Twenty years ago most drug trials were done in academic medical centers. Today, doctors in the community are getting paid to do the trials, giving patients access to the newest medications.

Fairness to doctors or 'gag order' on patients?

Posted:

 By Carol Gentry
2/13/2009 © Florida Health News
Some Florida doctors now require patients to sign an agreement promising not to post Internet comments about them without permission. Some say it's "an attempt to steal the consumer's right to free speech," but doctors say it's a matter of fairness.

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