ARBs may increase risk of cancer development, according to meta-analysis
August 1st 2010A systematic review and meta-analysis conducted by researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, suggests that angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) are associated with "a modestly increased risk" of developing cancer (RR increase of 8%, P=.016).
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Transdermal patches effective for treatment of osteoarthritis pain
August 1st 2010Seven-day, transdermal buprenorphine patches are as effective as sublingual buprenorphine in the treatment of patients with osteoarthritis pain, according to a randomized, double-blind clinical trial recently published on-line ahead of print in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management.
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Drug recalls, shortages suggest FDA needs greater authority for manufacturer compliance
August 1st 2010A number of high-profile drug and biotech manufacturing breakdowns in recent months is raising questions about industry investment in, and commitment to, modern production systems able to meet FDA standards.
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Optimize the effectiveness of health and wellness offerings
August 1st 2010For any savvy health insurer that expects to remain competitive in the increasingly challenging industry, health and wellness programs are no longer novel. Rather, the offerings of a health and wellness program have evolved into an imperative way to engage current and potential customers, as well as positively affect an organization's bottom line.
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Disease management changes course to improve its outcomes
August 1st 2010When disease management began, it just entailed a series of programs with a singular focus. Whether you had asthma, coronary artery disease, heart failure, diabetes or COPD, disease management programs managed only one chronic illness at a time.
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Mathematica Policy Research Evaluates MFP to Assess State Long-Term Care Systems
July 14th 2010The Money Follows the Person (MFP) demonstration, a federal initiative launched in 2005 and extended in 2010 as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, provides funds to help states transition elderly people and people with disabilities from long-term care institutions to receive care in the community in the setting of their choice.
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Six Medicaid Directors Selected as Fellows in the 2011 Class of the Medicaid Leadership Institute
July 14th 2010The future presents significant challenges and opportunities for Medicaid directors, who can leverage their purchasing power to influence improvements in health care quality, delivery and value.
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FDA commissioner announces launch of critical path to TB drug regimens
July 9th 2010Recently, FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg, MD, addressed a press conference of global representatives from advocacy, industry, academia, and government who convened in Washington, DC, to launch a benchmark international consortium to fight tuberculosis (TB).
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