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As healthcare costs continue to spiral, the search for solutions is reaching a frantic pace. My experiences over the years have led me to believe that while Consumer- Directed Healthcare (CDHC) has entered the mainstream lexicon, it is far from understood.

There also needs to be sufficient access and guidance so the beneficiary can make informed and knowledgeable choices.

As a third grader, Jean Fraser thought she would become a doctor. Her science class dissected a chicken, and she became so fixated by the experience that she described the process in detail to her father during the family dinner each night. Unbeknown to her until recently, her descriptions back then had made her father sick to his stomach.

A review of agents in late-stage development for the treatment of selected genitourinary disorders (July 2005).

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been widely prescribed for patients with arthritis and other conditions because of their lower risk for gastrointestinal adverse events compared with nonselective NSAIDs 1,2

Dapoxetine (Alza/Ortho-McNeil) is a novel oral medication undergoing FDA review for premature ejaculation, one of the most common disorders of sexual dysfunction in men. Dapoxetine is a fast-acting inhibitor of the serotonin reuptake transporter. It has a short half-life and is structurally related to the antidepressant fluoxetine, allowing for on-demand dosing.

A study was conducted to determine the cost and patient adher- ence rates of lipid-lowering therapy with an extended-release niacin and lovastatin (ERNL) combination agent versus a separate extended-release niacin and statin (ERN-S) combination or statin monotherapy.

The objective of this study was to track the utilization of anti-inflammatory drugs among patients with active rofecoxib prescriptions at the time of market withdrawal through retrospective analysis of pharmacy records and to assess the need for COX-2 inhibitor therapy due to gastrointestinal risk factors.

Multiple condtions cause a ripple effect

HMO pharmacy copay comparison

There are more applications for handheld devices than just formulary compliance

Prescription bottle directions, medical jargon and varied interpretation can cause unintended health problems

July DTR Analysis

New payment methods clear a path for better management

Multiple condtions cause a ripple effect

The majority Of the funding for Medicaid comes from the federal government, while the administration for the program is performed largely by the states.

HMO pharmacy copay comparison

TUBERCULOSIS (TB), a chronic bacterial infection, is one of the world's oldest infectious diseases. It spreads through the air and usually infects the lungs, although other organs may also be involved.

Best practices indicate that health benefits are continued during employee and CEO transitions

In The Sprawling Surroundings of Oklahoma City sits a microcosm of what many stakeholders want for healthcare's future. The Oklahoma Heart Hospital, a 78-bed cardiac specialty hospital, offers the latest in high-tech medicine complemented by high-touch patient care.

A review of agents in late-stage development for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders (June 2005).

Post-operative ileus causes significant patient morbidity and is a major contributor to patient discomfort and increased length of hospitalization post-operatively. Alvimopan (Entereg, Adolor/GlaxoSmithKline), a peripherally selective opioid mu receptor antagonist with gastrointestinal (GI) tract-specific activity, is undergoing FDA review for the treatment of post-operative ileus.

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory dermatologic disease that can have a significant physical and psychological impact on affected patients.

Health plans step up to deliver effective, reliable, cost-effective communications

One plan puts Web power to work and reduces call center volume

Discover how data systems provide efficiencies in business intelligence

June DTR Analysis: Uncovering administrative barriers

CEO Don Hall leads Colorado Access, a Medicare/Medicaid plan that delivers individual management for big-picture health and lifestyle solutions. Intensive care managers help bring down costs for the neediest members.

How physician prescribing is controlled.

The accreditation process influences quality business improvement and has value beyond an organization seal of approval. Experts say the cost of low quality far exceeds the cost of the accreditation process.