Fight Health Worries|Healthy Living Techniques

We have occasionally posted about the activities of for-profit contract research organizations (CROs). These are commercial entities that conduct human research, including clinical trials for pharmaceutical, biotechnology and device companies. More clinical research is being done by such CROs rather than by academic investigators. CROs seem to operate under the radar of most physicians, academics, and policy makers, but sometimes stories surface that raise questions about them.

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These are the types of videos that really show off how the HeatlhVault works!  You can read all you want, but seeing the devices wirelessly connected and transmitting data is another.  I like the wireless scale!  Many of these devices are already out there and available too. 

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The article Health Care Information Technology Vendors’ “Hold Harmless” Clause - Implications for Patients and Clinicians, Ross Koppel and David Kreda, Journal of the American Medical Association, 2009; 301(12):1276-1278 (JAMA) has caused much discussion in healthcare IT circles.

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Thanks to the Chicago Sun Times for featuring this weeks news about the AMA filing suit in reference to the Ingenix Inquiry.  Senate hearings are scheduled this week to further investigate.  Related reading links offers additional information at the end of the post.  BD

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I think the state of medical care provided by nursing homes is abysmal! There are too many bed sores, too many falls, too many malnourished and dehydrated residents.

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Thanks to all the doctors who stop by here and if you have anything to celebrate, this might be the day to do it, or to collect a bunch of red carnations!   Every year, March 30th is National Doctor’s Day…yes they do have a day of their own!  Say thanks to your physician today for his continued care for your health…it is red carnation day!

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This is perhaps the classic statement here:  "You ask me how are their ‘usual and customary’ rates being determined?" Rockefeller said. "I don’t know."  It comes back to algorithms, formulas that determine the usual an customary fees.  Anyone who had read any number of postings here now knows what that means as I refer to it frequently.  All businesses use them as business intelligence software is what is used to make decisions and calculations, and everyone uses and create algorithms to help them reach the desired results,like Wall Street did too.  They also use drug profiles.

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The officers liver, kidneys and heart were donated, and all transplants were successfully completed Tuesday and early Wednesday.  Nice reminder for all of us to think about being on the donor list.  In California, we have the pink circle right on our drivers license and it may vary in other states.  If you are not already registered on your drivers license you can also register on the website.  Sad the officer lost his life in a gun battle doing his job, but wonderful his donations saved 4 other lives.  BD 

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It happens way too frequently. An elderly nursing home resident with poor circulation and diabetes receives poor care at the nursing home and ends up losing a foot…or worse a leg. Why does it happen?

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This is the convergence of biology and computer science coming together to with a new computer language.  Algorithmic systems biology used to benefit both worlds with a new breed of scientists.  A couple of their research partners include Salk Institute for Biological Studies and GlaxoSmithKline.  This is very interesting as some of their studies are directed towards the DNA in food and nutrition to activate genes that could possibly prevent disease, so this center is all about the prevention at the core.

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