Unbiased Analysis of Today's Healthcare Issues
Drug-resistant gonorrhea has been reported in 17 European countries and could soon arrive in the U.S. Will Pharma develop new drugs to fight this more robust version of the disease? The answer may be no. Companies have been reluctant to invest in developing new antibiotics because they are used sparingly, and often held in reserve…
Most people stereotype European economies as a single payer system whereas the U.S. uses a system of private insurance that is largely unregulated. This characterization is largely false. The U.S. has extensive regulation. Further, the U.S. federal government pays for the largest share of health care. According to a CHCF report, in 2010, the federal…
Which economists support Romney? 3 questions. Using computers to find “good” side effects. Obstetric unit closures and perinatal outcomes. Mixed reviews on effect of hospital EHR adoption. Costco Customers Call for ‘Americans Only’ Hours
The latest edition of the Health Wonk Review is up at the Disease Management Care Blog.
The Illenbergers wanted to have a home birth. To do this, they contracted with a Licensed Midwife. The birth was successful and the mother and baby are happy and healthy. But Blue Shield of California refused to pay for any of the cost. The cost of hiring the LM was $4500. WebMD reports that a…
“Where there is no Standard there can be no Improvement” – Taiichi Ohno
A July 2012 IOM report recommends changing state laws to allow “nurse practitioners and physician assistants to practice to the full extent of their educational preparation.” Based on information from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), not all states currently allow permit NPs this flexibility. Currently 16 states and the District of Columbia (see below)…
To answer this question the best place to look is Paul Ryan’s budget proposal. The proposal would convert Medicare and Medicaid into voucher-based programs. Individuals and families not covered by either of these programs would receive assistance through a refundable tax credit based on the individual’s income. You can find more information on Mr. Ryan’s…
In the not to distant future, the answer may be yes. A report by Frazier and Foster (2009) examine how difficult it is for Medicare beneficiaries in Alaska to find a primary care doctor. “About 85% [of primary-car doctors in Alaska] choose the standard Medicare process (“participating”). Another 4% still work with the Medicare system…
I’d give my right arm to be ambidextrous. — Old Proverb