Review: Reports on Pfizer drug studies misleading Nov 12, 2009
Pfizer disputes the report's conclusions, saying the company never "attempted to mislead the medical community about the effectiveness" of the drug for certain uses. "We believe the review suffers from significant bias, insufficient data, poor methodology, and cannot pass the threshold of credible scientific research," Pfizer said in a statement. (Yahoo News)
Allon Therapeutics Releases Third Quarter Operating Results Nov 11, 2009
The optimization work is being done to enhance administration convenience and cost effectiveness prior to commercialization, and involves adjusting the dosing concentrations of the drug. This process was initiated following the previously successful Phase II clinical trials and will be completed prior to commencing the upcoming larger clinical trial in FTD or additional trials in Alzheimer's or schizophrenia. (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
Angle Announces 2009 Third Quarter Results Nov 10, 2009
Management has assessed the effectiveness of the Company's internal controls over financial reporting as defined by National Instrument 52-109 at December 31, 2008. The assessment was based on the framework in "Internal Control - Integrated Framework" issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations. (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
Expanded drug treatment: Will U.S. step up? Nov 9, 2009
Most Americans, he suggested, have an image of drug treatment formed from the movies "cartoon treatment" involving emotional group encounters and are unaware of a new wave of medications and other therapies that haven't gained wide use despite proven effectiveness. "For the first time, it can truly be said that we know what to do we know the things that work," he said. (MSNBC -- Health)
Democrats forget how they were toward Bush Nov 9, 2009
pril wrote on Nov 8, 2009 9:29 AM:" Heh. Bush's cocaine use. Documented in tapes made by a Doug Wead (one of Bush Sr's aides) while Bush was governor and mentioned several other times during his 2000 presidential race. He never denied it, and did call it a youthful indiscretion. As well as smoking marijuana. So, is his youthful indiscretion excusable somehow and Obama's is not? How did Bush have a hand in wrecking the country? You have to find this out for yourselves. I think every president... (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
Dr. Scott Geller: Obamacare should frighten anyone who is or plans to grow old Nov 8, 2009
As part of Obama's 'stimulus package', a Billion Dollars has been earmarked for a new bureaucracy, the 'Federal Coordinating Council for Comparative Effectiveness Research. The Council is the brain child of former Health and Human Services Secretary Nominee Tom Daschle. (The News-Press -- Opinion)
House Passes $1 Trillion Legislation to Overhaul U.S. Health Care System Nov 8, 2009
Both the House and Senate bills require Americans to get insurance, add new restrictions on and encourage greater use of preventive medicine, electronic records and research on the effectiveness of treatments. Medicaid Expansion. (Bloomberg -- US)
They look past the paycheck Nov 8, 2009
How to deliver the very best care for our patients and families, and work to hold the line on cost, and at the same time, continue to invest in people, quality, efficiency, and effectiveness - that really was the goal, Fenwick said. Deloitte: Sarah Wolcott is eager to get back to work, but first she d like to knock out the first part of her CPA exam. (Boston Globe)
Companies get creative to deal with rising health care costs Nov 7, 2009
With those efforts, the effectiveness and return can be harder to gauge. "Some organizations do it because they think it's the right thing to do and they know in their hearts there will be a payoff," Abate said. (Hopkinton Town Crier, MA)
Sex ed gets another endorsement Nov 7, 2009
It found solid proof of its effectiveness in "reducing a number of self-reported [sexual] risk behaviors." ... But the panel, the Task Force on Community Preventive Services, did come to another rather surprising conclusion: There's "insufficient evidence to determine the effectiveness" of the abstinence-only approach with regards to the reduction of teen pregnancy and STD transmission ... Two members of the CDC Community Guide have issued a claiming that the panel's recommendations "fail to... (Salon)
Autism Consortium symposium draws record number of researchers, advocates, parents for autism update Nov 6, 2009
Susan Wilczynski, PhD, BCBA, executive director of the National Autism Center, discussed a study evaluating the effectiveness of autism treatments based on research study results published in peer-reviewed journals. Latest Autism Research Presented for Discussion. (EurekAlert!)
Opening Remarks by Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Managing Director, International Monetary Fund, Given at the 10th Jacques Polak Annual Research Conference Nov 6, 2009
Macro-financial linkages, in turn, can complicate and reduce the effectiveness of traditional monetary, fiscal, and regulatory policies ... This represents a brand new role for the Fund requiring us to improve the intensity and effectiveness of our multilateral surveillance functions. (IMF News)
Unhealthy Taxes Nov 4, 2009
They range from a new Retiree Reserve Trust Fund and Health Insurance Exchange to a Center for Comparative Effectiveness Research and an Office of Indian Men's Health (one of 10 new entities just to handle Native American health care). It even contains get this a "program of administrative simplification." This bill has Leviathan written all over it. (Investors Business Daily)
Healthcare Reform Nov 4, 2009
Tax cuts woudl drive up the cost of the bill pretty fast, thus diminishing the effectiveness of a key Republican talking point. Share. (Salon)
Children’s Hospital, 3 health plans push cost-control effort Nov 4, 2009
Andrew Dreyfus, executive vice president at Boston-based Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts, the state s largest health insurer, said the Children s Hospital arrangement is the first in Massachusetts in which a hospital and its physicians voluntarily agreed to reduce fees and target some of the savings to boost effectiveness ... Children s Hospital, which hosts the world s largest research operation based at a pediatric center, has begun funding some of the pilot programs on its own... (Boston Globe)
Kingdom of the Netherlands—The Netherlands 2009 Article IV Consultation: Preliminary Conclusions Nov 3, 2009
Its effectiveness is augmented by the broad harmonization of discretionary easing implemented by most EU members. 18. (IMF News)
Senator Demands Cigna Clarify Premiums, Claims Nov 3, 2009
" "Instead of disclosing medical loss ratios (MLR) to help consumers and small business owners make informed health care choices, health insurance companies have hidden them behind a wall of corporate secrecy," the letter said. According to the Senate analysis, the six largest public insurance companies' average ratio in 2009 was 74 percent for individuals; 80 percent for small companies with fewer than 50 employees, and 84 percent for large businesses. America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP),... (ABC News -- Business)
Capuano's pitch as insider has benefit, risk Nov 3, 2009
One measure of effectiveness, an important one, is what you can bring home, he said. Capuano added that there are several instances in which he fought against the status quo, citing his support of an ethics reform package and his opposition to the Patriot Act and the Iraq war. (Boston Globe)
The cost of improving dialysis care Nov 1, 2009
"We hope that these results will help researchers and providers approach the controversial and sensitive question of cost effectiveness and life sustaining treatments," Dr. McFarlane noted. The findings indicate that research into less costly treatments that replace kidney function as well as improved patient survival may help dialysis patients and the organizations that underwrite the cost of dialysis care. (EurekAlert!)
How I got well in India for $50 Nov 1, 2009
Far too rarely does the debate focus on figuring out how to "set the optimal level" -- what kind of stimulus is most productive, what's the best health care in terms of cost effectiveness, just how long should a patent be enforceable. Mulligan, no doubt, would say that the market, and the market alone, should be allowed to figure out the optimal levels. (Salon)
Open Forum: Check out the Brainerd library Oct 31, 2009
Sold unrefined, diluted and dumped into our municipal water supply with no scientific support of its safety or effectiveness in preventing tooth decay. Why. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
Misunderstood drug helps skin conditions, helps prevent cancers Oct 31, 2009
So why is the number one anti-aging medicine, originally approved nearly 40 years ago for acne, with more than 2000 independent, scientific studies demonstrating its safety and effectiveness, shunned by many patients. "They are the most misunderstood drug; people are afraid of them," said Dr. Terezakis. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Public option likely wont survive health-care debate, expert tells Louisville crowd Oct 30, 2009
He also said he looks forward to technology that will allow doctors to compare the cost and effectiveness of their treatments with their peers. Reinhardt predicted some reform measure will make it through Congress soon. (Courier-Journal -- Business)
Obama: Twelve months on, the star falls back to earth... Oct 30, 2009
Obama: Twelve months on, the star falls back to earth - Americas, World - The Independent. from The Independent & The Independent on Sunday. (The Drudge Report)
WEGENER Vice President Gary Pelkey to Present at SMPTE Annual Tech Conference & Expo 2009 Oct 28, 2009
Forward-looking statements are based upon the Company's current expectations and assumptions, which are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to: customer acceptance and effectiveness of recently introduced products, development of additional business for the Company's digital video and audio transmission product lines, effectiveness of the sales organization, the successful development and introduction of new products in the future, delays in the conversion... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Pro & Con: Should health policy include taxing unhealthy foods, drinks? Oct 27, 2009
If Congress will not pass these measures quickly, consider adopting these changes in Georgia so we can demonstrate the effectiveness of these proposals. Twenty-seven states have nutritional standards for what can be sold in their schools. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Q&A: Tips for traveling safely during flu season Oct 27, 2009
A. The CDC says there is little information on the effectiveness of disposable paper face masks. They are not recommended in most settings. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Travel)
Federal agency says it will police and help streamline food packaging claims Oct 27, 2009
Much of what the Food and Drug Administration knows about a drug's safety and effectiveness is not included on the label, say two drug safety experts who are calling on the agency to make that information more accessible. In this week's issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers from Dartmouth College argue that drug labels don't reflect the nuanced decisions the FDA makes when deciding to approve a drug. (Fresno Bee -- Lifestyle)
Reid Lacks Consensus on Health-Care Public Option as House Fine-Tunes Plan Oct 26, 2009
All the measures restrict insurers ability to deny people coverage and encourage preventive care, electronic records and research on the effectiveness of treatments. The thornier questions will be thrashed out in a House-Senate conference. (Bloomberg -- US)
Government-Run U.S. Health Plan Gains Support With State Opt-Out Proposal Oct 25, 2009
The bills also restrict insurers ability to deny people coverage and encourage greater use of preventive care, electronic records and research on the effectiveness of treatments. Coverage Gap. (Bloomberg -- US)
Government-Run Health Plan Consensus May Be Nearing in U.S. House, Senate Oct 24, 2009
The bills also restrict insurers ability to deny people coverage and encourage greater use of preventive care, electronic records and research on the effectiveness of treatments. Pelosi also said the House legislation would accelerate the elimination of a gap in coverage of a drug benefit for Medicare recipients. (Bloomberg -- US)
Boehner: Obama's 'Chicago-Style Politics' .. Oct 23, 2009
Obama's 'Chicago-style politics:' Boehner: The Swamp. Posted October 22, 2009 1:40 PM. (The Drudge Report)
Heritage Commerce Corp Reports Financial Results for Third Quarter 2009 Oct 23, 2009
The forward-looking statements could be affected by many factors, including but not limited to: (1) our ability to attract new deposits and loans; (2) local, regional, and national economic conditions and events and the impact they may have on us and our customers; (3) risks associated with concentrations in real estate related loans; (4) increasing levels of classified assets, including non-performing assets, which could adversely affect our earnings and liquidity; (5) market interest rate... (Primezone Releases)
Snowe Rejects Public Insurance Option as Senate Democrats Weigh Measure Oct 23, 2009
They also restrict insurers ability to deny people coverage and encourage greater use of preventive care, electronic records and research on the effectiveness of treatments. Baucus said hed be open to a national public option if it can get 60 votes, the number of seats controlled by Senate Democrats. (Bloomberg -- US)
Impact of the Global Financial Crisis and Its Implications for the East Asian Economy, Keynote Speech by Mr. Takatoshi Kato, Deputy Managing Director, International Monetary Fund, At the Korea International Financial Association, First International Conference Oct 22, 2009
In addition, a top priority for the Fund s legitimacy and effectiveness is an increase in the quota and voice of underrepresented emerging market economies. Reforms agreed in April 2008 need to be approved promptly. (IMF News)
Gates Versus the White House Oct 22, 2009
They keep in all of the horrors in the bill: government control of health care decisions, federal funding of abortion, health care for illegal aliens, comparative effectiveness, rationing -- the hard core leftist bill. There is no requirement for either floor debate or amendments. (Human Events Online)
Crying children, happy parents: Long lines for H1N1 vaccine clinic Oct 21, 2009
Barnes, who has diabetes, believes in the effectiveness of flu shots and already had received his seasonal flu vaccination. "This seemed like a good way to do it," he said of the walk-in clinic. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
No comments posted. Oct 20, 2009
The truth is out there for you to read. Published: Monday, October 19, 2009 12:20 PM CDT Nancy Pelosi said "health care legislation is our opportunity, not of a lifetime, but of the century." According to Phyllis Schlafly, if this bill Pelosi supports is passed, it will put us forever on the road to trillions of dollars in debt. (Fort Madison Daily Democrat, IO)
Comparing facts (20) Oct 19, 2009
Published: Thursday, October 15, 2009 1:05 AM CDT Mr. Kramer disagrees that his facts about Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER) and Daschle are taken from Betsy McCaugheys article in Bloomberg News ... Kramer, a Comparative Research Effectiveness Organization doesnt exist. (Boerne Star, TX)
Little Falls School Board Oct 18, 2009
2 Resolution directing the administration to study elementary grade configurations, their effectiveness, and possible application of said configurations in the Little Falls Community School District. 10. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
Border fence boondoggle Oct 17, 2009
Build the entire 800 miles of DOUBLE layered fence and then get back to us about the effectiveness. Americans must demand a ZERO tolerance towards illegal immigration. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
The Israeli Brand, Craig Smith, Adbusters Oct 17, 2009
The effectiveness of Israels efforts to be rebranded cannot be assessed by the NBI because Israel wasnt part of the study. So even this "simple" thesis is "simply" incorrect. (Harper's Magazine)
Kim Kardashian Hosted Launch Event for FusionBeauty(R)'s New INFATUATION(TM) Lip Gloss with Public Signing at Sephora, Hollywood, CA Oct 17, 2009
The effectiveness, innovation, and broad consumer appeal of FusionBeauty products have earned the company various industry honors including the CEW Awards, the Good Housekeeping Seal and support from a long list of celebrities ... Two, to create awareness on the power and effectiveness of microfinance for women. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina CEO, doctor group wary of government health care plan Oct 16, 2009
He echoed Seligson s opinions that comparative effectiveness studies need to guide treatment decisions and provide doctors and patients with information on the best possible treatments. And he said that the promise of electronic medical records will not reduce costs, but are likely to increase them in the short run as doctors and hospitals purchase equipment and learn how to use it. (Triangle Business Journal)
Health bills bypass a lethal issue Oct 16, 2009
Dr. Carolyn Clancy, the director of AHRQ, said that her agency already performs many tasks the legislation calls for, including comparing the effectiveness of drugs and treatment therapies, collecting patient safety information and publishing an annual health safety and quality report. The bills would give her agency more money, and, Clancy added, they recognize the work that her agency is doing. (Albany Times Union)
Ford E-News - Oct. 14, 2009 Oct 15, 2009
Moving into a prototype phase, the research shows that GPS satellites can precisely monitor a vehicle's motion, which could improve the speed and effectiveness of electronic stability control systems. Wes Sherwood | | 313. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Myriad Pharmaceuticals Announces the Identification of an IND Candidate for the Treatment of Cancer, Obesity, and Diabetes Oct 14, 2009
Frequently primary and secondary tumors develop multiple drug resistance and stop responding to the chemotherapeutic agents used today, thus significantly limiting their effectiveness and leaving patients few additional therapeutic options. Glioblastoma multiforme is diagnosed in about 20,000 Americans each year. (Primezone Releases)
Health Care Bill Passes. No Public Option. Yet? Oct 14, 2009
Olympia Snowe, the wide-ranging bill introduced by committee chairman Max Baucus will cover needed reforms on which there is almost no partisan disagreementcomparative effectiveness research for new drugs and generics, the computerization of medical records, and a ban on denying insurance coverage to Americans with preexisting medical conditions. Underscoring the still-heated debate over how strong of a hand the federal government will play in regulating the health care industry, the bill... (Slate)
Kaiser Aluminum Announces Quarterly Dividend Payment Oct 14, 2009
Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include: (a) the effectiveness of management's strategies and decisions; (b) adverse changes in the markets served by the company; (c) the company's inability to achieve the level of cash generation, margin improvements, cost savings, or earnings or revenue growth anticipated by management; (d) the impact of the company's future earnings, financial condition, capital requirements... (Primezone Releases)
Health care has rationing in abundance Oct 13, 2009
Their bills set up a council on "comparative effectiveness research" to study which forms of care are cost-effective and which are wasteful, but they insist the board won't have power to deny payment for inefficient practices - at least, not now. Republicans are right to warn that the board might grow teeth: If it finds that a treatment produces negligible results at high cost, it will push to stop paying for it. (Juneau Empire)
Medical device makers see red over health care proposals Oct 12, 2009
The current reform environment speaks positively to tools that will reduce cost and improve effectiveness, which speaks to our charter, Singh said. But if even a small percent of a tax comes to our space, it will be an impediment. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
NYT: Lobbyists fight plans to cut health costs Oct 12, 2009
Lobbyists fight big plans to cut health care costs. Some Obama vows fall victim to organized interests and parochial politics. (MSNBC -- Politics)
A last bid to scuttle reform Oct 12, 2009
They include voluntary efficiency measures like encouraging the coordination of medical records, disseminating information comparing the effectiveness of treatments and various pilot projects. White House officials argue that in any case it is prudent to start with such steps. (Albany Times Union)
Your views: A feverish debate Oct 12, 2009
People who scream about keeping the government out of my health care, but dont touch my Medicare, are examples of the effectiveness of this misinformation initiative. An interesting note is that my doctor of 20 years has recently moved from Omni to MIMA. Hell be unable to see or treat me for two years. (Florida Today)
Health-Care Plan Future Rests on Snowe, Battling Democrats, Budget Office Oct 12, 2009
They also encourage greater use of preventive care, electronic records and research on the effectiveness of treatments. Under all the plans, would have to accept new clients, regardless of preexisting conditions. (Bloomberg -- US)
Brooks: Few choices remain on health reform Oct 11, 2009
It would measure the comparative effectiveness of different treatments. No one knows how much savings would be produced by these changes in payment method, but they could be significant. (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
Festival de la Familia Announces Poster Contest During National Hispanic Heritage Month Oct 11, 2009
Winners will be selected by a panel of judges, and submissions will be evaluated on the following criteria: portrayal of Festival theme and message; visual effectiveness; creativity and originality of artwork; universal appeal; and quality of design. . (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Get Married Magazine Makes Bold Move With Launch of Inaugural Issue Oct 10, 2009
The Microsoft Tags offer brides instant entertainment with quick, easy and convenient connection to rich content, while enhancing print advertisements' effectiveness and ability to track campaign success, adding value for print advertisers that want accurate measurement and impressions. Get Married created videos to offer more information on selected pages, truly bringing pages to life. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Health Reform: Great Goal, Risky Policy Oct 10, 2009
We need a much better understanding of what care is effective at saving lives through investments in comparative effectiveness research. (Full disclosure: such research is what I spend much of my time doing). (CBS News)
SID THE SCIENCE KID Explores Germs, Viruses and Vaccines Just in Time for Flu Season in a Special Episode 'Getting a Shot: You Can Do It!' Oct 10, 2009
In the area of education, Boeing aligns and leverages its resources to support systemic and continuous improvement in school systems, concentrating on teacher effectiveness in literacy, math and science, and on school leadership. That's why the company is increasing its focus on supporting early learning programs because it believes that children need the foundation of quality early learning experiences before they enter school. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Talking, Partying Can Lift Worker Morale Oct 9, 2009
But he recommended that owners not give incentives that appear "programmed" or automatic because "they lose some of their effectiveness.". Cleveland's company also works to keep morale high by celebrating its achievements. (Click2Houston, TX)
Top NBC Series Talent to Direct One-Minute Film Shorts on Personal Responsibility Oct 9, 2009
"This collaboration with NBC, which was developed and implemented by Boston-based advertising agency, Hill Holliday, is the latest addition to Liberty Mutuals Responsibility Project. According to Hill Hollidays CEO Mike Sheehan, This partnership between Liberty Mutual and NBC is just one example of how Liberty Mutual is leading innovation in consumer engagement. Were extremely proud to work with a partner like Liberty Mutual, which is at the forefront of new strategies to reach and... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
House Moves Closer to Combined U.S. Health-Care Measure With Tax Changes Oct 9, 2009
In addition to requiring that Americans get insurance, they encourage greater use of preventive care, electronic records and research on the effectiveness of treatments. Under all the plans, would have to accept new clients, regardless of preexisting conditions. (Bloomberg -- US)
EU says investigators raid pharma giants Oct 7, 2009
According to a commission report produced in the summer, generic drugs cost on average 40 percent less two years after they enter the market -- and save patients and insurance firms money without compromising on effectiveness. But some companies have in the past been accused of using patent strategies to stop generic medicines hitting the market, or tying up potential competitors in legal disputes. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
Liberal fact checker fails again (61) Oct 7, 2009
Ms. Carpenter said the most despicable twisting of facts came with my comments on Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, health policy advisor to President Obama and member of the stimulus-funded Comparative Research Effectiveness organization. Just as she did in her Sept. 11 letter, she associates my comments with those of Betsy McCaughey, who Ms. Carpenter says, took the doctors statements out of context in order to deliberately alter their meaning. (Boerne Star, TX)
