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Health Care Priced at market value?

The Medical Quack — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 16:16:00 GMT

This almost reminds me of a menu in a restaurant that shows items like lobster, no price, just quoted at "market value". The price of healthcare has no set pricing established and as mentioned earlier, some facilities can and do charge up to 4 or 10 times more than other facilities. Confusing, yes! There was a bill that was downed in the legislature that would have included physicians to include their pricing too. The only real defense a consumer has today...(read more)

The Changing Face of Research and Development with big Pharma

The Medical Quack — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:58:00 GMT

Many of the generic manufacturers started years back with knock off drugs to sell locally in India, but now the game is changing to where US Pharma is using some of the talent, which costs less than R and D individuals here in the states, to further develop existing work, in other words somewhat continue the work that has begun here as a lesser cost. Filling the pipelines can be done with less cost, and perhaps more potential candidates being developed at one time might be an additional factor. ...(read more)

Medicine is a Low Tech Business - Clinical Studies still done on paper too!

The Medical Quack — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 20:58:00 GMT

Hat's off to the Wall Street Journal for mentioning this. Great topic and I'm going to rant and bring a few more details of this entire issue to light here. As any readers of this blog know I am a tech person that work with medical professionals and others to bring this to light and my gosh it is not easy. As this article indicates here, finally some results are going in on the computer. If this article doesn't make a lot of sense, take a look at my profile and...(read more)

Microsoft deploying in-store customer-service reps - retail

The Medical Quack — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:15:00 GMT

When I was still doing retail training for Intel last year I somehow watched this beginning to evolve at a Fry's store and from the start it began to enjoy some real success, lots of software questions out there to be answered with consumers having more questions than ever, and the focus was software, a change from the hardware questions that used to prevail at the top. A shift in paradigms evolving around us. Of course my tablet was a big part of what I did as well, whether it involved...(read more)

Concierge Physician vs. Blue Cross/Blue Shield

The Medical Quack — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:14:00 GMT

Open up a concierge practice, well this physician was canceled by one carrier. Other carriers have done the same in other instances. Read the full story for all the details. Physicians all over are changing business models and when they select to charge and give the patient the time for the pursuit of better health care, well you can see what occurs. If the contract rates were not so low, perhaps this would not be such a big issue, and the fact that it takes 20-40 visits a...(read more)

Cancer Research Blog Carnival - Stand Up To Cancer - A Combination of Bloggers Addressing Cancer and Cancer Research

The Medical Quack — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:57:00 GMT

For those of you who read the blog here and are not aware of what a "Carnival" is, it represents a collection of some of the top blogging posts in a period of time assembled in one place to review and read. Today, Highlight Health is hosting the carnival and I am delighted that one of my earlier posts has been included, along with all of the other contributors! So if you want to read some of the most current and updated cancer discussions and posts from the web, this...(read more)

Industry Goes on Offense on FDA Medical Device Approvals

The Medical Quack — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:28:00 GMT

Will medical devices also have a longer and more focused process from the FDA in the future? This group and the follow up report that the FDA step up some of the process that are involved with approving medical devices, similar to the the same footsteps being taken with new drug approvals. This is more related to implanted devices, which unlike a pill is more of a guest that comes for dinner, the device is moving in to become part of the family. There could be even more positions...(read more)

Personal Health Records - Like having a Healthcare Escrow Account

The Medical Quack — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:09:00 GMT

When you stop and think about it, there are some real similarities here. Anyone who has ever purchased property knows what an Escrow account is. It is a third party used to to hold money and release it to fund a loan, until everything is verified and the loan process completes. Personal Health Records (PHR) can be viewed much in the same light when you stop and think about it. There are more vendors coming on the market every day with services to help you. My own personal...(read more)

Walgreen CEO: Bad Economy Hurts Prescriptions

The Medical Quack — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:28:00 GMT

This is not the first time this issue has been in the news in the last couple of years, but the dollars, or lack of dollars perhaps bring this to light once more, and once more it all comes back to money. There are some interesting efforts going on to try and combat the problem, such as Aetna paying folks on a pilot program to take their medications. I don't know how something like this would work though if it were wide spread though, as soon as John finds out that Jerry gets paid for taking...(read more)

The Green, Green, Grass of home, a sort of different take on going green

The Medical Quack — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:02:00 GMT

Now we have lead in the artificial turf and a need to correct. Well I might guess if the issue presses before sports season begins, a few nurseries might have a growing business here very soon. Some fields are still made out of the "real thing". BD SACRAMENTO -- California's attorney general wants to put a new spin on the old admonition "Don't step on the grass!" The warning could read "Don't roll on the artificial turf" if Atty. Gen. Jerry...(read more)

Marketing of Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Is a Mess, only one of many messes that exist today

The Medical Quack — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:42:00 GMT

I think we can take this one step further, and comment on the fact that marketing is a mess all over, not just limited to Medicare, which is a mess. I base this on questions I get myself from seniors. You can look at insurance in the same light. The fact is we have built a marketing system that almost nobody understands, and I have issues there too, just like any other person on the web today. Insurance, one more hot spot. The complexity of the many layers of how to...(read more)

Eli and Edythe Broad give $400M to biomedical research lab - Harvard and MIT

The Medical Quack — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 06:25:00 GMT

In a related story about the Broad Institute, this was released today: potential news and warnings of tumors that could become resistant to a common cancer drug when used upon a recurrence of a tumor. There's a lot going on with genomic research at the center and this is just one example. BD "Automated machines at three Genome Sequencing Centers, including the Broad Institute center led by Eric S. Lander, Broad Institute director, were set to work reading the...(read more)

Kaiser Permanente will donate $5 million to Grady Memorial Hospital - more desperate hospitals

The Medical Quack — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 05:53:00 GMT

Good news as this hospital has been in financial trouble for a few years now and the two gifts listed below might be the savior, but to stay open, there are some major cost reductions. They also received a 75 million dollar line of credit. BD The gift, to be announced at a press conference Monday, is the first of a planned $100 million, four-year, fundraising effort by Grady's new board. Kaiser did not return calls for comment Thursday evening. Earlier this year, Grady said it will...(read more)

Are Generic Drugs taking business away from big Pharma?

The Medical Quack — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 04:45:00 GMT

I was reading another blog, and realized Comedy Central now has their own site with videos and ran across this classic from the Today Show. With all the recent discussions on how big Pharma spends money and recent marketing techniques, here it is in all it's glory. BD http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=117138&title=Dr.-Spin,-Medicine-Woman Technorati Tags: Comdey , Pharma , Marketing , Drugs , Generic Drugs...(read more)

Political Genes - Personalized voting?

The Medical Quack — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 03:36:00 GMT

Well will we be born a Republican or Democrat, and someday the genes can do the voting. Seriously, another study looking at how complex the overall study can be. Serotonin seems to play a role as well as dopamine, but there's more to it than just these 2 elements. This is a first in the world of research on genomics. BD In the Journal of Politics this past July, he identified variations of two genes that might influence the decision to vote. Both are involved in regulating...(read more)

Garou, musician opening private hospital clinic in Canada

The Medical Quack — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 03:17:00 GMT

Perhaps this trend could continue here in the US, healthcare facilities could use some financial help. BD Garou , the velvety piped crooner of sweet syrupy nothings, wants to open a private hospital clinic near the St Luc Hospital in downtown Montreal. He is a part owner of Medley , the cavernous venue across the street from the hospital, and has apparently figured out that he can make more money selling MRIs than he can selling tickets to Alcoholica , Quebec’s premier Metallica...(read more)

Microsoft....Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Gates - together at last

The Medical Quack — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 02:36:00 GMT

The first...called delicious...BD Will look forward to their first visit to the hospital together. Technorati Tags: Microsoft , Bill gates , Jerry Sienfield , Technology...(read more)

Celebrity Prostate Exams Too Much Reality TV?

The Medical Quack — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:21:00 GMT

This does present a very good question, myself I have run tired of all the stuff on TV these days, but this is being done with a show that has a good cause, so I guess we shall all see if it is a fit. The Internet is such a wealth of information as well, and through YouTube, you can find videos, educational videos, that will show and explain almost any medical procedure today, and yes the whole drawn out show is right there, but done professionally and dedicated to the education process, so if you...(read more)

India Pharma Ranbaxy Fights FDA Charges

The Medical Quack — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:00:00 GMT

The battle continues on but once the FDA opens offices in India, perhaps that will help out being close to the source to ensure safety and compliance. Meanwhile Ranbaxy is business as usual with continuing to submit new drugs and information to the FDA, and they are the 15th largest producer of drugs in the world, however the US and Europe account for over 60% of the business, so a tainted name is not good. Now it appears Congress is a bit confused too over the investigation, why were the products...(read more)

Is there a doctor at the work place - on premise at work?

The Medical Quack — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:49:00 GMT

This is somewhat of a return from times in the past, but many companies are seeing it as a way to reduce costs and provide medical care to employees at work, not just emergency care, but regular physician care. Yes there would be privacy concerns here too, as how much of this information could find it's way into the employer's hands too, since they are all wrapped up in contracts with the insurers from the other side of the coin. One thing is has accomplished is to make the physician...(read more)

International team reveals first prognosticator of survival in aggressive cancer

The Medical Quack — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:24:00 GMT

This is somewhat the first step in identifying the gene pRb2/p130, which has very good possibilities to help determine the most beneficial course of chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments following surgery, something every doctor and patient could value, more personalized medicine research and development at work and hopefully bring this type of diagnosis process to the office of the physician in time. BD Clinicians have long sought a prognostic test for the disease, which can be highly...(read more)

Prostate study seeks subjects to test Botox - London

The Medical Quack — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:59:00 GMT

Leave no stone unturned. This study is being conducted in London and perhaps you can find more information from Allergan on their website for other locations. This is not just another test or treatment for wrinkles. More information available from the Allergan website here. BD Are you a man, 50 or older, experiencing the symptoms of benign enlarged prostate? There's the bothersome feeling of having to urinate frequently, having a slow urine stream, never feeling...(read more)

How Long is my Knee or Hip Replacement Going to Last?

The Medical Quack — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:56:00 GMT

How long will that new knee or hip last and what failure or issues can be predicted? There is a study looking at this issue right now. We have all heard and seen the videos with squeaking hips, knees, etc. and some with by far worse issues. Some fail overall, but not many, but the issue is still there. Knee and hip surgeries have to be the most common types of surgery today, but like everything else, we need to know what is going in to our body and have some assurance that it will...(read more)

The Liv(R) Breast Self-Exam Aid Program - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The Medical Quack — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:12:00 GMT

More information can be found here. October is breast cancer awareness month. As of today, the site states information is coming soon so check back for any new announcements. You will need to participate in the Curves coaching program for exercise if not already enrolled. Current members will need to show proof of a recent mammogram for the kit. BD Four-time Grammy winner Olivia Newton-John announces a partnership with Curves, the world's largest fitness franchise...(read more)

How to Create a Blockbuster - Are there 50 ways?

The Medical Quack — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:59:00 GMT

Interesting correlation on how the move business and Pharma share similar business plans when it comes to producing a blockbuster drug. R and D, yup, got high costs with both, unpredictable, yup, nobody knows until the release, budgets and flops, well it could be a toss up over which industry can claim more of those; however, the entertainment business has a bit more experience in the block buster business. They do have an advantage in the fact that they only want the audience and do...(read more)