Latest News for Benefit Administrators
August 24, 2010
Ind. rule forbids patients to choose caregivers based on race
Patients at Indiana nursing homes will no longer be allowed to choose their caregivers based on race, after the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals concluded that racial preference is considered a violation against the health workers' civil rights. Google/The Associated Press
U.S. judge: Obama's stem cell policy breaks law on human embryos
A federal judge in Washington, D.C., concluded that President Barack Obama's executive order to boost funding for embryonic stem cell research violated the Dickey-Wicker amendment, a law that bans the use of federal funds for research involved in the destruction of human embryos. Some medical experts expressed concern that the decision, which prevents the NIH from awarding stem cell study grants without a court order, could severely hamper research on stem cell treatments. The New York Times (free registration)
Study: Yoga might help manage mood and anxiety
Researchers using magnetic resonance spectroscopy have linked the practice of yoga with an increase in the levels of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric. The neurotransmitter promotes a more relaxed state in people. The finding suggests that yoga could help treat some mental conditions. United Press International
Ob-Gyns endorse HPV vaccination for young girls and women
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has endorsed existing guidelines recommending that girls be vaccinated against the human papillomavirus by age 11 or 12, before they become sexually active. The group also recommended that "catch-up" shots should be offered to unvaccinated teen girls and young women between the ages of 13 and 26. Reuters
Health reform may lead physicians to delegate duties
Health reform may push physicians toward adoption of supervisory roles for larger staffs of nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other providers, experts said. With millions more insured patients expected to seek care, physicians will have to delegate more of their primary care responsibilities to other providers to both manage costs and balance increased workloads. The Denver Post
Study shows steady rise in rectal cancer rates among young adults
The incidence of rectal cancer among people below age 40 has been rising 3.8% annually from 1985 to 2005, faster than the growth rate of colon cancer, researchers said. Although rectal cancer is not as common as colon cancer among Americans, doctors should consider the possibility that symptoms such as rectal bleeding -- commonly attributed to hemorrhoids -- in young patients could be an indication of the disease, experts said. Los Angeles Times
Administration says physicians should embrace health reform
The Obama administration called on physicians to put aside their frustration with Congress' failure to fix their Medicare payment formula and support the new health reform law. Officials said physicians who adopt new information technology systems and collaborate with other providers to improve outcomes will reap financial benefits from the new law. Reuters
July 29, 2010
Senate declines to ban pay-to-delay drug deals
The Senate's war funding bill did not include a House-approved provision to ban deals in which brand-name drug makers pay generics manufacturers to keep competitive products off the market. PharmaTimes (U.K.)
Survey: Few Californians seek needed mental health help
Of the almost 5 million adults in California who said they need help for emotional distress, only one in three admitted to having sought a professional for treatment, according to a recent survey. A lack of insurance coverage and the stigma associated with mental problems were among the major factors that discouraged people from seeking professional help, the survey found. Los Angeles Times/Booster Shots blog
Study: Alcohol lessens severity of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms
A British study revealed that people with rheumatoid arthritis who consumed alcohol more than 10 times a month experienced less pain and inflammation than nondrinkers or those who drank infrequently. Researchers also found that nondrinkers were about four times more likely to develop the condition than frequent alcohol drinkers. WebMD
Researchers link REM sleep disorder to neurological diseases
Mayo Clinic researchers identified 27 patients who experienced rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder for at least 15 years before they developed Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies or multiple system atrophy. The length of time between the sleep disorder and the neurological diseases ranged up to half a century, with an average span of 25 years, the researchers found. MSN/HealthDay News
AHIP: Medicare Advantage reduces preventable hospital readmissions
Medicare Advantage plans have lower preventable hospital readmissions than fee-for-service Medicare, according to data from America's Health Insurance Plans. AHIP CEO Karen Ignagni said the plans are "smoothing the patient transition from hospital to the home" and achieving goals outlined in the health reform law to reduce readmissions. Modern Healthcare
July 28, 2010
Survey: Child psychiatrists give insomnia drugs to youths
A U.S. survey found that child psychiatrists recommended sleep medications to almost a quarter of their patients with insomnia associated with a mental health disorder, even though none of the treatments has been approved for pediatric use. Nearly all of the psychiatrists said they recommended at least one drug for sleep symptoms in a month. The Boston Globe/White Coat Notes blog
Children's hospital reports increase in ED visits for food allergies
Cases of food-induced allergic reactions treated at the emergency department of Children's Hospital Boston rose from 164 in 2001 to 391 in 2006, according to a new study. The results, if supported by data from other medical centers, could point to a larger trend of an increasing number of emergency visits related to food allergies. Reuters
Study links strong social ties to healthier, longer life
Researchers found that people with strong social ties are more likely to live longer by an average of 3.7 years than those with relationships that are not as strong. The improved longevity may be attributed to the emotional support that people with strong relationships get from family and friends who encourage them to live healthier and provide stress relief, a psychology professor said. HealthDay News
Anti-tobacco effort wanes as money pours into obesity battle
As more money pours into public health campaigns to fight obesity, fewer dollars are finding their way to anti-tobacco efforts. State governments are using funds previously designated as anti-tobacco monies to help balance budgets, and while the federal government has made up some of the loss, it also is spending more on anti-obesity efforts. The New York Times (free registration)
July 27, 2010
Generics account for $824B of the past decade's health care savings
Dispensing of generic drugs saved the health care system more than $824 billion during the past decade, according to data from IMS Health. The health-information company found that about 75% of prescriptions dispensed last year were for generics. NYTimes.com/Prescriptions blog
Survey: Unreasonable stress affects women more than men
A global survey of almost 30,000 people showed that, across occupations, women more than men experience unreasonable work-related stress caused by such concerns as career growth, fair performance assessment and equal opportunities. The results suggest that "fewer women feel that achieving career goals are likely while maintaining a balance between personal and professional lives," a research consultant said. The Times of India
Stroke prevention treatment in older people varies by region
Researchers found a significant geographic variation in the treatments that physicians used to open up clogged neck arteries among Medicare beneficiaries between 2003 and 2006, with the Southeast and Midwest regions having the highest rates of both artery-clearing endarterectomy and stenting compared with the rest of the U.S. MSN/HealthDay News
Initiative trains health care workers to get youths moving outside
The National Environmental Education Foundation unveiled an initiative aimed at encouraging children to spend more time outdoors to prevent obesity, diabetes and other serious illnesses. The project, called the Children and Nature Initiative, will train health care pediatric professionals about "prescribing" outdoor activity to children. Nurse.com
July 26, 2010
Obesity is linked to 3 major coronary risk factors, expert says
Obesity plays a role in increasing the levels of bad cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels, which are considered the three major risk factors for heart disease, said Dr. Vincent Bufalino, a spokesman for the American Heart Association. "In all three categories -- cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose -- sustained weight loss will improve those numbers," Bufalino said. HealthDay News
Panel rejects an FDA proposal to control painkillers' misuse and abuse
An FDA advisory panel voted 25-10 against the agency's plan to control misuse and abuse of long-acting pain medications, saying the proposal does not contain a requirement that would make it mandatory for physicians to undergo training before prescribing the drugs. Advisers were "concerned about the voluntary nature of the training requirements," an FDA official said. The New York Times (free registration)
Editorial: FDA might take a tougher stance on approved treatments
The FDA might get tougher in monitoring follow-up studies on approved drugs, after an advisory panel recommended to revoke Avastin's "accelerated approval" for advanced breast cancer. The agency decided in June to pull a leukemia treatment off the market that had been granted accelerated approval a decade ago because a follow-up trial showed no clinical benefit and a higher death risk. The New York Times (free registration)
July 23, 2010
MRIs suggest link between brain, irritable bowel syndrome
Using MRI scans, researchers identified differences in the amount of gray matter in certain areas in the brains of women with irritable bowel syndrome and healthy women. The finding suggests that IBS could be linked to the brain's failure to control areas that suppress pain response. Los Angeles Times/Booster Shots blog
Patients who ask for different ER doctor often get one
Patients who ask for a different physician while in hospital emergency rooms likely will get their wish, research showed. A study found women and minorities were more likely to ask for a different physician than the one assigned to them, and female doctors were more supportive of the requests than were men. United Press International
Sitting too much may increase risk of dying, study finds
People who sat at least six hours daily were more likely to die sooner than those who spent less than three hours a day sitting, U.S. researchers reported. The study also found that mortality risk was even higher for people who spent a lot of time sitting and did not exercise regularly, even when taking other possible side effects, such as obesity, out of the equation. HealthDay News
July 22, 2010
Congressional inquiry cites China's lack of action on tainted heparin
Reps. Joe Barton and Michael Burgess, both Republicans from Texas, said the FDA has been "severely hampered" by the Chinese government's failure to cooperate in determining those responsible for contaminated heparin that was shipped to the U.S. in 2007 and 2008. A spokeswoman for China's State Food and Drug Administration denied the accusation, saying the agency "did a very thorough investigation, including very detailed inspection and testing, and surveys of enterprises as well." The Wall Street Journal
Democrats reconsider "public option" for health care reform
In a renewed effort, 128 House Democrats are reintroducing legislation that would allow uninsured Americans to get their health plans from the government by 2014. Los Angeles Times
Hospitals face big tab for supplies designed for obese
Health care facilities face higher costs for supplies and equipment made to treat obese patients, with bariatric beds costing some $20,000 more than regular beds. Millennium Research Group said U.S. hospitals are expected to spend more than $1.2 billion by the end of 2011 on supplies for obese patients. CNN/Paging Dr. Gupta blog
CDC data show travelers bring along infectious diseases
CDC data show more than 3,000 cases of potentially infectious diseases were reported among travelers in the past year. The cases included airline passengers with tuberculosis, whooping cough and typhoid fever, and CDC experts said that this emphasizes the importance of getting up-to-date vaccinations before going abroad. USA TODAY
July 21, 2010
Coalition accuses the U.S. of limiting access to generic drugs
A coalition of human rights groups filed a complaint with the United Nations that accuses the U.S. of violating international human rights through trade policy that limits access to affordable medications abroad. The group alleges that countries "were threatened with sanctions under Special 301 for taking advantage of TRIPS flexibilities, including utilizing transition periods and issuing compulsory licenses" to allow local companies to make copies of drugs patented by U.S. firms. Reuters
Study links insecure relationships to certain health risks
A survey of 5,645 adults, ages 18 to 60, found a link between insecure relationships and several health problems. Those who had an avoidant attachment were found to suffer from severe headaches and other pain-related conditions, and those who had an anxious attachment were found to suffer from cardiovascular conditions such as stroke, heart attack and high blood pressure. Los Angeles Times/Booster Shots blog
Study: Gel with a Gilead drug protects women from HIV and herpes
South African women who used a microbicide gel, which contains Gilead Sciences' AIDS drug tenofovir, before and after sex saw a 39% reduction in HIV infection and were 51% less likely to acquire genital herpes compared with those who received placebo, a study found. Researchers also noted that the gel's protective effect increased as the product was used more. Reuters
August 23, 2010
Study links acne antibiotics to inflammatory bowel disease
Teenagers with acne who took commonly prescribed antibiotics appear to be at higher risk of inflammatory bowel disease, a U.K. study showed. Out of 207 acne patients diagnosed with IBD, 152 were taking a tetracycline-based antibiotic, researchers reported. Reuters
August 20, 2010
Green leafy vegetables may reduce risk of Type 2 diabetes
A review of six studies found that eating 1½ extra servings of green leafy vegetables per day could help reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by about 14%. However, combined consumption of vegetables and fruit did not show a significant effect on the risk, researchers noted. Yahoo!/Agence France-Presse
Scientists develop coating that can eliminate MRSA
Scientists have created a coating that works against methicillin-resistant Staphyloccus aureus. The coating contains the enzyme lysostaphin, which is harmful to bacterial cells but not to human cells. During tests, the coating killed 100% of MRSA bacteria that came in contact with it within 20 minutes, the researchers said. WebMD
August 19, 2010
Survey finds obesity is the biggest health problem for youths
A national poll by Mott Children's Hospital at the University of Michigan found nearly 40% of adults considered obesity the biggest threat to children and teens' health in 2010, followed by drug abuse and smoking. While obesity ranked highest among white respondents, blacks and Hispanics listed smoking and drug abuse as their top concerns, respectively. The health concerns for children are behavioral, rather than congenital, in nature, said Dr. Matthew M. Davis, the survey's director. The Vancouver Sun (British Columbia)
Negative lifestyle factors raise risk of headaches in teens
Norwegian researchers looked at nearly 6,000 teenagers and found that those who were overweight, smoked or exercised less than twice a week were more likely to experience frequent headaches, including tension-type headaches and migraines. The findings -- which mirror previous data collected for adults -- suggest that "it is worthwhile to try preventive measures and encourage positive lifestyle changes in adolescents with recurrent headaches," said one of the researchers. Reuters
August 18, 2010
Protein might be key to treating drug-resistant ovarian cancer
Chemotherapy drug paclitaxel had a stronger effect on ovarian cancer cells after British and U.S. researchers inhibited a protein produced by SIK2, a gene that helps fat and liver cells recover from starvation. The technique prevented the division of cancer cells, making them an easier target for paclitaxel. The finding suggests that SIK2 inhibition might treat ovarian cancer patients resistant to a class of drugs called taxanes. Telegraph (London)
Repeated concussions may lead to motor neuron diseases
A U.S. study suggests that repeated concussions may cause neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Lou Gehrig's disease in the long run. Researchers examined the donated brains of 12 athletes with chronic traumatic encephalopathy who experienced repeated head trauma during their careers and found a similar pattern of nerve damage. Reuters
Hearing loss cases among U.S. teens are up 31%
The number of U.S. teens, ages 12 to 19, who suffer hearing loss increased from nearly 15% during the 1988 to 1994 period to 19.5% between 2005 and 2006, a study revealed. Researchers found that hearing loss was more common in boys and teens from poor families. Google/Agence France-Presse
More patients now want own blood recycled for surgery
More doctors and patients, even those not adhering to religious beliefs, are now considering the advantages of blood management and recycling over blood transfusions during surgeries, experts said. The number of U.S. hospitals implementing blood management initiatives has increased from around 70 in 2002 to about 110 at present. Some experts, however, stress that there is a need to further understand whether transfusion-related adverse events, such as infections, result from transfused blood or from the fact that sicker patients generally receive transfusions in the first place. MSNBC
Delayed treatment ups heart attack deaths, study finds
For each hour between the time patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction call for an ambulance and the time they are treated, patients have a 10% higher chance of dying from the heart attack, Danish researchers found. "Our message is we should focus on all health care system delays, which often starts with the call for the ambulance," a study author said. HealthDay News
August 17, 2010
Medicare Part D spurs an increase in seniors' use of antibiotics
The use of oral antibiotics among older adults increased after Medicare's Part D prescription drug coverage went into effect in 2006, a study revealed. Researchers found the largest increase in the use of newer and more expensive broad-spectrum antibiotics, which are more likely to result in bacterial resistance compared with earlier versions. The New York Times (free registration)
High fish intake may help lower depression risk in boys
Japanese researchers reported that high consumption of fish among teenage boys was linked to as much as a 27% decreased risk for depression. The findings did not hold true for teen girls, however. Reuters
Heart disease risk in women rises with red meat consumption
Harvard researchers examined the data of more than 84,000 women and found that those who consumed the highest amount of red meat were at the highest risk of developing heart disease. They found that women who ate one serving a day of nuts, fish and other protein-rich foods had a lower risk for cardiac disease compared with those who ate one serving a day of red meat. HealthDay News
U.S. boosts community health center funds by $13 billion
A new government plan calls for spending $13 billion to increase capacity at community health centers, which started getting additional funding and attention during the Bush administration. Health officials said the goal is to have community centers more than double the number of patients they treat, to 40 million people, by 2015. Boston Herald/The Pulse
Report: Cancer is likely the world's leading cause of death
Cancer is more costly in terms of productivity and lost life than AIDS, malaria and other infectious diseases, and also is likely the leading cause of death, an American Cancer Society report revealed. The group released the data ahead of its presentation at a global cancer conference in China, and it is pushing for more funding to be dedicated to research and treatment. Google/The Associated Press
August 16, 2010
HRA Pharma's emergency contraceptive gains FDA approval
The FDA approved HRA Pharma's ulipristal acetate, an emergency birth control pill that can prevent pregnancy as long as five days after unprotected sex. The contraceptive, which will be marketed as ella by Watson Pharmaceuticals, is expected to be available by year-end. The Washington Post
Study: Gene linked to immune system plays a role in Parkinson's
U.S. researchers have reported that a gene linked to the immune system appears to be involved in the development of Parkinson's disease. The finding suggests that inflammation, infections or an autoimmune response may also be linked to the development of the neurodegenerative condition, said one of the researchers. Yahoo!/Reuters
Experts: New superbug may be no more dangerous than MRSA
Experts are saying that the concerns expressed over an emerging superbug that contains a variant gene called NDM-1, which makes it drug resistant, may have been exaggerated. A CDC expert said there is no data yet that show the new bug to be more dangerous than methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or other carbapenam-resistant organisms. Experts also said there are two older drugs, colistin and Tygacil, that act against such drug-resistant organisms. Los Angeles Times
Chronic pain is different for women, men, expert says
Women tend to experience chronic pain more often than men, and women's recurrent pain can be more intense and last longer than men's, pain expert Dr. Jennifer F. Kelly said at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association. Hormonal or psychosocial factors may explain these gender differences, she says. WebMD
Study: Tylenol boosts teens' risk of asthma, eczema and nasal allergy
An international study found that teens who frequently took acetaminophen, popularly known as Tylenol, had a greater risk of having asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis or eczema compared with nonusers. Regular users of acetaminophen were also more likely to experience severe wheezing, the study revealed. HealthDay News
Study: Diuretic, costly drugs work equally to prevent heart disease
A generic diuretic proved to be as effective as an expensive calcium-channel blocker or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor in preventing cardiovascular disease during a long-term study. However, patients who received an ACE inhibitor or a calcium-channel blocker had a 20% and 12%, respectively, higher death rate caused by stroke or heart failure compared with those on a diuretic. TIME/Wellness blog
