Thursday, December 31, 2015

Epilepsy and marijuana: could cannabidiol reduce seizures? - Medical News Today

Epilepsy and marijuana: could cannabidiol reduce seizures? - Medical News Today

It's Not Too Late to Get a Flu Shot

It's Not Too Late to Get a Flu Shot

Study Links Home Births to Slightly Higher Infant Death Risk

Study Links Home Births to Slightly Higher Infant Death Risk

Looking Forward To 2016: Health Care In Georgia | WABE 90.1 FM

Looking Forward To 2016: Health Care In Georgia | WABE 90.1 FM

Doctors in distress: Long hours, high patient load help lead to physician burnout | Georgia Health News

Doctors in distress: Long hours, high patient load help lead to physician burnout | Georgia Health News

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Bones of obese children may be in trouble, UGA study finds - Medical News Today

Bones of obese children may be in trouble, UGA study finds - Medical News Today

Pediatric medication poisonings more likely in poor, rural areas - Medical News Today

Pediatric medication poisonings more likely in poor, rural areas - Medical News Today

Painkillers Often Gateway to Heroin for U.S. Teens: Survey

Painkillers Often Gateway to Heroin for U.S. Teens: Survey

ADHD Meds May Raise Risk for Psychotic Side Effects in Some Kids: Study

ADHD Meds May Raise Risk for Psychotic Side Effects in Some Kids: Study

‘Water lady’ on front lines in campaign against arsenic in Georgia wells | Georgia Health News

‘Water lady’ on front lines in campaign against arsenic in Georgia wells | Georgia Health News

Foster care system struggling with lack of placements | Georgia Health News

Foster care system struggling with lack of placements | Georgia Health News

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Touch-screen devices might help measure child development - Medical News Today

Touch-screen devices might help measure child development - Medical News Today

Study: Extremely Premature Babies at Greater Risk for Autism

Study: Extremely Premature Babies at Greater Risk for Autism

Healthcare documentation may take time away from care - FierceHealthcare

Healthcare documentation may take time away from care - FierceHealthcare

Medicines on school campus: Careful what you bring | Georgia Health News

Medicines on school campus: Careful what you bring | Georgia Health News

Cyberattack Surge: 100M medical records hacked in 2015, officials say | Fox News

Cyberattack Surge: 100M medical records hacked in 2015, officials say | Fox News

Monday, December 28, 2015

Noisy Electronic Toys May Hamper Babies' Verbal Skills

Noisy Electronic Toys May Hamper Babies' Verbal Skills

More Computer Time May Be Causing Nearsightedness in U.S. Kids

More Computer Time May Be Causing Nearsightedness in U.S. Kids

Child Asthma Rates Leveling Off, Except Among Poor and Older Kids: Study

Child Asthma Rates Leveling Off, Except Among Poor and Older Kids: Study

New Rules for Mammograms, Tanning Beds Top Health News of 2015

New Rules for Mammograms, Tanning Beds Top Health News of 2015

The top 10 Georgia health stories of 2015 | Georgia Health News

The top 10 Georgia health stories of 2015 | Georgia Health News

Athens For Everyone presses case for Medicaid expansion | Online Athens

Athens For Everyone presses case for Medicaid expansion | Online Athens

3 challenges Louisiana could face in Medicaid expansion | NOLA.com

3 challenges Louisiana could face in Medicaid expansion | NOLA.com

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Slight Signs of Lingering Brain Damage Seen in Young Athletes After Concussion

Slight Signs of Lingering Brain Damage Seen in Young Athletes After Concussion

Tiny Turtles Carry Salmonella Threat

Tiny Turtles Carry Salmonella Threat

Congress Passes Bill That Would Allow MU Stage 2 Hardship Exemptions | Healthcare Informatics Magazine | Health IT | Information Technology

Congress Passes Bill That Would Allow MU Stage 2 Hardship Exemptions | Healthcare Informatics Magazine | Health IT | Information Technology

More Confusion About Who Should Take A Statin | TIME

More Confusion About Who Should Take A Statin | TIME

WellCare's Iowa Medicaid fight shows industry's appetite for contracts - Modern Healthcare Modern Healthcare business news, research, data and events

WellCare's Iowa Medicaid fight shows industry's appetite for contracts - Modern Healthcare Modern Healthcare business news, research, data and events

Toddlers Adept at Using Touch-Screen Devices, Study Finds

Toddlers Adept at Using Touch-Screen Devices, Study Finds

Skin-to-Skin Contact May Lower Preemies' Risk of Death: Review

Skin-to-Skin Contact May Lower Preemies' Risk of Death: Review

U.S. Births Up, Teen and Preterm Deliveries Down: CDC

U.S. Births Up, Teen and Preterm Deliveries Down: CDC

UGA study finds bacteria can survive for months in foods | Georgia Health News

UGA study finds bacteria can survive for months in foods | Georgia Health News

Most GOP voters back growing medical cannabis in Ga. | Georgia Health News

Most GOP voters back growing medical cannabis in Ga. | Georgia Health News

Exchange enrollment nears 500,000 in Georgia | Georgia Health News

Exchange enrollment nears 500,000 in Georgia | Georgia Health News

ER Doctors Say Federal Rules Could Raise Patients’ Out-Of-Network Bills | Kaiser Health News

ER Doctors Say Federal Rules Could Raise Patients’ Out-Of-Network Bills | Kaiser Health News

Hands Off That Frozen Pizza! Docs Advise Customers As They Shop | Kaiser Health News

Hands Off That Frozen Pizza! Docs Advise Customers As They Shop | Kaiser Health News

Monday, December 21, 2015

Toxic Chemicals May Weaken Infants' Response to TB Vaccine

Toxic Chemicals May Weaken Infants' Response to TB Vaccine

Smoking Bans Beat Cigarette Taxes to Help Smokers Quit: Study

Smoking Bans Beat Cigarette Taxes to Help Smokers Quit: Study

FDA Proposes Tanning Bed Ban for Minors

FDA Proposes Tanning Bed Ban for Minors

Americans Growing More Concerned About Head Injuries in Football

Americans Growing More Concerned About Head Injuries in Football

Fights over Medicaid expected in 2016 | Arkansas News

Fights over Medicaid expected in 2016 | Arkansas News

HealthCare.gov enrollment surges to nearly 6 million so far - The Washington Post

HealthCare.gov enrollment surges to nearly 6 million so far - The Washington Post

Friday, December 18, 2015

Scientists Link Brain Chemical to Autism

Scientists Link Brain Chemical to Autism

To Help Your Kids Get Better Grades, Feed Them Breakfast: Study

To Help Your Kids Get Better Grades, Feed Them Breakfast: Study

Nasal Spray May Give Diabetics Faster Treatment for Low Blood Sugar

Nasal Spray May Give Diabetics Faster Treatment for Low Blood Sugar

UGA, Tech create camp for kids with disabilities | Georgia Health News

UGA, Tech create camp for kids with disabilities | Georgia Health News

Governor pushes for Medicaid expansion again in budget - Roanoke Times: Virginia

Governor pushes for Medicaid expansion again in budget - Roanoke Times: Virginia

Kaiser Permanente To Open Medical School In Southern California | Kaiser Health News

Kaiser Permanente To Open Medical School In Southern California | Kaiser Health News

Push On To Make Transparent Medical Records The National Standard Of Care | Kaiser Health News

Push On To Make Transparent Medical Records The National Standard Of Care | Kaiser Health News

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Northside Hospital tops the charts for c-sections among Atlanta hospitals, AJC finds | The Watchdog blog

Northside Hospital tops the charts for c-sections among Atlanta hospitals, AJC finds | The Watchdog blog

Antibiotics Often Enough for Kids' Appendicitis

Antibiotics Often Enough for Kids' Appendicitis

ADHD May Hamper Social Relationships Early in Life

ADHD May Hamper Social Relationships Early in Life

Deadline Extended for Obamacare Sign-Ups

Deadline Extended for Obamacare Sign-Ups

Piedmont first healthcare system in Georgia to offer on-demand virtual visits | Business | rockdalecitizen.com

Piedmont first healthcare system in Georgia to offer on-demand virtual visits | Business | rockdalecitizen.com

Learning Soft Skills In Childhood Can Prevent Harder Problems Later | Kaiser Health News

Learning Soft Skills In Childhood Can Prevent Harder Problems Later | Kaiser Health News

Arkansas panel backs governor's push to change Medicaid plan | The Charlotte Observer

Arkansas panel backs governor's push to change Medicaid plan | The Charlotte Observer

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Healthcare reform expert: Next phase will be rockier than the first - FierceHealthcare

Healthcare reform expert: Next phase will be rockier than the first - FierceHealthcare

Mother's education impacts child's health from birth - Medical News Today

Mother's education impacts child's health from birth - Medical News Today

ADHD Patients Show Weaker Connections in Brain Networks Tied to Focus: Study

ADHD Patients Show Weaker Connections in Brain Networks Tied to Focus: Study

High School Seniors Now More Likely to Smoke Pot Than Cigarettes: Survey

High School Seniors Now More Likely to Smoke Pot Than Cigarettes: Survey

As Health Care Act Insurance Deadline Nears, ‘Unprecedented Demand’ - The New York Times

As Health Care Act Insurance Deadline Nears, ‘Unprecedented Demand’ - The New York Times

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

School is Where Adolescents Get Most of Their Exercise, But It's Not Enough

School is Where Adolescents Get Most of Their Exercise, But It's Not Enough

Antidepressants in Pregnancy May Raise Autism Risk, Study Suggests

Antidepressants in Pregnancy May Raise Autism Risk, Study Suggests

‘Dead’ Georgia hospital may have been revived | Georgia Health News

‘Dead’ Georgia hospital may have been revived | Georgia Health News

State senator expects legislation on insurance reform | Georgia Health News

State senator expects legislation on insurance reform | Georgia Health News

Bargainers prepare to unveil spending, tax deal Tuesday - The Washington Post

Bargainers prepare to unveil spending, tax deal Tuesday - The Washington Post

Projections show Medicaid expansion would cover 20K in Wyoming | Wyoming News | trib.com

Projections show Medicaid expansion would cover 20K in Wyoming | Wyoming News | trib.com

Monday, December 14, 2015

Abuse of Prescription Painkillers, Stimulants Ups Sexual Risks for Teens

Abuse of Prescription Painkillers, Stimulants Ups Sexual Risks for Teens

Bodily Changes Don't Always Signal 'Precocious' Puberty in Kids

Bodily Changes Don't Always Signal 'Precocious' Puberty in Kids

Feds cut funds to 30 Ga. hospitals over infections, injuries | Georgia Health News

Feds cut funds to 30 Ga. hospitals over infections, injuries | Georgia Health News

New Emory health chief plans to focus on integrated care | Georgia Health News

New Emory health chief plans to focus on integrated care | Georgia Health News

Wolf: 500,000 Pennsylvanians enrolled in Medicaid expansion - San Antonio Express-News

Wolf: 500,000 Pennsylvanians enrolled in Medicaid expansion - San Antonio Express-News

Lawmakers: Little Hope For Medicaid Expansion In Florida | Health News Florida

Lawmakers: Little Hope For Medicaid Expansion In Florida | Health News Florida

Poll Finds Kentuckians Split With Gov. Matt Bevin on Expanded Medicaid - The New York Times

Poll Finds Kentuckians Split With Gov. Matt Bevin on Expanded Medicaid - The New York Times

Friday, December 11, 2015

Concussions Are Biggest Health Risk to Cheerleaders

Concussions Are Biggest Health Risk to Cheerleaders

One in Five U.S. Kids Over Age 5 Has Unhealthy Cholesterol: CDC

One in Five U.S. Kids Over Age 5 Has Unhealthy Cholesterol: CDC

Fewer Teens, Young Adults Driving After Drinking, Smoking Pot: Report

Fewer Teens, Young Adults Driving After Drinking, Smoking Pot: Report

Panel rejects cannabis plan | Georgia Health News

Panel rejects cannabis plan | Georgia Health News

Broader strategy: From local hospitals to regional players | Georgia Health News

Broader strategy: From local hospitals to regional players | Georgia Health News

Congress Moves To OK Short-Term Spending Bill To Avert Government Shutdown | Kaiser Health News

Congress Moves To OK Short-Term Spending Bill To Avert Government Shutdown | Kaiser Health News

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Senate Questions 'Egregious' Price Hikes For Specialty Medicines : Shots - Health News : NPR

Senate Questions 'Egregious' Price Hikes For Specialty Medicines : Shots - Health News : NPR

Athens Regional moves to pursue affiliation with Piedmont Healthcare | Online Athens

Athens Regional moves to pursue affiliation with Piedmont Healthcare | Online Athens

Georgia’s low health ranking sinks even lower | Georgia Health News

Georgia’s low health ranking sinks even lower | Georgia Health News

Burnout increasing among U.S. doctors - The Washington Post

Burnout increasing among U.S. doctors - The Washington Post

Republicans eye short-term spending bill as shutdown deadline approaches - The Washington Post

Republicans eye short-term spending bill as shutdown deadline approaches - The Washington Post

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

ADHD Diagnoses Rising Among U.S. Kids, Study Finds

ADHD Diagnoses Rising Among U.S. Kids, Study Finds

Network deal OKs bonuses for pediatric performance | Georgia Health News

Network deal OKs bonuses for pediatric performance | Georgia Health News

Alabama and Kansas Game the Medicaid System to Plug Budgets - Bloomberg Business

Alabama and Kansas Game the Medicaid System to Plug Budgets - Bloomberg Business

Kentucky's New Governor Could Roll Back Medicaid, Even As State Benefits : NPR

Kentucky's New Governor Could Roll Back Medicaid, Even As State Benefits : NPR

Waivers are new battlefront in Republican-led states that expanded Medicaid - Modern Healthcare Modern Healthcare business news, research, data and events

Waivers are new battlefront in Republican-led states that expanded Medicaid - Modern Healthcare Modern Healthcare business news, research, data and events

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Marijuana Chemical Shows Promise for Hard-to-Treat Epilepsy in Kids

Marijuana Chemical Shows Promise for Hard-to-Treat Epilepsy in Kids

Survey: So Far, Most Orgs Satisfied with ICD-10 Transition | Healthcare Informatics Magazine | Health IT | Information Technology

Survey: So Far, Most Orgs Satisfied with ICD-10 Transition | Healthcare Informatics Magazine | Health IT | Information Technology

Study: Most high school heroin users started with prescription opioids - UPI.com

Study: Most high school heroin users started with prescription opioids - UPI.com

Cigna CEO David Cordani: ACA Marketplace Is Still In ‘Version 1.0’ | Kaiser Health News

Cigna CEO David Cordani: ACA Marketplace Is Still In ‘Version 1.0’ | Kaiser Health News

Negotiations over year-end spending bill hit a tax snag - The Washington Post

Negotiations over year-end spending bill hit a tax snag - The Washington Post

Congress Has Until Friday To Pass Year-End Spending Bill | Kaiser Health News

Congress Has Until Friday To Pass Year-End Spending Bill | Kaiser Health News

Gaining weight between pregnancies increases risk of infant death - Medical News Today

Gaining weight between pregnancies increases risk of infant death - Medical News Today

Infant Weight Gain Linked to Possible Type 1 Diabetes Risk

Infant Weight Gain Linked to Possible Type 1 Diabetes Risk

Monday, December 7, 2015

Factors Beyond Sleep Environment Contribute to Decrease in SIDS

Factors Beyond Sleep Environment Contribute to Decrease in SIDS

Get Your Flu Shot Before the Flu Is Widespread: CDC

Get Your Flu Shot Before the Flu Is Widespread: CDC

Screen All Kids for Cholesterol, Depression and HIV, Pediatricians' Group Says

Screen All Kids for Cholesterol, Depression and HIV, Pediatricians' Group Says

Rural Georgia hospital loses fight to stay open | Georgia Health News

Rural Georgia hospital loses fight to stay open | Georgia Health News

Va. hospitals do about-face, giving McAuliffe Medicaid bargaining chip - The Washington Post

Va. hospitals do about-face, giving McAuliffe Medicaid bargaining chip - The Washington Post

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Diabetes or Obesity During Pregnancy May Affect Fetal Heart: Study

Diabetes or Obesity During Pregnancy May Affect Fetal Heart: Study

Playing Contact Sports in Youth May Raise Risk for Degenerative Brain Disease

Playing Contact Sports in Youth May Raise Risk for Degenerative Brain Disease

Could an Obese Dad's Sperm Pass Traits to His Kids?

Could an Obese Dad's Sperm Pass Traits to His Kids?

SIDS Risk Depends on More Than 'Sleeping Environment'

SIDS Risk Depends on More Than 'Sleeping Environment'

Too Much TV While Younger May Hamper Middle-Aged Brain

Too Much TV While Younger May Hamper Middle-Aged Brain

Weight Gain Between Pregnancies May Affect Infant Survival

Weight Gain Between Pregnancies May Affect Infant Survival

Could Energy Drink 'Shots' Raise Teens' Diabetes Risk?

Could Energy Drink 'Shots' Raise Teens' Diabetes Risk?

Deal says no to growing medical marijuana in Georgia | The Telegraph

Deal says no to growing medical marijuana in Georgia | The Telegraph

Ga. exchange enrollment already past 100,000 | Georgia Health News

Ga. exchange enrollment already past 100,000 | Georgia Health News

Judge keeps suit against CON laws alive | Georgia Health News

Judge keeps suit against CON laws alive | Georgia Health News

2016 PPO Plans Remove Out-Of-Network Cost Limits, A Costly Trap For Consumers | Kaiser Health News

2016 PPO Plans Remove Out-Of-Network Cost Limits, A Costly Trap For Consumers | Kaiser Health News

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

WHO suggest new C-section recommendations - Medical News Today

WHO suggest new C-section recommendations - Medical News Today

Button Battery Injuries in Children: A Growing Risk - HealthyChildren.org

Button Battery Injuries in Children: A Growing Risk - HealthyChildren.org

Higher Cigarette Taxes Tied to Fewer Infant Deaths

Higher Cigarette Taxes Tied to Fewer Infant Deaths

Certain birth defects linked to abuse of infants and toddlers | Reuters

Certain birth defects linked to abuse of infants and toddlers | Reuters

Health News Articles | News for Physicians & Medical Professionals

Health News Articles | News for Physicians & Medical Professionals

Coca-Cola-funded nonprofit blasted over calorie-related comments disbands - Atlanta Business Chronicle

Coca-Cola-funded nonprofit blasted over calorie-related comments disbands - Atlanta Business Chronicle

WellStar OKs $575 million deal for Tenet hospitals | Georgia Health News

WellStar OKs $575 million deal for Tenet hospitals | Georgia Health News

Monday, November 30, 2015

After Concussion Symptoms Fade, Slowed Blood Flow in Brain May Persist

After Concussion Symptoms Fade, Slowed Blood Flow in Brain May Persist

Doctor-Patient Relationship May Suffer When Technology Takes Over: Study

Doctor-Patient Relationship May Suffer When Technology Takes Over: Study

​What is Spice? - The Newnan Times-Herald

​What is Spice? - The Newnan Times-Herald

McCarthy predicts no gov't shutdown over Planned Parenthood - Yahoo Finance

McCarthy predicts no gov't shutdown over Planned Parenthood - Yahoo Finance

Children with pets have less stress - Medical News Today

Children with pets have less stress - Medical News Today

Probiotics 'offer no health benefits' for preterm infants - Medical News Today

Probiotics 'offer no health benefits' for preterm infants - Medical News Today

Bullies May Face Higher Odds of Eating Disorders: Study

Bullies May Face Higher Odds of Eating Disorders: Study

Teens More Cautious About Sex When Parents Set Rules, Study Finds

Teens More Cautious About Sex When Parents Set Rules, Study Finds

Georgia largely fails to halt nurse 'impostors' | Albany Herald

Georgia largely fails to halt nurse 'impostors' | Albany Herald

Congress returns to looming deadlines on budget, highways - Yahoo Finance

Congress returns to looming deadlines on budget, highways - Yahoo Finance

Drugmakers Plan to Defend Prices by Proving Value of Medicines

Drugmakers Plan to Defend Prices by Proving Value of Medicines
By Kerry Young, CQ Roll Call : Nov. 25, 2015

Executives from the nation’s biggest drugmakers are telling their investors and stock analysts that they will defend the high prices of their products by showing the benefits that they can deliver in maintaining and restoring health.

Proving the medicines can deliver significant results will become “a more significant component of the pricing discussion,” said Dominic Caruso, the chief financial officer for Johnson & Johnson, on a webcast from the Credit Suisse conference earlier this month.

“We think that that’s a good thing,” Caruso said. “Raising the bar for innovation to be associated with meaningful outcomes, we think, will solve the pricing dilemma" for companies able to make strong cases for their products.

Caruso is among the executives from drugmakers with household names and jealously protected reputations that are trying to distance their companies from the backlash sparked largely by smaller firms. The Senate Committee on Aging has said it intends to hold a December hearing on drug prices following an uproar about Turing Pharmaceuticals, led by Martin Shkreli. The panel has asked Turing to explain why it licensed the Daraprim tablet used to fight life-threatening parasitic infections in people with compromised immune systems and then raised the price from $13.50 to $750 a tablet. Daraprim has been approved in the United States since 1953, according to federal records.

Marquee members of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America want the public to see a difference between their companies, which they say make significant investments in the hunt for new medicines, and firms like Turing. J & J, Merck & Co. and Eli Lilly & Co. each spent between $4.7 billion to $8.5 billion on medical research last year.

Merck Chief Executive Kenneth C. Frazier, who also serves as the chairman of PhRMA's board, said he tries to "very hard to distinguish between" what he calls "the innovation-based companies that do take a value approach to pricing" and "a few companies that I think are unrepresentative of the entire industry."

"While there's a lot of noise out there, my experience in Washington is that people do recognize that this industry is important, that these innovations are critical to society," Frazier said on an October call with analysts about quarterly financial results.

Merck's roots as a company date to the 1880s. Its legacy for charitable contributions includes developing and providing for free a drug to combat a parasitic infection that causes an affliction called river blindness. Kenilworth, New Jersey-based Merck now is working on fighting several kinds of cancer by spurring reactions in the immune system, as well as drugs for Alzheimer's disease and diabetes.

“People do recognize that this industry is important, that these innovations are critical to society, that we, for example, need a disease-modifying agent for Alzheimer's,” Frazier said. “People see what these immuno-oncology drugs are doing, and they know that that's just the beginning of what we can do as an industry.”

National Debate
Yet there’s growing anger among cancer patients and physicians against pharmaceutical giants like Merck because of the prices charged for their newer cancer drugs. Merck’s Keytruda cancer drug, which works by acting on the immune system, costs $12,500 a month. That puts it beyond the reach of some patients unless they can get financial assistance. The protests of oncologists are muted in contrast to the widespread public vitriol sparked by Shkreli, but they are more likely to persist and perhaps have a greater influence on the debate ahead on drug prices.

Former Obama administration adviser Ezekiel J. Emanuel, a trained oncologist, sees the December hearing planned by the Senate Committee on Aging plans as only one of the earliest steps Congress will take in looking at the costs of medicines. It’s unlikely that Congress will take any substantive action on drug pricing in this session or even the two-year 115th session that starts in 2017, but the level of public anger makes it likely that the federal government may take action in time, said Emanuel, who is now a professor at the University of Pennsylvania and a senior fellow at the liberal Center for American Progress. Drugmakers in the meanwhile would do well to look for strategies to cool this rage and put some voluntary limits on the costs of their products, he told CQ HealthBeat.

"We're just at the start of a national debate,” Emanuel said in the interview. "If they don't come to the table with something that does keep costs under control, you are going to see a lot more pressure."

Pharmaceutical companies and their advocates have long argued that these firms charge high prices in the United States to cover the risks of drug research. Lilly last month, for example announced that it would discontinue development of the experimental evacetrapib medicine for clogged arteries. It's publicly claiming a loss associated with this drug of as much as $90 million, which will be accounted for in the company's financial results for the last three months of 2015, or the fourth quarter.

For the third quarter, which ended in September, Lilly reported a profit of $800 million and revenue of $4.96 billion. That equals roughly 16 cents of profit for each $1 taken in. The firm spent $1.14 billion on research, and more than $2.8 billion on production, marketing, selling and administrative expenses.

Like his peers at J&J and Merck, Lilly Chief Executive John C. Lechleiter was asked by stock analysts on an October conference call about third-quarter results to weigh in on Washington’s concerns about drug pricing and profits. Lechleiter, a research scientist who climbed the ranks at Lilly, said complaints about drug prices often surface around presidential campaigns, as the industry remains a popular target with politicians.

Like his peers at J&J and Merck, Lechleiter said that he will emphasize the work Lilly is doing in fighting diseases such as diabetes in defending its prices. Pharmaceutical companies have a "great story to tell," said Lechleiter, whose firm brought the first insulin injections to the market in the 1920s and the Prozac antidepressant in the 1980s.

“I’ve never been as optimistic as I am about the chances we have as an industry to really make a difference for patients,” said Leichleiter, who joined Lilly in 1979. “We have got to keep telling the story, keep reminding people.”



Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Breast-Feeding May Cut Risk of Type 2 Diabetes for Some Women

Breast-Feeding May Cut Risk of Type 2 Diabetes for Some Women

Could Obesity Be Wired Into Some Children's Brains?

Could Obesity Be Wired Into Some Children's Brains?

Ban Crib Bumpers Because of Rising Deaths, Researchers Say

Ban Crib Bumpers Because of Rising Deaths, Researchers Say

First Year of Life Poses Highest Risk for Child Abuse: Study

First Year of Life Poses Highest Risk for Child Abuse: Study

Private Rooms May Save Money By Cutting Hospital Infection Rates

Private Rooms May Save Money By Cutting Hospital Infection Rates

Shock as Mayo Clinic cuts loose Waycross hospital | Georgia Health News

Shock as Mayo Clinic cuts loose Waycross hospital | Georgia Health News

Georgia stresses treatment for pregnant drug users | Georgia Health News

Georgia stresses treatment for pregnant drug users | Georgia Health News

Obamacare Medicaid expansion could cover 290,000 in Alabama | AL.com

Obamacare Medicaid expansion could cover 290,000 in Alabama | AL.com

Monday, November 23, 2015

E-Cigarette Ads Boost Use Among Young Adults, Study Finds

E-Cigarette Ads Boost Use Among Young Adults, Study Finds

ADHD Medications Linked to Sleep Problems in Kids

ADHD Medications Linked to Sleep Problems in Kids

States still fail to deliver physician quality metrics - FiercePracticeManagement

States still fail to deliver physician quality metrics - FiercePracticeManagement

Looming doctor shortage threatens care | The Augusta Chronicle

Looming doctor shortage threatens care | The Augusta Chronicle

UPDATE 5-Aetna, Anthem reassure investors on Obamacare business | Reuters

UPDATE 5-Aetna, Anthem reassure investors on Obamacare business | Reuters

HHS proposes more consumer-friendly rules for ACA health plans - The Washington Post

HHS proposes more consumer-friendly rules for ACA health plans - The Washington Post

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Teasing Girls About Weight May Cause Lasting Harm

Teasing Girls About Weight May Cause Lasting Harm

Most First-Time Moms Plan to Follow Vaccine Schedule

Most First-Time Moms Plan to Follow Vaccine Schedule

Kids Who Take ADHD Meds More Likely to Be Bullied, Study Finds

Kids Who Take ADHD Meds More Likely to Be Bullied, Study Finds

New 'Collar' Aims to Help Shield Brain From Concussion

New 'Collar' Aims to Help Shield Brain From Concussion

GBI video warns against infant co-sleeping | Albany Herald

GBI video warns against infant co-sleeping | Albany Herald

Georgians plagued by surprise medical bills | www.wsbtv.com

Georgians plagued by surprise medical bills | www.wsbtv.com

Letter to the Editor: The importance of rural health | Georgia Health News

Letter to the Editor: The importance of rural health | Georgia Health News

Blue Cross keeps big edge in state benefit plan | Georgia Health News

Blue Cross keeps big edge in state benefit plan | Georgia Health News

Specialty drugs now cost more than the median household income - The Washington Post

Specialty drugs now cost more than the median household income - The Washington Post

Feds vow flexibility on ramping up Medicaid | Georgia Health News

Feds vow flexibility on ramping up Medicaid | Georgia Health News

UnitedHealth Warns Of Marketplace Exit – Start Of A Trend Or Push For White House Action? | Kaiser Health News

UnitedHealth Warns Of Marketplace Exit – Start Of A Trend Or Push For White House Action? | Kaiser Health News

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Drug Overdose Rates Soaring Among U.S. Youth

Drug Overdose Rates Soaring Among U.S. Youth

Your Parenting Style May Affect Your Child's Obesity Risk : LIFE : Tech Times

Your Parenting Style May Affect Your Child's Obesity Risk : LIFE : Tech Times

UnitedHealth May Quit Obamacare in Blow to Health Law - Bloomberg Business

UnitedHealth May Quit Obamacare in Blow to Health Law - Bloomberg Business

Drug price regulation needed, healthcare leaders say - Modern Healthcare Modern Healthcare business news, research, data and events

Drug price regulation needed, healthcare leaders say - Modern Healthcare Modern Healthcare business news, research, data and events

Pregnancy: Excess Weight Before Increases Infant Mortality Risk : Health & Medicine : Science World Report

Pregnancy: Excess Weight Before Increases Infant Mortality Risk : Health & Medicine : Science World Report

Healthcare shocker: Medicaid is very good for kids - LA Times

Healthcare shocker: Medicaid is very good for kids - LA Times

First insights into changes to developing brain caused by gene associated with autism - Medical News Today

First insights into changes to developing brain caused by gene associated with autism - Medical News Today

Study: Preschoolers need more outdoor time at child care centers - Medical News Today

Study: Preschoolers need more outdoor time at child care centers - Medical News Today

Kids with Medicaid, CHIP get more preventive care than those with private insurance - Medical News Today

Kids with Medicaid, CHIP get more preventive care than those with private insurance - Medical News Today

Charges Filed Against Makers of Nutritional Supplements

Charges Filed Against Makers of Nutritional Supplements

More Than 8 Percent of Kids With Cancer May Be Genetically Prone to the Disease

More Than 8 Percent of Kids With Cancer May Be Genetically Prone to the Disease

Scientists Spot Gene That Could Make Bacteria Resistant to All Antibiotics

Scientists Spot Gene That Could Make Bacteria Resistant to All Antibiotics

Phoebe Sumter Medical Center holds Rural Healthcare Summit | Albany Herald

Phoebe Sumter Medical Center holds Rural Healthcare Summit | Albany Herald

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Digital glasses help children with lazy eye - Medical News Today

Digital glasses help children with lazy eye - Medical News Today

Rectal Thermometer Remains Gold Standard for Spotting Fever

Rectal Thermometer Remains Gold Standard for Spotting Fever

Certain Antibiotic Might Combat Children's Wheezing Episodes

Certain Antibiotic Might Combat Children's Wheezing Episodes

More Gluten Before Age 2 Linked to Celiac Disease in At-Risk Kids

More Gluten Before Age 2 Linked to Celiac Disease in At-Risk Kids

If you smoke, Mayor Kasim Reed wants to help you quit - Atlanta Business Chronicle

If you smoke, Mayor Kasim Reed wants to help you quit - Atlanta Business Chronicle

Prenatal programs for the poor need a bigger role in Georgia | Georgia Health News

Prenatal programs for the poor need a bigger role in Georgia | Georgia Health News

In Caring For Sickest Infants, Doctors Tap Parents For Tough Calls | Kaiser Health News

In Caring For Sickest Infants, Doctors Tap Parents For Tough Calls | Kaiser Health News

Friday, November 13, 2015

Sharp Increase in U.S. Babies Born With Syphilis: CDC

Sharp Increase in U.S. Babies Born With Syphilis: CDC

California Vaccine Refusers Cluster in Rich, White Areas

California Vaccine Refusers Cluster in Rich, White Areas

Adult Obesity Still Growing in U.S., Youth Rates Hold Steady: CDC

Adult Obesity Still Growing in U.S., Youth Rates Hold Steady: CDC

CDC: Child Autism Rate Now 1 in 45 After Survey Method Changes

CDC: Child Autism Rate Now 1 in 45 After Survey Method Changes

Retail clinics to surpass 2,800 in next two years - FierceHealthcare

Retail clinics to surpass 2,800 in next two years - FierceHealthcare

Another rescue of a Georgia hospital? | Georgia Health News

Another rescue of a Georgia hospital? | Georgia Health News

Consumer Coalition Forms to Fight U.S. Health Insurance Mergers - The New York Times

Consumer Coalition Forms to Fight U.S. Health Insurance Mergers - The New York Times

Alabama governor says he is 'looking' at Medicaid expansion | The Kansas City Star

Alabama governor says he is 'looking' at Medicaid expansion | The Kansas City Star

Thursday, November 12, 2015

Pediatric Medical Home Champion to Receive Distinguished National Award

Pediatric Medical Home Champion to Receive Distinguished National Award

Losing a Parent in Childhood May Raise Suicide Risk Decades Later

Losing a Parent in Childhood May Raise Suicide Risk Decades Later

Newborn Probiotic Use Tied to Lower Risk of Type 1 Diabetes

Newborn Probiotic Use Tied to Lower Risk of Type 1 Diabetes

Recall issued on Atlanta-made Bueno by Contigo Kids Straw Tumblers - Atlanta Business Chronicle

Recall issued on Atlanta-made Bueno by Contigo Kids Straw Tumblers - Atlanta Business Chronicle

5,500 Montanans Sign Up For Expanded Medicaid Coverage In First Week | MTPR

5,500 Montanans Sign Up For Expanded Medicaid Coverage In First Week | MTPR

In first week, 5,500 Montanans signed up for expanded Medicaid c - KRTV.com | Great Falls, Montana

In first week, 5,500 Montanans signed up for expanded Medicaid c - KRTV.com | Great Falls, Montana

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Could self-weighing be harmful for teens and young adults? - Medical News Today

Could self-weighing be harmful for teens and young adults? - Medical News Today

Challenges for Extreme Preemies Can Last into Teens

Challenges for Extreme Preemies Can Last into Teens

Health assessment stirs questions . . . even before it’s released (video) | Georgia Health News

Health assessment stirs questions . . . even before it’s released (video) | Georgia Health News

Health insurer Cigna reports better-than-expected profit | Reuters

Health insurer Cigna reports better-than-expected profit | Reuters

Regulators Urge Broader Health Networks - The New York Times

Regulators Urge Broader Health Networks - The New York Times

Health Systems Dipping Into The Business Of Selling Insurance | Kaiser Health News

Health Systems Dipping Into The Business Of Selling Insurance | Kaiser Health News

Monday, November 9, 2015

Bariatric Surgery Benefits for Teens Appear Durable | Medpage Today

Bariatric Surgery Benefits for Teens Appear Durable | Medpage Today

Complications in the Nursery Have Long Lasting Effects for Preterm Babies

Complications in the Nursery Have Long Lasting Effects for Preterm Babies

Parent Aimed TV Ads for Children's Beverages Pour On Sugar Coated Health Messages

Parent Aimed TV Ads for Children's Beverages Pour On Sugar Coated Health Messages

Just One Energy Drink Sends Young Adults' Stress Hormone Levels Soaring

Just One Energy Drink Sends Young Adults' Stress Hormone Levels Soaring

Another rural hospital going out of business | Georgia Health News

Another rural hospital going out of business | Georgia Health News

​Trammell: Medicaid expansion not benefiting Georgians - The Newnan Times-Herald

​Trammell: Medicaid expansion not benefiting Georgians - The Newnan Times-Herald

Congress continues probe into failing Obamacare co-ops | McClatchy DC

Congress continues probe into failing Obamacare co-ops | McClatchy DC

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Children of Stressed Parents May Be Prone to Obesity

Children of Stressed Parents May Be Prone to Obesity

Doctors Who Order More Tests Sued Less Often

Doctors Who Order More Tests Sued Less Often

Scarlet Fever Resurfacing in Some Parts of the World

Scarlet Fever Resurfacing in Some Parts of the World

Breast-Feeding May Not Help Prevent Allergies in Kids, Study Claims

Breast-Feeding May Not Help Prevent Allergies in Kids, Study Claims

Junk Food Not to Blame for America's Obesity Epidemic: Study

Junk Food Not to Blame for America's Obesity Epidemic: Study

Many ERs don't give sexually assaulted teens recommended treatment - FierceHealthcare

Many ERs don't give sexually assaulted teens recommended treatment - FierceHealthcare

State’s grade on premature births drops | Georgia Health News

State’s grade on premature births drops | Georgia Health News

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

New Advisory Says Some Athletes With Heart Conditions OK to Play

New Advisory Says Some Athletes With Heart Conditions OK to Play

Weight Gain a Challenge for Children With Autism: Study

Weight Gain a Challenge for Children With Autism: Study

Georgia Supreme Court sends Dougherty malpractice case to jury | Albany Herald

Georgia Supreme Court sends Dougherty malpractice case to jury | Albany Herald

Struggling rural county in vanguard of telemedicine revolution | Georgia Health News

Struggling rural county in vanguard of telemedicine revolution | Georgia Health News

Federal health officials approve Montana Medicaid waiver | Montana

Federal health officials approve Montana Medicaid waiver | Montana

Monday, November 2, 2015

Weight, Exercise May Affect Children's Thinking Skills

Weight, Exercise May Affect Children's Thinking Skills

Dogs in the Home May Lower Kids' Odds for Asthma

Dogs in the Home May Lower Kids' Odds for Asthma

Most Preschoolers Use Tablets, Smartphones Daily

Most Preschoolers Use Tablets, Smartphones Daily

Teens Do Listen to Parents' Advice About Sex: Study

Teens Do Listen to Parents' Advice About Sex: Study

New chief named at Blue Cross of Georgia | Georgia Health News

New chief named at Blue Cross of Georgia | Georgia Health News

Young Children Have Almost Universal Exposure to Mobile Media Devices

Young Children Have Almost Universal Exposure to Mobile Media Devices

Many Parents Unaware of Emergency Plans at Kids' Pre-schools

Many Parents Unaware of Emergency Plans at Kids' Pre-schools

One in Five Pediatricians Drops Families Who Refuse Vaccines: Survey

One in Five Pediatricians Drops Families Who Refuse Vaccines: Survey

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Videogame maker says study shows its game helps manage ADHD symptoms | Reuters

Videogame maker says study shows its game helps manage ADHD symptoms | Reuters

Ga. law enforcement hesitant over medical marijuana growth | The Telegraph

Ga. law enforcement hesitant over medical marijuana growth | The Telegraph

Drugmaker Recalls Injectors Used to Treat Allergic Reactions

Drugmaker Recalls Injectors Used to Treat Allergic Reactions

Too Few Preteen Girls Get HPV Vaccine, CDC Says

Too Few Preteen Girls Get HPV Vaccine, CDC Says

Sale of Riverdale hospital nears final review | Georgia Health News

Sale of Riverdale hospital nears final review | Georgia Health News

More Georgia kids insured as ACA takes hold | Georgia Health News

More Georgia kids insured as ACA takes hold | Georgia Health News

California and Federal Government Locked In Debate Over Billions In Medicaid Funding | Kaiser Health News

California and Federal Government Locked In Debate Over Billions In Medicaid Funding | Kaiser Health News

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Sing rather than talk to babies to keep them calm - Medical News Today

Sing rather than talk to babies to keep them calm - Medical News Today

Oxytocin 'Love Hormone' Nasal Spray Shows Promise in Kids With Autism

Oxytocin 'Love Hormone' Nasal Spray Shows Promise in Kids With Autism

Doctors Can Fine-Tune Estimates of Delivery Dates, Study Finds

Doctors Can Fine-Tune Estimates of Delivery Dates, Study Finds

Narcotic Painkiller Use in Adolescence May Raise Risk of Adult Addiction

Narcotic Painkiller Use in Adolescence May Raise Risk of Adult Addiction

Breast Milk Makeup May Influence Child's Later Weight, Study Says

Breast Milk Makeup May Influence Child's Later Weight, Study Says

E-Cigarette Use Highest Among Young Adults, U.S. Report Finds

E-Cigarette Use Highest Among Young Adults, U.S. Report Finds

Year 3 of ACA enrollment: Little growth, big penalty | Georgia Health News

Year 3 of ACA enrollment: Little growth, big penalty | Georgia Health News

Specialty Care Isn't Covered In Some Federal Exchange Plans : Shots - Health News : NPR

Specialty Care Isn't Covered In Some Federal Exchange Plans : Shots - Health News : NPR

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Cutting Sugar From Diet Boosts Kids' Health Immediately: Study

Cutting Sugar From Diet Boosts Kids' Health Immediately: Study

Bacon, hot dogs and processed meats linked to cancer | Atlanta Restaurant Scene

Bacon, hot dogs and processed meats linked to cancer | Atlanta Restaurant Scene

Shaken Baby Syndrome Program Didn't Reduce Injuries: Study

Shaken Baby Syndrome Program Didn't Reduce Injuries: Study

Halloween Can Be a Fright for Kids With Food Allergies

Halloween Can Be a Fright for Kids With Food Allergies

Be careful about spooky-looking contact lenses | Georgia Health News

Be careful about spooky-looking contact lenses | Georgia Health News

White House And GOP Congressional Leaders Reach Budget Deal : It's All Politics : NPR

White House And GOP Congressional Leaders Reach Budget Deal : It's All Politics : NPR

Monday, October 26, 2015

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta impact felt in Southwest Georgia | Albany Herald

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta impact felt in Southwest Georgia | Albany Herald

Limiting Tackling Limits Concussions: Study

Limiting Tackling Limits Concussions: Study

Pediatricians' Group Urges Action on Climate Change

Pediatricians' Group Urges Action on Climate Change

Too Few Boys Get HPV Vaccine, CDC Study Finds

Too Few Boys Get HPV Vaccine, CDC Study Finds

Safe Tackling OK in Youth Football, Pediatricians' Group Says

Safe Tackling OK in Youth Football, Pediatricians' Group Says

Raise Smoking Age to 21, U.S. Pediatricians Urge

Raise Smoking Age to 21, U.S. Pediatricians Urge

Kids Drawn to 'Gateway' Flavored Tobacco Products, FDA Finds

Kids Drawn to 'Gateway' Flavored Tobacco Products, FDA Finds

Sunday, October 25, 2015

Health Food Stores Urge Supplements to Underage Teens: Study

Health Food Stores Urge Supplements to Underage Teens: Study

Many Teens Knowingly Ride With Drunk Drivers, Survey Finds

Many Teens Knowingly Ride With Drunk Drivers, Survey Finds

Doctors Key to Stopping Child Hunger

Doctors Key to Stopping Child Hunger

Paintball, BB Guns Can Severely Injure Kids, Study Finds

Paintball, BB Guns Can Severely Injure Kids, Study Finds

Kids in Foster Care Have Tripled Rates of ADHD, Study Finds

Kids in Foster Care Have Tripled Rates of ADHD, Study Finds

Unexpected Severe Allergic Reactions Strike Many Schools

Unexpected Severe Allergic Reactions Strike Many Schools

Number of medical school students at record high | The Augusta Chronicle

Number of medical school students at record high | The Augusta Chronicle

Sandy Springs Officers Receive Training From Spirit Of Autism | WABE 90.1 FM

Sandy Springs Officers Receive Training From Spirit Of Autism | WABE 90.1 FM

Thinking of a flu shot? Don’t put it off | Georgia Health News

Thinking of a flu shot? Don’t put it off | Georgia Health News

Thursday, October 22, 2015

CDC expects flu vaccine delays, but no shortages

CDC expects flu vaccine delays, but no shortages

Antibiotics and Weight: Overprescribing Can Lead to Obesity

Antibiotics and Weight: Overprescribing Can Lead to Obesity

Secondhand Smoke in Infancy May Harm Kids' Teeth

Secondhand Smoke in Infancy May Harm Kids' Teeth

ADHD May Have Different Effects on Brains of Boys and Girls

ADHD May Have Different Effects on Brains of Boys and Girls

Georgia lawmakers to push Medicaid expansion in General Assembly | Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

Georgia lawmakers to push Medicaid expansion in General Assembly | Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

Judge paves way for sale of Clayton County hospital | Georgia Health News

Judge paves way for sale of Clayton County hospital | Georgia Health News

U.S. Health Insurers Slip as Clinton Calls for Merger Review - Bloomberg Business

U.S. Health Insurers Slip as Clinton Calls for Merger Review - Bloomberg Business

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Kids More Likely to Be Overweight If Mom Gains Too Much in Pregnancy or After

Kids More Likely to Be Overweight If Mom Gains Too Much in Pregnancy or After

Never events: Better measures needed to eliminate medical mistakes - FierceHealthcare

Never events: Better measures needed to eliminate medical mistakes - FierceHealthcare

Anti-Hunger Group Urges No Cuts To Child Nutrition Programs | WABE 90.1 FM

Anti-Hunger Group Urges No Cuts To Child Nutrition Programs | WABE 90.1 FM

Big insurance deals are bad news | Georgia Health News

Big insurance deals are bad news | Georgia Health News

Med-Mal Insurer Says Doctors Win in 9 Out of 10 Trials | Daily Report

Med-Mal Insurer Says Doctors Win in 9 Out of 10 Trials | Daily Report

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Teens Swayed by Alcohol Ads

Teens Swayed by Alcohol Ads

High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy Tied to Newborn Heart Defects

High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy Tied to Newborn Heart Defects

Cigarette taxes went up in Alabama, so why aren't smokers coming to Georgia? | Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

Cigarette taxes went up in Alabama, so why aren't smokers coming to Georgia? | Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

Georgia State University's School of Public Health awarded $2.2M grant to research child abuse - Atlanta Business Chronicle

Georgia State University's School of Public Health awarded $2.2M grant to research child abuse - Atlanta Business Chronicle

When hospitals buy doctors’ practices, patients pay - The Boston Globe

When hospitals buy doctors’ practices, patients pay - The Boston Globe

Hospital-owned physician practices linked to higher prices | Reuters

Hospital-owned physician practices linked to higher prices | Reuters

Outpatient Medical Care Prices Are Rising, Study Shows - WSJ

Outpatient Medical Care Prices Are Rising, Study Shows - WSJ

UPDATE 1-Aetna, Humana shareholders approve proposed merger | Reuters

UPDATE 1-Aetna, Humana shareholders approve proposed merger | Reuters

The North Carolina Experiment: How One State Is Trying To Reshape Medicaid | Kaiser Health News

The North Carolina Experiment: How One State Is Trying To Reshape Medicaid | Kaiser Health News

Monday, October 19, 2015

Food allergy prevention: should we give infants peanuts? - Medical News Today

Food allergy prevention: should we give infants peanuts? - Medical News Today

Newborns Vulnerable to Common Staph Infections: Study

Newborns Vulnerable to Common Staph Infections: Study

Very Young Babies Sense Touch Differently

Very Young Babies Sense Touch Differently

Disaster Plans Must Consider Children, Pediatrics Group Says

Disaster Plans Must Consider Children, Pediatrics Group Says

Preteen Girls Worry About Breast Cancer If It's in the Family

Preteen Girls Worry About Breast Cancer If It's in the Family

Study Challenges Theory That Birth Order Determines Personality

Study Challenges Theory That Birth Order Determines Personality

It's Time for Your Flu Shot

It's Time for Your Flu Shot

No Amount of Alcohol Safe During Pregnancy, Doctors Say

No Amount of Alcohol Safe During Pregnancy, Doctors Say

What Parents Can Gain From Learning the Science of Talking to Kids | MindShift | KQED News

What Parents Can Gain From Learning the Science of Talking to Kids | MindShift | KQED News

Medicaid expansion looks likely under La.'s next governor - Baltimore Sun

Medicaid expansion looks likely under La.'s next governor - Baltimore Sun

Kentucky Election Puts Medicaid Expansion in Crosshairs - ABC News

Kentucky Election Puts Medicaid Expansion in Crosshairs - ABC News

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Youth Suicide Prevention Program Shows Promise

Youth Suicide Prevention Program Shows Promise

Vaccines Rarely Cause Life-Threatening Allergic Reactions: CDC

Vaccines Rarely Cause Life-Threatening Allergic Reactions: CDC

Enterovirus D68 No Deadlier for Kids Than the Common Cold: Study

Enterovirus D68 No Deadlier for Kids Than the Common Cold: Study

Fewer Teens Smoking Cigarettes, But Twice as Many Using Pot: CDC

Fewer Teens Smoking Cigarettes, But Twice as Many Using Pot: CDC

Schools finding ways to get students to eat healthy lunches | www.wsbtv.com

Schools finding ways to get students to eat healthy lunches | www.wsbtv.com

Leapfrog Group: Hospitals can--and must--improve C-section rates - FierceHealthcare

Leapfrog Group: Hospitals can--and must--improve C-section rates - FierceHealthcare

Medicaid Spending Soars — Mostly In Expansion States | Kaiser Health News

Medicaid Spending Soars — Mostly In Expansion States | Kaiser Health News

UnitedHealth again looks to fast-growing businesses in 3Q - The Washington Post

UnitedHealth again looks to fast-growing businesses in 3Q - The Washington Post

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Fast food linked to poorer bone development in early years - Medical News Today

Fast food linked to poorer bone development in early years - Medical News Today

Half of America's remaining uninsured are eligible for health coverage - Modern Healthcare Modern Healthcare business news, research, data and events

Half of America's remaining uninsured are eligible for health coverage - Modern Healthcare Modern Healthcare business news, research, data and events

FDA issues final rule for baby formula labels | TheHill

FDA issues final rule for baby formula labels | TheHill

The Doctor-Parent Disconnect: Why Are Antibiotics Overprescribed for Kids?

The Doctor-Parent Disconnect: Why Are Antibiotics Overprescribed for Kids?

Small Hospitals Seeing More Drug-Resistant E. Coli Infections

Small Hospitals Seeing More Drug-Resistant E. Coli Infections

Many New Moms Still Lack Breast-Feeding Support at Work

Many New Moms Still Lack Breast-Feeding Support at Work

Youth Suicide Prevention Program Shows Promise

Youth Suicide Prevention Program Shows Promise

As U.S. insurers aim to get bigger, hospitals eye health plan entry | Reuters

As U.S. insurers aim to get bigger, hospitals eye health plan entry | Reuters

Retail health clinics should be backup to regular MDs, U.S. doctors say | Reuters

Retail health clinics should be backup to regular MDs, U.S. doctors say | Reuters

New stomach flu strain has Atlanta researchers attention

New stomach flu strain has Atlanta researchers attention

A verbal showdown over cancer hospital proposal | Georgia Health News

A verbal showdown over cancer hospital proposal | Georgia Health News

Utah House GOP deals death blow to latest health care plan | The Salt Lake Tribune

Utah House GOP deals death blow to latest health care plan | The Salt Lake Tribune

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Deal: September tax revenues up 4.6 percent

Deal: September tax revenues up 4.6 percent

Gov. Nathan Deal announced today that Georgia’s net tax collections for September totaled nearly $1.97 billion, an increase of $83.4 million, or 4.6 percent, compared to September 2014. Year-to-date, net tax revenue collections totaled almost $5.13 billion, for an increase of nearly $438.7 million, or 9.4 percent, compared to last year, when net tax revenues totaled $4.69 billion.  

House Bill 170, which introduced an array of tax reforms and new tax legislation beginning on July 1, generated transportation revenue of $74.3 million in September. As a result, the total revenue for September 2015 increased 8.7 percent over September 2014.

The changes below within the following tax categories contribute to September’s overall net tax revenue increase:

Individual Income Tax: Individual Income Tax collections for September totaled roughly $1.01 billion, up from a total of nearly $949.9 million in September 2014, for an increase of $62.3 million, or 6.6 percent.

The following notable components within Individual Income Tax combine for the net increase:

•      Individual Income Tax Withholding payments were up approximately $48.7 million, or 6.4 percent.

•      Income Tax refunds, totaling $46.9 million during the month, were up $15.2 million, or 48.1 percent.
•      All other Individual Tax categories, including Estimated and Return payments, were up a combined $28.8 million.

Sales and Use Tax: Gross Sales Tax collections deposited during the month totaled $865.2 million, which was an increase of $7.8 million, or 0.9 percent, over the previous year. Net Sales Tax revenue decreased $1.5 million, or -0.3 percent, compared to September 2014, when net sales tax totaled $445.6 million. The adjusted distribution of sales tax to local governments totaled $413.8 million, for an increase of $7.5 million, or 1.9 percent, compared to last year. Lastly, sales tax refunds increased by $1.7 million compared to September 2014. 

Corporate Income Tax: Corporate Income Tax collections for September increased by $2.5 million, or 1.4 percent, compared to September 2014, when net Corporate Tax revenues totaled $184.6 million.

The following notable components within Corporate Income Tax make up the net increase:

•      Corporate Tax refunds issued (net of voids) were up $3.9 million, or 25.4 percent.

•      Corporate Income Tax Return payments were up nearly $4.1 million, or 30.1 percent.

•      All other Corporate Tax categories, including Estimated and Net Worth payments, increased $2.3 million.  

Utah's latest Medicaid plan faces key GOP vote Tuesday - Baltimore Sun

Utah's latest Medicaid plan faces key GOP vote Tuesday - Baltimore Sun

State Medicaid IT project goes live

State Medicaid IT project goes live

Texas Mulls Who Profits From Medicaid | The Texas Tribune

Texas Mulls Who Profits From Medicaid | The Texas Tribune

Monday, October 12, 2015

Urgent care centers refine demographics, strategies as they grow - FierceHealthcare

Urgent care centers refine demographics, strategies as they grow - FierceHealthcare

Antibiotic stewardship program slashed C. diff infections among children - FierceHealthcare

Antibiotic stewardship program slashed C. diff infections among children - FierceHealthcare

Is a measles epidemic becoming more likely in the US? - Medical News Today

Is a measles epidemic becoming more likely in the US? - Medical News Today

Cesarean Delivery Won't Harm Kids' Health: Study

Cesarean Delivery Won't Harm Kids' Health: Study

Infant Heart Defect May Be Linked to Pre-Diabetic Sugar Levels in Pregnancy

Infant Heart Defect May Be Linked to Pre-Diabetic Sugar Levels in Pregnancy

Standby Drug for Adult Bipolar Disorder May Be Safe, Effective in Children

Standby Drug for Adult Bipolar Disorder May Be Safe, Effective in Children

Free day-long camp offers support for grieving children | Rockdale Citizen

Free day-long camp offers support for grieving children | Rockdale Citizen

Georgia-based group is a titan in public health | Georgia Health News

Georgia-based group is a titan in public health | Georgia Health News

OIG issues information blocking alert around anti-kickback statute | Healthcare IT News

OIG issues information blocking alert around anti-kickback statute | Healthcare IT News

Medicaid's enrollment takes a dip

Medicaid's enrollment takes a dip

Whistleblower Doctor Warns About Hospitals Hiring Physicians | Kaiser Health News

Whistleblower Doctor Warns About Hospitals Hiring Physicians | Kaiser Health News

Medicaid Has Great Responsibility Without Great Power

Medicaid Has Great Responsibility Without Great Power

Big Tobacco’s Staunch Friend in Washington: U.S. Chamber of Commerce - The New York Times

Big Tobacco’s Staunch Friend in Washington: U.S. Chamber of Commerce - The New York Times

1 in 8 U.S. Kids Not Protected Against Measles: Report

1 in 8 U.S. Kids Not Protected Against Measles: Report

Child Safety Seats Often Incompatible With Cars: Study

Child Safety Seats Often Incompatible With Cars: Study

Kids With Mental Ills Often Treated Solely by Primary Care Doctors

Kids With Mental Ills Often Treated Solely by Primary Care Doctors

Residents, attending docs disagree on when to call for after-hours help - FierceHealthcare

Residents, attending docs disagree on when to call for after-hours help - FierceHealthcare

Medical Prices Higher In Areas Where Large Doctor Groups Dominate, Study Finds | Kaiser Health News

Medical Prices Higher In Areas Where Large Doctor Groups Dominate, Study Finds | Kaiser Health News

Thursday, October 8, 2015

CMS issues final rules on meaningful use for electronic health records | Healthcare Finance News

CMS issues final rules on meaningful use for electronic health records | Healthcare Finance News

Breastfed infants may get enough vitamin D in mothers’ milk | Reuters

Breastfed infants may get enough vitamin D in mothers’ milk | Reuters

‘Balance billing’ draws legislative scrutiny | Georgia Health News

‘Balance billing’ draws legislative scrutiny | Georgia Health News

Congress takes aim at the science behind the government’s nutrition advice - The Washington Post

Congress takes aim at the science behind the government’s nutrition advice - The Washington Post

Report: Cost to Arkansas to end Medicaid expansion would be ‘substantial’ | Arkansas News

Report: Cost to Arkansas to end Medicaid expansion would be ‘substantial’ | Arkansas News

Leslie Michelson’s Checklist For Avoiding Diagnostic Errors – The KHN Conversation | Kaiser Health News

Leslie Michelson’s Checklist For Avoiding Diagnostic Errors – The KHN Conversation | Kaiser Health News

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Hospitals fall short in providing breastfeeding support - FierceHealthcare

Hospitals fall short in providing breastfeeding support - FierceHealthcare

Infant use of asthma medication linked to stunted growth - Medical News Today

Infant use of asthma medication linked to stunted growth - Medical News Today

Help Your Child Get a Good Night's Sleep

Help Your Child Get a Good Night's Sleep

Sun Exposure in Teen Years May Delay Onset of MS: Study

Sun Exposure in Teen Years May Delay Onset of MS: Study

For decades, the government steered millions away from whole milk. Was that wrong? - The Washington Post

For decades, the government steered millions away from whole milk. Was that wrong? - The Washington Post

Hospitals Doing Better Job of Promoting Breast-feeding: CDC

Hospitals Doing Better Job of Promoting Breast-feeding: CDC

Surprise No. 2: Grady drops Southern Regional bid | Georgia Health News

Surprise No. 2: Grady drops Southern Regional bid | Georgia Health News

Should Medicaid Recipients Have to Work?

Should Medicaid Recipients Have to Work?
  • September 30, 2015
  • By Michael Ollove : Stateline

If Arizona gets its way, its able-bodied, low-income adults will face the toughest requirements in the country to receive health care coverage through Medicaid.
Most of the those Medicaid recipients, and new applicants, would have to have a job, be looking for one or be in job training to qualify for the joint federal-state program for the poor. They would have to contribute their own money to health savings accounts, which they could tap into only if they met work requirements or engaged in certain types of healthy behavior, such as completing wellness physical exams or participating in smoking cessation classes. And most recipients would be limited to just five years of coverage as adults.

Despite its conservative bent, Arizona already has expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. In October, however, Republican Gov. Doug Ducey will ask the federal agency that oversees Medicaid to approve changes in the state’s program that are designed to promote healthy behavior in a traditionally unhealthy population, while encouraging people to become less economically dependent on the state.

“The governor wants to help them move from a place of dependence on the state to independence and to be able to take care of their own health needs,” said Christina Corieri, the governor’s health care adviser. (The proposals would not apply to several categories of beneficiaries, including children, pregnant women, the disabled and the elderly.)
Some of Arizona’s proposals have been made in other states, and the federal government has signed off on them. It has rejected work requirements, however, and has never allowed lifetime limits on eligibility.

The work requirement and lifetime limit originated in legislation passed by the Arizona Legislature earlier this year. The law requires the governor to submit the same proposals every year, apparently in the hope that a future Republican presidential administration would look at them more favorably.
Critics say denying health care to people who don’t meet the new standards punishes them for being poor.

“I think in some of [the proposals], we see a punitive strain and an assumption that, left to themselves, people will make bad choices and that we the government will make better choices for them,” said Joan Alker, executive director of the Center for Children and Families at Georgetown University.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a nonpartisan research organization in Washington, D.C., notes that 60 percent of Medicaid recipients live in a family with at least one full- or part-time worker.

Health Savings Accounts
Though Arizona passed its Medicaid expansion in 2013, more recently a number of states have used expansion as an opportunity to gain greater flexibility from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in how they administer the program.
For example, CMS has allowed Arkansas, Indiana and Michigan to require or encourage beneficiaries to contribute to tax-advantaged HSAs. Beneficiaries can use the accounts toward copays—the portion of their medical bills not paid by Medicaid—or for health-related services not covered by Medicaid, such as dental, vision or chiropractic care. The idea is to force enrollees to build their own safety net to help cover their health care costs.

In Arizona, beneficiaries would have to contribute up to 2 percent of their annual household income to their HSAs. 

But only beneficiaries who meet Arizona’s work requirements or health behavior goals—such as completing well-patient visits or adhering to regimens for patients with chronic conditions—would be permitted to access their HSAs. And beneficiaries earning above the poverty level—$11,770 for an individual—who failed to make their HSA contributions could be suspended from Medicaid benefits for a period of six months; those earning less than the poverty level would be deemed to owe the state a debt.

Other states have received permission to impose similar penalties. For example, Indiana charges a premium to all Medicaid recipients and can cancel the enrollment of those making more than the poverty level for six months if they fail to make their premium payments. The poorest Indiana beneficiaries do not owe a debt to the state if they don’t pay their premiums, but they lose eligibility for enhanced medical services, such as vision or dental care.

Arkansas imposes a debt on the poorest beneficiaries who do not make payments into their HSAs and it can deny Medicaid services to those making above the poverty level for failure to do so.
Arizona, which has 1.7 million Medicaid beneficiaries, also isn’t the first state to try to encourage beneficiaries to adopt healthy behaviors. Several states—such as Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and New York—include what are called healthy behavior incentives in their Medicaid programs, to nudge people to lose weight or stop using tobacco.

In Iowa, for instance, participants are asked to have a wellness examination once a year. People who meet their health targets in Indiana, Iowa and Michigan will see their premiums or HSA payments reduced or eliminated altogether.
Minnesota gives cash or debit cards to beneficiaries with pre-diabetes who participate in a YMCA diabetes prevention program. In New York, beneficiaries can receive cash or lottery tickets for keeping doctor’s appointments or filling prescriptions for nicotine replacement therapy or drugs to manage high blood pressure or diabetes.
If approved by CMS, Arizona’s Medicaid plan would be the first to use deterrents, rather than incentives, to push healthy habits. Those who don’t meet established goals could be shut out from access to their HSAs. (They’d also forgo the chance to reduce their mandatory HSA contributions in the future.)
Working for Coverage
Arizona is asking permission for two provisions that CMS has not granted to any other state: establishing employment requirements and imposing a lifetime limit on Medicaid coverage.
Indiana proposed a work requirement, but it was shot down by CMS in January. The agency said that while states may promote employment through state programs operated outside of Medicaid, they could not do so under the Medicaid program.
Instead of being able to impose work requirements, Indiana and New Hampshire have had to settle for referring Medicaid applicants to jobs and job training as a requirement for receiving coverage.
Several health advocacy organizations in Arizona object to policies to exclude otherwise eligible people from Medicaid, which they say are contrary to the program’s intent.
“We see some of these proposals as inconsistent with the Medicaid law, which is to have a safety-net program to provide access to health care to a population that doesn’t otherwise have that,” said Tara McCollum Plese, a senior director with the Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers. “To take these people out of Medicaid at a time they still need health care services is not prudent.”
Some national groups, such as Families USA, agree.
“Medicaid is designed to be an affordable option for people and putting a time limit on it is poor public policy in keeping people covered and healthy,” said Dee Mahan, Medicaid director for Families USA, which advocates for affordable health care. “Lots of people are working at low-wage jobs, and at low-wage jobs on a part-time basis, and their incomes are not necessarily going to increase to the point where they can get out of Medicaid.”
Others question the effectiveness of some restrictions. The Urban Institute, a nonpartisan policy research organization, found that HSAs have high administrative costs. It also said that wellness programs have not been shown to be effective.
On the other side, Americans for Prosperity, the conservative advocacy organization co-founded by billionaires Charles and David Koch, strongly favors the Arizona proposals, particularly the work requirement.
“It reduces dependency on government and encourages able-bodied folks to work,” said Boaz Witbeck, the organization’s Arizona policy analyst.
After Arizona submits its proposals to CMS, there will be a monthslong review process, during which there will be room for negotiation between the state and the federal agency.
When then Gov. Jan Brewer, a Republican, won approval for Medicaid expansion in 2013, Arizona’s plan did not include these provisions. The current governor is not threatening to pull back from expanded Medicaid coverage if the federal government rebuffs the state’s proposals, according to Dan Scarpinato, his communications deputy.
“The focus right now is on getting approval on this waiver, and we are hopeful,” Scarpinato said.