Priority-Setting at WHO
WHO’s Executive Board met last month to review progress on reforms at the agency. Among the documents distributed to the Board, there is a report on plans for priority-setting amongst…
Off-Label Drug Promotion and the First Amendment
Doctors can and often do prescribe medications for different purposes than what the FDA has approved them for. But drug companies face tight restrictions on communicating with physicians about these…
FDA Accepts NDA for VIVUS’ Qnexa
VIVUS, Inc., has announced that the FDA has accepted its new drug application for the company's Qnexa, a phentermine/topiramate combination. The low-dose, oral, controlled-release drug is designed to reduce appetite…
Are We at the End of a Long, Murky Slog in Cancer Treatment?
For many years, a lot of people (including us) have called for a new way to look at, diagnose, and treat cancer. This means changing everything – from how we…
Does Early Disease Diagnosis Lead to Better Outcomes?
True or false: Earlier disease diagnosis leads to more effective treatment and better outcomes. Most of us wouldn’t hesitate in responding true and yet maybe we should. Early diagnosis can carry risks…
Getting Staff Buy-in For EHR Implementation
One of the national speakers at this year’s MGMA convention was renowned leadership expert and best-selling author Marcus Buckingham. Catching up with him minutes after delivering his general session…
Chronic Illness Prevention and Treatment: Vaccines
A major megatrend in medicine will be the use of vaccines to prevent or treat (non infectious) chronic illnesses.Although we tend to think of vaccines for preventing infections there are…
The Business Associate’s Role in HIPAA Violations
Of the 345 incidents reported by HHS and listed on their site under Breaches Affecting 500 or More Of the 345 incidents reported by HHS and listed on their site…
Conflict-Free Panels Are Possible & Necessary
Duff Wilson of the New York Times this morning puts the spotlight on three National Institutes of Health panels deliberating new clinical practice guidelines for managing cholesterol, hypertension and obesity…
