Sickle Cell Disease: New Take on Old Therapy
I first remember hearing about sickle cell anemia as a teenager. I knew the disease affected mostly African Americans and I knew there was no cure. I first remember hearing…
Global Health: Determining Cost Effectiveness of New Technologies
When national governments or global health funders have to decide whether to subsidize a new medical technology (a new vaccine, a new AIDS medication, a new clinical pathway), some ask…
How to Engage Patients Through Data, Technology and Communication
Collection of data is worthless unless that data is used. As it relates to consumers and their health, presenting the data in a way that is useful and actionable is…
Doctor/Patient Relationship-Are the Surveys Accurate?
We have all seen them. You know…those charts showing us how satisfied patients are with the way their doctors communicate. Did your doctor listen to you? Did you doctor explain…
Online Clinics Work – Government Is the Problem
HealthPartners in Minnesota launched an online clinic called virtuwell in late 2010. After more than 40,000 cases, we report an average $88 lower cost per episode compared with care received…
Congestive Heart Failure
Elizabeth Taylor died of congestive heart failure (CHF) at the age of 79 on March 23, 2011. Her death raises awareness of this serious condition that affects an estimated five…
Periodontal Disease Linked To Other Diseases?
Periodontal disease, comes in two forms gingivitis (reversible) and periodontitis (treatable but non reversible), is an infection of the gums caused by bacteria found in Periodontal disease, comes in two forms…
Should a Hospital Have Separate Departments for Telehealth / Telemedicine / mHealth?
When hospitals and health systems are starting, growing, or reviving telehealth (or telemedicine or mHealth) programs, one issue eventually comes up – should telehealth be a separate department or should…
High Quality, Low Cost HealthCare Video Interview Series: Dr Nick van Terheyden and Nuance Health Solutions
Last week, Dr David Albert showed us the AliveCor Mobile Heart Monitor for iPhone 4 and 4S and how it can take an EKG in seconds and send it to…
Penalizing Readmissions May Not Improve Quality or Cut Costs
Many public health policy experts believe that Medicare readmissions in the first 30 days after discharge are mostly avoidable and, therefore, indicative of poor quality care. As a result, Medicare…
