Growing numbers of foreign patients, including uninsured Americans, are going to India for medical treatment. Proponents say the health care is comparable to much that is available in the United States, and at a far lower cost.
Category: Health/Fitness
Employees Who Smoke Face Health Care Surcharge
That’s why she is troubled by a rule that will go into effect at her company next January. Trapp-Dietz and other smokers who work at Northwestern Mutual – regardless of whether they light up at home or outside the building at work – will pay an extra $25 a month for health insurance coverage.
Trapp-Dietz said considers the fee an invasion of her private life.
“I know I have to quit, and I really want to. But I don’t like being told to by my employer,” she said.
These type of disincentives are already in play if one purchases other benefit type products such as life insurance.
Culture Crash
Jerry Brown on Oakland’s Sideshows (a new term for me). Brown also posts a useful quote from Clint Eastwood. (read the comments)
US Asthma Capitals: Madison is 26th
The Asthma & Allergy Foundation released their second annual “US Asthma Capitals“. Madison is 26th.
Health Exchange
One of the main stumbling blocks in the American health care system, many experts say, is the inefficient use of computer technology to manage medical records.
Now, in Santa Barbara County, a network of hospitals, laboratories, pharmacies and doctors is pioneering new technology that will allow medical professionals with different computer systems to share clinical information. The initiative may well be a first step toward the creation of a national patient-care data bank.
How Marketing Drives Pharmaceutical Sales
I’ve always wondered about the utility of drug advertising. Every now and then, I’ll drive by a billboard that says “Ask your doctor about Bextra”. Having no idea what Bextra (insert name of drug here) is, I’m amazed that these efforts pay off at all.
Bernadette Tansey digs into the drug industry’s marketing practices.
Jim
Buy your health insurance at Costco?
Retailers and health care may seem like an unusual pairing, but an increasing number of stores — especially big-box discounters — have been getting into the business of offering health coverage or care. With health care costs on the rise, these retailers want to offer their customers a value on a needed service and increase their profile as a store that offers everything under one roof.
“It makes sense to offer health care in places where people already have to go — whether to buy food or other household goods,” said Linda Sherry, spokeswoman for Consumers Union, a watchdog group.
New Madison Parks?
Aubre Andrus on the Park Commission’s plans.
BU: 50% of medical expenses are wasted….
About 50 percent of health care spending is eaten up by waste, excessive prices and fraud, according to a report set for release today by Boston University researchers.
Major sources of unnecessary spending include administrative costs and profit in the insurance industry, high prices of prescription drugs and health services and, to a smaller extent, theft and fraud, according to the study.
Internet Evangelism: The Interview with God
Gorgeous photography & an interesting approach, by La Jolla, CA based Get Inspired Now.