policy and politics

IBM shares wellness with the kids

Wellness has come a long way. It wasn’t long ago that companies doubted whether there was any real return on investment for wellness programs, but now they seem convinced. IBM, for example,...

PG-13 for drugs

The FDA is considering adding a formal category of drugs in between prescription and over the counter, as I learned from the USA Today. The new Behind The Counter (BTC) rating would be useful for...

Who cares?

From iHealthBeat: A majority of voters support a nationwide health information network, but the issue will not influence who they vote for in the 2008 presidential election, according to an American...

Richard, we missed you

I’ve commented here and here on how the Wall Street Journal always finds space for letters to the editor on health care by Richard Ralston. They seem to publish one every month or two, which is...

Book recommendation: Fixing American Healthcare

On my way to Singapore this summer I reviewed a pre-publication copy of Dr. Richard N. Fogoros’s book, Fixing American Healthcare; Wonkonians, Gekkonians and the Grand Unification Theory of...

Cavalcade of Risk #34

Welcome to the latest edition of the Cavalcade of Risk! I had hoped to receive some medical tourism submissions that I could also feature on MedTripInfo, but alas none were forthcoming. No matter,...

The role of retail clinics

Massachusetts is currently debating whether to allow the opening of mini-clinics based in retail stores. Significant opposition has come from existing providers, who have raised questions about...

No biogeneric legislation this year

Good news. The flawed bill that would authorize generic versions of biotech drugs is unlikely to reach the House floor this year, according to Rep. Henry Waxman. That’s too bad for the generic...

Look for a nice bump in investigator initiated trials

From the New York Times: Senators Seek Public Listing of Payments to Doctors Makers of drugs and medical devices would be required to report publicly nearly all payments and gifts to doctors under...

Vaginal rejuvenation and revirginization

Mainstream gynecologists are warning against “vaginal rejuvenation,” which they call unproven and risky. Of particular concern is a Dr. David Matlock, who trademarks his procedures and...