| February 15, 2013 | America's Health Insurance Plans |
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- Experts tie chemotherapy to slight increase in AML risk
Patients who underwent chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma and esophageal, prostate and cervical cancers faced an increased risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia, according to a new study. However, treatment was associated with lower AML risk in patients who had ovarian cancer, myeloma, and possibly lung cancer, researchers said. The findings appear in the journal Blood. HealthDay News
(2/14)     
 | Margins are getting tighter. It’s a reality of healthcare that we all need to face. But there is an answer, and it’s in the software you use to administer your business. Whether it’s an in-house deployment, a hosted solution or complete BPO services that you require; we have what you need to improve your bottom line. Click here to learn more. |
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- Free clinics may help reduce unnecessary ED visits, costs
Patients who sought care at free health clinics before visiting the emergency department were less likely to use the ED as their initial source of health care, according to new research, suggesting that clinics may help reduce unnecessary ED utilization. Researchers noted clinic utilization is more cost-effective than ED use. The study was published in the Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved. DailyRx.com
(2/13)
- Survey finds varied practice patterns for type 2 diabetes
A survey of family physicians and other practitioners who treat patients with type 2 diabetes shows varied practice patterns and knowledge gaps, researchers reported in the journal Clinical Diabetes. The study found while most practitioners followed evidence-based guidelines, they had different levels of understanding or opinions in areas such as guidelines, insulin and incretin therapies, and appropriate reasons for referral. PhysiciansBriefing.com/HealthDay News
(2/13)
| Medical Update | | |
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- Study looks at human metapneumovirus in hospitalized children
Hospital records from three U.S. counties from 2003 to 2009 showed that 6% of 3,490 hospitalized children had human metapneumovirus and 7% of 3,001 pediatric emergency department visits were linked to the virus. Children infected with the virus were more likely to have pneumonia or asthma, require oxygen treatment and have longer stays in intensive care units, researchers said. The findings appear in the New England Journal of Medicine. HealthDay News
(2/13)
| Emerging Trends | | |
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- FDA grants Second Sight approval for "bionic eye"
Second Sight Medical Products obtained federal approval for its Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System, designed to help patients with retinitis pigmentosa regain some vision. The "bionic eye" uses a small camera that transmits images to sensors implanted in the patient's eye. HealthDay News
(2/14)
| Health Insurance Plan Company News | | |
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| Pharma News | | |
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- FDA updates watch list by adding 3 drugs
The FDA added GlaxoSmithKline's leukemia drug Arzerra, or ofatumumab; UCB's epilepsy, liver and kidney drug Vimpat, or lacosamide; and Acorda Therapeutics' multiple sclerosis, kidney and liver drug Ampyra, or dalfampridine, to its list of products to monitor due to new safety information or possible signs of serious risks. The FDA received reports of potential adverse events involving the treatments in last year's third quarter. A sunscreen was also added to the list. Medscape (free registration)
(2/12)
 | Three Conferences, One Week
Join AHIP for the Dual Eligibles Summit, March 12; National Policy Forum, March 13-14; or Exchange Conference, March 14-15 in Washington, D.C., for an informative exchange on the challenges and opportunities in 2013 and beyond. Click here for details and click here to register.
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| Policy Watch | | |
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| AHIP News | | |
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Improve your ACA knowledge with new online courses
For a better understanding of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), register for AHIP’s new Affordable Care Act (ACA) Compliance Online Series. Available course topics include Medicare, Exchanges, the Summary of Benefits and Coverage, and Accountable Care Organizations, with more programs planned in the near future. Learn more.
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Save $500 on connecting with health plans
Becoming an AHIP Affiliate Organization Member is a great way to learn about the solutions health plans are seeking, and to showcase your products and services. Through Friday, March 15, you can save $500 on your membership when you mention the discount code AffiliateOrg13. For details, contact a member of AHIP’s Business Development Team at BusinessDevelopment@ahip.org or 866-707-AHIP (2447) today.
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Health systems change initiative launched
AHIP Foundation announces the launch of the Institute for Health Systems Solutions (IHSS), an initiative designed to help advance new ideas regarding the delivery and financing of health care through credible, independent research and analysis. Learn more.
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| Position Title | Company Name | Location |
| Vice President Member Group | Louisiana Health Cooperative, Inc. | New Orleans, LA |
| Integrated Market Medical Executive | Kindred Healthcare | Las Vegas, NV |
| Vice President, Provider Relations & Credentialing | Confidential | Wyomissing, PA |
| Vice President, Health Plan Operations | Satellite Health Plan, Inc. | San Jose, CA |
| Manager, Payor Relations | The joint Commission | Oakbrook Terrace, IL |
| Government Relations and Compliance Officer | Louisiana Health Cooperative, Inc. | Metarie, LA |
| Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | Louisiana Health Cooperative Inc. (LAHC) | Metarie, LA |
| Director of Product Management, UPD | Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare (CAQH) | Washington, DC |
| CAQH CORE Manager, Education, Outreach and Participant Relations | Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare | Washington, DC |
| CAQH Managing Director, Finance and Administration | Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare | Washington, DC |
| Asst Director, Medicare Prod. Analytics/Rev. Mgmt | Cambia | Portland, OR |
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| Click here to view more job listings. |
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| SmartQuote | | |
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 | If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal. Not to people or things."
--Albert Einstein,
German-born theoretical physicist
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| AHIP Solutions Team |
Managing Editor, Online Publishing:
Yvonne Chanatry
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| | Recent AHIP Solutions SmartBrief Issues:
- Thursday, February 14, 2013
- Wednesday, February 13, 2013
- Tuesday, February 12, 2013
- Monday, February 11, 2013
- Friday, February 08, 2013
| | | Lead Editor: Melissa Turner
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