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U.S. Residents To Pay Greater Share Of Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance Coverage In 2009, Report Finds
U.S. residents enrolled in employer-sponsored health plans will contribute an average of 41% of their health care costs in 2009, the largest share to date, according to a study released on Monday by the Seattle-based actuarial consulting firm Milliman, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. The report looked at employer-sponsored preferred provider organizations plans in 14 metropolitan cities. Researchers found that total medical costs for a typical family of four in 2009 are expected to reach $16,771, up by 7.4% from 2008. Employers are expected to pay $9,947 of that, and employees are expected to contribute $4,004 through health plan premiums and another $2,820 through out-of-pocket costs such as copayments and deductibles. In addition, the report found that consumption of medical services is expected to be flat this year for the first time ever. Kate Fitch, a consultant at Milliman, attributed the slowdown to better disease management and wellness programs. However, per unit medical costs are up, and hospital outpatient care had the highest growth in 2009 (Yee, Minneapolis Star Tribune, 5/18).The report also found variations in medical costs by city. Miami had the highest health costs for a family of four at an average of $20,282 in 2008, almost 21% higher than the national average, followed by New York City at $19,684. Phoenix had the lowest at $14,857 (Dorschner, Miami Herald, 5/19).The report is available online.
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Glaucoma Vision Loss Linked To Blocked Blood Vessels; Inflammation Thwarts Corneal Transplants In Herpes Patients
Two studies that may influence clinical treatment of serious eye conditions are reported in the July issue of Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. One correlates the incidence of silent cerebral infarcts (SCI) and visual field loss in patients with normal-tension glaucoma ; the other investigates inflammation biomarkers in relation to corneal transplant rejection in herpes simplex patients.
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MAP Pharmaceuticals Phase 3 Trial Of Levadex™ Migraine Product Candidate Meets All Four Primary Endpoints
MAP Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAPP) announced that the efficacy portion of its first Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating its novel LEVADEX™ orally inhaled migraine therapy met all four primary endpoints. Additional endpoints showed that LEVADEX provided rapid and sustained pain relief for up to 48 hours after dosing.
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Hospital Bedside Technology Solution Results In 74 Percent Reduction In Heart Failure Readmission Rate

A significant study was released today demonstrating the efficacy of Interactive Patient Care technology on improving outcomes in heart failure care. GetWellNetwork, the leading provider of Interactive Patient Care solutions, released a White Paper reporting significant improvements in heart failure readmission rates, average length of stay and patient satisfaction, achieved by leveraging the company"s bedside technology to more fully engage patients in their care. One year following the implementation of GetWellNetwork"s Heart Failure Interactive Care Plan, Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital (SVBGH) reported a 74 percent reduction in heart failure readmission rates 30 days post-discharge (2007 vs. 2008). Other noteworthy outcomes include: -- A 13 percent reduction in heart failure average patient length of stay -- An overall readmission rate of only 5 percent for heart failure patients, compared to the national average of nearly 21 percent -- A 43 percent improvement in patient satisfaction with the quality of their education regarding their illness These outcomes also result in significant cost savings. When applying the national average hospital cost/day for heart failure patients ( Agency for Health Research and Quality Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project [AHRQ HCUPnet], 2006) to these changes in performance, results are projected at an annual cost savings of $831,000 due to the reduction in length of stay alone. "The GetWellNetwork Team, from their senior leadership to onsite staff, collaborated with the SVBGH Cardiac Team to quickly begin development and formalizing of a cohesive plan to improve outcomes," said Audrey Douglas-Cooke, director, Cardiac/Critical Patient Care Services at SVBGH. "The success of the Heart Failure Interactive Care Plan has greatly enhanced our ability to establish and replicate best practices in heart failure care." These demonstrated outcomes are announced at a time when health policy makers and key stakeholders increase their attention on the growing issue of heart failure readmissions. Readmission rates have tripled in the last 25 years and today, nearly one-quarter of heart failure patients are readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of their discharge. There is growing consensus that dramatically reducing heart failure readmission rates and improving clinical outcomes is an urgent national health priority. "With so much attention in health care today being devoted to improving heart failure outcomes, especially reducing hospital readmission rates, we are excited to be able to report these results," says David Wright, chief outcomes officer, GetWellNetwork. "This study is a clear example of the impact patient engagement has on advancing quality, cost and even service outcomes in hospitals today. When patients have the res to be a more active participant in their care, the overall care experience is exceptional." Building on the success of the Heart Failure Interactive Care Plan at SVBGH, GetWellNetwork is introducing this patient pathway technology at client hospitals nationally. The first three sites announced for implementation are St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Oakland, Mich. (a member of Trinity Health), Christiana Care Health System, Wilmington, Del., and St. Joseph East Hospital, Lexington, Ky. (a member of Catholic Health Initiatives). About GetWellNetwork, Inc. GetWellNetwork, Inc. is a leading provider of Interactive Patient Care (IPC) solutions. In partnership with more than 65 thought leading hospitals and healthcare systems, the company delivers innovative technology and services to drive optimal patient outcomes. Empowering patients as active participants in the healthcare process, IPC solutions are patient-centric applications delivered at the point-of-care to ensure the completion of service and quality requirements, while driving new revenue opportunities and operational efficiencies for healthcare providers. GetWellNetwork and its clients have been widely acknowledged for their IPC innovations by the healthcare community. In 2007, the GetWellNetwork solution received the exclusive endorsement of the American Hospital Association (AHA). GetWellNetwork, Inc. headquarters are in Bethesda, Maryland. GetWellNetwork, Inc


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