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Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal - November 11, 2005

by Mark Reilly

Staff Writer

Halo Innovations Inc., a startup launched to combat sudden infant death syndrome, is using technology developed in that fight to enter the much bigger and more competitive market of air filtration systems. Halo recently introduced its first product for that space: PureNight, a filtration unit that it claims can remove nearly all allergens from the air surrounding a bed.

It's a big step for Halo, which generates most of its $5 million in revenue from a sleeping-bag-like sack designed to keep infants warm without the risks of suffocation that standard blankets can cause. The consumer air-filtration market, in contrast, is estimated at nearly $400 million, with big brand names such as Honeywell and the Sharper Image.

But Halo has recruited an executive who knows the nighttime: Chuck Dorsey, a former executive with Plymouth-based Select Comfort Corp. who plans to use some of the direct-marketing strategies employed by the air-mattress maker. Print ads began this fall, and informational TV spots will start airing in early 2006. Halo also is closing on $2 million in funding to help the rollout.

The SleepSack was Halo's first and best-known item. But the technology behind the PureNight filtration system came from a later product, a crib mattress with a built-in ventilation system that kept carbon dioxide from pooling around an infant's head.

Executives recognized that the filtration systems in the mattress could have a broader market potential. More than 50 million people suffer from allergies or asthma attacks, which can often strike at night. Halo has conducted a clinical study of the $499 PureNight device, which resembles a large desk lamp that hangs over the user's bed. Allergy sufferers in the study reported immediate improvement, Dorsey said. "For a good number of people, we're a solution that hasn't existed before," he said.

Which is not to say that Halo is going into an untapped market: The competition is fierce and well-established. At $400, Sharper Image's Ionic Breeze filtration system is the retailer's best-selling item, even though Consumer Reports has criticized the machine as ineffective. Dorsey said a second study, conducted at the University of Minnesota, found the Sharper Image product cleaned about 27 percent of pollutants from the air overnight; Halo's performance: 99 percent.

Those figures will be front and center of Halo's marketing campaign, portions of which can be found at www.purenight.com. The company isn't using an outside ad agency, relying instead on the infomercial-style ads and direct marketing Dorsey used at Select Comfort in the 1990s. "This product works, but it's a high-ticket item and we've got no market awareness," Dorsey said. Consumers are going to need a lot of information about it to convince them to buy, and sales will take longer than a retail environment would allow.

mreilly@bizjournals.com | (612) 288-2110

# posted by (hris @ 7:33 PM 0 comments

Casro Issues Statement On Adverse Event Reporting In Routine Surveys Conducted In The Pharmaceutical Arena

Major Survey Research Trade Organization Cautions on Dangers in Using Routine Pharmaceutical Surveys as a Component of the “Pharmacovigilence” Process

Port Jefferson, NY (PRWEB) June 29, 2006 -- The Board of Directors of CASRO voted last week on issuing a statement to caution the pharmaceutical industry on requiring routine pharmaceutical surveys to report Adverse Events in the course of the research. The Board outlined in the statement the reasons for taking this position.

The Board statement follows:
CASRO believes that market research organizations should not be required to assume responsibility for formal reporting of adverse events (AE) uncovered in the course of routine pharmaceutical market research because it is not a methodologically sound approach to post-market surveillance and it exposes research organizations to unacceptable legal and ethical risk.

However, in the event that a research organization chooses to accept the responsibility of reporting AE, we urge that, at a minimum, the organization obtain contractual terms that:

(1) fully specify all the conditions and procedures associated with those adverse reporting requirements, including stipulations associated with collection of both qualitative and quantitative data, as well as procedures to be taken in the event that respondents refuse permission;

(2) endorse a policy by which respondents are informed at the start of the research that any mention of product dissatisfaction will require that the organization submit an AE report on their behalf if one has not already been filed;

(3) fully waive, and indemnify the market research organization against, any and all legal liabilities arising as a result of its AE reporting responsibilities.

While CASRO believes these terms extend some measure of legal protection to member organizations and help to safeguard the ethical integrity of the research process, they do not overcome CASRO's overriding concerns about the impracticality and inadvisability of requiring routine market research studies to serve as a direct instrument of the “pharmacovigilence” process.

CASRO believes that we, as an industry, are better-equipped to advance pharmacovigilence in a different way. Recognizing that the industry’s extensive contact with patients and physicians puts us in a unique position to encourage and facilitate AE reporting by those who experience them and the medical professionals who observe them, CASRO recommends that research organizations play an indirect role, by reminding respondents of the importance of AE reporting and providing them with information to help them do so.

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Press Contact: Harry Heller
Company Name: CASRO
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 631-329-7004
Website: www.casro.org

# posted by (hris @ 6:52 AM 0 comments

To Avoid Pandemic Pandemonium, Read "Infection Protection: Pandemic" ? Your Personal Survival Handbook for Today's New Infectious Disease Threats

 Answers At Last! Infectious disease experts agree that it's not "if" bird flu will enter the United States, but "when." The resulting H5N1 pandemic will cripple the US economy, halting most commerce for a period of 12 to 24 months and bankrupting the federal government and most American citizens. The pandemic will also cause grave panic among the nation's residents, as sources of food, medicine, and the necessities of daily living will ultimately become unavailable. Presently, there is little effective, unified worldwide or national leadership in the arena of discovering real prevention and/or treatment protocols for H5N1. Consequently, it is up to each of us as individuals, to mount our own personal preparedness and protection program. The new book, "Infection Protection: Pandemic" provides an introductory backdrop of information about influenza in-general and bird flu in-specific, and the current -- and potentially fatal future -- ramifications of the H5N1 virus. Readers are then provided a set of Top Ten Preventive Strategies that aim to help optimize the performance of an individual's immune system, as well as enhance an individual's overall immune resistance to a wide variety of infectious diseases.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) June 28, 2006 -- Historians estimate that, at one point, over half of the 1.6 billion people in the world in 1918 were infected with the Spanish Flu. Millions of young, healthy adults fell ill to the disease and died from the suffocation it caused. Experts now estimate that approximately 80 to 100 million people perished worldwide. Not only reducing the global population by one-sixteenth, the 1918 flu pandemic caused brain damage in many of its survivors. The 1918 flu pandemic caused the largest one-year decline in the average lifespan in the United States in modern history, slashing it by a full twelve years.

Sometimes referred to as "America's forgotten pandemic," the 1918 flu pandemic continues to haunt medical experts and scientists around the globe. We are on the verge of experiencing another worldwide infectious disease outbreak, this time perhaps caused by the bird flu virus known as H5N1. In a worst-case scenario:

~ Worldwide, the United Nations estimates that from 5 to 150 million people may die should an H5N1 pandemic occur. The World Health Organization projects from 2 million to 7.4 million deaths, which it concedes is a "relatively conservative estimate" for purposes of providing a plausible planning target. The World Bank cites sources suggesting that a more virulent form (similar to the 1918-1919 strain) of pandemic flu may kill as many as 180-260 million in a worst-case scenario.
~ In preparing its Implementation Plan for the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza, the U.S. federal government assumes that 30% of the population ? 100 million ? would be infected, and that as many as 1.9 million would die ? greater than the total deaths caused in a single year by heart disease, cancers, strokes, chronic pulmonary disease, AIDS, and Alzheimer's Disease combined. One disease model projects that if the U.S. population (standing at 295 million at the time of the projection) is exposed to the H5N1 flu strain, 33% would be infected (97.3 million) with a resulting death rate of 0.58% (5.6 million deaths) ? more than twice the number of deaths from all the ten leading causes of death combined. So far, however, H5N1 has been 57% lethal in humans, meaning that in the very-worst case, possibly upwards of 50 million Americans may die.

In the best-case scenario: An H5N1 pandemic strikes but is no more lethal than seasonal influenza. Be mindful, however, that even this scenario has a sizeable death toll ? 200,000 to 1.5 million deaths worldwide and 36,000 in the U.S. alone. That's the "good news."

Infectious disease experts agree that it's not "if" bird flu will enter the United States, but "when." The resulting H5N1 pandemic will cripple the US economy, halting most commerce for a period of 12 to 24 months and bankrupting the federal government and most American citizens. The pandemic will also cause grave panic among the nation's residents, as sources of food, medicine, and the necessities of daily living will ultimately become unavailable. Presently, there is little effective, unified worldwide or national leadership in the arena of discovering real prevention and/or treatment protocols for H5N1. Consequently, it is up to each of us as individuals, to mount our own personal preparedness and protection program. The new book titled "Infection Protection: Pandemic" [Copyright © 2006; 176 pages, softcover; ISBN 0-9668937-8-6; American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M); US $27.95 provides an introductory backdrop of information about influenza in-general and bird flu in-specific, and the current ? and potentially fatal future ? ramifications of the H5N1 virus. Readers are then provided a set of Top Ten Preventive Strategies that aim to help optimize the performance of an individual's immune system, as well as enhance an individual's overall immune resistance to a wide variety of infectious diseases. Some of the specific tips offered in "Infection Protection: Pandemic" include:

~ The simplest, cheapest ways to ward off pathogens from invading the body
~ The "Immunity Desk Reference," offering 70+ natural, non-toxic approaches to immune enhancement, and highlighting the Top Ten Immune Enhancers
~ Inexpensive yet critical ways to boost an individual's resistance to infectious disease by using readily available materials from the supermarket and drug store
~ Do-it-yourself barriers and personal safety practices
~ No-cost ways to minimize the germ load on the body
~ How to safely handle food (particularly, chicken and eggs) in the kitchen
~ How to travel smartly and safely given today's infectious disease threats
~ The latest news on anti-viral medications, including novel uses of existing Rxs
~ Checklists for individuals and families to be properly prepared in advance of a pandemic

"Infection Protection: Pandemic" was written by Ronald Klatz, M.D., D.O., and Dr. Robert Goldman, M.D., Ph.D., D.O., FAASP. Dr. Klatz is a long-time scientific pioneer and innovator. As the originator of the the term "anti-aging" and regarded as the movement's first physician and chief champion, Dr. Klatz serves as President of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M; www.worldhealth.net), the world's leading non-profit organization dedicated to advancing research and clinical pursuits that enhance the quality, and extend the quantity, of the human lifespan. In an Online Extra to the "BusinessWeek" March 2006 issue, the magazine refers to Dr. Klatz as the "Guru of anti-aging" and is hailed as a "leading light in the anti-aging medical movement." Dr. Klatz is considered a futurist in the field of advanced biotechnology, having overseen a patent portfolio of over 100 scientific patents and with more than 32 medical/health book titles in print. Dr. Goldman, physician, research scientist, and surgeon, serves as Chairman of the A4M, as well as Chairman of the International Medical Commission, which oversees sports medicine programs in over 170 nations.

Drs. Klatz and Goldman wrote "Infection Protection: Pandemic" because succumbing to infectious disease can dramatically ? and negatively ? impact how long and how well each of us lives. The physician authors of "Infection Protection: Pandemic" remind readers of a recent upward trend in deaths due to respiratory diseases. In the U.S., influenza and pneumonia are now the 7th leading cause of death (responsible for 2.7% of all deaths in the nation), and chronic lower respiratory diseases are now are the 4th leading cause of death (5.1% of all U.S. deaths). All totaled these diseases kill more than 190,000 Americans each year. A direct threat to how long and well you live, respiratory diseases are largely avoidable and preventable.

To write "Infection Protection: Pandemic," Drs. Klatz and Goldman distilled thousands of pages of information, from unbiased expert sources including the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the U.S. White House. This book is your single source of the essential personal knowledge you need to survive the H5N1 threat ? and the many other emerging and re-emerging infectious disease threats that plague our modern world.

"Infection Protection: Pandemic" will be available to the general public 10 July 2006. It can be ordered by calling the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) at tel. (773) 528-4333 or by visiting the A4M's Online Bookstore at www.worldhealth.net.

Members of the working press may request a review copy of "Infection Protection: Pandemic" by completing the Contact Form at www.a4minfo.net/pandemic.

MEDIA CONTACT:
SOURCE: The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M), Chicago, IL
CONTACT: Catherine Cebula
PHONE: (877) 572-0608
FAX: (978) 742-9719
WEBSITE: www.a4minfo.net/pandemic and www.worldhealth.net

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Press Contact: Catherine Cebula
Company Name: AMERICAN ACADEMY OF ANTI-AGING MEDICINE (A4M)
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 877-572-0608
Website: www.a4minfo.net/pandemic

# posted by (hris @ 6:56 AM 0 comments

Canadian Pharmacy, Minit Drugs, Maintains Quality Accreditation

Minit Drugs in Calgary, Alberta, Canada earn re-accreditation by IMPAC™, Inc. Minit Drugs and its websites were found to be in full compliance with the 89 international quality and safety standards for the second time. Their IMPAC Accreditation is now continued through March, 2008.

Manchester, VT (PRWEB) June 26, 2006 -- Minit Drugs in Calgary, Alberta, Canada earn re-accreditation by IMPAC™, Inc. Minit Drugs, www.pharmacy-online.ca and www.swiftrx.com were found to be in full compliance with the 89 international quality and safety standards for the second time. Their IMPAC Accreditation is now continued through March, 2008.

Commitment and dedication to high quality patient care were the reasons that Minit Drug decided to apply for IMPAC™ re-accreditation. According to Barney Britton, CEO for Minit Drugs, “Minit Drugs operates under the strict guidelines of Canada’s Federal and Provincial governing bodies overlooking pharmacy operations. The IMPAC survey is the most thorough and valid method of evaluating and validating our performance as a mailorder pharmacy based on quality standards of this U.S. based accreditation firm. IMPAC™ Accreditation is proof to patients seeking affordable medications from Canada that Minit Drugs is a licensed and reputable pharmacy for their medication needs.”

The process for re-accreditation is the same as the accreditation process, including a two day, on-site survey by a pharmacist surveyor and an administrative surveyor. “While the standards remain consistent, we do expect to see an increasing sophistication in the quality assurance and performance improvement practices,” states Jennifer Fels, Executive Officer for Standards and Surveys at IMPAC™. The accreditation process does not get easier the second time around. Tony Teekasingh, General Manager for Minit Drugs, noted that “even though Minit Drugs was accredited in the past, the IMPAC surveyors diligently and carefully reviewed our operations to verify full compliance with the IMPAC Mailorder Pharmacy Standards”.

Consumers recognize IMPAC accreditation as an indicator of quality. Britton notes that “IMPAC accreditation makes Minit Drugs a credible alternative for the U.S. state governments as well as professional and trade associations who seek affordable, safe medications from Canada for their citizens and members. It is a pharmacy of choice for consumers.”
                   
IMPAC™ is an independent, U.S based accreditation commission for mailorder pharmacies and other health care industries. Its mission is dedicated to the promotion of consumer safety and quality improvement. The focus of the standards is pharmaceutical management, consumer safety, and quality assurance. Jennifer Fels, the Executive Officer for Standards and Surveys for IMPAC™, notes that “A uniform application of a set of objective quality standards is the only way to assure that the current mailorder pharmacy industry is safe.”

Minit Drugs, 400 Crowfoot Crescent NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada accreditation will be for two years. They have earned the privilege of displaying the IMPAC™ seal on their website and marketing materials. Minit Drugs is also listed as an accredited pharmacy on IMPAC’s website, www.impacsurvey.org.

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Press Contact: Dana Noble
Company Name: IMPAC
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 1-800-677-7019
Website: www.impacsurvey.org

# posted by (hris @ 6:28 AM 0 comments

Implanted Screwdriver Results in 5.6 Million Dollar Lawsuit: Why Hospitals are Turning to Airline Pilots to Prevent Poor OR Teamwork

A Hawaiian hospital could have saved a patient’s life, $5.6 million and a shockwave of negative publicity if they had invested in training their surgical teams to use the same assertive communication skills used by flight crews in commercial aviation.

Memphis, TN (PRWEB) June 26, 2006 -- The Institute of Medicine estimates that the total cost of medical errors in U.S. hospitals is an astonishing $17 billion a year. One horrific case of a medical error involved a patient who had the steel shaft of a screwdriver surgically implanted into his spine.

Despite the concerns of the nurses on his surgical team, the surgeon used the screwdriver in place of two titanium rods that turned up missing from the OR when the surgeon needed them. Not wanting to wait, he instead decided to use the screwdriver shaft.

Not long after the surgery, the shaft shattered. More surgeries were needed to correct the complications and ultimately, the patient died. The family was awarded a $5.6 million wrongful death by jury verdict. While the surgeon bears most of the responsibility for the decision, the rest of the surgical team had a part to play in the outcome as well.

To avoid these sorts of decision-making errors and empower nurses on the surgical team to effectively intervene when needed, many hospitals are implementing the aviation-based safety protocols and assertive communication techniques used by commercial flight crews.

One innovative aviation-based safety system, developed by the airline pilots, NASA astronauts, and active physicians of LifeWings Partners LLC, has been implemented in over 40 healthcare facilities nationwide. LifeWings president, Steve Harden, a former Navy pilot and Top Gun instructor says, “The average wrong surgery malpractice award is around $350,000. If just one of these surgical errors is prevented, the return on investment for implementing this safety system is eye-opening. With this system, one of our clients prevented at least six of these claims.”

A major component of the LifeWings’ program focuses on the development of assertive communication behavior among team members. “We’re trying to equip medical teams with the necessary communication behaviors that will help detect and prevent errors before they become harmful to the patient, physician or hospital,” says Harden. “I definitely think the surgical team would never have allowed a screwdriver to be used had the safety system been in place.”

Additionally, LifeWings teaches hospitals how to use standardized checklists. Hospitals learn to create checklists for every procedure to ensure that all surgical equipment is in place. “Had the LifeWings’ system been in place in that hospital, the procedure never would have started until the two missing titanium rods had been found and put in place in the OR,” Harden adds.

Ultimately, LifeWings provides a systematic change to the safety culture in healthcare. The result of that culture change is safer and better quality of care for patients, and thus fewer malpractice claims.

About LifeWings Partners LLC
LifeWings Partners LLC was founded by a former U.S. Navy Top Gun instructor and commercial airline pilot and two physicians who are former NASA astronauts. The firm specializes in applying aviation-based teamwork training and safety tools to help healthcare facilities save patients’ lives and reduce costs. LifeWings has helped over 40 facilities nationwide provide better care to their patients. Measurable results are found in all LifeWings initiatives, including one hospital that experienced a 43% improvement in their observed to expected mortality figures. The firm also conducts Leadership Development workshops for healthcare executive teams.

Contact
Steve Harden, President
LifeWings Partners LLC
800.290.9314
9198 Crestwyn Hills Drive
Memphis, TN 38125
www.SaferPatients.com

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Press Contact: Steve Harden
Company Name: LifeWings Partners LLC
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 800.290.9314
Website: www.SaferPatients.com

# posted by (hris @ 12:14 PM 0 comments

New Online Pharmacy Makes the Cost of Medicine An Easier Pill to Swallow

MyStoreForMeds.com online joins efforts with a brick and mortar pharmacy to offer cheap online prescription medicines. More than 45 million Americans without prescription medicine insurance coverage to benefit.

(PRWEB) June 21, 2006 -- Americans pay more for prescription drugs than any other people in the world. Additionally, prescription drug expenditures make up the fastest-growing segment of the increasingly expensive U.S. health care system. While the popularity of online pharmacies has continued to grow -- the requirements of the FDA has made it increasing difficult for of online pharmacies to continue to offer discounted medicines to the general public. With more then a 45 million Americans without prescription medicine insurance coverage, ww.MyStoreForMEds.com online service is a lifesaver.

"The state of the Medi- Care program and the loop holes has only increased the number of people having to pay cash for medicine" said Arturo Villar, President of www.MyStoreForMeds.com. "We knew we had to find a solution that satisfied the requirements of the FDA , while also being able to meet the public demands for less expensive medicine. Our association with Discount Mail Meds of Lakeland, Florida has given us the opportunity to provide the continued conveniences and savings of online discount medicine." MyStoreForMeds.com is most known for their huge savings in over 3000 and more generic medicines.

According to industry experts, in coming months, millions of older Americans and people with disabilities will face a lapse in coverage known as the "doughnut hole" when their annual drug spending hits $2,250. At that point, Medicare drug plans stop paying for medications and require members to absorb another $3,600 in out-of-pocket costs before coverage resumes. And even while the plans aren't paying for their drugs, participants must continue to pay their monthly premiums. That is in addition to the 45 million Americans without any prescription medicine insurance coverage.

Likewise, a recent report issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services prescription drug costs are expected to increase by 12.6% a year for the next 10 years,. By 2010, 16% of what Americans spend each year on personal health care will be spent on prescription drugs, the department said. In 1999, it was 9.4%.As a result, even those with prescription drug coverage are being told by their insurance companies that they will have to pick up more of the tab for prescriptions.

Villar continued, "We feel like were able to put together this situation for www.mystoreformeds.com with great timing. We are happy to be able to be apart of a solution for many Americans who must be able to afford prescriptions medicines.”
MyStoreForMeds.com is most known for their huge savings in over 3000 and more generic medicines with the benefits of: lower cost; access to more Generic drugs; privacy; convenience; and speed of delivery (www.MyStoreForMeds.com has your prescription to your door in 1 business day) Prescriptions can be called or faxed in to 888-462-4579

For more information or to begin receiving your medicines online call 1-866-287-6026 or go to www.MyStoreForMeds.com

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Press Contact: Arturo Villar
Company Name: MyStoreForMEds.com
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 305-477-9565
Website: www.mystoreformeds.com

# posted by (hris @ 2:02 PM 0 comments

Pill Splitting to Reduce Burden of Prescription Drug Costs - Money Saver or Health Threat?

Patients have become increasingly aware that they are able to save money by halving higher dosage medications. Unfortunately, splitting a pill accurately, especially with elderly patients or patients with hand tremors or poor vision, is virtually impossible. Under- or over-dosing a medication can be extremely dangerous to one's health. FLAVORx, Inc the industry leader in flavoring medications works with pharmacies nationwide to convert high-dose pills to suspension to ensure dosing accuracy, efficacy and safety.

Bethesda, MD (PRWEB) June 21, 2006 -- Nearly 1-in-3 seniors have skipped medication doses or have not filled prescriptions due to the soaring costs of prescription medications, according to studies done at assisted living centers across the country. Many senior citizens spend over $250 per month on prescription medicines. Sadly, expenses such as these make it extremely difficult for seniors to afford medications crucial to their well-being.

The high cost of prescriptions can have a significant impact on patient compliance with a medication regimen. Studies show that over 43 percent of seniors reported drug costs had caused them to avoid filling a prescription or to skip doses of their medications to make them last longer.

Many people have realized that the same drug at any strength costs about the same price; thus it is more economical to get a higher strength medication and split the tablet to approximate the correct dosage at half the cost. The bulk of a pills’ cost comes from packaging, advertising, and research and development, not the actual chemical content. Therefore, most prescription drugs actually cost the same amount (or very close) regardless of the dosage, meaning that a 20mg pill of a certain medication could cost the exact same amount as a 40mg pill. This has caused a great many seniors to practice pill splitting in an effort to relieve the strain of prescription drug costs.

However, the incorrect practice of splitting or cutting medicine can pose a serious risk to patient health. What many patients fail to realize is that very few pills are actually engineered to be split successfully. Beyond the actual difficulty of splitting where shattering or crumbling may occur, accuracy of the split is the more dangerous culprit. Elderly patients with impaired vision or joint stiffness have a particularly difficult time achieving a perfect ‘half’ pill. Improper splitting, of course leads to improper dosing; especially in cases where the active ingredient is not evenly distributed between the two halves of the tablet. This is particularly dangerous in medications such as blood thinners or medications used for heart disease where even the slightest miscalculation can lead to an adverse or a potentially fatal reaction. The Journal of the American Pharmacist’s Association’s 2002 study showed that less than 35% of tested tablets that were split in half met the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) standards of tablet weight variation and intact dosage unit.

Tablet splitting can be particularly difficult in cases of medications in capsule form, tablets with an unusual shape or tablets that are not scored, and tablets that have a special coating or work on a time-release activity. Many people do not realize time-release medications should not be split. Splitting a time release capsule breaks the coating which negates the delayed release action of the tablet, causing a patient's body to get too much medication at one time.

Not surprisingly, many seniors without drug coverage skipped doses or resorted to pill spliting without the approval of their doctor.

Fortunately, there is a way to safely use a higher strength medication to reduce cost and maintain proper dosage. In instances where a commercially prepared liquid is not available, FLAVORx pharmacies can take a higher strength tablet, use half the quantity and convert it into a great tasting suspension that can be measured out with a syringe to give the exact dosage. Accuracy is ensured because the entire pill is added to the suspension and diluted to achieve the proper dosage level. This is particularly convenient for elderly patients. FLAVORx’s 42-flavor repertoire of taste-tested formulations and over 10 years of experience in the industry guarantees approval from taste buds all over the country. Formulas can also be easily adjusted to meet each patient's taste preferences.

Always consult with your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare professional to make sure this method is safe and compatible with the medication being taken.

For more information, please visit www.flavorx.com or contact Teresa Chen at 800.884.5771 extension 234.

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Press Contact: Teresa Chen
Company Name: FLAVORX, INC.
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 240.223.0953
Website: www.flavorx.com

# posted by (hris @ 2:00 PM 0 comments

Free Prescription Drug Card Helps with High Prescription Drug Costs in the U.S.

The Free Prescription Drug Card from www.YourRxCard.com is like a “Coupon” for Medicines. Take control of your high prescription drug costs.

(PRWEB) June 20, 2006 -- The cost of brand name prescription drugs keeps rising in the US. According the AARP, brand name prescription drugs continued to rise last year at an average rate greater than inflation. Last month, a new free prescription drug card became available to all Americans through www.YourRxCard.com to aid them in covering their prescription drug costs. In addition to instant activation, the free prescription drug card has no deductibles, waiting periods, or pre-existing exclusions.

In 2005, the AARP reports that the manufacturers’ price of brand name prescription drugs rose at an average rate of 6.0%, whereas the national inflation was only 3.4%, nearly half of the drug price increase rate. The organization’s report, which was based on a sample of 193 brand name drugs, showed that 2005 was the sixth year in a row that prescription drug manufacturers raised their prices to wholesalers and other purchasers at a rate that was disproportionate to inflation.

With prescription drug prices continually rising, and many older Americans still without insurance, the free prescription drug card offered by www.YourRxCard.com can provide them with discounted rates. The card can be used in pharmacies similarly to how a coupon is used, except that it can be re-used time and time again to help Americans cover all of their prescription drug costs.

The free prescription drug card can be obtained instantly at www.YourRxCard.com from any computer with access to a printer, and it can be used right away. High prescription drug costs no longer have to come between Americans and the medicines they need.

About www.YourRxCard.com

YourRxCard.com is a free prescription drug card program being produced to help all Americans cut their prescription drug costs. Individuals can download and print their free prescription drug card from www.YourRxCard.com, and receive savings of up to 75% at more than 50,000 national, regional, and local pharmacies. There are no deductibles, no waiting periods, and no pre-existing exclusions with the use of the card.

For more information please visit www.YourRxCard.com, or contact Rex Bowden at 866-561-1926 or via email at email protected from spam bots.

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Press Contact: Rex Bowden
Company Name: YourRxCard.com
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 866-561-1926
Website: www.yourrxcard.com

# posted by (hris @ 8:53 AM 0 comments

OTC Availability of Plan B in Canada Reduces Healthcare Costs, While FDA Remains Stubbornly Opposed to Approving Switch

Despite cries for the emergency contraception to be available over the counter in the U.S., many American women still need permission from their doctor to get it.

Vancouver, B.C. (PRWEB) June 20, 2006 -- In April 28, 2005, the morning-after pill known as Plan B became available to Canadian women without a prescription. Since then, sales have doubled. Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Canadian manufacturer of Plan B, supplied 23,000 morning-after pills to retail pharmacies in January, 2005. Now they average 41,000 a month.

Plan B is an oral drug containing high doses of the same hormones found in regular oral contraceptive pills, which, when taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex, may prevent pregnancy from occurring.

Evidence shows that easier availability of the pill is leading to significant savings for Canada's healthcare system. Dr. Judith Soon, a scientist at the University of British Columbia who is conducting a study of the pill's use, says that costs for abortions and physician visits may well be dramatically reduced. Official numbers on the full effect of Plan B on abortion rates and healthcare costs will not be available for a year or more, but early indications are very positive.

“Emergency contraception is available without a prescription in 44 countries around the world,” says Dr. Paul Zickler, of DoctorSolve Healthcare Solutions (www.doctorsolve.com), an online pharmacy service. “Yet, despite recommendations from the American Medical Association and the advisory committee of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the FDA still prohibits sales of Plan B over the counter.”

The FDA claims that there is insufficient proof that young teenage girls can take the drug safely without their doctor's guidance, but critics say that the FDA refusal to switch is based on political pressure. The denial was a major goal of social conservatives, including members of Congress who lobbied President Bush on the issue.

More than 300,000 women are sexually assaulted each year in the U.S. Of these, an estimated 25,000 will become pregnant as a result. About 22,000 of these pregnancies could be prevented if all women who were raped had easy access to emergency contraception.

“Plan B is FDA-approved, and it has been proven safe and effective,” says Zickler. “ It should be readily available to women who most likely require it during a time of crisis. It is a way to prevent unwanted pregnancy and therefore prevent abortion. For a country where nearly one half of its annual pregnancies are accidental, this should be an easy decision to make.”

DoctorSolve, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC Q37), offers lower cost, long-term prescriptions. A professionally registered pharmacist fills all prescriptions. A certified member of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association, DoctorSolve is ranked as one of the best online pharmacies by PharmacyChecker.com. DoctorSolve has filled more than 200,000 U.S. prescriptions.

For more information, call 1-866-732-0305 or visit http://www.doctorsolve.com

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Press Contact: Dianne Bidewell
Company Name: DoctorSolve
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 1-866-732-0305
Website: www.doctorsolve.com

# posted by (hris @ 7:18 AM 0 comments

45 Million Americans to Benefit From New Online Association with Brick and Mortar Pharmacy; Even FDA Says "Yes"

MyStoreForMeds.com meets FDA guidelines for online prescription medicine store with new association with Lakeland, Florida pharmacy.

(PRWEB) June 19, 2006 -– "The state of the Medi- Care program and the loop holes has only increased the number of people having to pay cash for medicine-45 million Americans have no prescription medicine insurance at all." said Arturo Villar, President of www.MyStoreForMeds.com. "We knew we had to find a solution that satisfied the requirements of the FDA , while also being able to meet the public demands for less expensive medicine. Our association with Discount Mail Meds has given us the opportunity to provide the continued conveniences and savings of online discount medicine." Discount Mail Meds is located in Lakeland, Fl .

Americans pay more for prescription drugs than any other people in the world. Additionally, prescription drug expenditures make up the fastest-growing segment of the increasingly expensive U.S. health care system. While the popularity of online pharmacies has continued to grow- the requirements of the FDA has made it increasing difficult for online pharmacies to continue to offer discounted medicines to the general public. With more then 45 million Americans without prescription medicine insurance coverage, www.MyStoreForMeds.com online service is a lifesaver.

According to industry experts, in coming months, millions of older Americans and people with disabilities will face a lapse in coverage known as the "doughnut hole" when their annual drug spending hits $2,250. At that point, Medicare drug plans stop paying for medications and require members to absorb another $3,600 in out-of-pocket costs before coverage resumes. And even while the plans aren't paying for their drugs, participants must continue to pay their monthly premiums. That is in addition to the 45 million Americans without any prescription medicine insurance coverage.

Likewise, a recent report issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services prescription drug costs are expected to increase by 12.6% a year for the next 10 years,. By 2010, 16% of what Americans spend each year on personal health care will be spent on prescription drugs, the department said. In 1999, it was 9.4%.As a result, even those with prescription drug coverage are being told by their insurance companies that they will have to pick up more of the tab for prescriptions.

Villar continued, "We feel like were able to put together this situation for www.mystoreformeds.com with great timing. We are happy to be able to be a part of a solution for many Americans who need affordable prescriptions medicines.”

MyStoreForMeds.com is most known for their huge savings in over 3000 and more generic medicines with the benefits of lower cost, privacy; convenience; and speed of delivery (www.MyStoreForMeds.com has your prescription to your door in 1 business day) Prescriptions can be called or faxed in to 888-462-4579.

For more information or to begin receiving your medicines online call 1-866-287-6026 or go to www.MySchoolForMeds.com

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Press Contact: Arturo Villar
Company Name: Mystoreformeds.com
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 305-477-9565
Website: www.MyStoreForMeds.com  

 

# posted by (hris @ 10:36 AM 0 comments

Domperidone for Parkinson's and Other Compound Medications May Not Require New FDA Approval

U.S. District Judge Rob Junell, in Midland, Texas, ruled that customized compound medications, such as Domperidone, are not new, unapproved drugs that must be sanctioned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Domperidone treats the nausea and vomiting associated with the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Domperidone has been available in Canada through such intermediaries as LePharmacy.com for more than 10 years.

(PRWEB) June 18, 2006 -- Millions of Americans take customized preparations prescribed by physicians and mixed by compounding pharmacies instead of mass-produced, FDA-regulated drugs. One of these medications is Domperidone, used to treat gastric side effects associated with the treatment of Parkinson’s.

Domperidone works specifically by blocking dopamine receptors found in an area of the brain known as the “chemo receptor trigger zone” (CTZ). The CTZ starts to work when nerve messages from the stomach are received when an irritant is present. After the process has begun , messages are transmitted to another area of the brain, the vomiting centre, which in turn instructs the gut, causing the vomiting reflex.

Blocking the dopamine receptors in the CTZ prevents nausea from being transferred to the vomiting centre. This reduces the feeling of nausea and prevents vomiting. Domperidone is available through LePharmacy.com. The F.D.A. has not yet approved Domperidone for sale in the United States.

In a landmark ruling, U.S. District Judge Rob Junell, in Midland, Texas, ruled that customized compounds created by compounding pharmacies are not new, unapproved drugs that must be sanctioned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Kristie Zamrazil, a spokeswoman for the Texas Pharmacy Association, said the decision preserves the roots of pharmacy. "Compounding has been part of pharmacy practice since its origins. Judge Junell's ruling is a win for patients and recognizes the important health care service that pharmacists have provided through the ages" (Lavlan Copelin, Austin American-Statesman 5/27/06).

According to this ruling, "Compounded drugs are fully legal and not subject to the requirements and prohibitions imposed on new drugs by the 1938 Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act", AAPS General Counsel Andrew Schlafly stated.

“Domperidone has saved me. Until I started taking it, I was not able to function properly. I couldn’t find Domperidone anywhere in the U.S. It wasn’t available to be sold to me. Domperidone allowed me to feel alive again!” declared Bud Axelrod, of Philadelphia and living with Parkinson’s.

Additional information and links on the issue of Parkinson's, including Michael J Fox's Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease, the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, the National Parkinson Foundation and the American College of Gastroenterology are available at http://www.lepharmacy.com/parkinson.asp.

LePharmacy.com is a premier mail order intermediary for brand name, highest quality health products, at great savings from typical U.S. prices. Prescriptions are required from a doctor’s visit. All prescriptions are individually reviewed and approved by licensed doctors and pharmacists and the drugs are all approved through the standards applied by the governments of Canada and the European Union.

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Press Contact: Jason Nishmas
Company Name: LePharmacy.com
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 1-888-453-6275
Website: www.lepharmacy.com

# posted by (hris @ 12:56 PM 0 comments

NeoVid Pharmaceuticals Announces Investigation of New Cancer Drug

A new cancer drug compound (dTCTinicyclic acid HCL), given the brand name Azatrol, is being investigated for a cure to cancer.

West Chester, PA (PRWEB) June 14, 2006 -- Today, Neovid Pharmaceuticals LLC (neovid.com) announced the introduction of an investigational new cancer drug, Azatrol™ (dTCTinicylic acid HCL). The company emphasizes that this drug is in the most early stages of investigation requiring extensive basic research in order to prove its theory.

This endeavor is comprised of the biosynthesis of several compounds resulting in the creation of dTCtinicylic acid HCL (which has been given the brand name Azatrol™ by NeoVid). As conceived, dTCtinicylic acid HCL will be injected into a tumor site and then It is hypothesized that malignant cells will cease to multiply, ultimately detaching from the host and subsequently becoming absorbed into the blood stream. The destroyed cells will then be safely eliminated through the patient’s own immune system.

According to John T. Jeter, President and CEO of Neovid, the company is in the process of seeking adequate funding sources to proceed with the basic research. He further reports that the fundamental science behind the investigational new compound is founded upon naturally occurring substances commonly found in phytopharmaceuticals. By subjecting these compounds to a proprietary heat process, a new molecule (dTCTinicyclic acid HCL) may be formulated.

Mr. Jeter goes on to point out that this proposed compound is highly speculative at this point and requires further investigation. To quote Mr Jeter, “The research on our investigational compound is exciting because it is a synthesis of natural plant substances. This is not as far reaching as one may think considering the fact that a powerful cancer drug Taxol® is formulated originally from the Pacific Yew Tree or Paclitaxel and another cancer drug is based the chemical navelbine found in missile-toe.”

For more information, please contact the company at http://neovid.com, by phone: 610-692-3215 or by e-mail.

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Press Contact: John Jeter
Company Name: NEOVID PHARMACEUTICALS LLC
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 610-692-3215
Website: neovid.com

# posted by (hris @ 6:56 AM 0 comments

Non-drugs Drive OTC Market Growth

PMR forecasts that the OTC market will record 5.5% year-on-year growth in 2006 mainly due to non-drugs, which have become the main growth factor of the OTC pharmacy market in Poland. In 2005 their sales grew by 33% year-on-year, while the total OTC pharmacy market increased by 8.2%. On the other hand, non-pharmacy sales are not contributing to OTC market growth as much as was anticipated just a few years ago.

(PRWEB) June 14, 2006 -- According to PMR’s latest report, “The OTC market in Poland 2006,” the size of the overall OTC pharmacy market* in Poland in 2005 amounted to PLN 5.5bn (€1.4bn) at retail prices, recording 8.2% year-on-year growth. “It is the category of non-drugs which has become the most important driver of OTC pharmacy market growth. In 2005 the importance of this category continued to increase, accounting for about 25% of pharmacy sales by value” Monika Stefanczyk, the author of the report, explained.

The OTC market is made up of two groups – OTC drugs (products with the status of a drug), and non-drug OTC products such as dietary and food supplements, homeopathic drugs, herbals, cosmetics, diagnostic tests, dressings, medical devices, and dental equipment. The spectacular growth in the sales of these products is chiefly the effect of the opportunity offered by legal regulations for switching a product from OTC drug to dietary supplement status. As registration (which is in fact notification) and advertising is easier when a product has dietary supplement status, manufacturers have recently been trying to switch as many products as possible. “As a result, dietary supplements accounted for about one-third of pharmacy sales of non-drugs by value and about one-tenth of overall OTC pharmacy sales in 2005”, Ms Stefanczyk estimated. What’s more, the vast majority of manufacturers interviewed by PMR for the purpose of the report think that the trend of switching from OTC drug to dietary supplement status will continue in the nearest future.

VITAMINS AND MINERALS: FROM DRUGS TO DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS
The effects of OTC-dietary supplement switches were most noticeable in the vitamins and minerals OTC drug category. In 2005 the category recorded a 4.8% year-on-year decline in pharmacy sales. This did not result from decreasing demand for vitamins and minerals but a shift in the source of consumers’ intake of vitamins and minerals from drugs to dietary supplements and food products (such as yoghurts and energy drinks). As a result, in 2005 vitamins and minerals were third on the OTC drugs market in terms of sales while in 2002 they were the largest segment of OTC drug market (by value). In 2005 they accounted for nearly half of the dietary supplement segment of the pharmacy market.

SATURATION IN NON-PHARMACY SALES
While the non-drug pharmacy sector develops, non-pharmacy sales, which just several years ago had been expected to significantly increase total market growth, are slowly reaching saturation. In 2003 and 2004, the strategy of developing distribution via retail shops proved successful, and sales in non-pharmacy channels markedly increased (in the analgesics category in particular, non-pharmacy sales increased by over 30% year-on-year in 2003 and in 2004). This was also due to the introduction amendments to the relevant ordinance in 2003, which increased the number of medicines approved for sale in ordinary retail stores to 131. But greater sales in retail shops occurred at the expense of pharmacy sales, and as a result, the overall market size of analgesics as well as the total OTC market did not increase as much as was anticipated.

Between February 2005 and January 2006, non-pharmacy sales amounted to almost PLN 350m (€87m), which accounted for 8.2% of the overall distribution of OTC drugs. This translates to almost 10.3% y-o-y growth, while in 2003 and 2004 y-o-y market growth oscillated around 30%. We believe that in 2006, year-on-year growth of the non-pharmacy OTC market will again be lower. At present, the Ministry of Health is preparing amendments to the aforementioned list under which fewer OTC drugs will be admitted for sale in ordinary retail outlets (114). On the other hand, this only relates to analgesics, which are widely accessible via non-pharmacy channels. Other categories with a presence in shop sales, such as cold and flu medicines or digestive remedies may still be important growth factors on condition that their accessibility is improved.

The main source of pharmacy sales data in the report was PharmaExpert.

About PMR:
PMR www.pmrcorporate.com is a publishing, consulting and market research company providing information, advice and services to international businesses interested in Central and Eastern Europe. With highly skilled staff, top ranked Web sites and over ten years of experience, PMR is one of the largest companies of its type in the region.

You are welcome to contact the author of the report:
Monika Stefanczyk
Pharmaceutical Market Analyst
Tel.: 0048 12 618 90 57

More information on the report:

Marketing Department:
Tel. 0048 12 618 90 20

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Press Contact: Richard Lucas
Company Name: PMR Ltd.
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 0048126189020
Website: www.pharmapoland.com

# posted by (hris @ 6:54 AM 0 comments

Free Prescription Drug Card Offers Solution to Citizens Importing Prescription Drugs

Beat high prescription drug costs with a free prescription drug card. There are no eligibility requirements, waiting periods or deductibles.

Baton Rouge, LA (PRWEB) June 13, 2006 -- To many Americans suffering the effects of high prescription drug costs, buying less expensive prescription drugs from Canada or Mexico might seem like an option. However, importing Canadian or Mexican drugs, even for personal use, is illegal in the US. The United States government has recently started cracking down on individual purchases of prescription drugs from Canada, rather than only focusing on larger bulk imports. The free prescription drug card offered by www.YourRxCard.com aims to offer all Americans with an alternative to importing illegal foreign prescription drugs to save money.

With US Customs cracking down on individual orders of prescription drugs coming from Canada and Mexico, prescription discount programs such as the free prescription drug card from www.YourRxCard.com are safer alternatives for US citizens to stay on the right side of the law, while also assuring they’ll receive their prescriptions when needed, rather than being confiscated at the border.

The New Mexican ran a story on their website on June 4th about a specific case where a customer’s personal order of prescription drugs from Canada was confiscated. According to that article “The US Customs & Border Protection agency, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security, said it was illegal for [the patient to import the medications under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act…. Lynn Hollinger, a spokeswoman for the CBP in Washington, said the policy was changed to target individuals as well [as bulk importers in November 2005. Between then and May 1, the agency had sent out 28,835 letters informing US residents that CBP had seized non-controlled pharmaceuticals addressed to them.”

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Press Contact: Rex Bowden
Company Name:
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 1-866-561-1926
Website: www.yourrxcard.com

# posted by (hris @ 12:01 AM 0 comments

Drug Wholesale Mail-Order Company Now Offering Lowest Wholesale Pricing To The 40 Million Americans Without Drug Coverage

Siembien Pharmaceuticals, a Dallas, TX licensed full-line prescription drug wholesale company is now offering low wholesale pricing to the general public.

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) June 11, 2006 -- Siembien Pharmaceuticals, a Dallas, TX licensed full-line prescription drug wholesale company is now offering low wholesale pricing to the general public.

If you, or someone you know pays cash out of pocket for long-term care prescription medications or medical equipment, and buy them from a retail company such as CVS or Walgreen's, then you may find this message of interest.

A new mail-order program has been established to help all individuals, families, non profit groups, businesses with 3 or more employees, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, community health clinics and communities buy their prescribed drugs at prices even less than what many pharmacies pay.

Siembien CEO Bryant Barnes says: “Our mail-order program has never been done by any wholesaler I’m aware of, and offers pricing that simply can not be beat. We will help people save hundreds and even thousands of dollars every year.”

The program is not restricted by age or income. Currently, there is no fee to register, get price quotes, or use the program, and the savings is dramatic in many cases! The only thing people pay for is medication or medical equipment, and on the drug orders there is no shipping cost in most cases!

“Everyone of our customers are assigned a personal customer care consultant, so they get to talk to a real person.” says Barnes.

Siembien has also implemented a rebate program. Every business, organization and non-profit group gets a 5% rebate back on the purchase price of all drugs that their members or employees buy. Barnes added, "This is extra money we want to donate back to the charitable groups and businesses so they have additional funds for whatever they need them for."

You can learn more about Siembien Pharmaceuticals and the consumer discount program at: www.siembien.US or calling senior consultant Nick Hetcher at 715-732-6181.

Contact:
Nick Hetcher
Siembien Pharmaceuticals
715-732-6181
http://www.siembien.us

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Press Contact: Nick Hetcher
Company Name: Siembien Pharmaceuticals
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 715-732-6181
Website: http://www.siembien.us

# posted by (hris @ 12:24 PM 0 comments

What an EMR Is Not

The very term EMR stirs up confusion in healthcare today. While hundreds of vendors claim to have an EMR solution, there is no standard within the industry. But that is changing now.

Evanston, IL (PRWEB) June 9, 2006 -- The very term EMR stirs up confusion in healthcare today. While hundreds of vendors claim to have an EMR solution, there is no standard within the industry. But that is changing now.

Confusion On What Constitutes An EMR

Electronic Medical Records. Electronic Health Records. Personal Health Record . The very words EMR, EHR and PHR stir up confusion 20 years after their introduction. "If you talk about electronic patient billing, even the smallest physician practice understands what is meant. Yet when we talk about EMR’s, there is considerable confusion on what is meant" says industry analyst Pam Waymack of Phoenix Services www.PhoenixService.net after attending the 22nd annual Towards an Electronic Patient Record (TEPR) conference where nearly 200 vendors clambered to show how they support EMR capabilities. Dr. Mark Leavitt, M.D., Ph.D. and chair of the Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology (CCHIT) noted at the meeting, "The fact that you can ask the question (What an EMR is not) and not be laughed at shows the state of the market".

State of the EMR Market

While several hundred software vendors claim to offer EMR products. New entities everyday are entering the market with their own version of what they think an EMR is. In May, two health plan associations announced their plans to make PHR's available to their members using the claims data they have. "The EMR market today is where the practice management market was 20 years ago" according to Waymack a consultant with Phoenix Services. "There were minimal standards, functionality was highly variable, the level of workflow automation was basic and knowledge management was only beginning" .

The Quantum Leap for EMRs

The good news for providers is that nationally several organizations are working with the federal government to accelerate the adoption of EMRs. By establishing standards and defining functional requirements, these organizations seek to reduce the variability as well as risk of acquiring EMRs. On May 1st CCHIT announced the first set of national criteria for ambulatory electronic health records (EHRs). CCHIT is now accepting applications from vendors seeking certification of their ambulatory EHR solutions. This is the first step in accelerating the maturation of the health information technology (HIT) market. By setting standards for EHR functionality, CCHIT is helping to catalyze the market. Dr. Leavitt noted that their criteria establish the minimum requirements for certified products in the market. Products not meeting all of CCHIT’s criteria will not be certified as comprehensive ambulatory EHRs. The development of CCHIT’s inspection process has received funding from the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) but the organization is a market-driven, voluntary, private-sector initiative. The goal is to accelerate EHR adoption among practicing physicians by providing them with a benchmark against which they can measure EHRs, decreasing the risk of this investment.

EMRs are not off-the-shelf products ready to use without any tailoring. Most EMRs are not plug-and-play solutions today but interoperability of standards will address is in the years to come. EMRs with reasonable automation and tools are also not inexpensive either in terms of the price tag to purchase or the staff resources required to install successfully. Finally, even the best EMR today does not solve all of our practice problems. But EMRs are quickly becoming the basis for providers to meet the changing demands of healthcare today:
-to document the extent of services provided,
-to communicate findings efficiently and rapidly with other providers,
-to capture charges for all services provided,
-to support compliance with evidence based medicine,
-to improve the patient's experience, to reduce medical errors and to improve practice efficiency.

Despite everything that an EMR is not today, EMRs are a critical ingredient in the future practice of healthcare. According to Waymack, “Just as we cannot imagine practicing without automated billing and scheduling tools today, successful practice in the near future will require automated clinical records both within our practices and across our communities”.

About Phoenix Services

Phoenix Services is a healthcare consulting firm focused on improving performance, operationally, financially and strategically. Pam Waymack, MBA, CHFP, CPHIT, CPEHR, is managing director of Phoenix Services in Evanston Illinois. Pam is a national speaker, author and consultant in the area of leveraging healthcare technology to address the business challenges in healthcare.

Contact:

Pam Waymack, Managing Director
Phoenix Services
847-864-4451
www.PhoenixService.net

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Press Contact: Pam Waymack
Company Name: PHOENIX SERVICES
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 847-864-4451
Website: www.PhoenixService.net

# posted by (hris @ 8:17 AM 0 comments

Anti-Aging Conference London 2006: Discover how Medicine and Science are Pushing Back the Boundaries of the Diseases of Aging

Invitation to Hear from Experts at the 3rd Annual Anti-Ageing Conference London: Programme includes the International Symposium on Regenerative Medicine September 15-17, 2006.

London (PRWEB) 9 June 2006 -- Anti-Aging Conference London today announced its speaker programme – the largest gathering of the world’s preeminent medical speakers on the subject of anti-aging health and regenerative medicine ever to be assembled in London.

The 3rd Anti-Aging Conference (AACL), will be held at the Royal Society of Medicine in London from the 15-17 September 2006. This event offers a unique opportunity to learn from scientists and physicians about the latest medical advances from what some may consider controversial, to the proven and new treatments for the diseases of ageing.

This event is of importance to all medical professionals who wish to be cognisant on the latest medical and scientific developments in anti-aging and rejuvenatory medicine from around globe. It is of particular importance to scientists, nutritionists, gerontologists, chiropractors, pharmacists, pharmaceutical chemists and research specialists, nursing practitioners, naturopathic doctors, dentists, bariatricians and weight management specialists.

Among the speakers are world-renowned experts who have driven the global debate on anti-aging medicine including Dr Robert Goldman, Chairman, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and Dr Ronald Klatz, Founding President, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine; Professor Imre Zs-Nagy, Professor John Ionescu, Dr Michael Klentze, Mr Robert Klein and Professor Irving Weissman. Our keynote speaker on Sunday is Deepak Chopra, one of the world’s leaders in the field of mind body medicine and Ayurvedic medicine.

As well as the opportunity to hear from these world experts and put questions to our speaker panel, this event provides a unique networking opportunity for healthcare professionals. All delegates receive a high-quality bound conference manual including speaker presentations and biographical materials. The fee also includes a buffet lunch, on all three days, refreshments and an invitation to the conference cocktail reception. In addition the latest anti-ageing products from around the world will be on show in the exhibition hall.

This prestigious scientific event will be introduced by Heather Bird-Tchenguiz MBA, Chairperson, AACL; Founder and President of HB Health; Director of the World Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine; Board Member, European Society of Anti-Aging Medicine and Director, British Society of Anti-Ageing Medicine.

Heather Bird-Tchenguiz comments: “In most societies around the globe people are living longer so the importance of healthy ageing has never been greater. It is possible for older people to live full and healthy lives well into the latter part of their years but in most cases this does not happen because they and the medical professional are not always aware of the new opportunities that are available to them through anti-ageing medicine. That is what this conference is all about and why this knowledge is so vital.”

The speaker programme for Anti-Ageing London 2006 is as follows:
Friday, 15 September – Regenerative and Preventative Medicine
Prof Larry Benowitz - (TBA)
Prof Geoffrey Raisman: Spinal cord injury
Prof David Naor PhD: Involvement of CD 44 in stem cell differentiation
Prof Stephen Minger - (TBA)
Prof Stefan Krauss PhD: Neural Cell Damage
Dr Dasa Ciscova PhD: The efficacy of stem cell therapy in animal models of autoimmune diseases
Prof Tomas Ekstrom: Karolinska Institutet Sweden: Epigentics principles
Dr Tony Pellet: Umbilical Cord stem cells
Dr Miomir Knecevic - (TBA)
Dr Ralf Toenjes PhD: Paul-Ehrlich –Institut: Stem Cell signatures as a tool for quality control of Innovative medicinal products
Andreas Junge MBA: Knowledge Management
Dr Octavi Quintana Trias: EU politics
Dr Marco Traub: Symposium Overview

Saturday, 16 September
Professor Dr Imre Zs-Nazy: The Theories of Ageing
Dr Ben Pfeifer MD Ph.D: Prostate Cancer – Unique Protocols featuring Photonutrients and the Immounomodulator
Dr Mark Babizayev: Human Cataracts – the role of Lipid Peroxidation and the efficacy of N-acetylcarnosine as a treatment
Phil Micans PharmB: Biological Age Measurement – Practicalities and Issues
Dr Jennifer Krup MD ABAAM:HRT in Women : Questions. answers and more questions
Dr Brian Halvosen: Dentistry – Advances with an emphasis on chelation and preventative health care
Dr Robert Goldman MD PhD FAASP DO FAOASM:
Prof Alfred Wolf: Chronic stress,burn-out and CFS, A new insight and preventive options
Patrick Holford BSc DipION FBant- Nutrition and Ageing

Sunday, 17 September
Dr Deepak Chopra
Dr Julian Kenyon: Photodynamic and Sonodynamic Therapy
Professor John Ionescu PhD: New Strategies to slow skin photoageing
Sarah Noble: Advances in Spa Medicine
Dr Eric Braverman, MD: Subclinical Hyperparathyroidism: A precursor of Osteoporosis and Dementia?
Dr Michael Klentze MD PhD ABAAM: Male Hormone Replacement
Dr Paul Clayton: Alzheimer’s Disease: Pharmaco-nutritional strategies to maintain the ageing brain
Dr Ron Klatz The Conference Overview
The programme may be subject to change
Full details of the speaker programme and speaker biographies can be viewed at www.antiageingconference.com
There are various categories of registration for this event:
Full registration £350;
Day 1 Only £200;
Day 2 only £200;
Day 3 £200.
Book on-line on the registration page at www.antiageingconference.com. Membership of certain medical societies may qualify for a discount.
Telephone: +44 (0) 2075816962
The events sponsors and supporters include HB Health, the British Society of Anti-Ageing Medicine; the European Society of Anti-Aging Medicine; the World Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and The Trans European Stem Cell Therapy Consortium.

Anti Ageing Conference London
PO Box 50622
London SW6 2YP
United Kingdom
Tel : +44 (0) 20 7581 6962
Fax : +44( 0) 20 7589 1273

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Press Contact: Maria Somers
Company Name: Anti-Ageing Conference London
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: +44 2075816962
Website: www.antiageingconference.com

# posted by (hris @ 7:47 AM 0 comments

Free Prescription Drug Card Now Available to All Americans

Beat high prescription drug costs with a free presription drug card. There are no eligibility requirements, waiting periods, or deductibles.

Baton Rouge, LA (PRWEB) June 8, 2006 -- Last month, a new free prescription drug card became available to all Americans. The free prescription drug card is available by filling out a short online form at www.YourRxCard.com, and the card can be printed instantly. Besides the instant activation, the free prescription drug card has no deductibles, waiting periods, or pre-existing exclusions. The prescription drug card was released by YourRxCard.com in response to American’s rising prescription drug costs, and the downfalls of the new Medicare Part D plans.

It’s estimated that prescription drug spending will likely increase at a greater rate than patients’ earnings, at a rate of 8.2% each year until 2015, according to a report issued in February by the National Health Statistics Group at CMS (Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services). Medicare Part D was launched in January, and made available to current Medicare recipients in varying plans, but those plans have several downfalls. For example, not every American is eligible to take advantage of Medicare Part D, unlike with the new free prescription drug card at www.YourRxCard.com. Other problems with Medicare Part D include the fact that multiple plans are participating (therefore causing plans to be somewhat profit-based), a monthly premium is required to stay in the program, some of the plans require a $250 deductible, and there is a gap in coverage after a certain level where patients pay all costs on their own until the plan kicks in again.

YourRxCard.com aims to provide a solution to all Americans upset by the rising prescription drug costs; not just those eligible for Medicare. The free prescription drug card is instant, available to everyone, and has no deductibles or waiting periods. Because the card can be used with other prescription drug cards, it allows patients to maximize their savings.

About www.YourRxCard.com

YourRxCard.com is a free prescription drug card program being produced to help all Americans cut their prescription drug costs. Individuals can download and print their free prescription drug card from www.YourRxCard.com, and receive savings of up to 75% at more than 50,000 national, regional, and local pharmacies. There are no deductibles, no waiting periods, and no pre-existing exclusions with the use of the card.

For more information please visit www.YourRxCard.com, or contact Rex Bowden at 866-561-1926 or via email at email protected from spam bots.

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Press Contact: Rex Bowden
Company Name:
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 1-888-561-1926
Website: www.yourrxcard.com

# posted by (hris @ 8:51 AM 0 comments

Summary Judgment of Damages Sets Precedent

Believed to be the first time a Harris County judge rules that Section 41.0105 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code applies to limit a Party’s recovery of medical bills. Benavides v Zurich American Insurance Company.

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) June 8, 2006 -- On May 30, 2006, Hermes Sargent Bates attorneys Anthony Cox and Greta Matzen obtained a summary judgment of damages, stating that Section 41.0105 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code limits a Party’s recovery to the amount paid by a collateral source, such as workers' compensation. This is believed to be the first time a Harris County judge has decided Section 41.0105 applies to limit a Party’s recovery of medical bills.

Section 41.0105 limits a Party’s recovery of medical expenses to those expenses that the Party actually “pays or incurs.” The claimant/plaintiff had sought to recover medical expenses for the amount the medical provider billed, despite that the Workers' Compensation Act reduced those bills under fee guidelines promulgated by the Workers' Compensation Commission.

In granting summary judgment, the court reasoned that just because a medical provider sends a bill does not mean that a Party is entitled to recover that amount. Of particular importance, the court determined Section 41.0105 did not limit the recovery of paid medical bills as a “collateral source,” but rather that the section applies as a substantive limitation on a Party’s damage claim. Benavides v Zurich American Insurance Company, Cause number 2005-36200, pending in Harris County District Court.

Anthony Cox, a partner with Hermes Sargent Bates, devotes his practice to representing parties in insurance coverage disputes.

Greta Matzen, an associate with Hermes Sargent Bates, focuses her practice on representing parties in insurance coverage disputes.

Hermes Sargent Bates, the largest firm in Texas with a female name partner, is a full-service commercial firm that works with a wide array of local, national, and international clients in the risk, manufacturing, services, and commercial sectors. Named by Texas Lawyer as the sixth fastest growing firm in Texas, the firm handles a wide range of cases, including: appellate & litigation support, banking & finance, bankruptcy & creditors’ rights, commercial litigation, construction litigation, general employment & labor, healthcare, mass tort litigation, medical malpractice, premises liability, products liability, professional liability, real estate, transportation, and workers’ compensation. The attorneys also have a broad depth of experience in advising clients on non-litigation matters.

For more information, please contact Anthony Cox at 214-749-6545. The firm’s website can be found at www.hsblaw.com.

###

Press Contact: Lauren Laughead
Company Name: HERMES SARGENT BATES, LLP
Phone: 214-749-6569
Website:

# posted by (hris @ 6:43 AM 0 comments

Attention, Doctors: Drug-Free Acupressure Technique Relieves Insomnia

Insomnia and sleep deprivation create health problems for millions of Americans. Now a do-it-yourself acupressure technique called EFT is helping people around the world fall asleep and stay asleep, improving their health and disposition without drugs or special equipment.

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) June 8, 2006 -- Thirty-two million Americans suffer from chronic insomnia and sleep deprivation. Their search for sleep has made prescription drugs, special mattresses, aromatherapy products, herbs, nutritional supplements, and other strategies popular -- but for most, a good night’s sleep followed by an alert, productive day remains elusive.

Now a simple acupressure technique called EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is relieving insomnia without drugs or special equipment by addressing its underlying cause. The process can be learned free by downloading the EFT Manual at http://www.emofree.com/downloadeftmanual.asp?ref=prw-insomcj

“All of the discoveries of modern physics, from Einstein on, support the ancient theory that a universal energy flows through everything in nature,” says Gary Craig, the Stanford-trained engineer who developed EFT. “This energy, called Qi or Chi, flows through the body along paths called meridians. Anything that stimulates points along these meridians helps the energy flow freely. Acupuncture uses needles, acupressure uses massage, and EFT uses fingertip tapping. By combining the tapping with focused thought, you can release energy blocks that interfere with a good night’s sleep. In countless clinical cases, EFT has helped people fall asleep and stay asleep, even in times of stress and adversity.”

A growing number of health care practitioners agree. “Most doctors treat insomnia with drugs,” says Los Angeles physician Eric Robins, MD. “I’m convinced that more than 80 or 85 percent of our illnesses, including insomnia and other sleep problems, result from how we store and process stress. Stress contributes not only to insomnia but to back pain, arthritis, bladder infections, and susceptibility to colds and flu.”

Dr. Robins encourages insomnia patients to tap on their meridians while thinking about their sleepless nights. “The best advice I can give,” he says, “is to go beyond the medical diagnosis and ask what stresses, traumas, and issues might be interfering with their ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. By combining these insights with tapping, they can neutralize emotional issues, release stress, relieve physical symptoms, and get a good night’s sleep.”

Nearly 60 percent of America’s adults report trouble sleeping at some time in their lives. Chronic sleep disruption can affect learning skills, memory, stamina, health, and safety – and it’s the single most important trigger for depression. Insomnia goes hand in hand with irritability, headaches, and muscle pain. Job injury rates increase 400 percent in sleep-deprived workers, and 16 percent of absenteeism at work can be linked to insomnia. Sleep deprivation contributes to automobile accidents, household accidents, and a compromised immune system.

Thanks to EFT tapping, people of all ages, including children and the elderly, can fall asleep more easily, sleep more soundly, and stay asleep longer. In some cases relief is instantaneous, while in others it comes after repeated treatments. Craig, who has collected reports from EFT practitioners for over a decade, estimates that between 70 and 80 percent of those who try EFT for insomnia experience significant improvement.

EFT has become known as a Universal Healing Aid because it provides relief not only for insomnia but also for trauma, phobias, grief, anger, depression and pain management.

Because it’s new, EFT is not yet familiar to most doctors and patients, but word is spreading. Over 300,000 have downloaded Craig’s free training manual, which provides all the information needed to try this do-it-yourself technique, from
http://www.emofree.com/downloadeftmanual.asp?ref=prw-insomcj

and another 10,000 download it each month. The manual has been translated by volunteer practitioners into nine languages.

For further information, contact Gary Craig at 707-785-2848.

# # #

Press Contact: Gary Craig
Company Name: EFT
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 707-785 2848
Website: http://www.emofree.com?ref=prw-insomcj

# posted by (hris @ 6:28 AM 0 comments

Are Drugs Really Necessary to Clear Allergies?

A Harvard Medical School study linked allergic reactions to stress and negative emotions. Despite these findings, conventional medicine continues to rely on drug interventions, including steroids to manage allergy symptoms, with little promise of eliminating allergies completely. Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a breakthrough acupressure protocol that addresses allergies at their emotional roots by balancing the energy meridians, or chi. This simple procedure, which anyone can learn, is effective 80% of the time and is giving freedom to allergy sufferers all over the world.

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) June 3, 2006 -- Profound allergy relief may be as simple as tapping on a few acupressure points, thereby reducing the body’s stress levels.

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have scientifically linked allergic reactions with stress and negative emotions. However, this has been known since 1997 by practitioners of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). This innovative acupressure technique claims an 80% success rate and can be learned freely by downloading the EFT Manual at http://www.emofree.com/downloadeftmanual.asp?ref=prw-MCS

“EFT has shown remarkable results in the treatment of allergies, including Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS),” says Gary Craig, the Stanford-trained engineer who developed EFT. “I originally created EFT to enhance and accelerate the psychotherapy process. As people used EFT to clear emotional issues, they reported a reduction or elimination of physical symptoms, like allergies. After EFT, not only were they emotionally more peaceful, but they no longer reacted when exposed to their identified allergens.”

Craig continues, “Since EFT’s inception, we have been operating under the premise that stress and negative emotions create physical symptoms, illness and disease in the body and this viewpoint is supported by thousands of years of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Conventional medical science is finally drawing the same conclusions, but they are only beginning to pay attention to techniques like EFT which successfully target unresolved emotions as well as their corresponding energetic imbalances.”

Dr. Eric Robins, a California Urologist is just one of the many doctors currently using EFT in his medical practice. Dr. Robins used EFT on himself when he suddenly developed an unexplainable allergic rash on his hands and face while driving to work. Says Robins, “It looked like an acute, bad sunburn”. He performed EFT for about two minutes and says, “Within minutes, the redness and itching began to subside”. In another five minutes the symptoms and signs had resolved completely.

Craig explains, “We have been conditioned to pop a pill when we encounter an allergic reaction, a headache, or a simple cold. But thousands of case studies illustrate that the use of EFT at the onset of any physical symptom successfully arrests the symptom about 80 percent of the time. Sometimes relief is immediate, but more complex allergies or illnesses may require a more persistent application of EFT.”

Andy Mason’s wife was diagnosed with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS) after suffering with migraine headaches, severe balance problems and joint pains for 15 years. Visits with allergy specialists, neurologists, and ear nose and throat specialists brought her no relief. After an environmental specialist established that she was sensitive to 80 different chemical, food and airborne allergens, she was prescribed stabilizing drops and injections, but they offered her minimal protection.

Mason was learning EFT but had never used it for allergies. It is easy to do EFT and it has no known side effects so he and his wife systematically used it for each of her identified allergies. Some allergies cleared in 30 minutes while others required persistence and addressing physical symptoms and emotional issues related to the allergies. EFT involves fingertip tapping on a series of acupuncture points while focusing thoughts on each allergy.

One year after her EFT allergy treatment, Mason reported, “She has not used any allergy treatments for the past year, and has rarely had any allergic responses. When she has, it is because she has been exposed to a substance that we had not addressed with EFT. Her quality of life (and the dent in our finances from the allergy testing and resultant medication) is much improved since we used EFT to resolve these issues.”

Craig says, “While these results are not uncommon for persistent EFT users, we are not advocating that people abandon conventional medical treatment. But EFT is making progress in the area of allergies and it often works where nothing else will.”

Over 300,000 have downloaded Craig’s free training manual and another 10,000 download it each month. The official EFT Manual has been translated by volunteer practitioners into nine languages.

The EFT Manual explains the basics so that anyone can begin applying EFT right away. It can be freely downloaded at

http://www.emofree.com/downloadeftmanual.asp?ref=prw-MCS

For further information, contact Gary Craig at 707-785-2848.

# # #

Press Contact: Gary Craig
Company Name: EFT
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 707-785 2848
Website: http://www.emofree.com?ref=prw-mcs

# posted by (hris @ 9:03 AM 0 comments