October 2003
Insurers have not focused much on chronic pain. They should. It presents a humanitarian and business opportunity.
This may be one way to regain profitability, though getting permission from government regulators may take some doing.
Physicians' well known reluctance to invest in office computer hardware and software is costing health plans money. How to get the docs' attention?
Maine's health care reformers are on course to deliver a controversial universal care plan. But is the coast clear?
Fallout from the Medicare outlier-payment scandal is likely to force hospitals to try to replace that revenue. Health plans, prepare to negotiate!
Departments
Legislation & Regulation
The outgoing mayor of Springfield, Mass., is taking on the FDA over his plan to buy medications at a discount from Canada.
John Carroll
Compensation Monitor
Tomorrow's Medicine
Treating severe vesicoureteral reflux involved complicated, expensive surgery. Now an injectable agent that forms a valve can lead to normal urination.
Thomas Morrow, MD
Employer Update
Cooperation between three health plans has fostered better employer appreciation of early detection and intervention in kidney disease.
MargaretAnn Cross
Managed Care Outlook