More testing in elderly leading to more treatment

Article Abstract:

Medicare claims for diagnostic testing have increased substantially during the seven years from 1987 through 1993, according to a study by Dartmouth Medical School, the Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the Urban Institute. The tests led to therapeutic intervention, such as cardiac treatments after catheterization. Also, imaging of the spine led to more back surgery. The greatest increase was in prostate biopsies which increased 300%.

Administration of Public Health Programs, All Other Miscellaneous Ambulatory Health Care Services, Health Programs, Disease Testing Programs, Care and treatment, Aged, Elderly, Usage, Statistics, Public health, Medicare, Drug evaluation, Diagnostic services

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Filtered blood reduces adverse effects of transfusions

Article Abstract:

Filtering out white blood cells could reduce the risk of infections and other health problems as a result of blood transfusions, according to information provided by Paul I. Tartter MD at the American Medical Assn's 1995 Science Reporters Conference. Foreign antigens can cause these health risks and they are primarily present in the white blood cells. This process can also reduce the length of the hospital stay.

Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories, Blood Test Procedures, Physiological aspects, Blood transfusion, Blood tests

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Running the obstacle course

Article Abstract:

Physician practice management firms are not performing as well as analysts had expected during 1998. The stocks of these companies are decreasing as earnings reports surface. Problems seem to be connected to financial shortfalls and operating problems. When the proposed merger between MedPartners and PhyCor fell through, analysts took this as a sign that the industry had taken a turn for the worst.

Outpatient Care Facilities, Outpatient Care Centers, Finance, Ambulatory care facilities, Physician practice management firms

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