Archive for December, 2009

F.D.A.-sponsored study found that more than 40 percent of the studies used to approve cardiovascular devices had lacked high-quality data about either the treatment or safety goals of the study. In addition, that study also found that about 25 percent of trials had failed to adequately follow the outcomes of a sufficient number of... »

Florida’s attorney general questioned the constitutionality of the federal health care bill on Tuesday, calling on states to study whether to file suit to kill a provision requiring that individuals buy health insurance or pay a fine. via Florida Republican May File Suit Over Health Bill – NYTimes.com. »

More than half of the nation’s unemployed workers have borrowed money from friends or relatives since losing their jobs. An equal number have cut back on doctor visits or medical treatments because they are out of work. via Poll Reveals Havoc of Unemployment on Workers and Family – NYTimes.com. »

Children on Medicaid Found More Likely to Get Antipsychotics – NYTimes.com. Once again, a sad and shameful example as to how cost reduction and general overkill may have more to do with what and how much you are prescribed. Add in socio-economic differences and, unfortunately, often times the difference in quality of service providers... »

Caffeine Merely Masks Alcohol’s Effect: Scientific American Podcast. Something to consider given the frequent “spiriting” that many do and the unfortunate decision to hit the roads soon after. Coffee or not – still drinking, still dangerous. »