Most Clicked AHIP Solutions SmartBrief Stories
1. USPSTF issues new mammography screening guidelines
AHIP Solutions SmartBrief | Nov 17, 2009
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has issued new guidelines suggesting that women begin routine breast cancer screening at age 50. The guidelines do not apply to women at high risk for the disease. New York Times, The (11/16)
2. Companies buy into wellness programs for long-term savings
AHIP Solutions SmartBrief | Nov 17, 2009
Employers are spending more money on wellness programs and encouraging employees to participate in hopes that a long-term shift toward healthier living and preventive care will reduce health care spending, benefits experts say. It is estimated comprehensive wellness programs can reduce medical costs for a company by 2% to 4% in three years. Chicago Tribune (11/16)
3. Empire BlueCross BlueShield Announces Executive Appointments
AHIP Solutions SmartBrief | Nov 17, 2009
HealthCare BizDev (11/17)
4. 7 top technologies to watch in 2010
AHIP Solutions SmartBrief | Nov 17, 2009
Electronic medical records and genetic testing are at the top of ECRI Institute's recently released list of technologies to watch in 2010. The list could help health plan executives decide which technologies they should prioritize, the institute said. Healthcare IT News (11/16)
5. Obesity threatens gains made in fighting heart disease
AHIP Solutions SmartBrief | Nov 18, 2009
Gains made in fighting heart disease over the last several decades may be at risk because of increasing obesity rates, especially in children, researchers reported. Studies found that adults' blood pressure and blood sugar levels are continuing to rise, in part due to rising average body mass index numbers, and that many people who are overweight or obese think their weight is normal. U.S. News & World Report (11/17)
6. Lifestyle changes could prevent two-thirds of cancers
AHIP Solutions SmartBrief | Nov 17, 2009
Mayo Clinic researchers said that if people maintained a proper weight through healthy diet and exercise the number of cancer deaths would drop by one-third. Another third of cancer deaths related to tobacco exposure could be avoided if people did not smoke, they said. United Press International (11/16)
7. "Bad" cholesterol levels decline in study of U.S. adults
AHIP Solutions SmartBrief | Nov 19, 2009
The rate of high LDL cholesterol fell from about 32% to 21% from 1999 to 2006, according to data from a study of 7,000 U.S. adults. However, researchers said cholesterol screening rates didn't change much and remained at less than 70%. Reuters (11/17)
8. Children in Philly sick with rhinovirus, not flu
AHIP Solutions SmartBrief | Nov 19, 2009
Hundreds of children have shown up at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia with flu symptoms but were diagnosed with a rhinovirus infection. Federal health officials are investigating whether this is occurring elsewhere in the U.S. and if it's a new strain of infection. ABC News (11/17)
9. Study links moderate drinking and heart protection
AHIP Solutions SmartBrief | Nov 20, 2009
Moderate drinking can cut the risk of heart disease in men by as much as one-third and benefit women as well, a Spanish study has found. Researchers said the type of alcohol doesn't matter. HealthDay News (11/19)
10. ACOG urges women to start getting Pap smears at age 21
AHIP Solutions SmartBrief | Nov 20, 2009
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has issued new guidelines advising women to get Pap smears at age 21 and those younger than 30 to undergo such tests once every two years. The recommendations are based on studies that found frequent cervical cancer screening could lead to overtreatment of minor abnormalities, which could increase risk of preterm labor, an ACOG official said. Yahoo! (11/20)
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