HEALTH CARE & INSURANCE NEWS

Gazette: Gout Increases Heart Attack Risk in Women, New Study Says

Women with gout have a 40 per cent increased risk of fatal and non-fatal heart attacks compared to women without the disease.

NY Times: Insurers Helped Pay for TV Attack Ads

Five big health insurance companies funneled millions of dollars to the United States Chamber of Commerce for television commercials attacking Congressional efforts to overhaul the health care system.

NY Times: Why Does Health Care Cost So Much?

That question -- why medical care, and insurance to cover medical care, cost so much -- is at the core of the legislative debate in Washington.

MSNBC: Prices of Some Drugs have Doubled, Report Says

Prices on a growing number of prescription medications have ballooned in recent years as consolidation in the drug industry leaves fewer companies manufacturing niche medications.

PB Post: Osteoarthritis Costs U.S. Over $185 Billion a Year

Increased awareness and better screening to identify patients with OA may help delay disease progression and resulting disability, thus reducing medical costs.

NY Times: Drug Makers Raise Prices in Face of Health Care Reform

Even as drug makers promise to support Washington’s health care overhaul by shaving $8 billion a year off Americans’ drug costs after the legislation takes effect, the U.S. industry has been raising its prices at the fastest rate in years.

CNN: Should You 'Friend' Your Doctor?

Facebook is allowing some patients to get quick answers and appointments.

NY Times: Can Salaried Doctors Cut Healthcare Costs?

Advocates say freeing doctors and nurses from running a profit-driven business allows them to provide the best care -- instead of just the most expensive care.

BBC: Gum Disease Care 'Aids Arthritis'

People who have both gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis can relieve both conditions by treating their mouth infection, US researchers have found.

NY Times: Disease of Rich Extends Its Pain to Middle Class

Often called the "disease of kings" because of its association with the rich foods and copious alcohol once available only to aristocrats, gout is staging a middle-class comeback as American society grows older and heavier.