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Massachusetts Health Insurance Law Has Increased Access To Care, Though Residents' Ability To Obtain Treatment Hampered By Provider Supply, Study Find
Since the implementation of the Massachusetts health insurance law in 2006, more residents have health coverage and increased access to care, but rising health care costs combined with the current economic recession could undermine some of the law"s successes, according to the third annual "Update on Health Reform in Massachusetts" report by the Urban Institute, the Boston Globe reports. The study was funded by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Commonwealth Fund, and published in the journal Health Affairs.For the report, Sharon Long of the Urban Institute and colleagues surveyed about 4,000 Massachusetts adults in 2007 and 2008 and compared their health care habits with those of residents surveyed in 2006 -- just after the law went into effect. Researchers found that although there were initial gains in health care affordability, there are now some signs that an increasing number of state residents are reporting problems paying for medical bills, and an increasing number of people -- especially lower-income residents -- not seeking care because of costs (Lazar, Boston Globe, 5/28). One in five adults reported being told in the past 12 months that a physician or clinic was not accepting new patients or would not see patients with their type of insurance (Sack, New York Times, 5/28). Lower-income residents had more difficulties finding a physician than higher-income residents, with 24% of residents enrolled in state-subsidized health plans, saying they were told that a physician did not accept their insurance, compared with 7% of residents with private coverage (Boston Globe, 5/28). Additional Findings
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Report On The Experience Of Patients In Black And Minority Ethnic Groups, UK
The following statistics were released by the Department of Health: Report on the experience of patients in Black and Minority Ethnic groups, based on data up to and including 2008 patient surveys. This report produced by the Department of Health with input and advice from the Care Quality Commission, examines variations in the self-reported views of NHS patients from different ethnic groups. Results are presented from the 2008/09 adult inpatient, 2008/09 emergency department, 2007/08 primary care services and 2007/08 community mental health patient surveys. These findings give us insight into the areas of NHS service provision where experience of the service looks different to patients from different ethnic groups. Results are based on data from the National Patient Survey programme, led by the Care Quality Commission.
News of the day
Three Quarters Of People Say Cancer Affected Their Sexual Relationship
Today Macmillan Cancer Support has released shocking new statistics from its survey to launch its Sex and Cancer campaign that aims to break the silence surrounding the impact cancer has on sexual relationships. The surprising and funny viral featuring sex guru, Sabina Pleasure, is a way to get people talking about this really difficult issue. It accompanies the Sex and Cancer campaign which encourages people to talk about the impact of cancer on their sexual relationships.
Nutrition

Sparta Systems(TM) Outlines Tips And Tactics To Prepare For EMDR Mandate

Sparta Systems, Inc., the maker of TrackWise(R) software and the market leader in enterprise quality and compliance management solutions, outlined its recommendations to help companies prepare for electronic Medical Device Reporting (eMDR), the expected regulation from FDA Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). The mandate will require electronic filing of safety reports for medical device organizations. Understanding the daunting challenges presented to medical device companies in transitioning to an electronic submission system, Sparta Systems has developed a multi-step approach that organizations can employ to prepare for the eMDR legislation in advance of the regulatory mandate. These strategies will arm organizations for compliance with the legislation when eMDR reporting is mandated, with tactics geared specifically toward thought, planning, design, testing and, ultimately, implementation. Sparta Systems has been in close communication with the FDA as the proposed legislation has been refined, and proactively provides its customers with an enterprise-wide quality management system that allows for a seamless transition from the current paper-based system to an electronic submission model. These suggestions for proactive eMDR compliance will not only help reduce associated compliance costs, but should also serve to streamline manufacturing processes, help ensure the safety of medical devices and foster customer loyalty. These suggestions include: 1. Thought - Before any system can be designed, a thorough, candid self-evaluation is required for companies to understand the scope and nature of their businesses" eMDR needs. Initially considering these vital questions will lay the foundation for a successful transition before any planning or design has been implemented. 2. Planning - After the current MDR methodology has been reviewed and a needs analysis conducted, the next step is to plan the transition from the old system to the new one. During this review, common processes should be leveraged and divergent processes isolated and documented. At the end, the actual method and means of receiving, transmitting and auditing data will be critical. 3. Design - Design of an eMDR system should bring together all the elements discussed and reviewed throughout the thought and planning phases. Designing an effective system that includes these elements working in proper order and alignment will result in reduced time and costs spent testing and, finally, implementing the final eMDR solution. 4. Testing - Once a system has been designed that will theoretically satisfy eMDR requirements, the next step is to test it. Possible failure scenarios should also be tested to ensure that the appropriate action takes place in the system when the failure is identified. 5. Implementation - Finally, when all the necessary steps have been completed, and the system has been thoroughly tested, implementation can occur. Careful observation of eMDR users and approvers is important to ascertain that they are adhering to correct procedures and that reports are being submitted and filed in a timely manner. "Whether organizations like it or not, eMDR is coming, and it is in the best interest of companies of all sizes to begin their preparations for electronic submission now, before they no longer have the option," said Mike Jovanis, vice president of product management, Sparta Systems. "Sparta Systems is committed to helping our customers ensure a smooth transition to this electronic submission process, and the enhanced reporting functionality in our TrackWise software can make this transition as simple and painless as possible." Sparta Systems and TrackWise are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sparta Systems, Inc. All other marks are trademarks of their respective companies. Sparta Systems, Inc


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