GLG News by Neonatal-Perinatal Physicians

Just a new name for capitation. Blue Cross will fix their costs in advance and insure themselves a profit; any losses will be borne by the already stressed providers.

Who do you think the patient will call at 2 am when having a reaction to the prescribed medication? The CVS? Not likely.

Yet another case of trying to close the barn door after the horse is out--the classic scenario of disease-focused American medical care. We can somewhat reduce costs by starting appropriate treatment earlier, but the majority of costs come from the initial care, need for re-operation, expensive antibiotics...

Many--not by any means all--uninsured have amde a decision that the costs of insurance, for them, outweigh the benefits. And, while they remain healthy, they may be right.

Targeting a part of the influenza virus which does not mutate or a regular basis is a great idea. If the clinical data supports its efficacy, it would, indeed, be a novel approach to influenza vaccination.

Just as dissatisfaction with procedures in physicians' offices and hospitals has led to increased regulation (OSHA, CLIA, etc.), so will the inevitable problems which will show up in retail clinics lead to more cumbersome regulation.

A new advertising motto--"Always ready!"         

This is not likely to have any significant effect. Chances are that licensing will be pretty much pro-forma (unless they decide to require a certain amount of scientific schooling and background) so licensing will just be another layer of governmental interference.

Ever had a sore arm for two days following a tetanus vaccine?

The federal government is in a sense mandating electronic medical records.