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Study Estimates Cost Added To Private Health Insurance Premiums To Cover Uncompensated Care
The average U.S. family and their employers paid an additional $1,017 in health care premiums in 2008 to pay for care of the uninsured, according to a study released on Thursday by Families USA, USA Today reports (Kim, USA Today, 5/28). According to the study, which examined federal data, the uninsured received $116 billion in health care from hospitals, physicians and other providers in 2008 and paid 37% of that amount. Government programs and charities covered an additional 26%, which left another 37%, or about $43 billion, unpaid. The study then estimated how those costs are when spread across the insured through higher premiums, the study found. According to the study, prepared by the actuarial firm Milliman, the average additional amount paid under private coverage for single individuals was about $370 per year (Werner, AP/Austin American-Statesman, 5/28). Families USA Executive Director Ron Pollack said, "This is a hidden tax on all insurance premiums, whether it is paid by business for their work or by families when they purchase their own coverage" (USA Today, 5/28).The study is available online.
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UPMC Again Named To U.S. News & World Report Honor Roll Of America's Best Hospitals For The 10th Time
UPMC is once again the region"s only medical center named on the annual U.S. News & World Report Honor Roll of America"s Best Hospitals. UPMC is ranked 13th of only 21 hospitals nationwide who made the Honor Roll of the "nation"s best" in the 2009 survey.
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Chlamydia Infection - The Most Commonly Reported Sexually Transmitted Infection In Europe - ECDC Issues Chlamydia Control Guidance
In the coming summer months it is estimated that 200,000 young people in Europe will become infected with Chlamydia and most of them won"t know that they are infected. Chlamydia trachomatis, the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection in Europe, continues to increase in many countries. It affects mostly young adults under 25. The true occurrence of Chlamydia is most likely much higher than the official figures because the majority of the infected do not have clinical symptoms. Surveys in European countries have shown an estimated population prevalence of 5 to 10 % in young people.
Diagnostics

Rush University Medical Center Performs First Colorectal Surgeries In The U.S. Using Prosurgics' FreeHand Laparoscopic Camera Controller

Rush University Medical Center and surgical robotics company Prosurgics announce the completion of the first colorectal surgeries in the U.S. using the FreeHand® laparoscopic camera controller. Surgeons Dr. Marc Brand and Dr. Theodore Saclarides of Rush University Medical Center in Chicago successfully completed three laparoscopic hemi-colectomies using the laparoscopic camera controller. Although FreeHand is used widely in Europe, and has application in a variety of surgical specialties, these were the first procedures of this type to be performed in the U.S. Dr. Brand operated the FreeHand system during the procedures, which took place on June 22. FreeHand is an affordable 15 lb. robotic device that gives surgeons direct control of the laparoscopic camera via a small, lightweight hands-free controller worn on the surgeon"s head. Gentle head movements permit precise scope positioning. It provides a rock-steady image and faster surgery after a very rapid learning curve. After using FreeHand, Dr. Brand said, "A laparoscopic colectomy is uniquely challenging in that a wide field of view is required, from the ribs to the pelvis. FreeHand provided visual coverage of the entire area. It also gave me control so that I did not have to interrupt dissection to reposition the camera, or tell a person holding the camera what to do; returning control of the camera view to the surgeon allows for the image to lead the procedure instead of follow it. It"s like having an extra pair of hands. The image was excellent and very steady and no one had to be in the O.R. just to hold the "scope." Bill Perry, President of Prosurgics Inc., said, "We are delighted to have done these advanced cases at this outstanding medical center and that FreeHand performed so well. FreeHand makes procedures quicker and less stressful, and is a great teaching tool as well. A growing number of leading centers across the U.S. are seeing the benefits of FreeHand in a variety of surgical specialties." About Prosurgics Prosurgics is dedicated to pioneering a new generation of innovative but affordable surgical robots. Its range of robotic solutions helps improve patient outcomes and healthcare economics in hospitals around the world. The company"s technology portfolio encompasses image guided and tele-manipulator systems, surgical planning and intra-operative navigation. With offices in the UK (Bracknell), USA (Cupertino, CA) and Germany and a global network of expert distributors, Prosurgics delivers innovative and effective solutions for today"s surgeons and hospitals around the world. Rush University Medical Center


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