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Dozens Arrested In National Medicare Fraud Bust
The Associated Press reports: "Federal authorities arrested more than 30 suspects, including doctors, and were seeking others in a major Medicare fraud bust Wednesday in New York, Louisiana, Boston and Houston, targeting scams such as "arthritis kits" - expensive braces that many patients never used. More than 200 agents worked on the $16 million bust that included 12 search warrants at health care businesses and homes across the Houston area, where the bulk of the arrests were made. Federal authorities say those businesses were giving patients "arthritis kits," which were nothing more than expensive orthotics that included knee and shoulder braces and heating pads. Patients told authorities they were unnecessary and many never even received them. But health care clinic owners billed between $3,000 to $4,000 for each kit. ... In some cases, clinic owners billed patients who were dead when they allegedly received the items" (Kennedy, 7/29).

Imaging The Hypnotized Brain: Neural Mechanisms Of Suggested Paralysis
Although there is no doubt that hypnosis can impact the mind and behavior, the underlying brain mechanisms are not well understood. Now, new research provides fascinating insight into the specific neural effect of the power of suggestion. The study, published by Cell Press in the June 25 issue of the journal Neuron, uncovers the influence of hypnotic paralysis on brain networks involved in internal representations and self imagery.
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Bausch & Lomb Vision Care Strengthens Its Commitment To ReNu® Brand And The Eye Care Community
Bausch & Lomb Vision Care announces a renewed focus on its ReNu® brand of lens care solutions through a U.S. consumer need-based rebranding effort that introduces eye care practitioners and consumers to ReNu® Fresh Lens Comfort™ and ReNu® Sensitive Eyes®. Additionally, the company has recently established a dedicated U.S. lens care solution and eye care product sales force that is primarily responsible for engaging with eye care practitioners and keeping them updated on the benefits of Bausch & Lomb products for their patients and their practice.
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Seven Steps To Patient Safety Welcomed By Medical Protection Society

The Medical Protection Society (MPS) - which represents around half of all GPs in the UK - is committed to working with its members through education to prevent avoidable harm to patients and has a wealth of experience and expertise in helping doctors when things go wrong. MPS welcomes the launch (12/06/09) of the National Patient Safety Agency"s (NPSA) guide; Seven Steps to Patient Safety in General Practice as patient safety is at the core of what MPS does. Dr Stephanie Bown, MPS Director of Policy and Communications, says, "Enhancing safe patient care is on everyone"s agenda and our experience tells us that GPs want to be the best they can for their patients. The majority of patients within the NHS are treated in primary care and that"s why guidance like this for GPs is vital." "MPS is committed to assisting healthcare professionals reduce the risk of harm to patients and improve the quality of care provided. Since the beginning of this year we have worked with general practices to carry out over 50 in-depth reviews of potential risks, called Clinical Risk Self-Assessments (CRSAs)." CRSAs offer an opportunity for all members of the team - GPs, managers, nurses, receptionists and therapists - to work together, talk openly and develop practical solutions that promote safer practice. In a study of 500 of its CRSAs, conducted over a period of seven years, MPS found that 95% of practices had risks associated with maintaining confidentiality; 92% risks associated with prescribing, and 85% risks around communication. While 84% of practices had related to record keeping, test results also featured, with 84% showing risks in this area. Infection control was demonstrated to be a risk for 71% of practices and 82% recorded risks around staff training. General practice brings with it the challenges of balancing limited res, large patient populations and managing multi-disciplinary teams. Dr Stephanie Bown adds, "GPs practice in an increasingly complex medicolegal environment and we believe that they can be supported through education and risk management tools to achieve the highest levels of patient care." Notes MPS provides its members with access to education and risk management materials based on wide-ranging experience and a practical understanding of the environment in which members practise. This includes publications covering issues of consent, confidentiality, safe prescribing, good communications, report writing and the NHS complaints procedure. Medical Protection Society


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