Vitamin D protects against a wide variety of diseases

July 15th, 2008

While Vitamin D has always been credited for strengthening bones, new research suggests that it may also lower the risk of a wide variety of diseases.

Inquirer editorial questions the benefits of proposed Blues merger

July 14th, 2008

An editorial published in the Philadelphia Inquirer asks state Insurance Commissioner Joel Ario to make sure upcoming public hearings on the proposed merger between Highmark Inc. and Independence Blue Cross are “more than a dog-and-pony show.”

Northeastern PA now down to only 30 juvenile psych care beds

July 14th, 2008

The planned closure of a Wilkes-Barre adolescent psychiatric ward could result in a lack of beds for children’s inpatient psychiatric treatment in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Fibromyalgia patients fight for insurance coverage

July 14th, 2008

An article appearing in Sunday’s Pittsburgh Post-Gazette outlines the reluctance of many health insurers to cover fibromyalgia medications.

American Medical Association apologizes for past racism

July 11th, 2008

The Associated Press reported yesterday that the American Medical Association has formally apologized for nearly a century of policies that prohibited black doctors from joining the organization.

Lehigh Hospital named on list of nation’s top hospitals

July 11th, 2008

Lehigh Valley Hospital has been ranked as one of the nation’s top hospitals in three speciality care areas by the U.S. News & World Report magazine.

Insurance Department completes 2nd public Blues merger hearing

July 11th, 2008

Approximately two dozen people testified yesterday during the second public hearing on the proposed merger of Highmark Inc. and Independence Blue Cross.

Senator Kennedy returns to help block Medicare cuts

July 10th, 2008

After being absent from the U.S. Senate since May while undergoing treatment for a brain tumor, Senator Edward Kennedy returned yesterday to help pass a bill that will block scheduled cuts in Medicare fees for doctors.

Harrisburg hosts Blues merger hearing

July 10th, 2008

The second of three public hearings on the proposed merger between Highmark Inc. and Independence Blue Cross is taking place in Harrisburg today.

Rendell signs autisim bill

July 10th, 2008

Governor Rendell has signed a bill that requires health insurers to cover autisim treatments for children.