Content about healthcare

For well over a century, the Statue of Liberty has invited the world to “Give us your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” Now, thanks to stunning advances in the sequencing of the human genome and patient-specific genetic research, America’s healthcare system is extending another invitation to this nation’s complex polyglot population: give us the rich diversity of your DNA.

NEW YORK — Driven by the need for consumers to have access to convenient, cost-effective and quality healthcare services, the number of walk-in health clinics has been on the rise across the country in recent years, and according to a Reuters report, private equity firms are helping to fuel the expansion.

In recent years, at least a dozen private equity firms have invested millions of dollars into urgent care clinics and several private equity executives reportedly told Reuters that they are eager for more acquisitions.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen, R-Minn., and Sen. Mike Johanns, R-Neb., last week introduced the Family Health Care Flexibility Act, repealing restrictions placed on health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts in the President’s healthcare law. A provision in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, already in effect today, prohibits HSA and FSA participants from using their account dollars to purchase over the counter medicines without a prescription.  

NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. — Boiron owner Michèle Boiron recently published a book on homeopathy for healthcare professionals titled "Homeopathy and Pharmaceutical Care," the company announced. In April 2013, she and co-author François Roux will host lectures in Philadelphia and New York. 

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens is opening its latest New York flagship store in the Empire State Building, the retail pharmacy chain said Friday.

The store, scheduled to open Saturday at 10 a.m., will include an enhanced pharmacy designed to encourage greater interaction between pharmacists and patients, a health guide to help customers find health-and-wellness products and healthcare services ranging from immunizations to health tests. An "Ask Your Pharmacist" desk, private consultation rooms and Express Rx kiosks are included as well.

WASHINGTON — On Thursday morning, Walgreens opened the doors to its latest flagship location in the nation's capital, bringing to District of Columbia residents and commuters the kind of retail pharmacy theater already familiar with citizens of New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. 

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Patients with coronary artery disease who are adherent to their prescribed medications can save the healthcare system up to $868 per patient per year, according the findings of a recent study conducted by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and CVS Caremark.
 
The research was published in the April issue of the American Journal of Medicine.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens will no longer source branded prescription medicines directly from suppliers beginning in September, the Chicago-based retailer announced Tuesday as part of a significant partnership between Walgreens, Alliance Boots and AmerisourceBergen that includes Walgreens and Alliance Boots potentially taking a 7% stake in the Pennsylvania wholesaler. Walgreens will begin sourcing generic medicines from AmerisourceBergen beginning in the calendar year 2014.  

The OTC industry is well-positioned to seize opportunities across the self-care space, executives at the recent Consumer Healthcare Products Association Annual Executive Conference shared with attendees. Those opportunities will be driven by greater consumer engagement and the growing realization around how much healthcare value can be drawn from expanding OTC access. 

MinuteClinic president and SVP/associate chief medical officer of CVS Caremark, Andrew Sussman, attended two separate healthcare events in London last week to discuss how MinuteClinic is improving care and access at substantially lower cost.

When it comes to medical treatment, healthcare professionals remain the most trusted source for information. According to a recent online survey of more than 600 AccentHealth viewers, 64% of viewers cite their healthcare professional as their source of information for prescription medicines, while 31% say they go to healthcare professionals for information on OTCs.

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 ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has announced that Nancy-Ann DeParle, former deputy chief of staff for policy for President Barack Obama, will be the keynote speaker at the NACDS Chain Members and Political Action Committee (NACDS-PAC) breakfast, which will be held on April 22 during the NACDS Annual Meeting in Palm Beach, Fla.