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Health Care Updates
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Business New Haven
11/3/1997
By: BNH
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Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield Gets 4 Stars
NORTH HAVEN - Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Connecticut received a four-star rating, the highest ranked Connecticut-based HMO, in a study released by U.S. News & World Report. The report was based on data from the National Committee on Quality Assurance (NCQA), an independent, non-profit managed-care trade association. Among areas reviewed were childhood immunization efforts, mammography screenings and Pap tests, prenatal care, percentage of board-certified primary care physicians and turnover rates, and member satisfaction. Says Anthem Blue Cross President and CEO Harry J. Torello, “In a time of intensifying scrutiny of health plans, a top rating in this nationwide study that's based on objective NCQA data will help both employers and employees understand the value our HMO offers.”
Researchers Battle Alzheimer's
HAMDEN--According to the South Central Connecticut Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, new treatments are being studied in the labs at Yale University School of Medicine. Christopher VanDyck, M.D., Associate Professor at Yale specializing in Geropsychiatry , reports that two studies are underway to determine if estrogen is beneficial for patients with Alzheimer's and whether melatonin is effective in treating associated sleep problems. Says VanDyck, Right now we're looking for Alzheimer's Disease patients for these two studies as well as for a study of a new drug known as Ena-713. Interested patients or their families should call 203-785-5286.
Novametrix' Double-Digit Clip
WALLINGFORD - Novametrix Medical Systems Inc., a public company that develops, manufactures and markets non-invasive critical care monitors, sensors and accessories, reported a 12-percent increase in net sales in FY 1997. Domestic, international and OEM (original equipment manufacturer) markets all posted growth, with OEM sales leading the expansion. The company's annual report highlighted four new products introduced to the marketplace during the past year which signifed major technological advances in respiratory monitoring and support.
CareSys Selected for
Workers Comp Billing
WILTON - The state treasurer's office announced that the Wilton-based CareSys, a workers compensation managed-care service, has been awarded a three-year contract to provide selected services to claimants in the Second Injury Fund (SIF). The company was selected following a competitive bid process to review and audit medical bills related to SIF claims. During 1996, SIF processed approximately 32,000 medical bills with a value of about $10 million.
Medical Rounds
Todd Mauck, M.D. (left), retired medical director of ConnectiCare Inc., is signed on by Paul Burton (right) of ConnectiCare's sales force to become the first of the Farmington-based HMO's new Medicare customers. ConnectiCare recently launched ConnectiCare 65, a Medicare Risk health insurance contract for individuals 65 and older and certain disabled people.
MedSpan Inc., the state's only provider-owned and -operated managed care company, has launched its new Web site at http://www.medspan.com. The site contains an interactive digital scale to determine healthy weight levels, in addition to directors on physicians, hospitals and pharmacies, health plan summaries and healthy living tips.
Calendar
The Visiting Nurse Association will hold Flu Immunization Clinics from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. November 8 at Roberts Food, 514 Old Toll Rd., Madison and from 5-8 p.m. Monday, November 10 at Towne Pharmacy, 1012 Main St., Branford. For information on free and low cost programs and screenings, call the VNA's 24-hour hotline at 800-750-7678, ext. 4358.
The South Central Connecticut Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association holds Support Group Meetings across the state: in New Haven at Yale-New Haven Hospital, CB 2041 every other Thursday at 12:15 p.m. Call Martha MacAvoy at 203-785-5286 for information. In Branford the group meets 7:30 p.m. every third Thursday at East Shore Adult Day Care, 421 Shore Drive. Contact Marilyn Kennedy (days) at 203-488-9072.
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