Healthcare Purchasing News articles from February 2005

Healthcare Purchasing News archives from February 2005

Take two and call me in the morning.(Fast Foreward)
February 1, 2005... HEALTH AFFAIRS. The Food and Drug Administration is coining under fire for some highly publicized drug recalls, which has shaken the public's faith in the federal agency's mission to keep citizens safe. Not to bog down the unwashed masses in...

McKesson agrees to settle consolidated class action suit for $960 million.(Newswire)
February 1, 2005... McKesson Corporation announced that it has reached an agreement to settle the consolidated securities class action arising out of a 1999 financial restatement (the "Restatement") pending against it and its subsidiary the former HBO & Co., Inc....

MedPAC backs extending specialty hospital moratorium, cutting hospital payments.(Newswire)
February 1, 2005... The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) voted to recommend to Congress to extend an 18-month moratorium on physician referrals to new specialty hospitals in which the referring doctor owns a financial interest. The moratorium,...

Neoforma considering sale or merger.(Newswire)
February 1, 2005... Neoforma, Inc., a leading provider of supply chain management solutions for the healthcare industry, announced that it has retained Merrill Lynch & Co. as its financial advisor to assist the Company in evaluating strategic alternatives,...

IBSA signs printing services agreement with Novation.(Newswire)
February 1, 2005... International Business Solutions Alliance LLC (IBSA), an alliance of independent printing distributors, announced it has signed a multimillion dollar supplier agreement with Novation. The agreement, effective January 1, 2005, sets a precedent...

Fast stats.
February 1, 2005... 7.7 was the percent increase in U.S. healthcare spending in 2003. 1.68 trillion dollars was spent on U.S. healthcare in 2003. 15.3 was the percentage of the gross domestic product represented by healthcare in 2003. ...

AHRMM reprocessing advisory.(Newswire)
February 1, 2005... The Association for Healthcare Resource & Materials Management (AHRMM) supports the regulated reprocessing of selected medical devices originally labeled for "single use" by the original equipment manufacturer. The types of "single use" devices...

How to report problems with device manufacturers to the FDA.(Newswire)
February 1, 2005... Many of IAHCSMM's members have reported, through the Discussion Forum and at IAHCSMM Meetings, that they are having problems with manufacturers. For instance, some manufacturers are not providing adequate instructions for cleaning and/or...

IHI launches national campaign to save 100,000 lives in hospitals.(Newswire)
February 1, 2005... The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) announced that it is launching the first ever national campaign to save 100,000 lives in the next 18 months, and every year thereafter, in U.S. hospitals. The "100,000 Lives Campaign" aims to...

HIMSS named to 2005 Associations Advance America Honor Roll.(Newswire)
February 1, 2005... The Healthcare information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) has been named to the 2005 Associations Advance America Honor Roll, a national awards competition sponsored by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), Washington,...

Navigating through the RFP/PO process: is automation the only answer?(News on the Cover)(Cover Story)
February 1, 2005... Striving to simplify a convoluted request-for-proposal and purchase order process polluted by financial and legal straits, as well as a "sacred cow" mentality, can be a monumental task for even the most seasoned materials management...

Up close with Amerinet's Bud Bowen.(News)
February 1, 2005... As one of the five largest, and technically one of the oldest, group purchasing organizations in healthcare, St. Louis based Amerinet Inc. (www.amerinet-gpo.com) has enjoyed its steady climb to its current position of market prominence since...

'Stomach pacemaker' shows promising weight loss results.(Outpatient Connection)
February 1, 2005... A new approach to weight loss, the experimental implantable gastric stimulation device, also known as a "stomach pacemaker", is shown to be an effective alternative to surgery such as gastric bypass for helping people lose large amounts of...

Alliance Medical receives 510K clearance for diamond drill burs.(Outpatient Connection)
February 1, 2005... Alliance Medical Corporation (Alliance), a reprocessor of single-use medical devices (SUDs), announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance of Alliance's reprocessed diamond bur drill bits. This marks the first 510(k) clearance by...

Looking forward: arthroscopy gains leg up in OR.(Operating Room)
February 1, 2005... If we could peer into the portals of the arthroscopic market, we would see an area ripe for growth, driven by customer demand, new technologies and increased surgeon interest. A market that has been gaining momentum over the last few years is...

BD announces full release of medication maximizing syringe.(Infection control Update)
February 1, 2005... BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company)announced the full release of the safety-engineered BD Integra 1ml Retracting Tuberculin and Insulin Syringe. The syringes have an integral needle that can help clinicians maximize medications drawn from...

Flu-vaccine trial gets FDA clearance.(Infection control Update)
February 1, 2005... ID Biomedical has received clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)to run a 300-person clinical trial for its injectable flu vaccine, the company said. The vaccine, FluViral, is approved for sale in Canada. The Vancouver, B.C.,...

Superbug closes down Vancouver hospital.(Infection control Update)
February 1, 2005... An outbreak of the superbug VRE caused a hospital ward in Vancouver to shut down. The outbreak of antibiotic-resistant bacteria at Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver was confined to one ward, according to hospital officials. They say seven...

Antimicrobial-impregnated barrier products: added measure or unnecessary expense?(Infection Connection)
February 1, 2005... When a number of antimicrobial-impregnated barrier products began generating some industry buzz, Healthcare Purchasing News set out to explore whether they would be long lasting contributors to a hospital's infection control practices or...

Monitoring the steam sterilization process is not simple.(Self-Study Series)
February 1, 2005... Steam sterilization processes are not simple and neither is the task of monitoring or interpreting results. When confounding results occur, sterilization professionals are challenged. It is important to understand why the use of different types...

Catheter site dressings and infection control.(Infection Protection)
February 1, 2005... Infection Protection is a monthly column dedicated to education about infection control issues. This month's column discusses catheter site dressing materials and antisepsis. Every fourth issue includes a Q&A forum to answer questions you have...

More than one Bowie Dick test daily? Is automated washing mandatory?(Q&A)
February 1, 2005... Editor's Note: Questions can be e-mailed to jakridge @hpnonline.com, called in to Jeannie Akridge at HPN, (941) 927-9345 ext. 202, or mailed to: HPN CS Questions, 7650 So. Tamiami, Ste. 10, Sarasota, FL 34231. Names and hospital...

Hospitals scan for new ways to broaden instrument management horizons.(Central Services)
February 1, 2005... When Gundersen Lutheran Health System in La Crosse, WI, first implemented its instrument management solution in 2003, its central service stair was impressed by the way the system improved technician training, streamlined instrument processing...

Hospital saves $2.4 million with physician--engaged supply chain management.(What Works)
February 1, 2005... Abington Memorial Hospital provides medical and health services to residents in Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties, PA. Founded in 1914, the hospital has the only accredited trauma center in Montgomery County and provides specialized...

Agility updates equipment management system for RFID.(New Technology)
February 1, 2005... Agility Healthcare Solutions has released its AgileTrac 2.0 web-based RFID-enabled equipment management system for healthcare facilities, including functionality for patient tracking and surgical--instrument management, using handheld RFID...

Genetic test can predict breast cancer relapse.(New Technology)
February 1, 2005... A new FDA-approved genetic test that can identify which breast cancer patients are unlikely to suffer recurrences could spare women from unnecessary chemotherapy. The test could help many of the 50,000 to 100,000 U.S. women who are diagnosed...

New form of breast cancer drug approved.(New Technology)
February 1, 2005... The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new form of the cancer drug Taxol that is easier to administer and avoids some side effects. The new drug, Abraxane, was approved for women with advanced breast cancer who have not responded to...

Wireless systems: holy grail or trendy rabbit trail?(Products & Services)
February 1, 2005... Wireless technology, particularly radio-frequency identification or RFID, may be taming heads in healthcare but it's not necessarily loosening the purse strings, despite all the marketing efforts and media hoopla that by rights should have...

Uniforms.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... The new 2005 Uniform Collection from Soleil Uniforms includes lab coats, jackets, dresses, pants, skirts and aprons for men and women that are manufactured to withstand tough treatment while projecting professionalism in the workplace. The new...

Surface wipe packaging.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... Certol Intel-national has introduced ProSpray wipe Soft Pack. This unique low profile packaging concept provides the user with convenience and flexibility compared to a typical wipe canister. Store on counter top or in cabinet draw. 72 (9" x...

Self-stick, dry erase notes.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... Re-Marks Erasable Notes offer a practical and economical alternative to ordinary self-stick paper notes. Jot a note, erase it and use it over and over again. Re-Marks notes hale a fully adhesive back so they stick almost anywhere, and can be...

Respiratory carestation.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... GE Healthcare has received FDA 501(k) clearance for the Engstrom Carestation, a critical care respiratory carestation offering integration throughout the care process. The Engstrom Carestation offers integration of ventilation with monitoring...

Preassembled Povidone iodine Spray.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... Aplicare Povidone Iodine Prep Spray is now available in a pre-assembled single-use version that is over 30% less expensive. This controlled fine mist spray offers an alternate method for the final step of the scrub-paint prep, and provides an...

Medication management.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... Cardinal Health introduces Pyxis MedSystem medication management products and consulting services, a new solution to enhance communication between nurses and pharmacists and help reduce chances of medication dispensing errors. MedSystem in...

Bar code software.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... With the WASP Bar Code Soft. ware Program, users can select pre defined templates or create their own to print blister labels for the patient's unit dose medication, significantly reducing the risk of medication error. The software prints in...

Medical light.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... The economical Sunnex Tri-Star light is ideal for examination and minor surgery applications, and provides both bright and cool light that can be easily directed. Available in mobile and wall configurations, the light is equipped with over...

Surgical gloves.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... New Gammex SureFit general purpose, surgical gloves are powder-free, latex gloves developed to overcome experienced by' operating room personnel when wearing the new impervious surgical gowns. Gammex SureFit is manufactured using a proprietary...

Thermal flusher disinfector.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... Ninjo is a new easy-to-use thermal flusher disinfector. Specifically designed for receptacles such as bedpans, urinals, and commodes, the Ninjo empties, flushes, cleans and disinfects. Cleaning is achieved through an innovative 9+2 nozzle...

Therapy bands.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... Donovan has added the Ultra LF fitness band to the Resist-A- Band line of exercise and rehab products. Ultra LF is a proprietary, 100% latex free formulation. Performance characteristics include: excellent elongation & recovery, virtually no...

Passive latch.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... Whitney Blake Company announces its fine of sealed, cable mounted interconnect solutions with a unique passive latch design. This inter face detaches at a specified force protecting a cabled device from damage while adding a safety feature for...

Oxygen regulator.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... The new Tru-dose oxygen conserving regulator provides truly accurate oxygen therapy to patients, assuring the prescribed liter flow during each and every inhalation while conserving oxygen. The Tru-dose oxygen regulator is intended for active...

Handheld pulse oximeter.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... Nellcor has added OxiMax technology to its most popular handheld oximeter to create the OxiMax NPB-40 Handheld Pulse Oximeter. This portable oximeter is effective with a broader range of patients, because it stands up to challenges such as...

Locker Specifier.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... The new Locker Specifiers' Guide from Lyon Workspace Products illustrates what's new and what's hot in locker styling for institutions. New technology includes Lyon's new antimicrobial finish that fights bacterial and mold growth on locker...

Anesthesia carts.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... The MetroBasix Plus Procedure cart combines a strong steel shell, lightweight aluminum drawers, tough polymer base and an ergonomic work surface. Its lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver. The shell of MetroBasix Plus is not compromised...

Endoscope case.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... UFP Technologies Inc. offers custom designed medical endoscope cases with foam inserts for medical instruments and device manufacturers. Engineered to accommodate endoscopic instruments of varying sizes, UFP's case provides high quality product...

Bath tissue dispensing.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... This new line of high capacity bath tissue dispensing systems reduces waste, costs and maintenance. SCOTT Coreless JRT Bath Tissue System with EZ Load Twin dispenser provides last, one-handed entry, with a sliding door to manage one roll-at...

B Braun Medical.(Vendor Spotlight)
February 1, 2005... The Outlook[R] Safety Infusion System is designed to ensure the right patient, receives the right drug, and the right dose. Available in four levels of Extendable Platform Technology, the Outlook[R] Safety Infusion System allows hospitals to...

Tip protectors.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... Spectrum Surgical Instruments Corp. announces their complete line of surgical instrument tip protectors. Spectrum's tip protectors work to protect your instruments from expensive repairs. The tip protectors are autoclavable, radiopaque, and are...

Walking boot.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... A new patient friendly walking boot is designed to be used for severe ankle sprains, stable ankle fractures and post cast removal and surgery. The Swede-O Walking Boot can be integrated in a continuing care regimen associated with ankle injury....

Blood bank analyzer.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... The TANGO analyzer is designed for laboratories performing ABO/Rh testing and antibody screening. It perorms functions such as blood group determination; antibody screening and identification; phenotyping; and compatibility testing. TANGO has a...

Medical equipment catalog.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... Armstrong Medical introduces its 2005 product catalog. The catalog features new Broselow Pediatric Resuscitation Medication Guide, a companion aid to the Broselow Pediatric Emergency Tape. Also featured is the newly designed A-Smart All...

Exam gloves.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... Sempermed offers the SemperCARE Synthetic Vinyl Examination Glove which eliminates latex protein without sacrificing strength, fit, feel or function. The cream color and new resin is an upgrade from regular vinyl gloves, providing the look and...

Instrument stringer.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... Make your life easier with the EasyStringer. The plexiglass base is slotted to accept a standard instrument stringer. Simply string one instrument upon another, stacking them up on the base. Then close off the stringer, lift out of the base and...

Traction boot.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... Heelift Traction Boot is an innovative method for applying skin traction to help stabilize femur fractures prior to surgery. During the pre-surgical period when the patient lacks the ability to control the leg, Heelift Traction Boot elevates...

Worth repeating.
February 1, 2005... "Healthcare is one of the few industries that allows suppliers to write out contracts. Healthcare has become kind of lazy in that they depend on the GPOs and vendors to do most of the work." --Michael Bohon, Director Perigon LLC ...

How to avoid the 10 deadly sins of materials management.(People & Opinions)
February 1, 2005... It's what differentiates managers from leaders. How do materials managers stop being victims and start to become heroes? In a time when expense management in healthcare is more important then ever as a result of healthcare inflation being...

Reflecting inward, outward to identify best practices.(Clinical Business Strategies)
February 1, 2005... Organizations that strive for "best practices" aren't afraid to look in the mirror. And as fearlessly as they look inward, they also shift their gaze outward. Because by its nature, getting to best practice involves comparisons: Good, better,...

7 reasons why most so-called 'value analysis programs' fail to produce double-digit savings results annually.(Having my Say)
February 1, 2005... Let's face it... most so-called "value analysis programs" don't work! They are just window dressing. If they did they would be producing double-digit results, not just talking about them. In actuality, most value analysis programs, if measured...

IAHCSMM to tap new educational approaches at Annual Meeting.(Viewpoint)
February 1, 2005... Savvy: sterile processing professionals know that ongoing education is critical to the success of their departments, the advancement of their technicians, the Fostering of more effective relationships with their customers, and above all, the...

Increase your span of effectiveness: develop a clinical business plan through your PET (part II of II).(AHRMM Ideas)
February 1, 2005... Jupiter Medical Center's (JMC) Procedure Evaluation Team (PET) offers a glimpse of the evolution of value-based technology assessment. Unique in structure mid function, the PET program at JMC has been in existence for one year. The PET takes...

Arguments for aloe.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2005... Dear Editor, A statement in your November "What Works" column is off-base. While it may be the author's opinion that aloe is not an effective skin healer, reams of search prove otherwise. Clinical studies have proven that "Aloetouch"...

GPO accountability.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2005... To the editor and Mr. Everard: Thank you for your letter about GPOs in the December 2004 issue of HPN. I can tell that you are indeed "pro supply chain." However, it should be obvious to you that the unwelcome light you are shining in the...

Sharpness testing.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2005... Dear Frustrated OR Manager: In the December issue of HPN "CS Questions", you were given marginal information to correct your instrument problem. To fix your issue: 1. Obtain a copy of Central Service Technical Manual Sixth Edition...

Rapid readout technology.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2005... Dear Editor: 3M would like to respond to statements made by Heidi Ames, Steris product manager. Ames made reference to the frequency of "false positives" when describing BIs (biological indicators) with an enzyme-based rapid readout...

Toshiba executive provides imaging outlook.(Back Talk)
February 1, 2005... Edwin A. Lodgek, senior vice president and general manager, joined Toshiba America Medical Systems (TAMS) in 2001 in a newly created position of general manager. He is also a member of TAMS' Board of Directors. Before joining TAMS, Lodgek was...