MatureNews
Vol. 11, Issue 22, November 1 - 15, 2010

Medicare Spending and Use of Medical Services for Beneficiaries in Nursing Homes and Other Long-Term Care Facilities: A Potential for Achieving Medicare Savings and Improving the Quality of Care
This research examines Medicare spending and use of Medicare-covered services among beneficiaries living in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other long-term care facilities, using data from the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS) Cost and Use File from 2003 through 2006.
http://www.kff.org/medicare/upload/8109.pdf

To Hospitalize or Not to Hospitalize? Medical Care for Long-Term Care Facility Residents
Interviews were conducted with medical professionals, staff at long-term care facilities, and family members to learn how medical decisions are made on behalf of long-term care facility residents. This study reveals many factors that influence decisions about whether or not to send a long-term care facility resident to a hospital from the perspective of those most involved in these decisions.
http://www.kff.org/medicare/upload/8110.pdf

Guidelines for the Prevention of Stroke in Patients With Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack. A Guideline for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association
The aim of this updated statement is to provide comprehensive and timely evidence-based recommendations on the prevention of ischemic stroke among survivors of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack.
http://stroke.ahajournals.org/cgi/reprint/STR.0b013e3181f7d043v1

Improving Patient Safety in Nursing Homes: A Resource List for Users of the AHRQ Nursing Home Survey
on Patient Safety Culture
This document contains references to Web sites that provide practical resources nursing homes can use to implement changes to improve patient safety culture and patient safety.
http://www.ahrq.gov/qual/nhsurvey10/nhimpptsaf.pdf

Testosterone Levels and Quality of Life in Diverse Male Patients With Cancers Unrelated to Androgens
Symptoms secondary to hormonal changes significantly impact quality of life (QoL) in patients with cancer. This cross-sectional study examines prevalence of hypogonadism and its correlation with QoL and sexual dysfunction. This is an abstract only. A subscription is required to obtain the full article.
http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/early/2010/10/25/JCO.2010.30.3818.abstract

Fixing Flaws In Medicare Drug Coverage That Prompt Insurers To Avoid Low-Income Patients
This study examined the accuracy of Medicare Part D payments to plans, especially for low-income beneficiaries, and found it wanting. According to the findings, the current payment approach does not adequately account for the higher drug spending of the beneficiaries intended to be covered by the subsidy.
http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/reprint/hlthaff.2009.0323v1

The Age of Alzheimer’s
Our government is ignoring what is likely to become the single greatest threat to the health of Americans: Alzheimer’s disease, an illness that is 100 percent incurable and 100 percent fatal.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/28/opinion/28oconnor.html?_r=2

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