Medicare Allows Using Data to Rate Doctors

Choosing a specialist for a medical procedure is difficult and time-consuming, but Medicare is trying to make the process easier. The government announced last week that Medicare will allow patients to use its claims database to produce report cards on doctors and hospitals. Doctors will be identifiable by their Medicare records, but patient information will remain private. An analysis of the billing records could show how many times a doctor has performed a procedure, preventable complications that occurred during the …

Panel Says Yaz Label Should Be Re-Written

In a 21 to 5 vote, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said that the labels on certain oral contraceptive drugs should be rewritten to reflect risks accurately. The pills in question contain the hormone drospirenone. The brand names for these products include Yaz, Yasmin, Beyaz and Sayfral. Some studies suggest that the risk is higher for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in birth control pills with drospirenone than those with another hormone called levonorgestrel, a progestin. VTE occurs when blood clots …

Paper Transmits Hospital Germs

In the battle against hospital-acquired infections, health experts have already identified bed curtains, doctors’ lab coats, and nurses’ uniforms as potential germ factories. But papers being passed around the doctor’s office may also contain dangerous bacteria, a new study suggests. Researchers in Germany contaminated paper with four types of common bacteria and had volunteers handle the paper. They found that bacteria survived on the paper for at least 72 hours and could still be cultivated from paper a week later. …

Breast Cancer Drug Revoked for “Life-Threatening” Risks

The government revoked the approval of breast cancer drug Avastin last week, citing dangerous side effects and a lack of evidence that it prolongs life. FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg said it was a “difficult decision,” referencing the patients who have been lobbying to keep the drug. But, she added that “it is clear that women who take Avastin for metastatic breast cancer risk potentially life-threatening side effects without proof that the use of Avastin will provide a benefit, in terms …

LexisNexis® Legal News Podcast for Nov 18, 2011

A federal judge upholds New York City’s restriction on the sale of flavored tobaccos, and, parties in the Chinese drywall litigation announce a new settlement program. Hear these and other stories from LexisNexis® Mealey’s™ Publications. Copyright

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Columbia Sportswear Recalls Batteries Sold With Jackets Due To Fire Hazard

The batteries have a cell defect which can cause overheating, posing a fire hazard.

Collective Brands Recalls KEDS Girls’ Shoes Due to Laceration Hazard

Ornamental stars on the heel of the shoe may loosen, posing a laceration hazard.

Children’s Animal Slippers Recalled Due to Choking Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Family Dollar Stores

The animal’s eyes can detach from the slippers, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Liebherr Expands Recall of Refrigerators Due to Injury Hazard; Door Can Detach

The refrigerator’s door can detach, posing an injury hazard to consumers.

Build-A-Bear Recalls Teddy Bear Swimwear Set Due to Strangulation Hazard

The inner tube accessory can be pulled over a small child’s head, posing a strangulation hazard.