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House Passes Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act Advocacy groups applaud passage of bill that would permanently repeal and replace SGR.

Scientists Find Unusual Immune System Activity in Brains of Schizophrenics The "germ theory" of schizophrenia got a mild boost this week as scientists discover that recently afflicted schizophrenics show higher levels of inflammatory proteins in the brain.

Aural Trumps Oral for Ear Treatment A novel microfluidic drug delivery system makes it possible to reach parts of the body poorly served by oral and injectable medications.

Clinical PET-MRI Moves Closer to Reality Thanks to a European grant for the HyperIMAGE project, a consortium of scientists across Europe have worked with Philips to develop a proof-of-concept, pre-clinical combined MR-PET scanner that could one day lead to improved radiation therapy and cardiology treatments.

Senate Health Care Reform Bill Unveiled Legislation may go to cloture vote this weekend. Read the details.

RSNA 2009 Preview This year's RSNA should provide a very interesting look at the effects of the economy on the major OEMs. As always, vendors are whipping up the hoopla, and inside this story are great previews of what's being debuted. But DOTmed reporters will also be there to get the real buzz. Look for video interviews in our Online News direct from the show.

Interview With Fred Robertson, President & CEO of TomoTherapy TomoTherapy president and CEO Fred Robertson talks with DOTmed about his perspective on ASTRO's 2009 annual meeting, changes in the radiation oncology industry and two important TomoTherapy product launches that occurred at the show. Watch the HD video.

Pen-Sized Microscope Aims for Precise Brain Surgeries A confocal microscope picking up brain-safe fluorescent dyes could result in more accurate and streamlined surgeries to remove tumors from the brain.

Health Care Reform Round-Up: CBO Pegs Senate Bill at $849 Billion The numbers are in on the Senate's version of reform. Also read about the wide-ranging impact that the legislation would have.

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Has Stunning New Guidelines on Mammography Agency recommends no routine screening for women 40-49, no self-examination. Read the details.

TrendWatch highlights
important trends in
the hospital and
health care field.

Analysis Highlights Economic Contribution of Hospitals to Communities

by Barbara Kram, Editor
Washington D.C. --As more Americans worry about a slowing economy, a new study highlights the important role hospitals play in supporting a strong and stable economy. Hospitals employ more than five million people and rank second as a source of private sector jobs, according to a report released today at the American Hospital Association's (AHA) annual meeting in Washington. But hospitals and hospital employees also purchase goods and services from other businesses supporting additional jobs and economic activity in their community and across the country.

"Hospitals provide so much for a community," said Rich Umbdenstock president and CEO of the AHA. "In addition to caring for the sick, hospitals provide jobs, good wages and benefits in the communities they serve. The commitment of hospitals extends beyond its four walls to their communities through outreach and wellness programs and economic promotion and support."

Today's TrendWatch report, which was prepared by Avalere Health, LLC, found that hospitals:

-Employ over five million people;
-Directly or indirectly support one of every ten jobs in the U.S.;
-Remain a stable source of employment, even during times of economic stress; and
-Support nearly $1.9 trillion of economic activity.

Also included is a detailed state-by-state analysis of the economic contributions hospitals make to the communities they serve.

In addition to economic benefits, hospitals provide a number of special programs and services to communities to help meet their health needs. These programs include health screenings, subsidized health services, programs to address social needs of the communities, clinical research and other social services.

Hospitals also provide health care services for free or at a reduced cost for patients with limited financial means. In 2006 alone, hospitals provided over $31 billion in uncompensated care to patients and communities across America.

A full copy of the TrendWatch report can be found at http://www.aha.org/aha/trendwatch/2008/twapr2008econcontrib.pdf.

About AHA
The AHA is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the health improvement of their communities. The AHA is the national advocate for its members, which includes 5,000 hospitals, health care systems, networks, other providers of care and 37,000 individual members. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends. For more information, visit the Web site at www.aha.org.


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