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Message |
Roman Bystrianyk
medicine forum Guru
Joined: 02 May 2005
Posts: 454
|
 Posted: Mon May 09, 2005 1:34 pm Post subject:
Metabolic Syndrome - 'The Costliest Condition You've Never Heard Of'
|
|
|
http://www.healthsentinel.com/news.php?event=news_print_list_item&id=803
"Metabolic Syndrome - 'The Costliest Condition You've Never Heard Of'",
Medical News Today, May 9, 2005,
Link: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=24042
Individually, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are taking a toll on
Americans' health.
But according to a new analysis, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome
-- a condition characterized by a combination of these and/or other
risk factors -- is rapidly becoming one of the nation's costliest
health concerns.
Data released by Medco Health Solutions, Inc today, shows that the
average yearly pharmacy cost of treating adult patients over age 20
with metabolic syndrome exceeds $4,000 -- more than four times the
average annual drug spend for all other patients. The analysis also
found that the number of adults being treated for the conditions
associated with metabolic syndrome increased more than 36 percent from
2002 to 2004.
"Metabolic syndrome, and its components -- diabetes and pre-diabetes,
obesity, hypertension, and abnormal lipids -- will likely become the
major public health problems we face in the 21st century," said Dr.
David M. Nathan, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and
director of the Diabetes Center at Massachusetts General Hospital. "Its
long-term consequences, including heart disease, stroke, and the other
complications of diabetes, can be reduced with aggressive treatment of
risk factors, but at a substantial cost. Lifestyle approaches should
also decrease metabolic syndrome and its long-term health and economic
costs."
Patients with metabolic syndrome have three or more risk factors, which
include excessive abdominal fat, hypertension, low amounts of "good"
cholesterol (HDL), elevated triglyceride levels, and abnormal blood
sugar, and are at a 3.5 times greater risk of death from coronary heart
disease, as well as an increased risk of liver and kidney disease, and
possibly cancer. Metabolic syndrome is closely associated with a
generalized metabolic disorder in which the body is unable to use
insulin efficiently. Although some people are genetically disposed,
others can develop the syndrome due to excess body fat and physical
inactivity.
Non-drug treatments for metabolic syndrome include weight loss, dietary
changes and increased physical activity. One recently published study
from the University of Pittsburgh found that a program involving weight
loss and exercise decreased the incidence of metabolic syndrome by
almost 41 percent as compared to the control group, while the incidence
rate among patients on drug therapy was reduced by only 17 percent.
Dr. Roger Blumenthal, director of the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center
for the Prevention of Heart Disease, emphasizes the importance of
improving lifestyle habits. "The cornerstones of treatment for
metabolic syndrome and the prevention of diabetes are better dietary
and exercise habits."
Medco's analysis reviewed prescription drug data for approximately 2
million adult patients aged 20 years or older. Those categorized with
metabolic syndrome were taking medications for at least three of the
risk factors associated with the syndrome -- diabetes, abnormal
cholesterol and hypertension. Due to the low prevalence of people on
weight loss prescription medications, obesity was not calculated into
the cost of metabolic syndrome, but it is a major contributor to the
prevalence of this condition.
Among the major findings of the analysis:
-- The greatest growth in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome
(2002-2004) was among people between 20 and 44 years old - reflecting a
49 percent increase
-- There was a 20 percent jump (2002-2004) in the number of patients
with two risk factors for metabolic syndrome - a population that may be
on the cusp of developing the condition
-- Taken together, patients with metabolic syndrome and those at risk
accounted for $4 out of every $10 spent on prescription medications for
adults
Working with Physicians to Identify Risk
In response to the growing prevalence of metabolic syndrome, and the
costs associated with the condition, Medco announced that it will
launch the nation's first physician alert system that will use
integrated claims data to identify those patients that have, or are at
risk of developing, metabolic syndrome. Using Medco's RationalMed(R)
Patient Safety Solutions, enhanced clinical rules will cross-reference
pharmacy claims data with laboratory and medical claims data to
identify these patients. Once identified, an alert package will be sent
to the prescribing physician and the patient providing them with
information and recommendations for changes in therapy and/or
lifestyle. Currently, approximately 50 percent of the physicians who
receive an alert package generated by RationalMed(R) make an immediate
change in the patient's therapy.
Dr. Robert Epstein, Medco's chief medical officer, says that according
to Medco data, metabolic syndrome patients are, on average, prescribed
medications by five different physicians and 25 percent are seeing
seven different prescribing doctors. He added that these physicians
might not always be aware of the myriad of conditions affecting the
patient. "Our prescription data allows us to track patients using
medications for two or more of the metabolic syndrome risk factors,
identifying them as either at risk for, or afflicted with metabolic
syndrome -- information that can assist physicians in making the most
appropriate treatment choices for their patients."
Metabolic Syndrome - The Next Epidemic
According to medical literature, metabolic syndrome affects nearly 50
million Americans - almost one in four American adults. Approximately 7
percent of adults in their 20s and about 40 percent of adults over age
40 meet the criteria for the syndrome. The prevalence in Americans over
age 40 has increased by more than 60 percent in the past decade.
Although no clinical guidelines for the treatment of metabolic syndrome
in children currently exist, the prevalence of this condition in
children is on the rise. One out of eight children, ages 8 to 17, has
been identified as having metabolic syndrome, placing them at greater
risk for premature heart disease and diabetes. The most common risk
factors among this age group are abnormal cholesterol levels and
excessive weight; 32 percent of overweight children develop metabolic
syndrome. Adolescent boys are more likely to become afflicted with the
syndrome than adolescent girls.
More aggressive treatment of metabolic syndrome could dramatically
increase the utilization of medications to treat the underlying
conditions, and this growth could accelerate if treatment is extended
to the pediatric population. For medications that address multiple
underlying conditions, manufacturers may eventually seek an indication
for the treatment of metabolic syndrome. Two diabetes drug classes, the
thiazolidinediones and alpha- glucosidase inhibitors, are possible
initial candidates for this indication.
About Medco
Medco Health Solutions (NYSE: MHS) is a leader in managing prescription
drug programs that are designed to drive down the cost of pharmacy
healthcare for private and public employers, health plans, labor unions
and government agencies of all sizes. Medco operates the largest mail
order and Internet pharmacies and has been recognized for setting new
industry benchmarks for pharmacy dispensing quality. Medco, ranked by
Fortune Magazine as one of America's "Most Admired" healthcare
companies, is a Fortune 50 company with 2004 revenues of $35 billion.
Medco is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol MHS. On
the Net: http://www.medco.com
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as that term
is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
These statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause results
to differ materially from those set forth in the statements. No
forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual results may
differ materially from those projected. We undertake no obligation to
publicly update any forward- looking statement, whether as a result of
new information, future events, or otherwise. Forward-looking
statements in this presentation should be evaluated together with the
risks and uncertainties that affect our business, particularly those
mentioned in the Risk Factors section of the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. |
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Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD
medicine forum Guru
Joined: 25 Mar 2005
Posts: 8540
|
| Posted: Sat May 14, 2005 5:48 pm Post subject:
Re: Metabolic Syndrome - 'The Costliest Condition You've Never Heard Of'
|
|
|
Roman Bystrianyk wrote:
| Quote: |
http://www.healthsentinel.com/news.php?event=news_print_list_item&id=803
"Metabolic Syndrome - 'The Costliest Condition You've Never Heard Of'",
Medical News Today, May 9, 2005,
Link: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=24042
Individually, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are taking a toll on
Americans' health.
But according to a new analysis, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome
-- a condition characterized by a combination of these and/or other
risk factors -- is rapidly becoming one of the nation's costliest
health concerns.
Data released by Medco Health Solutions, Inc today, shows that the
average yearly pharmacy cost of treating adult patients over age 20
with metabolic syndrome exceeds $4,000 -- more than four times the
average annual drug spend for all other patients. The analysis also
found that the number of adults being treated for the conditions
associated with metabolic syndrome increased more than 36 percent from
2002 to 2004.
"Metabolic syndrome, and its components -- diabetes and pre-diabetes,
obesity, hypertension, and abnormal lipids -- will likely become the
major public health problems we face in the 21st century," said Dr.
David M. Nathan, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and
director of the Diabetes Center at Massachusetts General Hospital. "Its
long-term consequences, including heart disease, stroke, and the other
complications of diabetes, can be reduced with aggressive treatment of
risk factors, but at a substantial cost. Lifestyle approaches should
also decrease metabolic syndrome and its long-term health and economic
costs."
Patients with metabolic syndrome have three or more risk factors, which
include excessive abdominal fat, hypertension, low amounts of "good"
cholesterol (HDL), elevated triglyceride levels, and abnormal blood
sugar, and are at a 3.5 times greater risk of death from coronary heart
disease, as well as an increased risk of liver and kidney disease, and
possibly cancer. Metabolic syndrome is closely associated with a
generalized metabolic disorder in which the body is unable to use
insulin efficiently. Although some people are genetically disposed,
others can develop the syndrome due to excess body fat and physical
inactivity.
Non-drug treatments for metabolic syndrome include weight loss, dietary
changes and increased physical activity. One recently published study
from the University of Pittsburgh found that a program involving weight
loss and exercise decreased the incidence of metabolic syndrome by
almost 41 percent as compared to the control group, while the incidence
rate among patients on drug therapy was reduced by only 17 percent.
Dr. Roger Blumenthal, director of the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center
for the Prevention of Heart Disease, emphasizes the importance of
improving lifestyle habits. "The cornerstones of treatment for
metabolic syndrome and the prevention of diabetes are better dietary
and exercise habits."
Medco's analysis reviewed prescription drug data for approximately 2
million adult patients aged 20 years or older. Those categorized with
metabolic syndrome were taking medications for at least three of the
risk factors associated with the syndrome -- diabetes, abnormal
cholesterol and hypertension. Due to the low prevalence of people on
weight loss prescription medications, obesity was not calculated into
the cost of metabolic syndrome, but it is a major contributor to the
prevalence of this condition.
Among the major findings of the analysis:
-- The greatest growth in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome
(2002-2004) was among people between 20 and 44 years old - reflecting a
49 percent increase
-- There was a 20 percent jump (2002-2004) in the number of patients
with two risk factors for metabolic syndrome - a population that may be
on the cusp of developing the condition
-- Taken together, patients with metabolic syndrome and those at risk
accounted for $4 out of every $10 spent on prescription medications for
adults
|
This double underscores the need for the 2PD-OMER Approach.
In Christ's love and service,
Andrew
--
Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD
Board-Certified Cardiologist
**
Suggested Reading:
(1) http://makeashorterlink.com/?L26062048
(2) http://makeashorterlink.com/?Z3536240B
(3) http://makeashorterlink.com/?X1C62661A
(4) http://makeashorterlink.com/?U1E13130A
(5) http://makeashorterlink.com/?K6F72510A
(6) http://makeashorterlink.com/?I24E5151A
(7) http://makeashorterlink.com/?I22222129 |
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Jeff
medicine forum Guru
Joined: 25 Mar 2005
Posts: 1313
|
| Posted: Sat May 14, 2005 7:17 pm Post subject:
Re: Metabolic Syndrome - 'The Costliest Condition You've Never Heard Of'
|
|
|
"Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD" <andrew@heartmdphd.com> wrote in message
news:42865628.618B27A1@heartmdphd.com...
| Quote: | Roman Bystrianyk wrote:
http://www.healthsentinel.com/news.php?event=news_print_list_item&id=803
"Metabolic Syndrome - 'The Costliest Condition You've Never Heard Of'",
Medical News Today, May 9, 2005,
Link: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=24042
Individually, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are taking a toll on
Americans' health.
But according to a new analysis, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome
-- a condition characterized by a combination of these and/or other
risk factors -- is rapidly becoming one of the nation's costliest
health concerns.
Data released by Medco Health Solutions, Inc today, shows that the
average yearly pharmacy cost of treating adult patients over age 20
with metabolic syndrome exceeds $4,000 -- more than four times the
average annual drug spend for all other patients. The analysis also
found that the number of adults being treated for the conditions
associated with metabolic syndrome increased more than 36 percent from
2002 to 2004.
"Metabolic syndrome, and its components -- diabetes and pre-diabetes,
obesity, hypertension, and abnormal lipids -- will likely become the
major public health problems we face in the 21st century," said Dr.
David M. Nathan, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and
director of the Diabetes Center at Massachusetts General Hospital. "Its
long-term consequences, including heart disease, stroke, and the other
complications of diabetes, can be reduced with aggressive treatment of
risk factors, but at a substantial cost. Lifestyle approaches should
also decrease metabolic syndrome and its long-term health and economic
costs."
Patients with metabolic syndrome have three or more risk factors, which
include excessive abdominal fat, hypertension, low amounts of "good"
cholesterol (HDL), elevated triglyceride levels, and abnormal blood
sugar, and are at a 3.5 times greater risk of death from coronary heart
disease, as well as an increased risk of liver and kidney disease, and
possibly cancer. Metabolic syndrome is closely associated with a
generalized metabolic disorder in which the body is unable to use
insulin efficiently. Although some people are genetically disposed,
others can develop the syndrome due to excess body fat and physical
inactivity.
Non-drug treatments for metabolic syndrome include weight loss, dietary
changes and increased physical activity. One recently published study
from the University of Pittsburgh found that a program involving weight
loss and exercise decreased the incidence of metabolic syndrome by
almost 41 percent as compared to the control group, while the incidence
rate among patients on drug therapy was reduced by only 17 percent.
Dr. Roger Blumenthal, director of the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center
for the Prevention of Heart Disease, emphasizes the importance of
improving lifestyle habits. "The cornerstones of treatment for
metabolic syndrome and the prevention of diabetes are better dietary
and exercise habits."
Medco's analysis reviewed prescription drug data for approximately 2
million adult patients aged 20 years or older. Those categorized with
metabolic syndrome were taking medications for at least three of the
risk factors associated with the syndrome -- diabetes, abnormal
cholesterol and hypertension. Due to the low prevalence of people on
weight loss prescription medications, obesity was not calculated into
the cost of metabolic syndrome, but it is a major contributor to the
prevalence of this condition.
Among the major findings of the analysis:
-- The greatest growth in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome
(2002-2004) was among people between 20 and 44 years old - reflecting a
49 percent increase
-- There was a 20 percent jump (2002-2004) in the number of patients
with two risk factors for metabolic syndrome - a population that may be
on the cusp of developing the condition
-- Taken together, patients with metabolic syndrome and those at risk
accounted for $4 out of every $10 spent on prescription medications for
adults
This double underscores the need for the 2PD-OMER Approach.
|
Actually, I think it underscores the need for a good diet and excercise.
The 2PD-OMER approach has not been published in any peer-reviewed journal.
And there is no published article about how well it works or what proportion
of people who start it stay with it.
Jeff
|
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LadyLollipop
medicine forum Guru
Joined: 01 May 2005
Posts: 874
|
| Posted: Sat May 14, 2005 9:37 pm Post subject:
Re: Metabolic Syndrome - 'The Costliest Condition You've Never Heard Of'
|
|
|
"Jeff" <kidsdoc2000@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:NVthe.1191$M36.971@newsread1.news.atl.earthlink.net...
| Quote: |
"Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD" <andrew@heartmdphd.com> wrote in message
news:42865628.618B27A1@heartmdphd.com...
Roman Bystrianyk wrote:
http://www.healthsentinel.com/news.php?event=news_print_list_item&id=803
"Metabolic Syndrome - 'The Costliest Condition You've Never Heard Of'",
Medical News Today, May 9, 2005,
Link: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=24042
Individually, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are taking a toll on
Americans' health.
But according to a new analysis, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome
-- a condition characterized by a combination of these and/or other
risk factors -- is rapidly becoming one of the nation's costliest
health concerns.
Data released by Medco Health Solutions, Inc today, shows that the
average yearly pharmacy cost of treating adult patients over age 20
with metabolic syndrome exceeds $4,000 -- more than four times the
average annual drug spend for all other patients. The analysis also
found that the number of adults being treated for the conditions
associated with metabolic syndrome increased more than 36 percent from
2002 to 2004.
"Metabolic syndrome, and its components -- diabetes and pre-diabetes,
obesity, hypertension, and abnormal lipids -- will likely become the
major public health problems we face in the 21st century," said Dr.
David M. Nathan, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and
director of the Diabetes Center at Massachusetts General Hospital. "Its
long-term consequences, including heart disease, stroke, and the other
complications of diabetes, can be reduced with aggressive treatment of
risk factors, but at a substantial cost. Lifestyle approaches should
also decrease metabolic syndrome and its long-term health and economic
costs."
Patients with metabolic syndrome have three or more risk factors, which
include excessive abdominal fat, hypertension, low amounts of "good"
cholesterol (HDL), elevated triglyceride levels, and abnormal blood
sugar, and are at a 3.5 times greater risk of death from coronary heart
disease, as well as an increased risk of liver and kidney disease, and
possibly cancer. Metabolic syndrome is closely associated with a
generalized metabolic disorder in which the body is unable to use
insulin efficiently. Although some people are genetically disposed,
others can develop the syndrome due to excess body fat and physical
inactivity.
Non-drug treatments for metabolic syndrome include weight loss, dietary
changes and increased physical activity. One recently published study
from the University of Pittsburgh found that a program involving weight
loss and exercise decreased the incidence of metabolic syndrome by
almost 41 percent as compared to the control group, while the incidence
rate among patients on drug therapy was reduced by only 17 percent.
Dr. Roger Blumenthal, director of the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center
for the Prevention of Heart Disease, emphasizes the importance of
improving lifestyle habits. "The cornerstones of treatment for
metabolic syndrome and the prevention of diabetes are better dietary
and exercise habits."
Medco's analysis reviewed prescription drug data for approximately 2
million adult patients aged 20 years or older. Those categorized with
metabolic syndrome were taking medications for at least three of the
risk factors associated with the syndrome -- diabetes, abnormal
cholesterol and hypertension. Due to the low prevalence of people on
weight loss prescription medications, obesity was not calculated into
the cost of metabolic syndrome, but it is a major contributor to the
prevalence of this condition.
Among the major findings of the analysis:
-- The greatest growth in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome
(2002-2004) was among people between 20 and 44 years old - reflecting a
49 percent increase
-- There was a 20 percent jump (2002-2004) in the number of patients
with two risk factors for metabolic syndrome - a population that may be
on the cusp of developing the condition
-- Taken together, patients with metabolic syndrome and those at risk
accounted for $4 out of every $10 spent on prescription medications for
adults
This double underscores the need for the 2PD-OMER Approach.
Actually, I think it underscores the need for a good diet and excercise.
The 2PD-OMER approach has not been published in any peer-reviewed journal.
And there is no published article about how well it works or what
proportion of people who start it stay with it.
Jeff
|
Robert W. Maver, F.S.A., M.A.A.A.
Reprinted from The World Research News, 1st quarter 1998 issue, with
permission.
The premise is that there are innovative medical therapies existing
today that offer solutions to some of our most pressing health
problems and that at the same time offer a significant reduction in
health care costs. These therapies are largely being ignored or in
some cases ridiculed.
To most of us involved in scientific research, this seems an odd
notion at first. Surely, one would think, discoveries and
breakthroughs offering great promise in the treatment of disease
would be at once communicated and embraced by the scientific/medical
community. However, those who study the history of scientific
progress conclude otherwise. Science frequently fails to demonstrate
the dispassion we attribute to it.
Historical citations of science resisting new ideas are too numerous
to review in any depth, from Copernicus to Galileo to Darwin, Mendel,
Ohm, Young, Pasteur, lister, Fleming ... the list goes on and on. It
is perhaps more instructive to briefly examine the reasons for resis
tance to innovation in medicine.
Tomato Effect - The tomato effect in medicine occurs when a highly
efficacious therapy for a certain disease is ignored or rejected
because it does not '.make sense" in the light of accepted theories
of disease mechanism and drug action. Doctors at the University of
New Mexico School of Medicine introduced the tomato effect in JAMA.
May 11, 1984. Its name is derived from the history of the tomato in
North America. By 1560, the tomato was becoming a staple of the
continental European diet. However, it was shunned in America until
the 1800's. Why? Because we knew it was poisonous. Everyone knew
tomatoes belong to the nightshade family. The leaves and fruit of
several plants in this family can cause death if ingested. The fact
that Europeans were eating tomatoes without harm was not relevant. It
simply did not make sense to eat poisonous food.
Peer Review - Ile peer review process probably has done more to
discourage innovative research than any other factor that I have
observed. The March 9, 1990 issue of JAMA was devoted entirely to the
topic of peer review. One article in particular, by Horrobin (himself
editor of a peer reviewed medical journal) , cited 18 examples of
peer review attempting to suppress medical innovation. The article
observed: " ... some of the most distinguished of scientists may
display sophisticated behavior that can only be described as
pathological. Editors must be conscious that, despite public
protestations to the contrary, many scientistreviewers are against
innovation unless it is their innovation. Innovation from others may
be a threat because it diminishes the importance of the scientist's
own work.
"Peer review in the grant giving process is so restrictive that most
innovative scientists know they would never receive funding if they
actually said what they were going to do. Scientists therefore have
to tell lies in their grant applications. Such views have explicitly
been stated by at least two Nobel Laureates."
The (JAMA) article contends that medicine has lost sight of the basic
purpose of peer review, asserting, "the true aim of peer review in
biomedical science must be to improve the quality of patient care."
Wrong Economics - When a new therapy comes along that is cheaper,
safer and more effective, it is seen as a competitive threat to those
engaged in the therapy it will displace. Those who stand to be most
economically disadvantaged naturally endeavor to block its
acceptance.
International Barriers - A combination of communication problems
(language barriers) and national chauvinism (if it wasn't discovered
here it can't be of much value) keep some innovative practices
developed in Europe and Asia from reaching the United States.
Cumbersome Bureaucracy - It has been estimated that the FDA approval
process takes an average of 12 years and costs $231 million. This
presents unique difficulties for independent researchers and for
therapies that do not lend themselves to patentability.
It is my observation that there is a role for the insurance industry
in advocating evaluation of innovative medical thera pies. Actuaries
should be almost immune to the tomato effect. We are focused almost
exclusively on statistical results as opposed to theory. Since the
insurance industry pays most of the bills, it should have great
economic motivation to see safe., effective and inexpensive therapies
extensively evaluated and widely disseminated. Consideration of an
industry-wide fund for innovative research could deal with the
problem of peer review. The insurance industry is a sleeping economic
giant. When it awakens to the cost containment possibilities
available through innovative therapies, we will see enormous changes
in the practice of medicine.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Volume 6 No. 3 The Road Back Foundation" Antibiotic Therapy for
Rheumatic Diseases Summer 1998
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Rich
medicine forum Guru
Joined: 03 May 2005
Posts: 585
|
| Posted: Sat May 14, 2005 10:02 pm Post subject:
Re: Metabolic Syndrome - 'The Costliest Condition You've Never Heard Of'
|
|
|
"LadyLollipop" <LadyLollipop@insightbb.com> wrote in message
news:UYvhe.81751$c24.47769@attbi_s72...
| Quote: |
"Jeff" <kidsdoc2000@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:NVthe.1191$M36.971@newsread1.news.atl.earthlink.net...
"Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD" <andrew@heartmdphd.com> wrote in message
news:42865628.618B27A1@heartmdphd.com...
Roman Bystrianyk wrote:
http://www.healthsentinel.com/news.php?event=news_print_list_item&id=803
"Metabolic Syndrome - 'The Costliest Condition You've Never Heard Of'",
Medical News Today, May 9, 2005,
Link: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=24042
Individually, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are taking a toll on
Americans' health.
But according to a new analysis, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome
-- a condition characterized by a combination of these and/or other
risk factors -- is rapidly becoming one of the nation's costliest
health concerns.
Data released by Medco Health Solutions, Inc today, shows that the
average yearly pharmacy cost of treating adult patients over age 20
with metabolic syndrome exceeds $4,000 -- more than four times the
average annual drug spend for all other patients. The analysis also
found that the number of adults being treated for the conditions
associated with metabolic syndrome increased more than 36 percent from
2002 to 2004.
"Metabolic syndrome, and its components -- diabetes and pre-diabetes,
obesity, hypertension, and abnormal lipids -- will likely become the
major public health problems we face in the 21st century," said Dr.
David M. Nathan, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and
director of the Diabetes Center at Massachusetts General Hospital. "Its
long-term consequences, including heart disease, stroke, and the other
complications of diabetes, can be reduced with aggressive treatment of
risk factors, but at a substantial cost. Lifestyle approaches should
also decrease metabolic syndrome and its long-term health and economic
costs."
Patients with metabolic syndrome have three or more risk factors, which
include excessive abdominal fat, hypertension, low amounts of "good"
cholesterol (HDL), elevated triglyceride levels, and abnormal blood
sugar, and are at a 3.5 times greater risk of death from coronary heart
disease, as well as an increased risk of liver and kidney disease, and
possibly cancer. Metabolic syndrome is closely associated with a
generalized metabolic disorder in which the body is unable to use
insulin efficiently. Although some people are genetically disposed,
others can develop the syndrome due to excess body fat and physical
inactivity.
Non-drug treatments for metabolic syndrome include weight loss, dietary
changes and increased physical activity. One recently published study
from the University of Pittsburgh found that a program involving weight
loss and exercise decreased the incidence of metabolic syndrome by
almost 41 percent as compared to the control group, while the incidence
rate among patients on drug therapy was reduced by only 17 percent.
Dr. Roger Blumenthal, director of the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center
for the Prevention of Heart Disease, emphasizes the importance of
improving lifestyle habits. "The cornerstones of treatment for
metabolic syndrome and the prevention of diabetes are better dietary
and exercise habits."
Medco's analysis reviewed prescription drug data for approximately 2
million adult patients aged 20 years or older. Those categorized with
metabolic syndrome were taking medications for at least three of the
risk factors associated with the syndrome -- diabetes, abnormal
cholesterol and hypertension. Due to the low prevalence of people on
weight loss prescription medications, obesity was not calculated into
the cost of metabolic syndrome, but it is a major contributor to the
prevalence of this condition.
Among the major findings of the analysis:
-- The greatest growth in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome
(2002-2004) was among people between 20 and 44 years old - reflecting a
49 percent increase
-- There was a 20 percent jump (2002-2004) in the number of patients
with two risk factors for metabolic syndrome - a population that may be
on the cusp of developing the condition
-- Taken together, patients with metabolic syndrome and those at risk
accounted for $4 out of every $10 spent on prescription medications for
adults
This double underscores the need for the 2PD-OMER Approach.
Actually, I think it underscores the need for a good diet and excercise.
The 2PD-OMER approach has not been published in any peer-reviewed
journal. And there is no published article about how well it works or
what proportion of people who start it stay with it.
Jeff
Robert W. Maver, F.S.A., M.A.A.A.
Reprinted from The World Research News, 1st quarter 1998 issue, with
permission.
The premise is that there are innovative medical therapies existing
today that offer solutions to some of our most pressing health
problems and that at the same time offer a significant reduction in
health care costs. These therapies are largely being ignored or in
some cases ridiculed.
To most of us involved in scientific research, this seems an odd
notion at first. Surely, one would think, discoveries and
breakthroughs offering great promise in the treatment of disease
would be at once communicated and embraced by the scientific/medical
community. However, those who study the history of scientific
progress conclude otherwise. Science frequently fails to demonstrate
the dispassion we attribute to it.
Historical citations of science resisting new ideas are too numerous
to review in any depth, from Copernicus to Galileo to Darwin, Mendel,
Ohm, Young, Pasteur, lister, Fleming ... the list goes on and on. It
is perhaps more instructive to briefly examine the reasons for resis
tance to innovation in medicine.
Tomato Effect - The tomato effect in medicine occurs when a highly
efficacious therapy for a certain disease is ignored or rejected
because it does not '.make sense" in the light of accepted theories
of disease mechanism and drug action. Doctors at the University of
New Mexico School of Medicine introduced the tomato effect in JAMA.
May 11, 1984. Its name is derived from the history of the tomato in
North America. By 1560, the tomato was becoming a staple of the
continental European diet. However, it was shunned in America until
the 1800's. Why? Because we knew it was poisonous. Everyone knew
tomatoes belong to the nightshade family. The leaves and fruit of
several plants in this family can cause death if ingested. The fact
that Europeans were eating tomatoes without harm was not relevant. It
simply did not make sense to eat poisonous food.
Peer Review - Ile peer review process probably has done more to
discourage innovative research than any other factor that I have
observed. The March 9, 1990 issue of JAMA was devoted entirely to the
topic of peer review. One article in particular, by Horrobin (himself
editor of a peer reviewed medical journal) , cited 18 examples of
peer review attempting to suppress medical innovation. The article
observed: " ... some of the most distinguished of scientists may
display sophisticated behavior that can only be described as
pathological. Editors must be conscious that, despite public
protestations to the contrary, many scientistreviewers are against
innovation unless it is their innovation. Innovation from others may
be a threat because it diminishes the importance of the scientist's
own work.
"Peer review in the grant giving process is so restrictive that most
innovative scientists know they would never receive funding if they
actually said what they were going to do. Scientists therefore have
to tell lies in their grant applications. Such views have explicitly
been stated by at least two Nobel Laureates."
The (JAMA) article contends that medicine has lost sight of the basic
purpose of peer review, asserting, "the true aim of peer review in
biomedical science must be to improve the quality of patient care."
Wrong Economics - When a new therapy comes along that is cheaper,
safer and more effective, it is seen as a competitive threat to those
engaged in the therapy it will displace. Those who stand to be most
economically disadvantaged naturally endeavor to block its
acceptance.
International Barriers - A combination of communication problems
(language barriers) and national chauvinism (if it wasn't discovered
here it can't be of much value) keep some innovative practices
developed in Europe and Asia from reaching the United States.
Cumbersome Bureaucracy - It has been estimated that the FDA approval
process takes an average of 12 years and costs $231 million. This
presents unique difficulties for independent researchers and for
therapies that do not lend themselves to patentability.
It is my observation that there is a role for the insurance industry
in advocating evaluation of innovative medical thera pies. Actuaries
should be almost immune to the tomato effect. We are focused almost
exclusively on statistical results as opposed to theory. Since the
insurance industry pays most of the bills, it should have great
economic motivation to see safe., effective and inexpensive therapies
extensively evaluated and widely disseminated. Consideration of an
industry-wide fund for innovative research could deal with the
problem of peer review. The insurance industry is a sleeping economic
giant. When it awakens to the cost containment possibilities
available through innovative therapies, we will see enormous changes
in the practice of medicine.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Volume 6 No. 3 The Road Back Foundation" Antibiotic Therapy for
Rheumatic Diseases Summer 1998
|
LL-- Are you suggesting that doctors should jump right into using the
"2PD-OMER Approach" or "Antibiotic Therapy for Rheumatic Diseases" or other
novel therapies before the research process is finished? If so, can you
defend that position in your own words? Or do you just enjoy reposting an
article that is critical of science and the practice of the scientific
method?
--Rich |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Alan S
medicine forum addict
Joined: 28 Apr 2005
Posts: 99
|
| Posted: Sat May 14, 2005 10:31 pm Post subject:
Re: Metabolic Syndrome - 'The Costliest Condition You've Never Heard Of'
|
|
|
On Sun, 15 May 2005 00:02:26 GMT, "Rich"
<joshew@hawaii.rr.com> wrote:
| Quote: |
LL-- Are you suggesting that doctors should jump right into using the
"2PD-OMER Approach" or "Antibiotic Therapy for Rheumatic Diseases" or other
novel therapies before the research process is finished? If so, can you
defend that position in your own words? Or do you just enjoy reposting an
article that is critical of science and the practice of the scientific
method?
--Rich
mhd cut. |
LOL
Are you seriously suggesting that a sane medical researcher
somewhere is publishing a study for peer review on the
"2PD-OMER Approach"?
Cheers Alan, T2, Australia.
--
Everything in Moderation - Except Laughter. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
LadyLollipop
medicine forum Guru
Joined: 01 May 2005
Posts: 874
|
| Posted: Sat May 14, 2005 11:01 pm Post subject:
Re: Metabolic Syndrome - 'The Costliest Condition You've Never Heard Of'
|
|
|
"Rich" <joshew@hawaii.rr.com> wrote in message
news:mkwhe.14975$ya2.10078@tornado.socal.rr.com...
| Quote: |
"LadyLollipop" <LadyLollipop@insightbb.com> wrote in message
news:UYvhe.81751$c24.47769@attbi_s72...
"Jeff" <kidsdoc2000@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:NVthe.1191$M36.971@newsread1.news.atl.earthlink.net...
"Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD" <andrew@heartmdphd.com> wrote in message
news:42865628.618B27A1@heartmdphd.com...
Roman Bystrianyk wrote:
http://www.healthsentinel.com/news.php?event=news_print_list_item&id=803
"Metabolic Syndrome - 'The Costliest Condition You've Never Heard
Of'",
Medical News Today, May 9, 2005,
Link: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=24042
Individually, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are taking a toll on
Americans' health.
But according to a new analysis, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome
-- a condition characterized by a combination of these and/or other
risk factors -- is rapidly becoming one of the nation's costliest
health concerns.
Data released by Medco Health Solutions, Inc today, shows that the
average yearly pharmacy cost of treating adult patients over age 20
with metabolic syndrome exceeds $4,000 -- more than four times the
average annual drug spend for all other patients. The analysis also
found that the number of adults being treated for the conditions
associated with metabolic syndrome increased more than 36 percent from
2002 to 2004.
"Metabolic syndrome, and its components -- diabetes and pre-diabetes,
obesity, hypertension, and abnormal lipids -- will likely become the
major public health problems we face in the 21st century," said Dr.
David M. Nathan, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and
director of the Diabetes Center at Massachusetts General Hospital.
"Its
long-term consequences, including heart disease, stroke, and the other
complications of diabetes, can be reduced with aggressive treatment of
risk factors, but at a substantial cost. Lifestyle approaches should
also decrease metabolic syndrome and its long-term health and economic
costs."
Patients with metabolic syndrome have three or more risk factors,
which
include excessive abdominal fat, hypertension, low amounts of "good"
cholesterol (HDL), elevated triglyceride levels, and abnormal blood
sugar, and are at a 3.5 times greater risk of death from coronary
heart
disease, as well as an increased risk of liver and kidney disease, and
possibly cancer. Metabolic syndrome is closely associated with a
generalized metabolic disorder in which the body is unable to use
insulin efficiently. Although some people are genetically disposed,
others can develop the syndrome due to excess body fat and physical
inactivity.
Non-drug treatments for metabolic syndrome include weight loss,
dietary
changes and increased physical activity. One recently published study
from the University of Pittsburgh found that a program involving
weight
loss and exercise decreased the incidence of metabolic syndrome by
almost 41 percent as compared to the control group, while the
incidence
rate among patients on drug therapy was reduced by only 17 percent.
Dr. Roger Blumenthal, director of the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center
for the Prevention of Heart Disease, emphasizes the importance of
improving lifestyle habits. "The cornerstones of treatment for
metabolic syndrome and the prevention of diabetes are better dietary
and exercise habits."
Medco's analysis reviewed prescription drug data for approximately 2
million adult patients aged 20 years or older. Those categorized with
metabolic syndrome were taking medications for at least three of the
risk factors associated with the syndrome -- diabetes, abnormal
cholesterol and hypertension. Due to the low prevalence of people on
weight loss prescription medications, obesity was not calculated into
the cost of metabolic syndrome, but it is a major contributor to the
prevalence of this condition.
Among the major findings of the analysis:
-- The greatest growth in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome
(2002-2004) was among people between 20 and 44 years old - reflecting
a
49 percent increase
-- There was a 20 percent jump (2002-2004) in the number of patients
with two risk factors for metabolic syndrome - a population that may
be
on the cusp of developing the condition
-- Taken together, patients with metabolic syndrome and those at risk
accounted for $4 out of every $10 spent on prescription medications
for
adults
This double underscores the need for the 2PD-OMER Approach.
Actually, I think it underscores the need for a good diet and excercise.
The 2PD-OMER approach has not been published in any peer-reviewed
journal. And there is no published article about how well it works or
what proportion of people who start it stay with it.
Jeff
Robert W. Maver, F.S.A., M.A.A.A.
Reprinted from The World Research News, 1st quarter 1998 issue, with
permission.
The premise is that there are innovative medical therapies existing
today that offer solutions to some of our most pressing health
problems and that at the same time offer a significant reduction in
health care costs. These therapies are largely being ignored or in
some cases ridiculed.
To most of us involved in scientific research, this seems an odd
notion at first. Surely, one would think, discoveries and
breakthroughs offering great promise in the treatment of disease
would be at once communicated and embraced by the scientific/medical
community. However, those who study the history of scientific
progress conclude otherwise. Science frequently fails to demonstrate
the dispassion we attribute to it.
Historical citations of science resisting new ideas are too numerous
to review in any depth, from Copernicus to Galileo to Darwin, Mendel,
Ohm, Young, Pasteur, lister, Fleming ... the list goes on and on. It
is perhaps more instructive to briefly examine the reasons for resis
tance to innovation in medicine.
Tomato Effect - The tomato effect in medicine occurs when a highly
efficacious therapy for a certain disease is ignored or rejected
because it does not '.make sense" in the light of accepted theories
of disease mechanism and drug action. Doctors at the University of
New Mexico School of Medicine introduced the tomato effect in JAMA.
May 11, 1984. Its name is derived from the history of the tomato in
North America. By 1560, the tomato was becoming a staple of the
continental European diet. However, it was shunned in America until
the 1800's. Why? Because we knew it was poisonous. Everyone knew
tomatoes belong to the nightshade family. The leaves and fruit of
several plants in this family can cause death if ingested. The fact
that Europeans were eating tomatoes without harm was not relevant. It
simply did not make sense to eat poisonous food.
Peer Review - Ile peer review process probably has done more to
discourage innovative research than any other factor that I have
observed. The March 9, 1990 issue of JAMA was devoted entirely to the
topic of peer review. One article in particular, by Horrobin (himself
editor of a peer reviewed medical journal) , cited 18 examples of
peer review attempting to suppress medical innovation. The article
observed: " ... some of the most distinguished of scientists may
display sophisticated behavior that can only be described as
pathological. Editors must be conscious that, despite public
protestations to the contrary, many scientistreviewers are against
innovation unless it is their innovation. Innovation from others may
be a threat because it diminishes the importance of the scientist's
own work.
"Peer review in the grant giving process is so restrictive that most
innovative scientists know they would never receive funding if they
actually said what they were going to do. Scientists therefore have
to tell lies in their grant applications. Such views have explicitly
been stated by at least two Nobel Laureates."
The (JAMA) article contends that medicine has lost sight of the basic
purpose of peer review, asserting, "the true aim of peer review in
biomedical science must be to improve the quality of patient care."
Wrong Economics - When a new therapy comes along that is cheaper,
safer and more effective, it is seen as a competitive threat to those
engaged in the therapy it will displace. Those who stand to be most
economically disadvantaged naturally endeavor to block its
acceptance.
International Barriers - A combination of communication problems
(language barriers) and national chauvinism (if it wasn't discovered
here it can't be of much value) keep some innovative practices
developed in Europe and Asia from reaching the United States.
Cumbersome Bureaucracy - It has been estimated that the FDA approval
process takes an average of 12 years and costs $231 million. This
presents unique difficulties for independent researchers and for
therapies that do not lend themselves to patentability.
It is my observation that there is a role for the insurance industry
in advocating evaluation of innovative medical thera pies. Actuaries
should be almost immune to the tomato effect. We are focused almost
exclusively on statistical results as opposed to theory. Since the
insurance industry pays most of the bills, it should have great
economic motivation to see safe., effective and inexpensive therapies
extensively evaluated and widely disseminated. Consideration of an
industry-wide fund for innovative research could deal with the
problem of peer review. The insurance industry is a sleeping economic
giant. When it awakens to the cost containment possibilities
available through innovative therapies, we will see enormous changes
in the practice of medicine.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Volume 6 No. 3 The Road Back Foundation" Antibiotic Therapy for
Rheumatic Diseases Summer 1998
LL-- Are you suggesting
|
Nope.
The 2PD-OMER approach has not been published in any peer-reviewed
| Quote: | journal.
Jeff
Hint Hint. |
LL/Jan
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Rich
medicine forum Guru
Joined: 03 May 2005
Posts: 585
|
| Posted: Sat May 14, 2005 11:15 pm Post subject:
Re: Metabolic Syndrome - 'The Costliest Condition You've Never Heard Of'
|
|
|
"LadyLollipop" <LadyLollipop@insightbb.com> wrote in message
news:1cxhe.81820$c24.34664@attbi_s72...
| Quote: |
"Rich" <joshew@hawaii.rr.com> wrote in message
news:mkwhe.14975$ya2.10078@tornado.socal.rr.com...
"LadyLollipop" <LadyLollipop@insightbb.com> wrote in message
news:UYvhe.81751$c24.47769@attbi_s72...
"Jeff" <kidsdoc2000@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:NVthe.1191$M36.971@newsread1.news.atl.earthlink.net...
"Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD" <andrew@heartmdphd.com> wrote in message
news:42865628.618B27A1@heartmdphd.com...
Roman Bystrianyk wrote:
http://www.healthsentinel.com/news.php?event=news_print_list_item&id=803
"Metabolic Syndrome - 'The Costliest Condition You've Never Heard
Of'",
Medical News Today, May 9, 2005,
Link: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=24042
Individually, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are taking a toll
on
Americans' health.
But according to a new analysis, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome
-- a condition characterized by a combination of these and/or other
risk factors -- is rapidly becoming one of the nation's costliest
health concerns.
Data released by Medco Health Solutions, Inc today, shows that the
average yearly pharmacy cost of treating adult patients over age 20
with metabolic syndrome exceeds $4,000 -- more than four times the
average annual drug spend for all other patients. The analysis also
found that the number of adults being treated for the conditions
associated with metabolic syndrome increased more than 36 percent
from
2002 to 2004.
"Metabolic syndrome, and its components -- diabetes and pre-diabetes,
obesity, hypertension, and abnormal lipids -- will likely become the
major public health problems we face in the 21st century," said Dr.
David M. Nathan, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and
director of the Diabetes Center at Massachusetts General Hospital.
"Its
long-term consequences, including heart disease, stroke, and the
other
complications of diabetes, can be reduced with aggressive treatment
of
risk factors, but at a substantial cost. Lifestyle approaches should
also decrease metabolic syndrome and its long-term health and
economic
costs."
Patients with metabolic syndrome have three or more risk factors,
which
include excessive abdominal fat, hypertension, low amounts of "good"
cholesterol (HDL), elevated triglyceride levels, and abnormal blood
sugar, and are at a 3.5 times greater risk of death from coronary
heart
disease, as well as an increased risk of liver and kidney disease,
and
possibly cancer. Metabolic syndrome is closely associated with a
generalized metabolic disorder in which the body is unable to use
insulin efficiently. Although some people are genetically disposed,
others can develop the syndrome due to excess body fat and physical
inactivity.
Non-drug treatments for metabolic syndrome include weight loss,
dietary
changes and increased physical activity. One recently published study
from the University of Pittsburgh found that a program involving
weight
loss and exercise decreased the incidence of metabolic syndrome by
almost 41 percent as compared to the control group, while the
incidence
rate among patients on drug therapy was reduced by only 17 percent.
Dr. Roger Blumenthal, director of the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center
for the Prevention of Heart Disease, emphasizes the importance of
improving lifestyle habits. "The cornerstones of treatment for
metabolic syndrome and the prevention of diabetes are better dietary
and exercise habits."
Medco's analysis reviewed prescription drug data for approximately 2
million adult patients aged 20 years or older. Those categorized with
metabolic syndrome were taking medications for at least three of the
risk factors associated with the syndrome -- diabetes, abnormal
cholesterol and hypertension. Due to the low prevalence of people on
weight loss prescription medications, obesity was not calculated into
the cost of metabolic syndrome, but it is a major contributor to the
prevalence of this condition.
Among the major findings of the analysis:
-- The greatest growth in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome
(2002-2004) was among people between 20 and 44 years old - reflecting
a
49 percent increase
-- There was a 20 percent jump (2002-2004) in the number of patients
with two risk factors for metabolic syndrome - a population that may
be
on the cusp of developing the condition
-- Taken together, patients with metabolic syndrome and those at risk
accounted for $4 out of every $10 spent on prescription medications
for
adults
This double underscores the need for the 2PD-OMER Approach.
Actually, I think it underscores the need for a good diet and
excercise.
The 2PD-OMER approach has not been published in any peer-reviewed
journal. And there is no published article about how well it works or
what proportion of people who start it stay with it.
Jeff
Robert W. Maver, F.S.A., M.A.A.A.
Reprinted from The World Research News, 1st quarter 1998 issue, with
permission.
The premise is that there are innovative medical therapies existing
today that offer solutions to some of our most pressing health
problems and that at the same time offer a significant reduction in
health care costs. These therapies are largely being ignored or in
some cases ridiculed.
To most of us involved in scientific research, this seems an odd
notion at first. Surely, one would think, discoveries and
breakthroughs offering great promise in the treatment of disease
would be at once communicated and embraced by the scientific/medical
community. However, those who study the history of scientific
progress conclude otherwise. Science frequently fails to demonstrate
the dispassion we attribute to it.
Historical citations of science resisting new ideas are too numerous
to review in any depth, from Copernicus to Galileo to Darwin, Mendel,
Ohm, Young, Pasteur, lister, Fleming ... the list goes on and on. It
is perhaps more instructive to briefly examine the reasons for resis
tance to innovation in medicine.
Tomato Effect - The tomato effect in medicine occurs when a highly
efficacious therapy for a certain disease is ignored or rejected
because it does not '.make sense" in the light of accepted theories
of disease mechanism and drug action. Doctors at the University of
New Mexico School of Medicine introduced the tomato effect in JAMA.
May 11, 1984. Its name is derived from the history of the tomato in
North America. By 1560, the tomato was becoming a staple of the
continental European diet. However, it was shunned in America until
the 1800's. Why? Because we knew it was poisonous. Everyone knew
tomatoes belong to the nightshade family. The leaves and fruit of
several plants in this family can cause death if ingested. The fact
that Europeans were eating tomatoes without harm was not relevant. It
simply did not make sense to eat poisonous food.
Peer Review - Ile peer review process probably has done more to
discourage innovative research than any other factor that I have
observed. The March 9, 1990 issue of JAMA was devoted entirely to the
topic of peer review. One article in particular, by Horrobin (himself
editor of a peer reviewed medical journal) , cited 18 examples of
peer review attempting to suppress medical innovation. The article
observed: " ... some of the most distinguished of scientists may
display sophisticated behavior that can only be described as
pathological. Editors must be conscious that, despite public
protestations to the contrary, many scientistreviewers are against
innovation unless it is their innovation. Innovation from others may
be a threat because it diminishes the importance of the scientist's
own work.
"Peer review in the grant giving process is so restrictive that most
innovative scientists know they would never receive funding if they
actually said what they were going to do. Scientists therefore have
to tell lies in their grant applications. Such views have explicitly
been stated by at least two Nobel Laureates."
The (JAMA) article contends that medicine has lost sight of the basic
purpose of peer review, asserting, "the true aim of peer review in
biomedical science must be to improve the quality of patient care."
Wrong Economics - When a new therapy comes along that is cheaper,
safer and more effective, it is seen as a competitive threat to those
engaged in the therapy it will displace. Those who stand to be most
economically disadvantaged naturally endeavor to block its
acceptance.
International Barriers - A combination of communication problems
(language barriers) and national chauvinism (if it wasn't discovered
here it can't be of much value) keep some innovative practices
developed in Europe and Asia from reaching the United States.
Cumbersome Bureaucracy - It has been estimated that the FDA approval
process takes an average of 12 years and costs $231 million. This
presents unique difficulties for independent researchers and for
therapies that do not lend themselves to patentability.
It is my observation that there is a role for the insurance industry
in advocating evaluation of innovative medical thera pies. Actuaries
should be almost immune to the tomato effect. We are focused almost
exclusively on statistical results as opposed to theory. Since the
insurance industry pays most of the bills, it should have great
economic motivation to see safe., effective and inexpensive therapies
extensively evaluated and widely disseminated. Consideration of an
industry-wide fund for innovative research could deal with the
problem of peer review. The insurance industry is a sleeping economic
giant. When it awakens to the cost containment possibilities
available through innovative therapies, we will see enormous changes
in the practice of medicine.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Volume 6 No. 3 The Road Back Foundation" Antibiotic Therapy for
Rheumatic Diseases Summer 1998
LL-- Are you suggesting
Nope.
The 2PD-OMER approach has not been published in any peer-reviewed
journal.
Jeff
Hint Hint.
LL/Jan
--Rich
|
"Hint Hint" what? Speak up! What are you trying to say? Is ">>Jeff" the
hint? Is "> The 2PD-OMER approach has not been published in any
peer-reviewed >>>> journal." the hint? Does the term "peer review" trigger a
conditioned response in you like a trained rat? Tell us.
--Rich |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Alan S
medicine forum addict
Joined: 28 Apr 2005
Posts: 99
|
| Posted: Sun May 15, 2005 3:31 am Post subject:
Re: Metabolic Syndrome - 'The Costliest Condition You've Never Heard Of'
|
|
|
On Sun, 15 May 2005 01:15:17 GMT, "Rich"
<joshew@hawaii.rr.com> wrote:
| Quote: | "Hint Hint" what? Speak up! What are you trying to say? Is ">>Jeff" the
hint? Is "> The 2PD-OMER approach has not been published in any
peer-reviewed >>>> journal." the hint? Does the term "peer review" trigger a
conditioned response in you like a trained rat? Tell us.
--Rich
|
Let me try a really subtle, almost subliminal type hint.
For the lot of you.
Stop cross-posting Chung's moronic CRAP (Chung's Radical
Approach Plan).
And learn a new bloody word:
<SNIP!!>
Cheers, Alan |
|
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|
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