News, Analysis, Trends, Management Innovations for
Clinical Laboratories and Pathology Groups

Hosted by Robert Michel

News, Analysis, Trends, Management Innovations for
Clinical Laboratories and Pathology Groups

Hosted by Robert Michel
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Trading in Medical Data: Is this a Headache Or An Opportunity for Pathologists and Clinical Laboratories

Legislation has been introduced that, if passed, would ensure health consumers have the opportunity to see and correct information held by data brokers

When it comes to patient privacy, pathologists and clinical laboratory managers may be spending more time addressing a growing issue with the patient data their labs create and store. Third-party data brokers want to position themselves to collect healthcare data at the source so can they de-identify it and sell it to interested parties.

Data brokers are commercial entities that collect, assemble, and/or maintain personal information about individuals. They also sell or provide third-party access to the information, explained the Congressional Research Service, a Legislative Branch Agency that provides policy and legal analysis to both House and Senate members and committees of the U.S. Congress, regardless of party affiliation.

Pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and other businesses can purchase said data from various types of data brokers, such as information, analysis, and technology companies. The purchased data then can go on to guide industry investments or launch drug marketing campaigns. (more…)

Use of 20 Most-Prescribed Pharmaceuticals in 2009 Drive Increased Utilization of Clinical Pathology Laboratory Tests

Much medical laboratory testing done in support of cholesterol and cardiovascular management

In many cases, a prescription for a therapeutic drug is the result of a medical laboratory test. Thus, pathologists and clinical laboratory managers might be interested in knowing which drugs topped the 2010 IMS Health Incorporated list for most-prescribed pharmaceuticals.

Topping the list is the combo drug hydrocodone acetaminophen, which is primarily taken to control pain. This blended opiate/analgesic is marketed under various brand names, such as Vicodin, depending on the manufacturer and quantity of the individual drugs.
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