AMA: Pa. insurers divided up state to dictate prices

Article Abstract:

The American Medical Assn (AMA) has asked the Dept of Justice to probe Independence Blue Cross and Highmark whether they violated antitrust regulations. The AMA accused the two insurers of dividing up Pennsylvania to control the market and dictate prices and terms to physicians, patients and employers. According to Stephen Foreman, an economist hired by the AMA to study the issue, Independence Blue Cross has 57% share of the insured market in Philadelphia, while Highmark corners 69% in Pittsburgh.

Direct Health and Medical Insurance Carriers, Pennsylvania, Medical Care Insurance, Health insurance, Independence Blue Cross

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Officials examine on-line pharmacy sales

Article Abstract:

Federal and state regulators are launching investigations on the illegal sales and questionable practices of on-line pharmacies. Among these are sales of drugs not approved in the US, consumer use of unproven medications, potential credit card fraud and dispensing of prescriptions without personal medical examinations. Legitimate on-line pharmacies such as DrugStore.com and PlanetRX do not usualy prescribe and sell medications but just fill the prescriptions sent to them by licensed physicians.

United States, Pharmacies and Drug Stores, Drug Stores, Drugstores

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Calif. hospitals on shaky ground

Article Abstract:

California hospitals are being required to bring aging structures up to the latest seismic safety construction codes. The requirement by California's Office of Statewide Planning and Development comes six years after the Northridge quake devastated hospitals in 1994. Many hospitals, however, cannot afford to comply with the new quake standards which could translate to a total amount of $20 billion statewide.

Commercial and Institutional Building Construction, California, Hospital-Health Facilities

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