Industry's vision of HMO choice falls short of patients' needs

Article Abstract:

Wellpoint Health Networks CEO Leonard Schaffer believes that health care is experiencing a new era of consumer choice, with patients being provided new ways to overcome typical complaints regarding their health plans. Schaffer has made this observation in relation to Wellpoint's proposed acquisition of Aetna US Healthcare that would place 28 million Americans under the same health insurer. Schaffer's vision appears promising. Yet a scrutiny of the deal indicates that patients would continue to be powerless if the merger goes through as proposed. For instance, a company signing up with Wellpoint could offer its workers 11 different plans, which, however are all controlled by the Wellpoint organization.

Health Maintenance Organizations, HMO Medical Centers

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Journalists start to police themselves

Article Abstract:

The profession of journalism historically has not had a self-regulating body or sanctioning authority that would decisively act on complaints of unethical or abusive behavior and discipline rogue journalists. The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) has traditionally limited itself to writing and rewriting its code of ethics and sponsoring abstract discussions on ethics, without deciding actual cases and controversies. This may be changing. The Minnesota chapter of the SPJ, in an unprecedented, radical move for the profession, publicly and officially reprimanded a television reporter for unethical behavior in May 2000. Other state chapters may hopefully follow suit.

Media Relations

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Frito-Lay cites consumer concern for steering clear of altered corn

Article Abstract:

Frito-Lay Inc has asked farmers not to grow genetically engineered corn. The Plano, TX-based snack food manufacturer cited concerns about genetically modified (GM) crops from consumer and environmental groups, though these crops have been approved for safety by the FDA. However, the company does not plan to label its products as GM free, test its corn supplies if they are genetically engineered or rule out the possibility of using GM corn in the future.

Snack Foods, Snack Food Manufacturing, Frito-Lay Inc.

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