The outcome of my clinical trial is a mystery | The Atlantic
Investigations into transparency in clinical research have found that researchers have done an abysmal job of reporting clinical trial data, whether the research was publicly or privately funded. Unfortunately, as one Atlantic writer notes, not even the human trial subjects are always informed of a trial's conclusion.
Glitch in the machine | Pacific Standard
The government has been attempting to track Medicare billing fraud with big data and predictive analytics since 2010, yet its efforts have yielded small savings relative to the tens of billions in improper payments made each year. So why haven't federal efforts to preempt fraud with analytics been more successful? Critics say the problem is a fear that doctors will push back on increased claims scrutiny.
Bill that aimed to shed light on specialty prescription drug pricing is shelved | Los Angeles Times
A California bill aimed at boosting drug pricing transparency was effectively killed when it's sponsor declined to put the bill up for a vote on Tuesday. The bill would have required drug companies to disclose research, development and marketing costs for drugs priced over $10,000 per year or course of treatment.
Epic purchase of Mayo data center brings benefits to both | Health Data Management
Electronic health-record systems vendor Epic Systems Corp. is buying the Mayo Clinic's 62,000 square foot data center in Rochester, Minn., for $46 million. The deal came about as the Mayo Clinic decided to shift its EHR system to Epic. Mayo's CIO said the health system's information technology needs and priorities changed between planning in 2009 and completion of the data center in 2012.
Zika virus case confirmed in Texas; person traveled to Latin America | Reuters
A case of Zika virus has been confirmed in an individual in Texas who recently traveled to Latin America, where several countries are in the midst of Zika outbreaks. The virus, which is trasmitted by mosquitoes, causes mild symptoms including fever, rash and joint pain, but it is currently being investigated as a possible factor in a surge in cases of infants born with microencephaly in Brazil.
