Health Blog Q&A: Mayo Clinic CEO Denis Cortese

He's retiring later this year. He chatted with us about the changes he'd like to see in American health care.

How Does a Doc Really Use An Electronic Medical Record?

Watch a primary-care doc use an electronic medical record during a patient visit.

Adding Up Obama’s Plan to Save $300 Billion in Medicare, Medicaid

Here's how the administration plans to find savings in Medicare and Medicaid spending during the next decade.

Obama Will Move to Rescind ‘Conscience’ Rule on Abortion, Birth Control

The rule was put in place in the last days of the Bush administration.

One Other Thing About AstraZeneca’s Seroquel

As court documents raised questions about the company's promotion of the antipsychotic drug, the FDA said it wasn't ready to approve Seroquel XR for anxiety.

Merck CEO Clark’s Pay Edges Up in Rough 2008

His base salary is expected to remain flat in 2009.

Health Insurance Stocks Dive on Medicare Advantage Cuts

Those hit hardest are among the biggest players in the private Medicare plans.

Merck CEO Clark’s Pay Edges Up in Rough 2008

His base salary is expected to remain flat in 2009.

Health Insurance Stocks Dive on Medicare Advantage Cuts

Those hit hardest are among the biggest players in the private Medicare plans.

Obama Budget Boosts FDA, Loan Repayments for Docs and Nurses

Obama wants to boost the ranks of nurses and doctors and improve the FDA's oversight of food safety.

What Did Emory Tell NIH About Nemeroff’s Pharma Pay?

Sen. Charles Grassley has alleged conflicts of interest among doctors, including Nemeroff.

Another Drug Company Accused of Hiding Negative Study Results

Forest Labs is the latest in the center of the issue of disclosure.

Efforts to Cut Health Costs Could Take a Decade to Show Results

Programs meant to cut costs may not show tangible results within a decade.

Efforts to Cut Health Costs Could Take a Decade to Show Results

Programs meant to cut costs may not show tangible results within a decade.

Efforts to Cut Health Costs Could Take a Decade to Show Results

Programs meant to cut costs may not show tangible results within a decade.

Efforts to Cut Health Costs Could Take a Decade to Show Results

Programs meant to cut costs may not show tangible results within a decade.

Efforts to Cut Health Costs Could Take a Decade to Show Results

Programs meant to cut costs may not show tangible results within a decade.

Efforts to Cut Health Costs Could Take a Decade to Show Results

Programs meant to cut costs may not show tangible results within a decade.

Efforts to Cut Health Costs Could Take a Decade to Show Results

Programs meant to cut costs may not show tangible results within a decade.

Efforts to Cut Health Costs Could Take a Decade to Show Results

Programs meant to cut costs may not show tangible results within a decade.

Efforts to Cut Health Costs Could Take a Decade to Show Results

Programs meant to cut costs may not show tangible results within a decade.

Efforts to Cut Health Costs Could Take a Decade to Show Results

Programs meant to cut costs may not show tangible results within a decade.

Efforts to Cut Health Costs Could Take a Decade to Show Results

Programs meant to cut costs may not show tangible results within a decade.

Efforts to Cut Health Costs Could Take a Decade to Show Results

Programs meant to cut costs may not show tangible results within a decade.

Efforts to Cut Health Costs Could Take a Decade to Show Results

Programs meant to cut costs may not show tangible results within a decade.

Efforts to Cut Health Costs Could Take a Decade to Show Results

Programs meant to cut costs may not show tangible results within a decade.

Ranbaxy’s FDA Problems Cause Headaches for Daiichi Sankyo

The FDA accused Ranbaxy of falsifying data, the latest in a stream of problems since Daiichi Sankyo's bid for control of the generics maker.

Job Cuts Are Coming at Elan

The company has been under pressure over Tysabri sales and lackluster results from Alzheimer's drug in development.

Despite Wide Research, Heart Disease Guidelines Fall Short

An accompanying editorial raises the issue of guideline panels' financial ties to industry.

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal: A ‘Pre-Existing’ Condition

His mother was pregnant with him when she immigrated to the United States.

Obama Addresses Health Reform as a Cost Issue

In his first address to Congress, President Obama argued that "we can no longer afford to put health reform on hold."

Medtronic to Report Pay to Doctors Who Get $5,000 Annually

But a proposed bill in Congress calls for disclosures starting at $100.

Pfizer Drops Two Drugs from Late-Stage Pipeline

The drugs were meant for fibromyalgia and generalized anxiety disorder.

J&J, Swiss Partner Get Tangled Over Approval Delays

J&J and Swiss partner Basilea have become entangled over regulatory delays involving the antibiotic ceftobiprole.

Who is Inspecting Your Food? Depends What You’re Eating

A convoluted web of government agencies oversee food safety.

Generic Drugs: Bad for Big Pharma, Good for Industry Middle Men

Recent earnings reports from CVS and Medco are reminders that generics are a boon for some health-sector players.

Shrinking Economy Won’t Stop Rising Health Spending

Spending will continue to increase, with the government picking up a larger share.

Why Kindler Wants to Make Pfizer More Like J&J

Hint: It's a tough time to depend on revenue from prescription drugs.

Why Kindler Wants to Make Pfizer More Like J&J

Hint: It's a tough time to depend on revenue from prescription drugs.

Why Kindler Wants to Make Pfizer More Like J&J

Hint: It's a tough time to depend on revenue from prescription drugs.

UAW and Ford Cut a Deal on Retiree Health Benefits

It's the latest step in U.S. automakers to get out from under huge employee health obligations.

UAW and Ford Cut a Deal on Retiree Health Benefits

It's the latest step in U.S. automakers to get out from under huge employee health obligations.

UAW and Ford Cut a Deal on Retiree Health Benefits

It's the latest step in U.S. automakers to get out from under huge employee health obligations.

UAW and Ford Cut a Deal on Retiree Health Benefits

It's the latest step in U.S. automakers to get out from under huge employee health obligations.

UAW and Ford Cut a Deal on Retiree Health Benefits

It's the latest step in U.S. automakers to get out from under huge employee health obligations.

Obama to Talk Health Reform This Week

The president will be talking health reform in the run-up to releasing his budget.

Obama to Talk Health Reform This Week

The president will be talking health reform in the run-up to releasing his budget.

Obama to Talk Health Reform This Week

The president will be talking health reform in the run-up to releasing his budget.

Obama to Talk Health Reform This Week

The president will be talking health reform in the run-up to releasing his budget.

Obama to Talk Health Reform This Week

The president will be talking health reform in the run-up to releasing his budget.

Obama to Talk Health Reform This Week

The president will be talking health reform in the run-up to releasing his budget.

Obama to Talk Health Reform This Week

The president will be talking health reform in the run-up to releasing his budget.

It’s Oscar Weekend. Who Are Your Favorite Movie Doctors?

"It's Dr. Evil. I didn't spend six years in Evil Medical School to be called "mister," thank you very much."

It’s Oscar Weekend. Who Are Your Favorite Movie Doctors?

"It's Dr. Evil. I didn't spend six years in Evil Medical School to be called "mister," thank you very much."

It’s Oscar Weekend. Who Are Your Favorite Movie Doctors?

"It's Dr. Evil. I didn't spend six years in Evil Medical School to be called "mister," thank you very much."

It’s Oscar Weekend. Who Are Your Favorite Movie Doctors?

"It's Dr. Evil. I didn't spend six years in Evil Medical School to be called "mister," thank you very much."

It’s Oscar Weekend. Who Are Your Favorite Movie Doctors?

"It's Dr. Evil. I didn't spend six years in Evil Medical School to be called "mister," thank you very much."

It’s Oscar Weekend. Who Are Your Favorite Movie Doctors?

"It's Dr. Evil. I didn't spend six years in Evil Medical School to be called "mister," thank you very much."

It’s Oscar Weekend. Who Are Your Favorite Movie Doctors?

"It's Dr. Evil. I didn't spend six years in Evil Medical School to be called "mister," thank you very much."

It’s Oscar Weekend. Who Are Your Favorite Movie Doctors?

"It's Dr. Evil. I didn't spend six years in Evil Medical School to be called "mister," thank you very much."

It’s Oscar Weekend. Who Are Your Favorite Movie Doctors?

"It's Dr. Evil. I didn't spend six years in Evil Medical School to be called "mister," thank you very much."

It’s Oscar Weekend. Who Are Your Favorite Movie Doctors?

"It's Dr. Evil. I didn't spend six years in Evil Medical School to be called "mister," thank you very much."

Severance Package for Pfizer Execs: A Year’s Pay, at Least

Regular employees get a minimum of 16 weeks' pay.

Feds: WellCare ‘Misled and Confused Medicare Beneficiaries’

Starting next month, the company will be prohibited from enrolling new Medicare beneficiaries until the agency that oversees Medicare is satisfied with the company's practices.

Prestigious Boston Hospitals Lose $244 Million on Investments

The loss will slow capital spending at Partners HealthCare, which includes Brigham and Women's and Mass. General hopsitals.

Feds Look to Extend Off-Label Marketing Streak With J&J

Several drug makers have reached big settlements lately with the the Department of Justice in cases alleging improper marketing.

Congress Could Let Injured Patients Sue Device Makers

In the wake of a Supreme Court ruling that makes it difficult for patients to sue device makers, Congress looks to change the rules.

New Warning on Genentech’s Raptiva; What Is PML, Anyway?

When a patient's immune system is weakened by drugs or disease, a usually harmless virus can turn deadly.

New Warning on Genentech’s Raptiva: What Is PML, Anyway?

When a patient's immune system is weakened by drugs or disease, a usually harmless virus can turn deadly.

As More Lose Jobs and Coverage, Free Drugs are a Booming Business

Demand for free prescription drugs rose in 2008, and is still going up.

What Recession? CVS and Watson Report Strong Earnings

A giant pharmacy company and a scrappy drug maker both did well in the fourth quarter.

How to Lure Clinical Trials Back to the U.S.

Most of the testing for much of U.S. Big Pharma's late-stage human trials is now done at sites outside the country.

For Genentech Bid, Roche Fills Its Pockets With $16 Billion

The huge bond offering comes as Roche and Genentech remain far apart on price.

Merck Tries to Keep Singulair from Going Generic

The company is battling generics maker Teva over Singulair's patent.

Buffett Sells Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble

He reduced his stake in J&J by 53% and P&G by 9%.

Andrew Cuomo Carries Big Stick on Health Reform

He has convinced large insurers to make changes to the way they pay and rank doctors.

Fire in the Operating Room!

Fires can be a deadly hazard during surgery.

In California, Pricey Health Insurance Plans Get Pricier

A newspaper finds that two insurers are overcharging patients for plans whose premiums are capped by state law.

Howard Dean is Long Shot to Head Health and Human Services

He's a doctor who ran the Democratic National Committee, but doesn't seem to be atop Obama's short list.

MRSA Infection Rates Drop in Intensive-Care Units

It's not clear what's behind the drop, but factors including better hand-washing likely contributed to it.

Cigna Settles With Cuomo Over Out-of-Network Payments

It's the third major insurer to settle with New York AG Andrew Cuomo over the issue.

Not Many Kids are Candidates for Cholesterol Drugs

A study sheds light on how many kids would qualify for drug treatment under guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Cleveland Clinic Goes to Vegas

The Cleveland Clinic will operate a brain center focusing on diseases including Alzheimer's.

General Motors Seeks Concession Over Retiree Health Care

General Motors wants to pay a greater share of stock rather than cash into a retiree health-insurance trust.

Presidents Day

The tumor turned out to be benign, but the surgeons found a smaller, malignant one while removing it.

Justice Ginsburg’s Cancer Treatment Takes Unusual Turn

The tumor turned out to be benign, but the surgeons found a smaller, malignant one while removing it.

How the Stimulus Does, Doesn’t Expand Health Insurance

The bill has extra money for Cobra and Medicaid, with some compromises.

Health Blog Obit: Willem Kolff, Inventor of Dialysis Machine

Kolff was also the man behind the artificial heart and other mechanical organs.

After Heavy Doses of Criticism, Wal-Mart Boosts Health Image

The company has been a target of intense criticism for its health-benefits policies.

Nonprofit Hospitals Take Heat Over Charity at Inopportune Time

The middle of a financial crisis isn't an ideal time for any industry getting tax breaks to be the subject of an unflattering Internal Revenue Service report.

Charles Darwin, Medical School Dropout

The naturalist almost became a doctor.

What the Court Said In the Autism Vaccine Cases

Here are a few excerpts from rulings against parents who argued that vaccines contributed to their children's autism

One Other Health Outfit Stung By Madoff: Mayo Clinic

Madoff managed money that funded gastrointestinal research at the Mayo Clinic.

The Fringes of Fertility Medicine: From Octuplets to Designer Babies

Fertility medicine is raising some tough questions this week.

Sanofi Heart Drug Poised for a Comeback

Multaq, a drug for atrial fibrillation, reduced hospitalizations and death in a study published this week.

Mead Johnson Has Right Market Formula

A study found smokers given cash incentives quit at a higher rate than those who weren't paid to do so.

Will Sanofi-Aventis Buy Biogen?

Biogen is about the size that Sanofi-Aventis is interested in, and could help the French company establish more of an R&D foothold in the U.S.

In ‘Sobering’ Finding, Care Coordination Doesn’t Save Money

Only two out of 15 Medicare programs saw significantly changed hospitalization rates -- one of them for the worse.

Ads for Birth Control Pill Yaz Trumpet What It Doesn’t Do

The ads come after Yaz's maker entered a settlement with 27 states over accusations of misleading advertising.

Anthem Blue Cross Settles Over Canceled Coverage in California

A number of California insurers have settled over cancellations of patients' coverage after they incurred big medical costs.

FDA, Pain Docs Look to Cut Abuse of Pain Killers

The FDA may require new safety strategies. Doctors' groups put out guidelines for monitoring patients on opioids.

J&J’s Prozac Cousin Approved Overseas, But Not for Depression

A drug for premature ejaculation was approved in Sweden and Finland.

What the Pfizer-Wyeth Deal Has to Do With the Supreme Court

Chief Justice John Roberts recused himself from an earlier case involving Pfizer.

AMA Sues Aetna and Cigna Over Out-of-Network Reimbursements

The suit follows a $350 million UnitedHealth settlement from last month.

A Hospital Steps Up Efforts to Limit Emergency Room to Emergencies

Financial troubles are prompting the University of Chicago Medical Center to accelerate its plan.

How Pfizer’s Doctor-Payment Disclosure Compares to Grassley Plan

With a payment-disclosure bill in Congress, drug makers are creating their own disclosure plans.

IPO Action: Bristol-Myers Squibb to Sell Part of Mead Johsnon

This week, Bristol will sell off part of Mead Johnson in an IPO.

For Antidepressants, Maybe Three Targets Will Be Better than Two

AstraZeneca is the latest drug maker to study a new class of antidepressants called triple reuptake inhibitors, or TRIs.

Two Hospitals See High Death Rates from Heart Procedure

Massachusetts General and St. Vincent hospitals blamed the severe states of the patients they treated.

Two Hospitals See High Death Rates from Heart Procedure

Massachusetts General and St. Vincent hospitals blamed the severe states of the patients they treated.

What Makes Chuck Grassley Tick?

The senator is tough on drug companies and the FDA, but he's a farmer at heart.

Despite Daschle, Health Reform To Be a ‘Central Focus’ of Obama Budget

Administration officials are trying to calm fears that health reform is in jeopardy now that Tom Daschle won't be HHS secretary.

Pharm Animals: A Drug from Goat’s Milk Is Just the Start

The FDA just approved the first drug from a genetically modified animal. More could be on the way.

Carl Icahn Takes Another Run At Biogen Idec

Icahn nominated four people to Biogen's board, continuing his stormy relationship with the company.

Grassley Would Add Hospital Scrutiny to Stimulus Bill

The Senator has long questioned whether nonprofit hospitals do enough charity work to deserve their nonprofit status.

Procter & Gamble Eyes Exit From Prescription Drugs

Procter & Gamble sells about $2 billion worth of prescription drugs every year, but you probably don't think of P&G as a pharma company. As it turns out, neither does P&G. The company has hired Goldman Sachs to look for potential buyers for its prescription drugs business the FT [...]

Obama Lifts Bush’s SCHIP Eligibility Restrictions

A memo from Obama may make it easier to enroll children from higher-income families in the State Children's Health Insurance Program.

AstraZeneca: One Pharma Giant Not Looking for a Big Deal

AstraZeneca is cutting jobs and making a big push into China.

Cigna Finds Fashionable Way to Boost Profit: Cut Bonuses

Cigna cut executive bonuses by $35 million, improving otherwise flagging financial results.

Understanding Justice Ginsburg’s Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a particularly deadly form of the disease.

More Job Cuts are Coming at Glaxo

The company has cut 8,700 positions since late 2007, and it expects to cut more. How many is the question.

FBI Searches Condo of Man Linked to Tylenol Poisonings

The FBI is taking another crack at solving the murders of seven people who took cyanide-laced Tylenol in 1982.

In 11th Hour, Blagojevich Ups Medicaid Pay for Children’s Doctors

Accused of refusing to increase Medicaid rates for pediatric specialists without a hefty campaign contribution, Blagojevich on his last day in office hiked those docs' pay anyway.

SCHIP: Doctor-Owned Hospitals Win; Tobacco Companies Lose

The final bill doesn't include provisions that would have limited growth of doctor-owned hospitals.

In 11th Hour, Blagojevich Ups Medicaid Pay for Children’s Doctors

Accused of refusing to increase Medicaid rates for pediatric specialists without a hefty campaign contribution, Blagojevich on his last day in office hiked those docs' pay anyway.

SCHIP: Doctor-Owned Hospitals Win; Tobacco Companies Lose

The final bill doesn't include provisions that would have limited growth of doctor-owned hospitals.

Peanut Corp. Defends Georgia Plant; Texas Plant Under Fire

Peanut Corporation of America says its Georgia plant, tied to the salmonella outbreak, was regularly visited and inspected last year.

Allergan Cuts Jobs as Botox Sales Slump

People are stretching the time between Botox treatments, hurting sales.

Roche Talks Up Genentech Deal — Again

Roche execs affirmed their confidence that a Genentech deal would go through.

With Daschle Gone, Who Will Run Health and Human Services?

A slew of governors, including Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas, appear to constitute the short list of candidates to head HHS after Tom Daschle's withdrawal.

FDA Panel Gives Prasugrel Thumbs-Up

Experts recommended the Food and Drug Administration approve the anti-clotting drug from Eli Lilly.

Health Reform After Tom Daschle

Tom Daschle's withdrawal changes the landscape for health reform.

Tom Daschle Withdraws From HHS Nomination

Questions about the former senator's taxes and his relationship with major players in health care proved too much to overcome.

Prasugrel Review Proceeds Without Key Safety Experts

Several outside experts were surprised FDA didn't invite its Safety and Risk Management Committee to assess Lilly's prasugrel.

As Sales Slump, Merck CEO Clark Looks to Acquisitions

Dick Clark said he wouldn't rule out a "large-scale transaction."

Medicare Doctor Data Should Remain Private, Court Says

The case is part of a broader fight over transparency in health care.

Harvard Medical School to Strengthen Conflict of Interest Rules

Industry funding for continuing medical education is one area being scrutinized.

WSJ, NYT Editorials Call for Daschle’s Withdrawal; WaPo Backs Him

Should Daschle's tax troubles sink his nomination? Editorialists weigh in.

Primary Care Docs: Pay Us More, But Don’t Pay Other Docs Less

A doctors' group called for more funding for primary care -- but not at the expense of specialists.

Feds Challenge Deal On Generic Testosterone Gel

The FTC sued in federal court to block a deal that the government argues would delay generic competition for AndroGel.

Merck Poaches Star Cancer Specialist from Harvard

The drugmaker has hired Harvard's D. Gary Gilliland to head oncology research.

Pfizer Faces Celebrex, Trovan Lawsuits in Federal Court

Pfizer's eventful week was capped on Friday by rulings in federal court that revived two separate lawsuits facing the company.

Sanofi-Aventis Set to Join Pharma Acquisition Party

The company's CEO reportedly told employees that he's looking to expand the company through acquisitions.

Reports: Glaxo Prepares to Ax 6,000 More Jobs

Job cuts spread through Big Pharma as companies throughout the industry restructure in the face of generics and pressure on prices.