In a landmark development, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) has reached a $2.8 billion settlement to resolve antitrust claims brought by health care providers, including chiropractors. The lawsuit accused BCBS of dividing the nation into exclusive regions and limiting competition, which resulted in lower reimbursements for providers. Although BCBS denies any wrongdoing, the company agreed to the settlement to avoid lengthy litigation – and you can get a piece of the pie.
I.Q. -- Interesting Quote
The Problem with NSAIDs
More and more problems are cropping up with NSAIDs, once thought a panacea by the medical profession, even more effective than aspirin for the pain and discomfort symptomatic of many conditions.
The following quote is from Dr. James F. Fries, one of the country's leading arthritis experts and a professor of medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine:
"There's an epidemic of adverse drug reactions to NSAIDs. The Food and Drug Administration believes anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000 deaths each year are the result of severe bleeding caused by NSAIDs. It's a big problem."
Reference
- Marsa L. "America's Other Drug Problem," Los Angeles Times Magazine, September 29 1996.