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.
"No Benefit from Amoxicillan"
A randomized double blind clinical trial of children ages 3-6 recently released from the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR), concluded that "there was no benefit from amoxicillan prophylaxis compared to a placebo control in preventing new AOM (acute otitis media) episodes."
Free of AOM (%)
30-90 Days:
Placebo Group:71% Otitis Free
Daily Amoxicillan Group: 65% Otitis Free
Twice Daily Amoxicillan Group: 62% Otitis Free
3 Months or Longer:
Placebo Group:54% Otitis Free
Daily Amoxicillan Group: 63% Otitis Free
Twice Daily Amoxicillan Group: 60% Otitis Free
SOURCE: Berman S. Continuous twice daily or once daily amoxicillan prophylaxis compared to placebo for children with recurrent otitis media. Agency for Health Care Policy and Research grant no.: RO3 HS07283-02.