Investors' service steps in to fill void in hospital data disclosure.

A new investors' information service hopes to open some new doors--those belonging to hospital chief financial officers. The service aims to provide up-to-date financial data on hospitals that have tapped the tax-exempt credit market, information that many facilities are choosing not to provide. Many investors trading in already-issued bonds say they often are forced to rely on outdated information in their decisionmaking.

Pooled loan program that's backed by Maine gives hospitals access to credit, lower rates.

Several states are watching how a new pooled loan program works in Maine. It links credit enhancements backed by the state to the pooled borrowings, raising their ratings and lowering borrowing costs for participating hospitals. The program also will help improve access to capital for the state's 40 acute-care hospitals.

Healthcare bond volume jumped 32% in 1991.

HCFA's new capital payment regulations had little effect on municipal healthcare borrowing in 1991, analysts said, based on year-end results that showed some 575 separate healthcare bond issues were sold for a total of $16.4 billion. That's a hefty 32% increase from the previous year when 445 issues were sold for a total of $12.

1992 healthcare business outlook.

Whether it's with apprehension or expectation, most of us are wondering what the new year will hold. With that question in mind, Modern Healthcare staff writers and healthcare industry leaders offer their short- and long-range forecasts for all sectors and on a variety of all-encompassing issues. Some key questions: Will presidential politics pressure healthcare reform efforts? How will investor-owned companies fare under another year of regulatory scrutiny? What awaits hospitals and physicians under the new fee schedule and other Medicare rule changes?

Clinical study on the effect of amine fluoride/stannous fluoride on exposed root surfaces.

The aim of this study was to assess the remineralizing effect of an amine fluoride (AmF)- and stannous fluoride (SnF2)-containing toothpaste and mouthrinse on exposed root surfaces. A total of 44 adults participated in the 20-week, double-blind study and were grouped as follows: (1) 20 participants (mean age 45.7 years) used an AmF/SnF2 experimental toothpaste plus AmF/SnF2 (Meridol) mouthwash, and (2) 24 participants (mean age 48.