Thick and Short Fetal Corpus Callosum on Ultrasound: Added Value of Fetal Magnetic Resonance Diffusion Tensor Imaging With Tractography.

Background: Thick fetal corpus callosum (CC) is a rare finding and its significance in isolation is not clear. In this retrospective study, we aim to gain insight into the microarchitecture of CC in a cohort of fetuses with thick and short CC (isolated or associated with mild extra-/intracranial abnormalities) as seen on ultrasound (US), by using prenatal magnetic resonance (MR) diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) with fiber tractography, thereby allowing better characterization for postnatal prognosis.

Methods: Twelve fetuses met the inclusion criteria on US.

Inhouse authorization center to improve reimbursement for outpatient chemotherapy infusions.

Purpose: The use of an inhouse authorization center to improve reimbursement for outpatient chemotherapy infusions is described.

Summary: Investigation of current processes revealed deficiencies in the coordination of an insurance authorization process at Norris Cancer Hospital, as chemotherapy orders were not always reviewed for third-party payer authorization. Same-day chemotherapy treatment was often provided incident to a secondary oncology consultation, resulting in higher payer denials due to the absence of advanced authorization for treatment.

The cost of treating osteoporosis in a managed health care organization.

Objective: To measure the differences in direct health care costs and resource utilization among female enrollees in a health maintenance organization who were aged 45 through 65 years and had either osteoporosis or an osteoporosis-related fracture.

Methods: One year of medical and pharmacy claims (October 1, 1998, to September 30, 1999) from a mixed-model health plan located in the Midwest were evaluated. Diagnoses were determined from medical claims with ICD-9 codes specific to either osteoporosis or osteoporosis-related fracture.