Breaking the code. When bill barring genetic discrimination is signed into law, 'fear of repercussions' will dissipate among patients: expert.

Legislation barring genetic discrimination holds the promise of greatly expanding the use of genetic testing, along with spurring more research into individualized medicine. The bill "removes one of the major challenges by allowing people to participate in the research without fear of repercussions," according to Susannah Baruch, left, of the Genetics & Public Policy Center at Johns Hopkins University.

[Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using a retrograde nail locked in the sagittal plane].

Purpose Of The Study: To evaluate our experience with the use of a retrograde nail locked in the sagittal plane for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis indicated in severe post-traumatic arthritis of the ankle.

Material: Twenty patients, 16 men and four women at an average age of 58.7 years (range, 23 to 72) were evaluated.

The riches of e-prescribing. Insurers will say, do pretty much anything to get physicians to prescribe medications electronically. Ever wonder why?

Insurers are leading the charge for e-prescribing, a technology that promises to save them big bucks. But they don't always agree on the best way to ensure adoption. WellPoint is sticking with a sponsorship-based model.

Sticking to the recipe. Develop one program with basic guidelines for improving care, effectiveness without overwhelming providers, the IOM says.

The IOM's call for a national initiative to determine best medical practices has some wondering how such an effort would work. But most everyone agrees that providers and payers are overwhelmed by data about clinical effectiveness. "Once we get an innovation, let's study it right away so we can be sure every person who could benefit gets it, or if it doesn't work, let's do no harm," says WellPoint's Samuel Nussbaum, left.

Back to the drawing board. Hospitals, insurer support not enough to save California's universal coverage plan; lack of physician backing hurt chances.

A defeat in California for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's comprehensive healthcare reform plan was not only a blow to advocates of the initiative but also could be a setback for other states that were hoping to follow in the Golden State's footsteps. Lloyd Dean, left, president and CEO of Catholic Healthcare West, said that he is "concerned this lack of progress will result in further deterioration of California's healthcare system".