Blog


Health Reform and Humility

January 14, 2011

Next Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on legislation repealing the Affordable Care Act that the 111th Congress passed just last year.  Presuming that the U.S. … Continued


Discussing The Future of Medical Innovation – In Pictures and In Person

January 11, 2011

In this space, I’ve frequently discussed the need for U.S. policymakers to address the future of medical innovation in this country.  Confronted with an aging population and chronic disease on … Continued


“Quality, Safe Healthcare and a Passion for Excellence….”

January 10, 2011

Even before Congress passed the Affordable Care Act, the actual process of reforming our healthcare system was already taking place at locales throughout the country.  In all sectors of American … Continued


The First Wave Makes Shore

January 3, 2011

The Baby Boom generation – defined by the Census Bureau as those Americans born between 1946 and 1964 – is often referred to as a ‘demographic tidal wave.’  That’s because … Continued


Part D and Healthcare’s Future

December 24, 2010

There’s just one week left in the open season for the Medicare Part D open season, the time in which beneficiaries can join a Part D plan or engage in … Continued


The Week’s Headlines and Underlying Realities

December 22, 2010

A couple of developments this week on Capitol Hill and in the federal executive branch warrant comment. On the legislative side, the U.S. Senate voted this week, by a bipartisan … Continued


Heart Disease: Good News and Disturbing Trends

December 16, 2010

A new study released this week offers the encouraging news that death rates from cardiovascular disease have declined 28 percent since the late 1990s.  That speaks well for the strides … Continued


“It’s Not Etched in Stone”

December 10, 2010

One of the great privileges I’ve had at the Healthcare Leadership Council has been the opportunity to work with Ron Williams, a member of HLC’s executive committee and chief executive … Continued


More From McAllen: Medicare, Private Insurers and Containing Costs

December 8, 2010

Last year, Atul Gawande wrote an article in The New Yorker that was probably quoted more often in the health reform debate than any other news item.  He looked at … Continued


Disruptive Women and Healthcare Innovation

December 6, 2010

I want to thank the Disruptive Women in Health Care blog and its creative leader, Robin Strongin of Amplify Public Affairs, for allowing me to be a part of series … Continued