A team of surgeons from Kleinert Kutz and Associates and the University of Louisville have performed yet another hand transplant at the Jewish Hospital Hand Care Center. Surgeons document the surgery, which was the facility’s first double hand transplant, by using Twitter, to provide short, real-time updates as the procedure takes place.

Breidenbach said, “The patient’s family is very excited about being able to follow the surgery online instead of occasional updates throughout the surgery by hospital personnel. We want others to follow the surgery as well to understand how it all works, identifying and connecting bones, arteries and veins. Our team has already performed five hand transplants over the past eleven years and we have been reconnecting fingers, hands and arms for more than 50 years.”

“We live in a real-time world today where people want to know what’s happening as it is happening,” said Marty Bonick, president and CEO, Jewish Hospital Medical Campus. “This is a chance for us to tell the world about our latest hand transplant as it happens and also take the mystery out of an innovative procedure.”

To follow the surgery, go to www.twitter.com/jewishhospital

The Composite Tissue Allotransplantation program is a partnership of physicians and researchers at Jewish Hospital Hand Care Center, Kleinert Kutz & Associates, and the University of Louisville. The group developed the pioneering hand transplant procedure. The hand transplant is sponsored by the Department of Defense, Office of Naval Research and Office of Army Research to further research in the composite tissue allotransplantation program.

While many U.S. companies initially hoped they could preserve much of their existing group health plans under the new grandfather provision, a new survey by Hewitt Associates, shows that almost all now believe they will not. Ninety percent of companies said they anticipate losing grandfathered status by 2014, with the majority expecting to do so in the next two years.

Under the “grandfather” provision of the U.S. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, companies can maintain many of their current health care coverage provisions and are required to make fewer changes to plan documents and administrative procedures in order to comply with the new law. Companies can lose their grandfather status if they take certain steps such as reducing benefits, significantly raising co-payment charges, significantly raising deductibles or changing insurance carriers.

According to Hewitt’s survey of 466 companies—representing 6.9 million employees—most companies expect to lose grandfather status because of health plan design changes (72 percent) and/or changes to company subsidy levels (39 percent). Employers also cited consolidation of health plans (16 percent), changes to insurance carriers (16 percent) and union negotiations (15 percent) as additional reasons. More than three-quarters of companies (77 percent) said that recently released guidance on preventive care did not impact their decision to maintain grandfathered status.

Hewitt’s survey found that of those companies with self-insured plans, most (51 percent) expect to first lose grandfather status in 2011 and another 21 percent plan to lose status in 2012. This timing is similar for companies with fully insured medical plans, with the vast majority expecting to lose status in 2011 (46 percent) or 2012 (18 percent).

“Employers reviewing their existing health care strategies in light of reform are focused on answering two questions: What changes do I need or want to make to my health care plans? And how can I make them without significantly increasing costs?” said Ken Sperling, leader of Hewitt’s Health Management practice. “After assessing the grandfather provision, large companies realize they already comply with many of the requirements of non-grandfathered plans, so the changes they’ll need to make aren’t likely to add a significant cost or administrative burden. Most large employers would rather have the flexibility to change their benefit programs than be tied down to the limited modifications allowed under the new law.”

The reviews are in, and retirees give the thumbs up to health insurance exchanges. In an independent survey of 443 retirees who use a health insurance exchange to compare and choose private individual Medicare and supplement plans, 85% of their reviews were positive. Top-rated responses were:

• Health insurance exchanges are a welcome addition to the U.S. health insurance system; and
• Everyone should have access to a health insurance exchange.

When asked the most appealing aspect of health insurance exchanges, the number one cited answer was “Exchanges make it easier to compare and select plans that meet my needs and budget.”

The survey was fielded in June and July 2010 by Extend Health, Inc., which operates the largest private Medicare exchange in the country at www.ExtendHealth.com.

“Our retiree customers are at the leading edge of what is next in healthcare – individuals with access to health insurance through an exchange,” said Bryce Williams, CEO of Extend Health. “These survey results suggest that the exchanges authorized by health care reform legislation passed earlier this year will be greeted with enthusiasm when they go into operation for individuals and small businesses in 2014.”

The questions and detailed results from the survey are as follows:

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) committed the last of its $1.8 billion in Recovery Act funds July 31, one of the first federal agencies to achieve that milestone. Projects at more than 1,200 sites in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico will increase access to health care and services to Veterans, while creating jobs and stimulating the economy.

“Veterans across the Nation are benefiting from these Recovery Act funds,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “Recovery Act projects are improving medical care, speeding claims processing, enhancing our national cemeteries, advancing our energy efficiency, and generating jobs for Americans.”

VA rapidly put American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) funding to work to improve its medical facilities, revitalize its national cemeteries, hire claims processors, upgrade technology systems and assist states in acquiring, building or remodeling state nursing homes and domiciliary facilities for Veterans.

The funding received by VA is part of President Obama’s economic recovery plan to improve services to America’s Veterans. By obligating these funds quickly, VA is revitalizing its infrastructure and moving needed money into the economy.

Using Recovery Act funds, VA entered into 1,521 contracts with 696 contractors. Three-quarters of the contractors are Veterans owned businesses, either service disabled Veteran owned businesses or Veteran owned small businesses.

Health Care Services Enhanced

VA obligated $1 billion to improve VA medical care facilities across the country through building renovations, roadway and walkway repairs, high cost equipment replacement, security improvements, new construction, replacement of steam lines and boiler plants, upgrades in emergency power distribution, and purchases of additional emergency generators among others.

To help Veterans access care, Recovery Act projects in VA medical facilities will add or improve more than 26,000 parking spaces and 39 elevator banks are being built or upgraded. VA will upgrade nearly 14,000 inpatient bed spaces, while 16 pharmacy renovation projects will help Veterans get medicines quicker and more efficiently. More than 14,400 clinical improvement projects, some with multiple exam rooms, will be undertaken.

Funds are also helping ensure VA health care facilities function more efficiently (by reducing annual recurring maintenance and upkeep cost) and are equipped to provide world-class care to Veterans.

Specific projects include:

• Bedford, Mass., VA Medical Center (VAMC) mental health unit renovation, $7.165 million;
• Philadelphia VAMC emergency room renovations, $4.74 million;
• Cleveland VAMC surgical suite refurbishment, $8.5 million;
• New Haven, Conn., VAMC private and semi-private inpatient units, $7.743 million;
• Hines, Ill., VAMC electrical distribution infrastructure upgrade, $8 million.

VA serves 5.5 million Veterans annually in its hospitals, outpatient clinics and rural health programs.

Energy Conservation

VA is promoting energy conservation and reducing its environmental footprint by investing $200 million in Recovery Act funds for renewable energy generation technologies, metering systems, and energy conservation and water-saving measures. In total, the renewable energy systems awarded represent more than 9 megawatts of planned power generating capacity from solar, wind, and cogeneration technologies.

Two national cemeteries, in Bourne, Mass., and San Joaquin, Calif., anticipate producing enough electricity to supply nearly all of their energy needs.

VA is installing solar photovoltaic systems at facilities in Albuquerque, N.M.; Tucson, Ariz.; Dublin, Ga.; Calverton, N.Y.; San Joaquin, Calif., and Riverside, Calif.

VA is erecting a wind turbine in Bourne, Mass., and is constructing a geothermal system at its medical center in St. Cloud, Minn.

In addition, VA is building renewably fueled cogeneration systems at five medical facilities: Togus, Maine; White River Junction, Vt.; Chillicothe, Ohio; Loma Linda, Calif.; and Canandaigua, N.Y.

VA is installing metering systems at all VA-owned facilities to monitor energy utilities, including electricity, water, chilled water, steam, and natural gas consumption.

VA is also investing $197 million in energy and water infrastructure improvements. VA facilities across the country are upgrading their facilities to reduce energy consumption and water usage and better manage related costs.

Claims Processing Improvements

VA is working to improve the systems for processing claims to more quickly and efficiently deliver benefits to Veterans. VA has obligated $150 million to hire, train and equip new employees to improve claims processing and speed the delivery of benefits to Veterans. VA has hired approximately 2,700 temporary and permanent employees to assist with processing Veterans’ claims for VA benefits.

National Cemeteries Revitalized

Throughout VA’s system of 131 national cemeteries, 391 improvement projects are underway using $50 million in Recovery Act funding. VA is restoring and preserving 49 historic monuments and memorials, becoming more energy efficient by investing in renewable energy sources (solar and wind), moving forward on nine energy conservation projects, and improving access and visitor safety with 49 road, paving and grounds improvement projects.

Recovery Act funds are also being used to raise, realign, and clean approximately 200,000 headstones and markers, repair sunken graves, and renovate turf at 22 VA national cemeteries.

One-time Benefit Payments

The Recovery Act provided one-time $250 economic recovery payments to eligible Veterans, their survivors, and dependents to help mitigate the effects of the current economy. $7.1 million were intended for administrative support of the one-time benefit payments. VA was able to successfully administer the program with a savings of approximately $6.1 million, and may return the remaining funds to the US Treasury.

The consequences of stroke, reported to be the third leading cause of death in the U.S., can extend beyond the physical to impose devastating financial burdens on families and society in general. According to the American Heart Association, the total direct and indirect costs of stroke in 2008 have been estimated at $65.5 billion.

Now a study led by Mayo Clinic suggests that by building regional systems of stroke care — such as telemedicine — stroke patients anywhere, anytime, can benefit from early evaluation and treatment. In turn, this timely treatment, using clot-busting drugs that have the potential to minimize the effects of stroke for patients, can benefit the nation’s pocketbook as well.

Bart Demaerschalk, M.D., Department of Neurology at Mayo Clinic in Arizona, is principal investigator for the STRokE DOC TIME AZ and Stroke Telemedicine for Arizona Rural Residents (STARR) studies. He and colleagues conducted a cost analysis of stroke centers, telestroke and the effectiveness of rt-PA, the medication used to improve neurologic recovery and minimize long-term debilitating effects in stroke patients.

In his analysis, Dr. Demaerschalk noted that clot-busting drugs, administered to appropriately selected patients, can reduce stroke-related disability and increase their probability of recovery and independence. “Yet a disappointingly low proportion of Americans who experience acute stroke have timely access to stroke expertise and treatment,” he adds.

Dr. Demaerschalk hypothesizes that incorporating telestroke networks into existing stroke models of care in the U.S. (whereby stroke patients in rural communities can be evaluated, remotely, by stroke neurologists) can result in long-term cost savings.

By administering the clot-busting drug to patients in a timely fashion and thus increasing their chances of recovery and returning to their normal activities, long-term cost savings can potentially be realized because of decreased nursing home and rehabilitation costs, according to the study.

In Arizona, it is estimated that historically, fewer than 2 to 3 percent of stroke patients in remote communities have been availed of the clot-busting drug in the approximately three-hour window of time required for the drug to be effective. However, results from the Arizona STARR study of the telestroke programs that are in place indicate that up to 25 percent of patients in participating rural communities benefit from the drug.

The STARR program, which began as a clinical trial in 2007, connects rural hospital emergency rooms with stroke specialists 24/7 via telemedicine at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix. Using a digital video camera and Internet communication, stroke specialists at Mayo can perform live, real-time audiovisual consultations by observing the patient and evaluating CT scans. The specialist, from a computer, or even a smart phone, can talk to the patient, family and medical personnel at the rural hospital to assess the extent of neurological damage.

Currently, Mayo Clinic Hospital serves as the “hub,” while seven rural hospitals in Arizona link serve as the “spokes.”

Dr. Demaerschalk acknowledges that there are increased costs related to administering clot-busting drugs in the short-term because of hospitalization and patient-monitoring activities — as well as significant start-up costs for establishing stroke centers and telemedicine programs.

“More high quality, cost-effective research about stroke centers, stroke networks and telemedicine is needed to inform health care consumers, providers and policy makers about emergency stroke treatment options and use of resources,” advises Dr. Demaerschalk.

A recent study performed at Texas A&M University revealed that peaches and plums may present an even sweeter, juicier treat in their ability to fight breast cancer. According to research scientists Dr. Luis Cisneros-Zevallos and Dr. David Byrne from AgriLife Research at Texas A&M, extracts found in commercial varieties of peaches and plums have been shown to kill breast cancer cells while not harming normal cells.

The AgriLife research scientists identified two phenolic compounds within the Rich Lady peach and Black Splendor plum that are responsible for killing the cancer cells. Phenols are organic compounds that occur in fruits and may affect traits such as aroma, taste or color. Stone fruits such as peaches and plums have especially high levels of phenols.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the cancer suppression activity of extracts from a commercial variety of a yellow-fleshed peach and a red-fleshed plum and identify the phenolic fractions that may possess potential as chemopreventive and/or chemotherapeutic natural compounds. Based on analysis of phenolic compounds, both peach and plum extracts effectively inhibited the proliferation of the estrogen independent MDA-MB-435 breast cancer cells while not affecting normal cells.

The researchers concluded that the phenolic compounds examined in breast cancer and normal cells (in-vitro studies) and confirmed in mice models (in-vivo studies) have potential as chemopreventive dietary compounds, however, more research is required before understanding this application to humans.

Boston Medical Group, a national physician network specializing in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation, today released ten top acronyms that matter to men’s health. From weight loss to mental, heart and sexual health, the medical lexicon can be confusing for patients, family members and healthcare professionals alike. Boston Medical Group is taking a step to dispel the confusion around men’s health conditions and treatments in order to help patients move towards self-care as a crucial part of their overall health-care.

Ten Important Men’s Health Terms Include (listed in alphabetical order):

1. AOD: Adult Onset Diabetes, more commonly referred to as “Type II Diabetes,” is a condition marked by high blood glucose and insulin deficiency. Because diabetes affects blood sugar levels and a man’s vascular system, diabetes is often associated with other health conditions, such as heart disease and erectile dysfunction. Men will benefit by understanding the underlying health issues affecting all bodily functions and taking a holistic approach to healthcare, rather than treating a singular condition such as diabetes.

2. BMI: Body Mass Index is a number calculated using a person’s height and weight. One’s BMI is a reliable indicator of the various weight classifications, such as obesity, that can lead to other health problems. Once a man’s BMI is calculated, he can take the diet and exercise measures necessary to improve his weight category and overall health.

3. BP: High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when the force of blood within an artery is unusually high. The risk of high blood pressure increases in a man’s forties, and can cause a wide range of health problems, including aneurysms, heart failure, kidney failure and blindness. While high blood pressure is often genetic, a man can decrease his risk of hypertension by improving his diet and exercise level, and decreasing salt and alcohol intake.

4. ED: Erectile dysfunction is a condition that affects 30 million American men. According to the Massachusetts Male Aging Study, 52 percent of men between the ages of 40 and 70 report having some difficulty achieving or maintaining erections.¹ Many physicians point to the fact that the penis serves as the barometer of a man’s overall health, with ED acting as an early sign of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other physical ailments. Men with even mild symptoms of ED should examine their overall health to ensure longevity.

5. HDL/LDL: HDL—or high-density lipoprotein—is known as “good cholesterol,” because it is thought to carry cholesterol away from the arteries to be processed by the liver and excreted from the body. LDL—or low-density lipoprotein—can form plaque in the arteries that feed the heart and the brain, increasing risk of clot formation and heart attack. Foods heavy in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oils, flax seeds, soy products and dark leafy greens have been shown to lower fat in the bloodstream and improve overall blood flow.

6. ICP: Used to treat erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation, intracavernous pharmocotherapy (ICP) is a combination of FDA-approved medications that is injected into the spongy tissue of the penis, using an auto-applicator, to produce an erection within minutes. Because ICP is a localized treatment, many of the systemic risk factors that keep oral medications from being a safe treatment option for men affected with diabetes and heart conditions are not present with ICP.

7. EKG: Recommended for men over thirty-five, an electrocardiogram (EKG) is an important medical test that records the electrical activity of the heart. EKGs are used to detect abnormal rhythms and heart muscle damage.

8. STI: Sexually transmitted diseases, in recent years referred to as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are illnesses transmitted through sexual contact. Gone untreated, many STIs can adversely affect one’s immune system, organ function, blood cells and other health conditions. The most effective way to prevent STIs is by avoiding the transfer of bodily fluids; proper use of condoms also reduces risk of STIs. Both sexual partners should also get tested for STIs before initiating sexual activity.

9. CDE: In order to promote good health and strong bodily functions, it is important that the male diet is rich in vitamins and minerals. Three important vitamins for men include Vitamin C to strengthen blood vessels and muscles and protect against infection; Vitamin D, which is important for preventing some types of bone disease; and Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps repair cell membranes that protect the heart.

10. PSA: A Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein secreted by the prostate–measuring one’s PSA level has been used for some time as a method of screening for prostate cancer.

New research presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 70^th Scientific Sessions in Orlando, Florida on June 27, 2010 suggests that a medical food developed by Metagenics called UltraMeal PLUS 360° enhances the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk-lowering benefits of a Mediterranean-style low-glycemic-load diet.

A team of researchers from the University of Florida College of Medicine in Jacksonville, FL compared the effects of two dietary interventions on CVD risk factors in 47 women with metabolic syndrome. In the 12-week, two-arm, randomized, parallel group study, participants received a Mediterranean-style, low-glycemic-load diet alone or in conjunction with UltraMeal PLUS 360°.

Both groups experienced improvements in the following markers of CVD risk:

• Improvements in total cholesterol, LDL-C, apolipoprotein B (apoB) and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) compared to baseline
• Reduction in total LDL particle number

The group that additionally received UltraMeal PLUS 360° experienced:

• Reductions in triglycerides, apoB/apoA-1, cholesterol/HDL, and small LDL particle number
• Greater reductions in total cholesterol, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, apoB, total LDL particle number, and small LDL particle number

According to lead researcher, Mark McIntosh, MD, “All of our subjects benefited from switching to this heart-healthy diet for 12 weeks. But those who received a medical food which contained the plant sterols, hops rho iso-alpha acids and acacia proanthocyanidins experienced additional benefits. We believe this combination of healthy eating and targeted nutrients offers an effective therapeutic option for clinicians whose patients suffer from metabolic syndrome.”

The study was conducted by Dr. McIntosh, Colleen J. Kalynych, Clare Vukich, Vivek Kumar, Michelle Lott (all of the University of Florida College of Medicine/Jacksonville) and Robert Lerman (of MetaProteomics, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Metagenics, Inc.) and sponsored by Metagenics, Inc.

A Mediterranean-style low-glycemic-load diet emphasizing “good” fats, whole grains, fresh produce, and fish, has been shown to be effective in addressing metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that affects nearly a third of adults in the U.S. and increases their risk to develop cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and many other chronic diseases. Metabolic syndrome is defined as the presence of three or more of the following: elevated blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, central obesity (“apple shape”), elevated blood triglycerides, and low HDL (“good cholesterol”).

The key ingredients in UltraMeal PLUS 360° are soy protein (shown to have cholesterol-lowering effects and which may be more beneficial than animal protein in reducing the risk of heart disease); plant sterols (shown to promote healthy cholesterol levels); and hops rho iso-alpha acids and acacia proanthocyanidins (which function as selective kinase response modulators).

The best one-word description for multiple sclerosis (MS) is “unpredictable,” according to the June issue of Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource. MS interferes with the communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Just how that interference plays out in symptoms is different for everyone — thus, the unpredictable label.

In patients with MS, the immune system attacks the covering (myelin sheath) that surrounds the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. The attacks lead to inflammation and injury to the myelin sheath, which can result in multiple areas of scarring (sclerosis). Eventually, the scarring can slow or block nerve signals that control vision, muscle coordination, strength and sensation.

MS symptoms vary in intensity and duration, and occur in various combinations. Some people experience attacks or flare-ups followed by remissions. Others experience gradual worsening of symptoms. Typically, symptoms first appear between ages 20 and 50. Women are about twice as likely as men to develop MS.

The most common symptoms are abnormal sensory feelings such a numbness, tingling or prickling pain in the lower half or on one side of the body. Many people with MS also experience muscle weakness in one or more limbs and difficulty with coordination and balance. Symptoms may be severe enough to impair walking or standing. Other symptoms can include muscle stiffness and spasms, fatigue, blurred or double vision, difficulty concentrating, depression and loss of bowel and bladder control.

What causes or triggers MS is unclear. There is no cure for MS, but a number of therapies can treat symptoms or reduce the duration or severity of flare-ups. Other treatments, some still being studied, may help slow the course of the disease. Treatment options include:

Corticosteroids: These anti-inflammatory drugs can shorten and reduce the severity of acute attacks.

Interferons: These drugs — including Betaseron, Avonex and Rebif — are genetically engineered copies of antiviral proteins that occur naturally in the body. They have been shown to decrease the number of attacks and may decrease the destruction of myelin, possibly slowing progression of MS.

Glatiramer (Copaxone): An alternative to interferons, it is believed to help curb MS attacks by blocking the immune system’s attack on myelin.

Natalizumab (Tysabri): This drug can reduce the frequency of MS attacks by limiting the ability of immune cells to move from the bloodstream to the brain. However, it can increase the risk of serious brain infection.

Mitoxantrone (Novantrone): Clinical trials show that this immunosuppressant drug may help slow down MS. It may not be effective unless there’s evidence of active inflammation. The drug has been associated with serious side effects such as heart problems and leukemia.

Symptom-specific medications: A number of drugs can help relieve symptoms such as muscle stiffening, fatigue, depression and incontinence. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration approved the drug dalfampridine (Ampyra) as a treatment to improve walking in adults with MS.

In addition to medications, patients with MS may benefit from counseling, physical therapy and lifestyle modifications to help manage symptoms.

With their world turned upside down by enactment of healthcare reform, senior U.S. healthcare executives are divided over whether the new environment offers growth possibilities or challenges to the survival of existing business models, a new survey shows.

Of the senior supply chain executives surveyed, a third said reform would either open up new markets or create new customers. But 20% doubted the ability of their companies “to afford to operate” in the coming new world; 26% said flatly that reform would hamper their research and development programs, and another 22% said they already had concluded their firms did not have the infrastructure needed to compete in the future.

Despite domestic upheaval in the wake of reform and a still-recovering economy, many healthcare companies show signs of positive change. Companies are pursuing global expansion plans to develop new market opportunities outside the United States and supply chain investments are on the rise.

The results are drawn from the latest annual UPS “Pain in the (Supply) Chain” survey of senior-level healthcare supply chain executives. Now in its third year, the survey is conducted by Harris Interactive and is designed to identify the greatest pain points and future trends in the supply chains of companies in the pharmaceutical, medical device and supplies and biotech sectors.

Beyond the issues of healthcare reform and globalization, the 2010 survey also explored healthcare companies’ top business and supply chain issues. Not surprisingly, the top business concern remains what the industry considers an escalation of complex regulations around the world. The top supply chain concern is managing costs.

Global market expansion plans

Many 2010 survey findings centered around healthcare companies’ global operations and expansion plans, with nearly half (47%) of respondents planning to expand into new or emerging markets in the next 18 months.

China, India and Brazil are the emerging markets with the most current healthcare business. These countries, along with Argentina, also are the top four markets into which healthcare companies are most likely to expand in the next two to three years.

“Globalization of the healthcare market has led to numerous opportunities while simultaneously creating challenges,” added Hook. “Among these challenges are country-specific regulatory hurdles; the security of high-value, temperature-sensitive products, and the difficulties of managing multiple suppliers. To manage risks while reaching new customers, companies must focus on building greater flexibility and visibility into their supply chains.”

While most companies already are participating in some activity abroad (selling, manufacturing, sourcing and/or clinical trials), 21% of healthcare companies surveyed don’t participate in any of these activities outside the United States.

The ability to access new global and emerging markets is a growing concern for many healthcare companies with 22% more respondents reporting concerns around this in 2010 versus 2009 findings. Only 32% of this year’s respondents claim success with accessing global markets. Country regulations are the largest barrier to global expansion, cited by 54% of respondents.

Top business and supply chain concerns

The 2010 UPS Pain in the (Supply) Chain survey also explores healthcare companies’ top business and supply chain issues.

As the top business concern (“increasing regulations”) and second largest supply chain concern (“regulatory compliance”), industry regulations are a critical focus area for healthcare companies. In addition to country regulations being named the largest barrier to global expansion, 60% of companies are “very” or “extremely concerned” with regulatory compliance as a supply chain issue. Fifty-eight percent rank increasing regulations as their top business concern, making this the top overall business concern ahead of such things as intellectual property protection, increasing competition and patent expirations.

For the third year in a row, managing costs tops the list of healthcare companies’ supply chain concerns. Sixty-four percent of respondents report being “very” or “extremely concerned” with managing supply chain costs, up from 55% in 2009. At the same time, only 44% of companies report success in addressing cost management.