Company History
After having worked in the life insurance business for close to twenty years, David R. Barlow, CLU recognized the need and his desire to specialize in employee benefits. In 1982, he founded Barlow Group Benefit Services placing an emphasis on service and expertise. Group Benefit Services was the first agency in Findlay to specialize in employee benefits.
Dave’s accomplishments and education included: qualifying member Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), Charter Life Underwriter designation (CLU), Life Underwriters Training Council (LUTC) instructor, President Local Life Underwriters Association, qualifying member Leading Producers Round Table’s highest award.
Dave was active in youth sports serving as president and coach of Young Miss
Softball, president and founder of Findlay Amateur Baseball Association,
coaching Findlay Youth Baseball, coaching soccer in Hancock County and managing
his son’s travel hockey team.
Dave also served as Chairman of Consumer Affairs Bureau of the Findlay Chamber
of Commerce.
Dave supported his home-town Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians.
Annette Shaffer joined the staff in 1988, became a partner in 1990 and after
Dave’s unexpected death in 1996, became the owner.
The name and location has changed, the insurance laws and regulations have
changed, but Dave’s creativity and “out-of-the-box” thinking has carried on at
Group Benefit Consultants, Inc.
Dave had a great sense of humor and chuckle that is sadly missed by his
family, friends and coworkers.
Health Insurance Headlines
Hawaii DHS plans to cut Medicaid benefits
The Hawaii Department of Human Services is issuing a public announcement of its intention to reduce benefits for 16,000 Medicaid beneficiaries.
Maes, Tancredo to stay in Colorado governor's race; GOP party chief 'disappointed'
In the latest bizarre turn in an increasingly surreal campaign season, Dan Maes — the embattled Republican candidate for Colorado governor — said Friday he’s in the race to stay despite being deserted by many GOP leaders. And the head of his own state party said he was “very disappointed” by the decision and all but declared Democrat John Hickenlooper the likely winner of the Nov. 2 election.
Sarah Cannon adds hospital near Disney to cardiovascular research network
The Nashville-based Sarah Cannon Research Institute has added a Florida hospital as its third site for cardiovascular clinical research. The 235-bed Osceola Regional Medical Center is in Kissimmee, about 15 miles from Disney World. The deal will allow the hospital and its patients to take part in research and clinical trials, and give it access to Sarah Cannon’s experts. HCA’s Centennial Medical Center is also a research partner for Sarah Cannon. The third partner is the Redmond Regional Medical Center in Rome, Ga.
Marijuana workers in Oakland join Teamsters
Medical marijuana workers at Marjyn Investments LLC in Oakland voted to ratify their first union contract with Teamsters Local 70.
Colorado Children’s Campaign chief ‘deeply concerned’ over DBJ report on insurers dropping child health plans
The head of the Colorado Children’s Campaign — in response to a Denver Business Journal report that several Colorado health insurers will stop selling child-only policies — said Friday she is “deeply concerned about the impact this decision would have on our most vulnerable children and families.”
Phoenix pediatrician dropped by employer in wake of porn charges
Dr. Emilio Luna, the Phoenix pediatrician who was arrested yesterday and charged for distributing child pornography, has been removed from the website of his former employer, Desert Valley Pediatrics.
Buyer sought for 125-year-old Cero’s Candies
A long-time Wichita candy store is on the market.
Report outlines reasons for hospital stays in Colorado
Giving birth continues to be the No. 1 reason for hospitalization in the state of Colorado, according to an annual report released Friday by the Colorado Hospital Association.
Bexar County plans to create special court for veterans
Bexar County officials will establish a Veterans Treatment Court that will hear misdemeanor criminal cases that will take into account the mental health needs of combat veterans.
Emdeon may lose California contract as provider looks to shift costs
Blue Shield of California is severing ties with Nashville-based Emdeon Inc. after 17 years in an effort to cut costs.
Digital Hospital on 280 to glow red
Motorists on the busy U.S. 280 may notice a large red hue beaming from the top of the former HealthSouth Corp. Digital Hospital.
KV meets NYSE minimum share price
K-V Pharmaceutical Co. said Thursday it had received notice from the New York Stock Exchange that the company had re-established compliance with the NYSE's minimum share price requirements for continued listing on an accelerated basis.
Spherix seeks up to $10M stock offering
Bethesda-based Spherix Inc. filed on Friday its intent to raise additional cash through a stock offering, totaling as much as $10 million, to help fund its triglycerides treatment program.
Medical imaging startup raises $5.2M
Life Image Inc. has added $5.2 million in a new financing, according to a report published late Thursday.
Durham maker of artificial blood vessels raises $12M
Humacyte Inc. has raised $12 million in a debt offering, the Duke University spinoff says in a new filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Bruker subsidiary files for $100M IPO
Bruker Energy & Supercon Technologies Inc., a subsidiary of Billerica scientific instruments maker Bruker Corp., plans to go public with an initial public offering in which the superconducting technology company is looking to raise approximately $100 million.
NIH awards Celsion $200K grant
Columbia’s Celsion Corp. received a $200,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health for research and development on drugs used to treat cancer.
Scott Peek named president of Baylor-McKinney
Scott Peek, the chief operating officer for Baylor Regional Medical Center at Grapevine, has been named president of Baylor Medical Center at McKinney.
Pfizer ends deal with Celldex
Celldex Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: CLDX) says Pfizer has terminated its agreement to develop a potential brain cancer vaccine. Celldex said in a statement that Pfizer has decided that the program “is no longer a strategic priority”.
Top 7: Elder Care Providers
Presbyterian SeniorCare topped this year's list of the 25 Largest Pittsburgh-area Elder Care Providers, with 3,193 area beds.
CarePayment buys Vitality Financial
The health care financial services company CarePayment Technologies Inc. has bought Vitality Financial for an undisclosed sum.
WellStar fires CEO Gregory Simone
WellStar Health System Inc. CEO Dr. Gregory L. Simone was fired Thursday.
Kroger pharmacies offer flu shots
The Kroger Co. pharmacies in the Memphis area have begun administering flu vaccines. (KR)
Chamber’s new health council proves a big draw
The first meeting of the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce’s new Health Council on Thursday attracted a crowd few expected.
Health plan cost for workers rises 14%
Workers are paying nearly $4,000 this year toward the cost of family health coverage, an increase of 14 percent, or $482, above what they paid last year, according to an employer survey released today by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research & Educational Trust.
Beef sold at BJ's recalled over E. coli concerns
Planning to grill out hamburgers in your freezer this Labor Day weekend? You might want to reconsider.
Parkinson appoints two Kansas City-area members to health exchange board
Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson has appointed two Kansas City-area representatives to the 16-member board for the Kansas Health Information Exchange Inc.
North Memorial suspends CEO Cress
North Memorial Health Care has suspended its CEO David Cress indefinitely without pay as the executive deals with the aftermath of a misdemeanor charge related to prostitution.
Parkinson appoints Wichitans to statewide health data organization
Gov. Mark Parkinson appointed three Wichitans to serve as members of the Kansas Health Information Exchange Inc., a statewide data-sharing organization.
Omnicare buying long-term care business from Walgreens
Omnicare Inc. inked a deal in which it will buy the long-term care pharmacy business from Walgreen Co. (OCR)
Durham incubator Synecor raises $9.99M
Durham-based Synecor, an incubator of life science companies including TransEnterix and InnerPluse in the Triangle, has raised $9.99 million in a stock offering, the group says in a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
BDSI shares surge on postive Onsolis meeting with FDA
Biodelivery Sciences International’s stock closed up more than 5 percent on Thursday after the company announced it had a positive meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding its drug Onsolis.
Roche launches cost-cutting, product study
Under "mounting pressure to control health care costs," Roche will undertake an “operational excellence initiative” that could lead to cuts across the global drug maker’s sites, including Genentech Inc., in 2011 and 2012.
Dameron named Cigna regional president
Cigna Corp. (NYSE:CI), one of Colorado’s largest health insurers, has named Tom Dameron as president and general manager for Cigna HealthCare’s mountain states region. (CI)
Saint Luke’s East-Lee’s Summit adds beds, hires nurses
Saint Luke’s East-Lee’s Summit has added 30 beds, bringing its total bed count to 117, the hospital announced Thursday.
KCI subsidiary awarded contract to market imaging system
LifeCell Corp. will begin marketing Novadaq Technologies’ SPY Imaging Systems to surgical practices throughout North America. (KCI)
Parata Systems names new CEO, CFO
Parata Systems on Thursday announced the promotions of Tom Rhoads to CEO and D.J. Dougherty to chief financial officer.
Tampa man sentenced in Hialeah fraud case
A Tampa man was sentenced Wednesday to 10 months in prison and 15 months of house arrest after pleading guilty to filing false Medicare claims involving a Hialeah pharmacy.
Colorado business groups rally to oppose union ‘card check’ bill
Leading Colorado business organizations held a “reverse jobs fair” Thursday to denounce what they said could be the loss of 600,000 jobs if Congress were to pass the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA).
Keystone Research Center: Unemployment would be 16% without stimulus
Unemployment would be above 14 percent in Pennsylvania and approaching 16 percent nationally if not for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and other federal action taken in the wake of the recession, according to a new report released by the Keystone Research Center Thursday.
University of Pennsylvania names next medical school dean
J. Larry Jameson will take over as dean of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and executive vice president of the university’s health system July 1, 2011, the school announced Thursday.
Oregon health care groups land $4 million in grants
Two Portland-area health care facilities have landed nearly $4 million in grant money from the Department of Health and Human Services.
N.C. hospital draws interest from CHS, LifePoint, Capella
Three local hospital companies are reported to be shopping a county-owned hospital in North Carolina.
Cardin: Planned Medicare reimbursement cut 'will never take place'
If U.S. Sen. Benjamin Cardin gets his way in Congress, physicians, especially those in primary care, could get a bigger paycheck.
Columbia Memorial, Samaritan receive NY grants
Two Albany, N.Y. area hospitals are among 17 in the state to receive grants from the state Health Department.
Mayo Clinic Florida widens hepatitis investigation
Mayo Clinic Florida said Thursday it will begin to notify and test the 3,209 patients who were potentially exposed to hepatitis C by a former employee.
Health Alliance to become UC Health
The Health Alliance of Greater Cincinnati will formally change its name to UC Health System, according to articles of incorporation drawn up by the UC board of trustees.
Allstate: Dayton drivers among best in nation
Say what you will about Dayton, but when it comes to driving, Daytonians are among the best in America That's according to the 2010 Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report. (ALL)
Lower federal funding puts D.C. in red
The cash-strapped D.C. government is $34 million in the hole for 2011 — a month before the fiscal year begins — because District officials banked on Congress, and Congress didn’t come through.
Allstate: Baltimore drivers among most dangerous
Baltimore drivers are among the worst in the country, according to the 2010 Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report. (ALL)
SLU plastic surgery director departing for Walter Reed
Dr. Christian Paletta, director of Saint Louis University Hospital’s division of plastic and reconstructive surgery, will leave SLU in December for a position at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., and National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. (THC)
Danish life sciences co. expands here
Denmark-based CLC bio, a life sciences services company providing hardware, software and data analytics, is expanding in Cambridge. The company has opened a new location on 10 Rogers Street in Cambridge, Boston. The new offices will be the home base for the company’s sales, marketing and support operations in North and South America.
No nurse strike in North Adams
Nurses at North Adams Regional Hospital have reached a tentative agreement over contract disputes, following two days of negotiations. A planned Sept. 3 strike has now been called off.
SJC: Patient privacy trumps probes of docs
Investigations into physician misconduct are not valid exceptions to patient privacy laws, the Supreme Judicial Court ruled Thursday, rejecting an attempt by the Board of Registration in Medicine to subpoena the records of a psychotherapist suspected of improperly prescribing painkillers.
QuantRX moves headquarters to Portland
QuantRX Biomedical Corp. on Thursday announced it is closing its Doylestown, Pa. headquarters and consolidating its executive, administrative, manufacturing and distribution operations at its existing Portland location.
Brasfield & Gorrie lands $260M VA job
Brasfield & Gorrie LLC was awarded a $260.3 million contract Aug. 31 to complete the construction of the new Orlando VA Medical Center at Lake Nona, the sixth and final contract awarded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for development of the $665 million project.
Scooter Store creates home care division
The Scooter Store Inc. is taking further steps to diversify business this fall, launching a new durable equipment division.
Moffitt commended for eliminating infections
The H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center was among nine Florida hospitals recognized for their effectiveness in eliminating central line-associated blood stream infections in intensive care units.
Ivax Diagnostics changes leadership
Soon after acquiring most of the shares at Ivax Diagnostics, a German company has overhauled its leadership team.
Sebelius announces $13.8M for HealthBridge
Greater Cincinnati HealthBridge will receive $13.8 million over three years to help health providers in a 16-county area use health information technology.
Former hedge fund manager settles insider trading case
Stephen Goldfield, a former hedge fund manager who lives in Odessa, agreed to settle charges of insider trading filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission. (AZN) (MRK)
North Memorial CEO arrested in prostitution bust
Richfield police on Wednesday arrested North Memorial Health Care CEO David Cress on charges related to prostitution.
Scott & White closes on Taylor hospital
Temple-based Scott & White Healthcare closed on a deal to buy 25-bed Johns Community Hospital of Taylor for an undisclosed amount.
Potential ResCare acquisition still being discussed
Discussions will continue concerning a proposal from Onex Corp. to acquire Louisville-based ResCare Inc., according to an announcement Wednesday afternoon. (RSCR)
Walgreens to buy 18 pharmacies in Colorado, 4 other states
Walgreen Co. says it will buy the assets of 18 ApothecaryRx pharmacies in Colorado and four other states from their owner, Graymark Healthcare Inc. (GRMH) (WAG)
Getting your September music on
As summer makes way for fall this September, Austin still has plenty to love in music:
Cumberland beefs up sales team
Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc. is beefing up its sales team. The Nashville-based pharmaceuticals company announced today that it has hired Todd Anthony as director of sales training and development.
Direct General names Carey Benson CEO
Nashville-based insurance company Direct General has named Carey Benson as president and CEO, replacing Dan Tarantin, who was CEO for three years. Benson, 59, is the former CEO of AutoOne Insurance. Tarantin will continue to advise to board of directors, and plans to remain a Direct General investor, the company said in a news release. The privately-owned company has about 400 retail locations and serves 13 states, mostly in the Southeast.
UnitedHealth to loan $10M, give $1M to help California’s critical access hospitals
UnitedHealth Group, one of the nation's and the Bay Area's largest health plans, said Wednesday it will loan $10 million to help small rural hospitals in California improve their IT systems and adopt electronic health records. It will also provide $1 million in grants to get the process started. (UNH)
Graymark Healthcare selling pharmacies to Walgreens
Graymark Healthcare Inc. is selling its chain of 18 pharmacies, including five in Minnesota, to Walgreen Co., the company announced Wednesday. (WAG)
LifePoint closes on Sumner hospital system, which may already be profitable
The ink on LifePoint Hospitals Inc.’s contract to buy Sumner Regional Hospitals may not be the only thing in black.
Availity LLC acquires RealMed
Availity LLC said Wednesday it has acquired RealMed, a revenue cycle management services company based in Indianapolis.
SIU med school gets federal grant to study breast cancer
Research scientist Sophia Ran at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield won a five-year, more than $1.5 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to study ways to prevent or reduce metastasis in breast cancer.
University of Kansas hires Baltezor to help commercialize drug technologies
The University of Kansas has hired a new director to help transfer drug technologies from the school to the marketplace, KU said Wednesday.
Recovered stroke victim donates Franklin rehab facility to Atlanta nonprofit
A Franklin rehabilitation center is donating its facility and equipment to an Atlanta nonprofit that treats people with spinal cord and brain injuries.
International SOS Assistance says it created 50 jobs
International SOS Assistance Inc. said Wednesday it has created 50 new jobs as a result of landing a $270 million contract last year to provide expanded comprehensive health-care support services to the Department of Defense’s expanded TriCare overseas program.
Small business owners fear double dip
Most small business owners - 86 percent - fear that the economy is heading into a double dip recession, according to a recent small business survey by Citibank.
InfraReDx device approved by FDA
InfraReDx Inc., a Burlington-based medical device firm, has been granted clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to market its LipiScan IVUS Coronary Imaging System. The system is intended to be used by cardiologists for the purpose of identifying lipid core coronary plaques, linked to heart attacks after stenting.
VisionShare's lease deal for MinuteClinic space falls apart
VisionShare Inc. won’t be moving into the former MinuteClinic space in downtown Minneapolis, as it had planned.
AG: Beth Israel board OK in keeping Levy
The Massachusetts Attorney General’s office has concluded that while the actions of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center CEO Paul Levy endangered the hospital’s reputation, the hospital board of directors didn’t violate their fiduciary responsibilities in their decision to retain him.
Donation could save Gilda’s Club
A Milwaukee-area businessman has pledged to donate funds to Gilda’s Club of Southeastern Wisconsin, which would allow the group to continue to offer resources to cancer patients.
American Physicians Service Group to be acquired for $227.5M
Austin-based American Physicians Service Group Inc. (Nasdaq: AMPH) has signed an agreement to be acquired by ProAssurance Corp. for about $32.50 per share, or about $227.5 million. (PRA)
Survey: Women business owners to spend $500K this year
With the economy starting to gain speed, women business owners are spending big bucks.
$15M grant to help build veterans home in Pell City
Alabama’s fourth veterans home will be funded partially by a $15 grant and located in Pell City, Governor Bob Riley said Wednesday.
Kaiser Permanente launches new $53M “Thrive” ad campaign
Kaiser Permanente is launching its 7th annual "Thrive" advertising campaign, to the tune of $53 million this time around.
Nabi Biopharmaceuticals finds manufacturer for nicotine vaccine
If Rockville-based Nabi Biopharmaceuticals wins approval to bring its anti-smoking vaccine to market, it is ready to manufacture it. (NABI)
Fisher, Portman agree to 3 debates
The two politicians vying to replace retiring Republican U.S. Sen. George Voinovich in November have agreed to three one-hour debates in the run-up to the election.
InsWeb buys marketing agency for $12M
InsWeb. Corp. announced Wednesday that it will buy a San Francisco marketing agency for up to $12 million.
Report: Hospital patient infections down
New York hospitals have made significant progress in reducing the rate of patient infections, according to a new report from the state Health Department.
Breonics lands $2.9M NIH grant
Breonics Inc., a new tenant in the Harriman Business Center incubator, has received a $2.9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health.
German company gains control of Ivax Diagnostics
A German company has purchased most of the outstanding stock of Miami-based Ivax Diagnostics in a $15 million deal.
HMSA, Queen's to get help in paying for early retirees health care
Two Hawaii nonprofits have been accepted into the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Early Retiree Reinsurance Program and will be receiving reimbursement for medical claims for early retirees beginning this fall.
Adventist Health, UCH complete merger
University Community Health officially joined the Adventist Health System, forming the Tampa Bay region for Adventist’s nationwide health network.
Seton acquiring Smithville hospital
Seton Family of Hospitals has inked a deal to lease the Smithville Regional Hospital.
Omnicare buys Continuing Care Rx
Omnicare Inc. purchased Continuing Care Rx, a Harrisburg, Pa.-based company that provides pharmacy services to long-term care facilities. (OCR)
Baptist Heart gets streamlined OR
Baptist Health said it has added a hybrid vascular operating room at Baptist Heart, in the Baptist Medical Center Downtown, that will improve efficiencies and enhance safety for patients.
Orange County Medical Society moves
The Orange County Medical Society has moved to new offices in Winter Park in the Chase Bank building, 1870 Aloma Avenue, Suite 250.
ProAssurance Corp. acquiring American Physicians Service Group
ProAssurance Corp. will acquire American Physicians Service Group Inc. in a $233 million transaction, SEC filings said. (PRA) (AMPH)
Adventist, UCH merger official
Adventist Health System has merged with University Community Health, officially forming the Tampa Bay region of the health care network.
WakeMed to absorb Raleigh Cardiology
WakeMed Health & Hospitals has signed a deal with Raleigh Cardiology Associates to incorporate the physician group into WakeMed’s physician practice.
Emergent BioSolutions wins more anthrax work
Rockville-based Emergent BioSolutions Inc. has been awarded more funding to pursue development of a next-generation anthrax vaccine. (EBS)
Human Capital: People on the move, Sept. 1
Dr. Beth Lown, an internist at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, was appointed medical director at The Kenneth B. Schwartz Center, a Boston-based nonprofit organization. The medical director position is part-time, so Lown will continue working as an internist at Mount Auburn Hospital and doing her own research and teaching. She has a long history with the Schwartz Center, including serving on its board of trustees, as co-chair and chair of the grant programming committee, and as a consultant on various projects.
Former Johnson & Johnson executive named Inspire Pharmaceuticals CTO
The transformation of the Inspire Pharmaceuticals executive suite continued Wednesday with the hiring of onetime Johnson & Johnson executive Robert M. Savel as senior vice president and chief technical officer. (JNJ) (AGN)
Report: Kansas has high Medicare, Medicaid obligations per capita
Kansas has the second-highest Medicare and Medicaid obligations per capita among states, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Molina completes Abri Health acquisition
Molina Healthcare Inc. said Wednesday that it has completed its acquisition of Abri Health Plan of West Allis for $16 million.
Maryland finishes year with $344M surplus
Maryland closed fiscal year 2010 with a $344 million surplus after the recession’s impact on tax revenue, while still harsh, was milder than expected.
MetCare launches health program with SeniorBridge
Metropolitan Health Networks has launched a pilot program with SeniorBridge to help Medicare beneficiaries with multiple chronic conditions.
Cellerant Therapeutics wins $153M Contract for radiation treatment
Cellerant Therapeutics Inc. has won a contract valued at up to $153 million over five years with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, the company said Wednesday.
Shepherd Center bringing therapy to Tenn.
Shepherd Center will open its first satellite clinic in Franklin, Tenn.
Cellerant signs $153M radiation treatment contract with government
Cellerant Therapeutics Inc., a biotechnology company developing stem cell-based cellular and antibody therapies for blood disorders and cancer, said Wednesday it signed a new contract worth up to $153 million.
Pfizer to acquire FoldRx
Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer is set to acquire FoldRx as part of its overall strategy to increase its pipeline of drugs to treat rare diseases.
California small-biz owners brace for double-dip recession
The vast majority of California’s small business owners are concerned that the economy may experience a double-dip recession, according to a Citibank small business survey released Wednesday.
Heart Group of the Carolinas merges with Sanger Heart & Vascular
Heart Group of the Carolinas has merged with the Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute of Charlotte.
Humana gets Puerto Rico Medicaid contracts
Health insurer Humana Inc. has received three contracts from the Puerto Rico Health Insurance Administration to provide medical benefits to about 500,000 Medicaid recipients in Puerto Rico. (HUM)
CBU, Memphis companies form packaging consortium
Christian Brothers University has partnered with Evergreen Packaging, FedEx Corp. and several large health care companies in Memphis to form the Healthcare Packaging Consortium.
Continucare acquires sleep diagnostic centers
Continucare Corp. said its subsidiary acquired an operator of two sleep diagnostic centers in South Florida.
Benaroya Research Institute gets $2.2M grant
The Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason said it’s received a $2.2 million federal grant to study autoimmune diseases.
Glens Falls Hospital offers patient financing program
Glens Falls Hospital has found a way to help its patients pay their hospital bills despite a down economy.
MCW appoints cancer center director
An internationally recognized lung cancer researcher, Dr. Ming You, has been named director of The Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center in Wauwatosa.
2 Colorado hospitals on Forbes' "most profitable" list
Two Denver-area Colorado hospitals are on Forbes’ first-ever list of the nation’s 25 most profitable hospitals.
Sunnyvale Hospital signs contract with Blue Cross
Texas Regional Medical Center at Sunnyvale and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas signed a managed care contract that will allow Blue Cross members to access the hospital’s facilities and programs.
Wash. U. researcher shares in $10M grant
Dr. Jeffrey Gordon, a professor of pathology and immunology at Washington University in St. Louis, co-leads a research program that will receive a nearly $6.1 million grant through the national Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America.
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point makes Forbes list
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point in Hudson ranked No. 13 on Forbes’ list of America’s most profitable hospitals. (CYH)
WakeMed, Rex, Duke file to stop Novant
The major players in the Wake County medical establishment have formally appealed a July decision by state regulators to allow Novant to build an outpatient surgery center in Holly Springs.
Former owner of United Medical Center wants hospital back
The former owner of United Medical Center is asking a judge to give the hospital back, arguing that the D.C. government never had the legal authority to foreclose on the property and that Mayor Adrian Fenty and others made several missteps in the days leading up to the July takeover.
Blake Medical Center hires medical director, advances trauma plan
Blake Medical Center has hired Dr. Brian Kimbrell as trauma medical director.
Medical device company VenX gets TNInvestco funding
A Nashville-based medical device company has received funding from one of the firms participating in the state’s $200 million TNInvestco program.
Moffitt seeks $22 million bond issue
The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners will be asked Wednesday to approve a $22 million bond issue that would benefit the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute in Tampa.
Study: Brain injuries cost Texas $6.8B a year
Traumatic brain injuries cost Texans an estimated $6.8 billion annually and cause more losses in productivity than spinal cord claims, according to recent study.
Report: Novant faces appeal in Triangle
Three major health systems in the Triangle are appealing state approval for Winston-Salem-based Novant Health Inc. to build a new surgery center in the market, according to a report in the News & Observer of Raleigh.
Allied Healthcare posts Q4 profit
Allied Healthcare Products Inc. posted a profit in the fourth quarter, but reported a loss for fiscal 2010, saying recession-driven cuts at hospitals and government entities had reduced its sales.
FDA delays review of Glaxo epilepsy drug
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has pushed back the review date for GlaxoSmithKline’s new epilepsy treatment. (GSK) (VRX)
Stromedix gets boost for lung-disease drug
Stromedix, Inc. has received word from the U.S. food and Drug Administration that its potential drug to treat a fatal lung disease will receive so-called orphan drug status. The designation carries several benefits for the company, including grants and/or tax incentives to help with drug development and a longer period of protection from generic competition, once the drug candidate is approved. Orphan drug status is designed to accelerate development of treatments for rare diseases.
Genzyme investor to board: play ball
A Genzyme Corp. investor group has sent a letter to the company’s board of directors urging it to sit down at the table with potential acquirer, French drug maker Sanofi-Aventis.
Centene loses Puerto Rico bid
Centene Corp. said it learned Monday that it lost a contract with Puerto Rico’s Health Insurance Administration to provide health services under the island government’s new Medicaid plan. (CNC)
WhiteGlove House Call coming to Arizona
WhiteGlove House Call Health Inc. has targeted Arizona and Massachusetts for its first expansion outside of its homebase of Texas following a round of venture funding earlier this year.
Hill-Rom names Scott Jeffers to supply chain post
Hill-Rom hired Scott Jeffers as senior vice president of its global supply chain operations, effective Sept. 13. (HRC)
Tilley Eye Centers merge with Clarkson Eyecare
Clarkson Eyecare has acquired Tilley Eye Centers, which has locations in Perryville and Marble Hill, Mo.
Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children opening delayed
The opening of Denver's new Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children at P/SL -- originally set for Tuesday -- has been delayed.
Dublin’s finance chief steps in as interim city manager
Dublin has appointed its finance chief to temporarily fill the city manager’s slot when Terry Foegler leaves for a job with Ohio State University next month.
Five plead guilty in $37M Medicare fraud scam
A South Florida doctor, clinic owner and five nurses pleaded guilty on Tuesday to participating in a multimillion-dollar Medicare fraud scheme.
Regions offering personal insurance lines
Regions Financial Corp. is rolling out personal insurance lines across its branch network. (RF)
Quintiles to help Pharmaxis launch cystic fibrosis treatment
Quintiles has struck a deal to help Australian pharmaceutical firm Pharmaxis launch its cystic fibrosis treatment in Europe, the Durham pharmaceutical services company announced Tuesday.
WhiteGlove Health expanding out of state
Freshly-funded WhiteGlove House Call Health Inc. this month will expand its services to customers out of Texas for the first time.
MBF launches $20M fund for health care investment
Coral Gables-based MBF Healthcare Ventures has launched a $20 million fund to invest in startup health care companies in Florida. Mike Fernandez, who founded and later sold Physician Healthcare Plans and Care Plus Health, leads the private equity firm.
Health Policy Forum to take place Sept. 14
The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky will host the 2010 Howard L. Bost Memorial Health Policy Forum on Tuesday, Sept. 14.
Kendle hires chief marketing officer
Kendle International Inc. hired Mark Roseman to serve as its new senior vice president and chief marketing officer.
Dynavax gets grant for hepatitis B work
Dynavax Technologies Corp. got part of a five-year, $17.6 million grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to study how people respond to a hepatitis B vaccine. (DVAX)
Midwest Research Institute gets $1.6M to study potential biological threat
Midwest Research Institute won a $1.6 million federal contract to study a virus that could be a biological threat.
New Achaogen contract worth up to $64.5M
Achaogen Inc. said late Monday it was awarded a contract through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that could be worth up to $64.5 million.
Promotions and Hires, Aug. 31
Editor's note: Each day, we will share five items from the People on the Move section we publish each Friday in our print edition. The full list is available only to Triangle Business Journal subscribers. If you are not a subscriber but would like earlier access to the People on the Move section, you can subscribe here.
Gamma Knife Center of the Pacific buys new equipment
The Gamma Knife Center of the Pacific in Honolulu has bought a Leksell Gamma Knife Perfexion machine at a cost of $4.5 million, the company said. The machine uses radiation to treat inoperable brain tumors and disorders.
Mayo continues hunt for infected patients
Mayo Clinic Florida said Monday afternoon it is working closely with the Florida Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to determine which patients should undergo follow-up testing after it discovered that a former employee exposed patients to hepatitis.
Achaogen nabs $64.5M biothreat contract
Achaogen Inc. won a federal government contract worth up to $64.5 million to develop an antibiotic to treat bubonic plague and other biologic threats.
Labor board sides with nurses in dispute
The Commonwealth Employment Relations Board has found that Cambridge Health Alliance violated state labor law by unilaterally halting negotiations over nurses’ contracts and declaring an impasse.
Swerdlow says project on, despite Miami-Dade inspector’s objections
Coconut Grove developer Michael Swerdlow said his plan to build an office tower near Jackson Memorial Hospital remains in play, despite the critical report from the county.
Former Spectranetics execs named in 12-count indictment
Three former executives of Spectranetics Corp., a Colorado Springs-based medical-laser maker, are named in a 12-count criminal indictment that accuses them of illegally importing unapproved medical devices, the office of Colorado U.S. Attorney John Walsh announced Monday. (SPNC)
Bike, pedestrian plan wins national award
A plan that would vastly expand the availability of bicycle lanes and sidewalks in Middle Tennessee has won a national award from the Planning Council of the Institute of Transportation Engineers.
ZS Pharma gets $2M from state tech fund
Fort Worth pharmaceutical company ZS Pharma Inc. will receive a $2 million cash infusion from the Texas Emerging Technology Fund, Gov. Rick Perry said Monday.
UnitedHealthcare, Halifax Health expand pact
UnitedHealthcare has expanded its network relationship with Halifax Health, giving UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan participants in-network access to the more than 200 Halifax Health physicians. (UNH)
Best Places to Work winners
The Philadelphia Business Journal is pleased to present the winners of our 7th annual Best Places to Work contest.
Conway reaches settlement with GlaxoSmithKline
Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway’s office has reached a $3.75 million settlement between the state and GlaxoSmithKline PLC over the alleged deceptive or false marketing of the drugmaker’s anti-nausea medications, most notably Kytril and Zofran.
Water for People gets $5.6M from Gates Foundation
Water for People, a Colorado nonprofit that works to provide clean water supplies and sanitation in developing nations, said Monday it has received $5.6 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
High Point dental practice gets new owner
Longtime High Point dentist Dr. Harry R. “Frosty” Culp has brought a new owner into his practice and changed the practice’s name.
Rex Healthcare building in Knightdale sold for $13.6M
A Chicago real estate investment group has purchased the Rex Healthcare medical office building in Knightdale for $13.6 million, according to Wake County deed records.
Md. health department extends deadline for massive Medicaid contract
The state’s health department has extended by two weeks the deadline for companies to bid on a multimillion-dollar contract to revamp Maryland’s 15-year-old Medicaid claims processing system.
MedCath to sell stake in S.D. hospital
MedCath Corp. has agreed to sell its interest in Avera Heart Hospital in South Dakota to Avera McKennan for $20 million. (MDTH)
HCC Insurance unit opens Arizona office
A unit of HCC Insurance Holdings Inc. has opened an office in Scottsdale, Ariz. (HCC)
CHW saves 991 lives, $37M with 3-year infection prevention campaign
Catholic Healthcare West, which operates 41 hospitals in California, Arizona and Nevada, said Monday it’s saved 991 lives and reduced costs $36.5 million over three years by investing in a severe sepsis prevention effort.
Dent Neurologic moves into Batavia
Dent Neurologic Institute is expanding east with a new practice office in Batavia.
Buckley to run Pennsylvania Hospital
The University of Pennsylvania Health System named Dr. R. Michael Buckley as executive director of Pennsylvania Hospital.
Novartis taking Portola blood thinner into Phase III
Novartis AG will start a Phase III trial early next year of a blood thinner developed by South San Francisco’s Portola Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Murdock Trust awards more than $7M
The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust in its latest grant distribution round has awarded 37 grants totaling more than $7 million to nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Clinic operator convicted in $2.3M fraud
The owner of a Detroit-area medical clinic, who the feds say “imported the concept of HIV infusion clinic fraud from South Florida to Detroit after increased law enforcement scrutiny in Florida,” was not successful in skirting the law.
Genzyme investors hold cards
French drug maker Sanofi-Aventis has promised to take its acquisition bid for Genzyme Corp. to its shareholders, after Genzyme management dismissed its offer of $69 per share. Genzyme has said it will urge shareholders to reject the offer.
Fraser named interim head of Wash. U. med department
Dr. Victoria Fraser has been named interim head of the Department of Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine while the school conducts a search to fill the post.
Troubled Deaconess Hospital cutting jobs, services
Deaconess Hospital is laying off 60 people and restructuring to provided a more limited scope of services.
Vivante acquired by Swiss pharma company
Vivante GMP Solutions Inc. said Monday it has agreed to be acquired by Swiss-based pharmaceutical giant Lonza.
Emdeon aims to ease pharmacies' billing headaches with vaccines, non-drug sales
Nashville-based Emdeon (NYSE: EM) is rolling out a new product that will make it easier for retail pharmacies to charge you for your flu shot — or crutches, syringes and other items that aren’t prescription drugs. (EM)
Construction begins on LEED-rated Austin clinic
Central Health, formerly known as the Travis County Healthcare District, will be breaking ground on the North Central Health Center on Sept 1.
GBMC names Saunders chief medical officer
Dr. John R. Saunders Jr., a longtime Greater Baltimore Medical Center physician, has been appointed chief medical officer at GBMC HealthCare.
UPMC releases community benefit data
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center has earmarked 13 percent of net patient revenue during the last two years for community benefits, including Medicaid shortfalls, charity care and support of nonprofit organizations, according to financials for the year ending June 30 2010, which were released Aug. 27.
Genzyme rejects Sanofi bid
Genzyme Corp. says the company is not for sale to French drug maker Sanofi-Aventis for the price of $69 a share, confirming weeks of rumors that the two companies were in tense negotiations over a possible acquisition.
Kinslow named CEO of Aria Health
Kathleen Kinslow will take over as president and CEO of Aria Health in November.
Haskell buying Northeastern Ambulatory Care
Temple University Health System entered into a deal to sell its Northeastern Ambulatory Care Center campus to Haskell Acquisition Partnership, a real-estate development company.
Covidien sells CPAP, specialty chem unit
Covidien said Monday in separate announcements that it completed the previously announced sales of its specialty chemical business and its sleep therapy product line. (COV)
Aptus Endosystems raises $15M
Aptus Endosystems Inc. said Monday it raised $15 million in new funding.
EndoGastric raises $30M
EndoGastric Solutions has completed a $30 million round of financing led by Canaan Partners and Radius Ventures.
EndoGastric Solutions raises $30M in new funding
EndoGastric Solutions Inc. said Monday it raised $30 million in a new funding round.
Sanofi-Aventis gets tough in Genzyme bid
Pharmaceutical giant Sanofi-Aventis on Sunday publicly confirmed for the first time its previously reported bid for Genzyme Corp. (Nasdaq: GENZ) and moved to prod Genzyme shareholders into embracing a deal that management of the Cambridge, Mass., company has so-far spurned. (SNY)
Mercy opens new data center
Sisters of Mercy Health System officially launched its new $60 million data center in Washington, Mo., today.
Medical campus searches for diverse workforce
When Lindsey Wittmeyer went looking for a summer job, it didn’t take her long to find a position in a laboratory on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.
Pediatric urgent-care center lands in WNY
A Buffalo pediatrician is opening the region’s first pediatric urgent-care center.
Financial pressures push UCH-Adventist Health merger
Declining financial performance may be driving University Community Health in Tampa to complete its proposed merger with Winter Park-based Adventist Health System.
Hospitals foot portion of college tuition to draw lab techs
A shortage of clinical laboratory technologists has prompted area hospitals to offer scholarships to attract students from the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
Biotechnology company seeks Jupiter loan guarantee
A young biotechnology company is close to getting a $100,000 bank loan that’s backed by the town of Jupiter.
Baby blues in Norristown
NORRISTOWN — Montgomery Hospital Medical Center, struggling to handle a boom in baby deliveries, is exploring the possibility of working with a federally qualified health center to get some relief.
Bedridden? Additional hospital beds to increase costs, some say
By the end of 2010, three new hospitals costing a combined $790 million will open in southeast Wisconsin, which will add nearly 100 net beds to the local health care market.
Fox Chase picks 1st head of Personalized Medicine
Fox Chase Cancer Center’s Institute for Personalized Medicine, which opened last year with a goal of putting an end to today’s one-size-fits-all approach to cancer treatment, has its first executive director.
Hospitals post record profit margins
Denver-area hospitals recorded their highest pre-tax profit margins in more than 15 years in 2009 — but the decreasing number of inpatient visits could portend trouble, according to an annual market review by an independent analyst.
City seeks more medical, pharmaceutical conferences
Visit Denver and area hoteliers want to lure more medical and pharmaceutical conferences to Denver — gatherings that not only can bring 10,000 people to town, but also exhibitors who wine and dine the attendees.
With med-tech weaker, other firms land spots at VC event
A creator of custom mouthguards and a firm seeking to grow human organs are among the presenters expected to appear at this year’s Minnnesota Venture & Finance Conference.
Women Who Mean Business: Shawn Sabin
Company: Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center
Language program breaking down barriers at Methodist
A language program launched by Methodist Healthcare System last year has helped it cut through cultural and communication barriers and improve the quality of care provided to an increasingly diverse patient population.
Nonprofit hospices face fund crunch
Silicon Valley’s nonprofit hospices are seeing more patients and working with more constrained budgets, a situation likely to worsen in the coming years as the industry faces $8 billion in Medicare cuts by 2019.
Tech company Evolvent working to advance health care reform
Locally based health care IT company Evolvent Technologies is in the process of pursuing work on two contracts totaling $40 million with the Department of Defense that seek to improve how health-care information is stored (known as “informatics” in industry terms) and how it’s shared, or its “interoperability.”
Widening obesity problem weighs on employers' bottom lines
Employers and insurers are joining public health advocates in the fight against the nation’s growing obesity problem to reduce its increasingly heavy burden on the bottom line.
Controversial program to fund trauma care may be abolished
Opinions vary over whether a state program to help reimburse Texas hospitals for unfunded trauma care should be abolished.
Potential private sector buyer for United Medical Center steps forward
George Chopivsky appears to be the only person in the region’s private sector with any interest in owning Southeast D.C.’s United Medical Center — and the struggling hospital’s current owner, the D.C. government, has shown little desire to grant his wish.
Banner Behavioral Health set to open psychiatric ER
Banner Health is opening a $2.2 million psychiatric emergency room on the campus of its Banner Behavioral Health Hospital in Scottsdale.
Fed’s $2B boost could help local vaccine, biodefense companies
A new federal plan provides nearly $2 billion in biotechnology funding to produce medications, vaccines and supplies necessary for a health emergency, likely helping some local biodefense-related companies grow.
Debbie Laughery
Title: VP public relations.
Universities will pitch products at Kansas City animal health tech transfer event
The Kansas City Animal Health Corridor Homecoming will bring about 750 people from the industry to the metropolitan area — and five regional universities want a piece of the action.
Nursing home/rehab center honored by Arizona Health Care Association
La Estancia Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Phoenix is being honored by the Arizona Health Care Association this week for its revamped strategy and financial turnaround.
Decision coming in battle to build hospital in Montgomery County
Montgomery County’s hospital holy war is coming to a climax.
Highmark fights cancer billing changes at West Penn, UPMC
Insurance giant Highmark Inc. is tussling with the region’s biggest hospital networks over a billing change it says will add millions of dollars to the cost of cancer treatment and raise health insurance premiums without improving treatment.
Pennsylvania Bio chief Christopher Molineaux sees Pittsburgh area as medical device, diagnostic hub
Christopher Molineaux has been at the helm of Pennsylvania Bio, a statewide biosciences trade association, since May 1, and he already is working to boost the organization’s visibility in southwestern Pennsylvania. He has identified the area as one of two strategic regions for growth; the other is the Lehigh Valley.
Nor-Ridge personal care home license downgraded a fourth time
Admissions were banned at a Westmoreland County personal care home and its license downgraded for a final time after state Department of Public Welfare inspectors reported a raft of violations at the 100-bed facility.
Peterson steps in as interim CEO at Stanford Hospital
CEO of Stanford Hospital & Clinics named Mike Peterson as interim CEO following the retirement of Martha Marsh.
Living Well in Sausalito
A new idea in health care? Living Well Assisted Living at Home Inc. says it has one, and the name says it all.
Best Doctors cashes in on rising health costs concerns
An increasing drive by large local employers to rein in health care costs is proving to be a shot in the arm for Best Doctors Inc. The Boston-based company is forecasting steady growth as it helps clients avoid costly hospital admissions and unnecessary tests for workers.
Dr. Sharon Frey: Saint Louis University
So, you think you’re busy? As clinical director of the Center for Vaccine Development at Saint Louis University, Dr. Sharon Frey works on dozens of vaccines for infectious diseases, including hepatitis, HIV, avian influenza and salmonella. Last year, she served as principal investigator for National Institute of Health H1N1 vaccine trials at SLU. She heads a group at SLU that, in 2007, landed a seven-year, $23.7 million contract from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) to serve as one of eight Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Unit sites. She goes on annual humanitarian missions to places such as Afghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo and Zaire. For fun, she races vintage formula cars and drives motorcycles.
Online pharmacy faces battle to win acceptance
HealthWarehouse.com CEO Lalit Dhadphale believes Americans are ready to order their medications online – as long as they know the pharmacy is legitimate.
Md. biotechs laud $2B federal funds hike
A new federal plan that provides nearly $2 billion in biotechnology funding could help existing and emerging companies get their products to market.
Mental health providers could get incentives to keep records online
New federal legislation would expand the eligibility for different kinds of physicians to apply for incentives to keep electronic health records systems.
Pete Ruminski: Center of World Health & Medicine
As one of hundreds of Pfizer scientists who found themselves without jobs last year, Pete Ruminski, 57, took the opportunity to found the Center for World Heath & Medicine.
Glenda White: Medi-Plex Healthcare Professionals
Ten years ago, Glenda White founded New Beginnings In-Home service, fulfilling her dream to apply her skills to the service of others. She added in-home skilled care in 2002 and hospice care in 2006. The resulting Medi-Plex Healthcare Professionals & Hospice now encompasses 150 employees, with offices in St. Louis and Swansea, Ill. White, who grew up in North St. Louis and attended Central High School, founded the company at age 38 after earning bachelor’s degrees in business management and nursing, Though she’s the chairman of Medi-Plex, she’s still involved at all levels.
Home equipment suppliers again fearing ‘slow death’ Medicare cuts
Small pharmacies and independent medical equipment dealers again are fearing job cuts and business closures with the return of a Medicare bidding program they pushed to delay two years ago but ultimately could not kill.
Integrated Healthcare Solutions lands $5.5M investment
Integrated Healthcare Solutions is ramping up promotion of its signature software product, buoyed by a $5.5 million capital infusion from a Pennsylvania investment fund.
Froedtert’s Hill rolls up sleeves for diversity role
Realizing a need to better serve a growing ethnic population, Froedtert Hospital recently hired its first chief diversity officer.
Richard Wilson: The Genome Center at Washington University
Richard Wilson mines the building blocks that make us who we are. During his 20 years at Washington University, including the past eight as director of its world-renowned Genome Center, he has helped decode the human genome and sequenced the genetic blueprint of a cancer patient. Today, armed with an annual operating budget of about $70 million, Wilson, 51, and his staff of 300 are focusing most of their DNA research on the study of cancers and medical applications to treat them.
Peninsula Medical Center to open rebuild
Bob Merwin first envisioned his shiny new hospital decades ago, after he saw the design of an Australian facility with a hospital tower linked on each floor to an adjacent medical office building.
Urgent-care franchise expects to open six clinics in next 18 months
Competition for urgent-care patients is about to heat up in Sacramento.
Confusion reigns on health reform; here are some of the key wrinkles
In the months leading up to the vote on health care reform, Advanced Network Solutions CEO Sonny Clark listened to the debate on news radio during his morning commute into downtown Nashville.
Health care reform case study: Advanced Network Solutions
The Nashville Business Journal worked with Brentwood-based consulting firm The Hanback Group to conduct an analysis of three local businesses and how their current health benefits packages could be impacted by health reform.
Health care reform case study: CJ Advertising
The Nashville Business Journal worked with Brentwood-based consulting firm The Hanback Group to conduct an analysis of three local businesses and how their current health benefits packages could be impacted by health reform.
Health care reform case study: Legacy Learning Systems
The Nashville Business Journal worked with Brentwood-based consulting firm The Hanback Group to conduct an analysis of three local businesses and how their current health benefits packages could be impacted by health reform.
Figuring out what to do
Adelene Q. Perkins, president and CEO of Infinity Pharmaceuticals Inc. in Cambridge, has spent a significant portion of her career as a life sciences executive.
Kaiser, CPMC, others whack hundreds of Bay Area jobs
Bay Area hospitals and health care systems are cutting hundreds of jobs as the recession continues to keep patients away.