Catch Up

I get a lot of little messages every day that I feel like I should save and/or share, but they don't add up to an entire blog entry (I don't like to do more than one a day, if that, as it feels like spamming). So, here's my house cleaning:

• The AAP has released the 2008 Immunization Schedule. You can read the details from Pediatrics here or get the PDF/chart here.
• Speaking of the Pediatrics journal, here's an interesting reprint about "Incorporating Quality Improvement Into Pediatric Practice." It's a few years old, but still rings true. I keep getting ideas about how to measure the value of preventive care, but I never follow through. For years, I just presumed the data was there, the connection being so obvious. What a surprise when I learned it hasn't been done! Someday.
• Here is an interesting site (thank you Dr. Stoller) that will give you a side-by-side summary of the health care positions and proposals for each of the presidential candidates who is still in race (I am disappointed that they drop those who have dropped out, as I'd still like to see their positions). Courtesy of the Kaiser Family Foundation.
• Thanks to SOAPM, I have this piece to share:
  

  In response to concerns raised by the AAP and several pediatricians across the country, UHC revised its clinical policy on palivizumab. Effective January 1, 2008, benefits coverage for palivizumab will now be aligned with the AAP recommendations published in the Red Book. UHC is in the process of sending notification letters to its physician provider network. A copy of the AAP letter to UHC can be accessed on the AAP Member Center, private payer advocacy page. Many thanks to SOAPM members for sharing information about the change.

  Thanks to The Verden Group for that text.

• Finally, Lynn@Eden sent out a heads-up to PedTalk about Merck pricing changes:
  

  Pricing up 4%, effective Mar 1, on Gardisil, MMR, Rotashield, Varivax
  Gardisil promo (if you purchase >70 doses) extended until Feb 29
  Time to negotiate with your inscos for an increase in reimbursement
  before you have to buy in at the higher price