July 29, 2010

New Guidelines Aim to Reduce Repeated C-Sections

WASHINGTON (AP) — Most women who’ve had a C-section, and many who’ve had two, should be allowed to try labor with their next baby, say new guidelines.

The July 21 announcement by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists eases restrictions on who might avoid a repeat C-section.

Fifteen years ago, nearly 3 in 10 women who’d had a prior C-section gave birth vaginally the next time. Today, fewer than 1 in 10 do.

Last spring, a National Institutes of Health panel strongly urged steps to reverse that trend, saying a third of hospitals and half of doctors ban women from attempting what’s called VBAC, for “vaginal birth after cesarean.”

The new guidelines declare VBAC a safe and appropriate option for most women — now including those carrying twins or who’ve had two C-sections — and urge that they be given an unbiased look at the pros and cons so they can decide whether to try.

Overall, nearly a third of U.S. births are by cesarean, an all-time high. Cesareans can be lifesaving but the more C-sections a woman has, the greater the risk in a next pregnancy of problems, including placenta abnormalities or hemorrhage.

Vilsack Announces Purchase of Up to $23M of Fruit

WASHINGTON (USDA) — The USDA intends to purchase up to $23 million of peach products and mixed fruit for federal nutrition assistance programs, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced.

USDA intends to purchase up to $18 million of canned clingstone peaches and mixed fruit in light syrup or fruit juice, along with up to $5 million of frozen peaches, for federal nutrition assistance programs. The department will seek the lowest overall costs by surveying potential suppliers and publicly inviting bids to assure bids are awarded to responsible bidders.

Government food experts work to ensure that all purchased food is healthful and nutritious. Food items are normally required to be low in fat, sugar and sodium. The commodities must meet specified grade requirements and be USDA-certified to ensure quality.

Information: www.ams.usda.gov.

6 Convicted in Scheme That Bilked Medi-Cal $4.6M

(AP) — A federal jury has convicted six people in a scheme that bilked Medi-Cal out of $4.6 million by using unlicensed individuals to care for disabled patients.

U.S. attorney’s office spokesman Thom Mrozek says the July 21 verdict convicted the six imposter nurses of health care fraud and conspiracy to commit health care fraud, charges that cumulatively carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

The defendants posed as licensed nurses for a Santa Fe Springs-based company called Medcare Plus Home Health Providers. The woman who ran the company, Priscilla Villabroza, a registered nurse, pleaded guilty in federal court last year to five counts of health care fraud.

Thirty-five other defendants previously pleaded guilty to the same charges in the scheme.

Calif Anthem Blue Cross President Margolin Resigns

(AP) — The president of Anthem Blue Cross in California has resigned following an attempted massive rate increase that was scaled back after drawing public outrage.

Leslie Margolin, who led the state’s largest for-profit insurer for more than two years, said July 20 she will go into health care consulting.

In April, Anthem withdrew rate increases that averaged 25 percent — some as high as 39 percent — after public outrage and rebukes from President Barack Obama. The insurer now plans to raise premiums an average of 14 percent for individually insured policies, capping hikes at 20 percent.

Anthem Blue Cross’ parent company Wellpoint thanked Margolin for her leadership.