A study last month showed that HMOs which limit patient access to the newest, most powerful drugs may save money now, but are causing health care costs to go up in the long run because these people will get sicker. PacifiCare is one of the country's biggest and fastest growing HMOs, with profits projected by Wall Street analysts to grow nearly 20 percent per year. In addition to California, it provides health care services in Florida, Oklahoma, Oregon, Washington and Texas. Back To Index 4. Melanocytic nevi linked to childhood leukemia.
Evidence linking childhood leukemia with the subsequent development of melanoma is mounting.
The newest findings come from Italy, where Dr. Luigi Naldi of Bergamo and associates in Monza counted the number and density of melanocytic nevi in children who'd been treated for acute lymphocytic or myeloid leukemia. Back To Index 5. According to federal statistics, the production of Ritalin jumped 500 percent between 1990 and 1995. Dr. Diller attributes this to greater acceptance of medication to treat children with behavioral problems, a broadened definition of attention-deficit disorder, increased performance pressures on children, decreased support systems and the impact of the mass media, according to a UCSF press release. Dr. Diller believes Ritalin is often prescribed for convenience - it's easier, and sometimes cheaper, to prescribe a pill than attend family counseling or special education programs.