Preventing breast cancer through health care reform Oct 29, 2009
A recent report by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) found that breast cancer patients with employer-based insurance had total out-of-pocket costs averaging $6,250 in 2007, higher than out-of-pocket spending for patients with asthma, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or high blood pressure. Why are women falling behind in insurance coverage faster than men. (Melrose Free Press, MA)
Dendritic Cells Spark Smoldering Inflammation In Smokers' Lungs Oct 29, 2009
15, 2006) The lungs of patients suffering chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) attempt to repair damaged elastic fibers, a new finding that contradicts the conventional wisdom on the capabilities of. (Feb. (Science Daily)
Smoking Gun: Just One Cigarette Has Harmful Effect On Arteries Of Young Healthy Adults Oct 28, 2009
(May 23, 2007) Marijuana worsens breathing problems in current smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a new study. The study found that among people 40 and older, smokers were. (Science Daily)
Is Smoking Tougher on Women? Oct 27, 2009
In another study, researchers from Harvard University and the University of Bergen in Norway evaluated more than 950 men and women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), known to be linked to smoking. The result: The women with COPD were younger when they got the diagnosis and had smoked less than the men with the respiratory ailment. (MEDLINEplus)
Cigarette Smoke May Impair Lungs Natural Defense Against Harmful Pathogen Oct 27, 2009
It is also the pathogen most frequently isolated in the respiratory tract of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic bronchitis ... 14, 2009) Smoking cigarettes is not only the principle cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but it may change the body's immune responses to bacteria that commonly cause exacerbations of the. (Science Daily)
Tips from the journals of the American Society for Microbiology Oct 24, 2009
It is also the pathogen most frequently isolated in the respiratory tract of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic bronchitis. Alveolar macrophages are part of the lungs' innate defense system and they play an essential role in the clearance of bacterial infections. (EurekAlert!)
Medical marijuana policy move sparks optimism Oct 22, 2009
But Dr. Jeannette Tetrault, an assistant professor of medicine at the Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut, who has studied marijuana's effects on the lungs, says her review of 34 studies found some evidence linking long-term use to symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, like coughing, sputum production, and wheezing. The studies she and her colleagues did find were of middling quality, Tetrault adds. (CNN)
Judge From Anna Nicole Smith Case Caught Up in Elder Abuse Claims Oct 22, 2009
Kasler suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and end-stage Parkinson's disease, which can be accompanied by dementia. Her ex-husband and children are dead. (Law.com)
'Superobesity,' Chronic Disease Burden Associated With Risk Of Death Following Bariatric Surgery Oct 22, 2009
"These findings also suggest that the risks of bariatric surgery in patients with significant comorbidities, such as congestive heart failure, complicated diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, should be carefully weighed against potential benefits in older male patients and those with superobesity.". Journal reference. (Science Daily)
Summary for Patients Oct 20, 2009
Effect of Fluticasone With and Without Salmeterol on Pulmonary Outcomes in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Randomized Trial -- Lapperre et al. 151 (8): 517 -- Annals of Internal Medicine ... Effect of Treatment With Fluticasone With and Without Salmeterol on Airway Inflammation and Lung Function in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ... The summary below is from the full report titled "Effect of Fluticasone With and Without Salmeterol on Pulmonary Outcomes in Chronic... (Annals of Internal Medicine)
Parks, Green Spaces Protect Your Health Oct 20, 2009
Among the physical health conditions, the apparent protective benefits of living in greener areas appeared strongest for respiratory diseases such as asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and upper respiratory infections. A much weaker association was seen for other common health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. (CBS News)
Flu cases down in schools Oct 17, 2009
- Chronic lung disease (including asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). - Diabetes. (Gillette News-Record, WY)
Gene Mutation May Reveal Clues For Treating Lung Diseases Oct 16, 2009
15, 2009) A genetic mutation found in four children born with multiple abnormalities may provide insight into potential treatments for newborn lung distress and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) ... 9, 2008) Scientists have developed a risk prediction assessment for lung cancer specifically for African-Americans that suggests a greater risk from chronic obstructive pulmonary ... 8, 2008) Here's another reason not to smoke, especially for women: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease... (Science Daily)
* Seminar highlights benefits of remote medical care system Oct 16, 2009
For example, McFarlane said that Tunstall used a telehealth system to monitor 30 high-risk patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in their own homes in the city of Sheffield in northern England. Five months later, results showed that telecare in the patients homes helped reduce their rate of hospital visits by 50 percent and the number of home visits by medical personnel by 80 percent. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
A New Scan For Lung Diseases Oct 15, 2009
The diseases to be studied using the new type of scan include asthma, lung fibrosis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). These diseases are a major health burden: for example COPD is among the top five causes of death and disability in the UK with around a million sufferers. (Science Daily)
An even better picture of Most Influential Doctors in U.S. Oct 14, 2009
Today, the newspaper has updated the database with experts in breast cancer, depression, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and arthritis. The database now has roughly 8,800 total doctors in eight specialties. (USA Today)
SEARCH DATABASE: 8,800 doctors, 330 metro areas, 8 specialties Oct 14, 2009
Most Influential Doctors, created for USA TODAY by Santa Fe medical information firm Qforma, lists about 8,800 specialists in the treatment of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, breast cancer, depression, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and arthritis from more than 300 U.S. metro areas. FULL STORY. (USA Today)
Transcendental meditation reduces stress, improves mental health among women with breast cancer Oct 14, 2009
The hospital is also a Blue Distinction Center for Cardiac Care and is five-star rated in six clinical areas, including cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (lung disease), heart failure, hip fracture repair, pneumonia and treatment of stroke. The Center for Cancer Care of Saint Joseph Hospital was recently designated the first accredited breast center in Chicago by the American College of Surgeons (ACoS) National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers... (EurekAlert!)
HealthGrades study: 52 percent lower chance of dying at top-rated hospitals Oct 13, 2009
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Pneumonia. (EurekAlert!)
Raymond Brown, 94; lawyer defended Hurricane Carter Oct 13, 2009
The cause was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, said Thulani Davis, his sister-in-law. Mr. Brown, a tall, slender man blessed with the courtroom gifts of a strong voice, sweeping arm gestures, and a prowling gait, developed his ardor for civil rights as an African-American soldier sent to Army bases in the South and seeing firsthand how shabbily and humiliatingly blacks were treated. (Boston Globe)
Face Masks for Patients May Leak, Spread Germs Oct 10, 2009
They are used for patients with heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and sleep apnea in addition to pneumonia. With both models and using negative pressure, the researchers found substantial exposure to exhaled air occurs within one meter of patients receiving non-invasive ventilation in an isolation room. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Humana creates new military health benefit Oct 10, 2009
Families of soldiers who are enrolled in the Department of Defense s TRICARE military insurance program will now have access to a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Management Program. Patients will be able to call a dedicated registered nurse to receive education and coaching on how to deal with this lung disease. (San Antonio Business Journal, TX)
African American Lung Cancer Patients May Have Different Response To New Cancer-fighting Drugs Oct 9, 2009
9, 2008) Scientists have developed a risk prediction assessment for lung cancer specifically for African-Americans that suggests a greater risk from chronic obstructive pulmonary. . (Science Daily)
Ingen Signs 5-Month IR/PR Deal With the Money Channel Oct 9, 2009
There are 32 million U.S. patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and 600 million patients worldwide. Ingen Technologies is now the largest manufacturer of in-line gravity-independent oxygen flow meters. (Primezone Releases)
Triple therapy halves exacerbations in moderate-to-severe COPD Oct 8, 2009
Patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can benefit from triple therapy that includes a long-acting -agonist (LABA), an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and an anti-muscarinic agent, according to researchers in Germany. In the study, which will appear in the October 15 issue of the American Thoracic Society's American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, researchers found that adding budesonide, an ICS, and formoterol, a LABA, to the... (EurekAlert!)
Birth control pills messing up human evolution Oct 8, 2009
0 Patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can benefit from triple therapy that includes a long-acting -agonist (LABA), an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and an anti-muscarinic agent. . (Harper's Magazine)
How Soy Reduces Diabetes Risk Oct 8, 2009
(June 28, 2009) People who eat lots of soy products have better lung function, and are less likely to develop the smoking-associated lung disease COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). A new study has shown. (Science Daily)
Mediterranean Diet Associated With Reduced Risk Of Depression Oct 7, 2009
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is an umbrella term for chronic. . (Science Daily)
Agonising death by a thousand cuts Oct 3, 2009
Most patients with diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or chronic heart failure have other chronic conditions, according to research published recently in the Australia and New Zealand Health Policy journal. Given the frequency of co-morbidity, ''future clinical policy initiatives need to move away from single-illness orientation towards strategies that embrace the needs of people with co-morbid conditions to strengthen patient capacity to self-manage'', concludes the research,... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Sonora Lung Care Opens in GV Oct 3, 2009
As a certified COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) Specialist and a licensed Respiratory Therapist, the Green Valley area seemed the perfect place to start her new business Sonora Lung Care. Born in Budapest, Hungary, Szmutni arrived in Los Angeles in 1972, where she honed her skills in busy hospitals. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Intern or internist? Oct 1, 2009
We deal with chronic diseases -- hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, high cholesterol, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and chronic bronchitis, chronic infections, a result of stroke. "Stroke and congestive heart failure, she noted, are two of the more common hospital admissions nationally. When those patients are discharged from the hospital, internists try to provide some type of maintenance for them.While internists aren't pediatricians, neither are they... (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Racial Disparities In Diabetes Prevalence Linked To Living Conditions Oct 1, 2009
9, 2008) Scientists have developed a risk prediction assessment for lung cancer specifically for African-Americans that suggests a greater risk from chronic obstructive pulmonary. (July 8, 2009) Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer death in both men and women and the second leading cause of cancer death when both sexes are combined. (Science Daily)
Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Lung Disease On The Rise In The United States, Study Finds Sep 26, 2009
17, 2008) Researchers in Finland are reporting identification of the first potential "biomarker" that could be used in development of a sputum test for early detection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. (June 8, 2009) Pulmonary hypertension is an unremitting disease caused by a progressive increase in blood pressure in the blood vessels of the lung; it leads to heart failure and ultimately death. (Science Daily)
The Delayed-Start Study Design Sep 24, 2009
Volume 361:1304-1306. Ralph B. D'Agostino, Sr., Ph. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Big drop in heart attacks after smoking bans Sep 23, 2009
With more time, research may also show that bans could lower rates of other smoking-related , such as lung cancer, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a lung condition that includes emphysema and is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. "This is only the short-term result; lung cancer takes a lot longer to show up," says Dr. Steven A. Schroeder, the director of the Smoking Cessation Leadership Center at the University of California, San Francisco. (CNN -- Health)
TAX FREE: Health expense accounts could face cuts Sep 23, 2009
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma. $51. (USA Today -- Money)
Smoking bans cut heart attacks by a third | Sep 22, 2009
Smoking also causes several types of cancer, stroke and emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Click for related content. (MSNBC -- Health)
Employee fitness pays dividends Sep 20, 2009
"We help identify risk factors such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma, obesity and smoking. "Then, we join with the employee to help work through those risk factors. We are very committed to our employees. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Portable and precise gas sensor could monitor pollution and detect disease Sep 19, 2009
Testing for nitric oxide in a patient's breath, for example, could reveal chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and inflammation. "The sensor we've developed is much more accurate and sensitive than existing systems, yet is far more compact and portable," said Gerard Wysocki, assistant professor of electrical engineering at Princeton. (EurekAlert!)
* Taiwan News Quicktake Sep 19, 2009
One of the latest victims was a 73-year-old man in Taipei City, who had suffered from tuberculosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, city health department officials said ... The other victim was a 70-year-old Taipei County resident, who had a long history of smoking and suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the countys Public Health Bureau said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Taiwan)
Ingen Brings Aboard New Director and Medical Advisory Board Member Sep 17, 2009
Sept. 16, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ingen Technologies, Inc. (Pink Sheets: - ) the Medical Device Manufacturer of the new Oxyview Nasal Cannula focused in the $8 billion global Respiratory Markets for the growing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease aging population and emerging markets for Home (DME), Hospital and Aviation Industries, announced today that Charles E. Vorwaller has accepted a position on the Board of Directors, and Donna Murtaugh has accepted a position on Ingen's Medical... (Primezone Releases)
Link Between Protein And Lung Disease Found Sep 17, 2009
16, 2009) In a development that could lead to a novel approach to the treatment of a devastating lung disease, biochemists at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston report they are the first to link the osteopontin (OPN) protein to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) ... "This paper reveals exciting new information on the pathogenetic mechanisms involved in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema," said Richard J. Castriotta, M.D.,... (Science Daily)
New Vaccine May Work Better Against Lung Disease Sep 11, 2009
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 9 (HealthDay News) -- A recently developed pneumonia vaccine may be more effective in preventing infections in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) than the vaccine that is typically used, new research suggests. Risk of pneumonia can be an ongoing problem for people with COPD, a chronic, progressive disease that causes difficulty breathing and chest tightness. (MEDLINEplus)
Blood Test Narrows Down Need for Antibiotics Sep 10, 2009
7 days in the control group); those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (2. 5 vs. 5. (MEDLINEplus)
Statins May Benefit Patients With COPD Sep 9, 2009
8, 2009) Statins have been shown to benefit patients with cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol, but now research shows that statins may provide significant benefits for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) ... 17, 2008) Researchers in Finland are reporting identification of the first potential "biomarker" that could be used in development of a sputum test for early detection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ... 8, 2008) Here's another reason not to smoke,... (Science Daily)
New vaccine shows promise for COPD patients at risk for pneumonia Sep 8, 2009
A new vaccine against pneumonia may offer better protection from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients than the currently accepted vaccine, according to recent research that will be published in the September 15 issue of the American Journal of the Respiratory and Critical Care Journal, a publication of the American Thoracic Society. Because pneumonia disproportionately affects patients with COPD and frequently causes exacerbations, the Centers for Disease Control currently... (EurekAlert!)
Immunologic Aspects of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Sep 3, 2009
To the Editor: Cosio et al. (June 4 issue)1 present data that will stimulate the study of the role of autoimmunity in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, we think that research efforts focusing on the mechanisms of autoimmunity in COPD are not of paramount importance in smokers and patients with COPD, at least from a practical point of view. (New England Journal of Medicine)
New Tool To Predict Risk Of Death In COPD May Help Physicians To Individualize Treatment Sep 1, 2009
31, 2009) Researchers have developed an index scale to help physicians predict a patient s risk of dying from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) ... Additional authors of Expansion of the prognostic assessment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the updated BODE index and the ADO index include Judith Garcia-Aymerich, Martin Frey, Gerben ter Riet, Josep M. Ant;, Alvar G. Agust;, Federico P. G;mez, Roberto Rodr;guez-Ro;sin, Karel G. M. Moons, Alphons g. Kessels and... (Science Daily)
How Cities Mimic Life: Megacities Breathe, Consume Energy, Excrete Wastes And Pollute Aug 31, 2009
(May 22, 2006) People with diabetes, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk of death when exposed to particulate air. (May 25, 2007) There's no big countdown billboard or sign in Times Square to denote it, but Wednesday, May 23, 2007, represents a major demographic shift, according to scientists from North Carolina State. (Science Daily)
Treating COPD Early Improves Outcomes Aug 29, 2009
THURSDAY, Aug. 27 (HealthDay News) -- Although there is no cure for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), starting treatment early may slow progression of the illness and add years to the lives of sufferers, new research finds. COPD is a progressive, destructive disease of the lungs that is usually brought on by years of smoking. (MEDLINEplus)
Four Studies Published in The Lancet Show roflumilast (Daxas(R)), a New Oral Approach to COPD, Improves Lung Function and Reduces Exacerbations Aug 28, 2009
-- Once-a-day tablet Daxas(R) (roflumilast) is a first-in-class treatment under development targeting inflammation, the underlying cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ZURICH, Aug. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Nycomed and Forest Laboratories today announced that results of four phase III trials have been published in the prestigious peer-reviewed medical journal The Lancet showing that roflumilast, a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, improved lung function and reduced exacerbations... (PR Newswire)
Running Rampant Aug 27, 2009
More than 10,000 people across the U.S. will be included in the study as a genetic connection is looked for with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - this includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis and airway diseases that cause damage to the air passages. Participants are given a chest x-ray CT scan, breathing tests and questionnaires dealing with their health history. (Kalona News, IA)
GSK Advair shipment worth millions stolen Aug 25, 2009
It treats asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease associated with chronic bronchitis. The two types of the drug stolen are the two strongest versions of the medication. (Raleigh Triangle Business Journal, NC)
Still holding their breath: Mortality on lung transplant wait list remains high for some Aug 24, 2009
Overall, mortality on the lung transplant waiting list has fallen as a result of the changes, especially among those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and cystic fibrosis (CF); patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH), however, make up only a small minority of lung-transplant candidates, and therefore little is known about whether and how they have benefited from the changes to lung allocation protocols. "Most people... (EurekAlert!)
Romantic, Candle-lit Dinners: An Unrecognized Source Of Indoor Air Pollution Aug 22, 2009
5, 2007) Poor indoor air quality can significantly worsen health problems in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, according to a recent article. High concentrations of fine particulate. (Science Daily)
Study: Some types of candles may pollute indoor air Aug 22, 2009
People with respiratory problems such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease should make an extra effort to cut down on indoor air pollution, says Rosenstreich. And it's easier than it sounds. (CNN -- Health)
National Quality Forum Endorses Measures to Improve Medication Safety and Quality Aug 18, 2009
Conditions include diabetes, asthma, coronary artery disease, kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and schizophrenia. The endorsed measures for adherence measure things like adherence of antipsychotics among patients with schizophrenia, and medication possession for statin therapy for patients with coronary artery disease. (PR Newswire)
ADA publishes practice guidelines for nutrition care for patients with spinal cord injury Aug 13, 2009
ADA has previously published evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines on adult weight management; celiac disease; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; critical illness; diabetes type 1 and 2; disorders of lipid metabolism; gestational diabetes mellitus; heart failure; hypertension; oncology; and pediatric weight management. The guidelines contain systematically developed recommendations, based on scientific evidence, and are designed to assist practitioners on the appropriate nutrition... (EurekAlert!)
Growing Evidence Of Marijuana Smoke's Potential Dangers Aug 6, 2009
18, 2009) Smoking both tobacco and marijuana increases the risk of respiratory symptoms and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), found a new study ... (May 23, 2007) Marijuana worsens breathing problems in current smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a new study. (Science Daily)
On a wing and an oxygen tank: Utah Hospice flies dying Logan man over Grand Canyon Jul 26, 2009
On a normal day, Seamons who suffers from emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease would be sitting in his arm chair, attached to his oxygen hose and hardly able to walk across his Logan home. But on Thursday, the pilot propped him up onto the wing of the aircraft and helped him into the co-pilot position. (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
Howard Engle; smoker who was plaintiff in antitobacco lawsuit Jul 25, 2009
The cause was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, said his son, David. Dr. Engle had smoked multiple packs of cigarettes daily since he was in college, his son said, and though he tried many times to quit, he never succeeded. (Boston Globe)
Infant Inhalation Of Ultrafine Air Pollution Linked To Adult Lung Disease Jul 24, 2009
Dr. Cormier, a 2006 National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Outstanding New Environmental Scientist awardee, is conducting research to determine how inhalation exposure to environmental factors such as allergens, pollutants, and respiratory viruses during infancy leads to pulmonary inflammatory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma later in life. Using protein profiling techniques, Dr. Cormier s lab was able to determine that early exposure to... (Science Daily)
ANOTHER VIEW: Imagine a chicken ranch ... (40) Jul 23, 2009
Switch airborne "chicken feathers" with airborne "silica particulates." Can you spell Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Cough, hack, hoooork. (North County Times)
MediciNova to Evaluate MN-221 for the Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations Jul 21, 2009
SAN DIEGO, July 20, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MediciNova, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company that is publicly traded on the Nasdaq Global Market (Nasdaq: - ) and the Hercules Market of the Osaka Securities Exchange (Code Number: 4875), today announced that it plans to evaluate MN-221, a highly selective beta2-adrenergic receptor agonist, for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations ... MediciNova's pipeline includes six clinical-stage compounds for the treatment... (Primezone Releases)
Congress Must Recognize Homecare as Cost-Effective Part of Health Care Reform Jul 21, 2009
"This year, Medicare payments for the most commonly prescribed home medical equipment categories have been cut by 9.5 percent, including complex rehabilitative power wheelchairs. Medical oxygen reimbursement has also been cut by 27 percent so far this year. Home oxygen is a critical, life-sustaining medical treatment prescribed to nearly 1.5 million Medicare patients each year who suffer from respiratory illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. "Another measure aimed at cutting... (PR Newswire)