Brief: Anthem Blue Cross is unbrazen as it’s vindictive business practices lay exposed in California

Note: I don't have much time nowadays so I am switching to quick updates on key issues rather than wait till I have time to post in the long form I am used to.

I first came across this article on the erstwhile ducknetweb, and it makes for an incredible read. I generally do not like reproducing other peoples' hard work as a blog post, but I think Anthem Blue Cross's vindictive business could use all the bad publicity it can get, especially since they plan to appeal a decision against them, rather than apologize to the victims, including the Doctor they rejected from their network and the several patients on whose behalf he fought with Anthem Blue Cross.

Jeffrey Nordella, a doctor who doubled as a patient advocate stood up against Anthem Blue Cross when they rejected patient claims. He put up a brave fight, and in return Anthem Blue Cross barred him from participating in their network. The Supreme Court of California had clearly stated in a 2000 case that when insurance companies kick doctors out of their network, they must give them due process.

Such minor details or a clear verdict from a jury are of no consequence to Anthem Blue Cross apparently. Read for yourself.

I am going to post the links here, and I hope that you will go through them, read and understand what happened here, and, if you happen to be in a similar situation, you will be ready for a long fight!

Links:

1. http://ducknetweb.blogspot.com/2013/04/doctor-wins-38-million-dollar-law-suit.html

2. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-anthem-doctor-verdict-20130410,0,2796259.storySource:
http://chaaraka.blogspot.com/2013/04/brief-anthem-blue-cross-is-unbrazen-as.html

reGeneRations 2013 – Biosciences


reGeneRations 2013 - Biosciences Bioengineering, IIT Bombay Welcomes You!
The Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering (BSBE) is a nodal center for applying science and engineering principles to further fundamental knowledge and applications in biology and biomedical engineering. The BSBE department aims to create an ambience for the smooth pursuit of scholarly activities in research and education, to make an international impact, and to produce future leaders in the field of Biosciences and Bioengineering.

By: Sandeep Kumar Khichar

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reGeneRations 2013 - Biosciences

Bioinformatics and Bioengineering – Todd McDevitt, Georgia Institute of Technology – NSF – Video


Bioinformatics and Bioengineering - Todd McDevitt, Georgia Institute of Technology - NSF
Stem cell biomanufacturing is the conduit for fundamental scientific discoveries about stem cell biology to be translated into biomedical diagnostics and therapies. Robust new approaches to control the expansion and differentiation of stem cells in a scalable manner are required for cell production purposes. In addition, non-destructive means of assaying cell fate are needed to introduce feedback control processes and ensure the safety and efficacy of stem cell-derived products. These objectives are being met by the research currently being carried out by Stem Cell Biomanufacturing IGERT trainees at Georgia Tech who are preparing to become the scientific leaders of this rapidly emerging field that exists at the crossroads of stem cell biology, bioengineering and bioprocessing. Specific research efforts include the development of biomaterials approaches for the culture and delivery of stem cells, computational modeling of stem cell fate decisions, label-free non-destructive cell sorting technologies and "real-time" gene expression analysis. Overall, these projects represent the next generation of technologies to be integrated into the biomanufacturing pipeline for the production and ultimately translation of stem cells for biomedical applications.

By: Todd McDevitt

Excerpt from:
Bioinformatics and Bioengineering - Todd McDevitt, Georgia Institute of Technology - NSF - Video

Bioengineering Overview Sloan Career Center

Biomedical engineers develop devices and procedures that solve medical and health-related problems by combining their knowledge of biology and medicine with engineering principles and practices. Many do research, along with medical scientists, to develop and evaluate systems and products such as artificial organs, prostheses (artificial devices that replace missing body parts), instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems. Biomedical engineers also may design devices used in various medical procedures, imaging systems such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and devices for automating insulin injections or controlling body functions. Most engineers in this specialty need a sound background in another engineering specialty, such as mechanical or electronics engineering, in addition to specialized biomedical training. Some specialties within biomedical engineering are biomaterials, biomechanics, medical imaging, rehabilitation engineering, and orthopedic engineering.

Major advances in Bioengineering include the development of artificial joints, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the heart pacemaker, arthroscopy, angioplasty, bioengineered skin, kidney dialysis, and the heart-lung machine.

Bioengineering Resources

Online

Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Whitaker Foundation.

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Bioengineering Overview Sloan Career Center

Innovation Shines at CREATIVATE – Lehigh University News

So Huffman decided to create a device that can be attached to a car and, at the touch of a button, control the vehicles noise level. As such, his company, Valvetronic Designs, was born: When the car is in loud mode, the valved exhaust system he created is open and the exhaust is able to flow right out of the car. However, in quiet mode, the exhaust is trapped within the device, preventing it from making any loud noises.

As Valvetronic Designs began to grow, Huffman sought the help of his roommate, Scott Gruninger 20.

I just brought this excellent man on because I'm terrible at managing my financials and such, Huffman said. So I need a man to help me with supply chain financials, and he's the guy.

Said Gruninger: Before I worked with Austin I had a 3-D printing business...And then, Austin and I, being roommates, we bounced ideas off of each other and he was like, Why don't you come do this full time with me? And I was like, Yeah!

Huffman is a supply chain management major, and Gruninger studies management consulting.

Were on track to do $30,000 in sales this month...We dont have any overheads because its just us, Huffman said. We outsource our manufacturing, and we build our supplies off site, so it doesn't cost us a bunch to make these systems, and it's just pushing marketing out. Getting my name out there is how we're going to [grow].

Lauren Farrell 13 combined two of her passions to create luxury handbags for sports fans.

At Lehigh, Farrell studied design and entrepreneurship.

I remember that the entrepreneurs had this passion that was totally contagious and I said, I have no idea what I want to do, but I want to be like them.

Farrells inspiration came about when she discovered a lack of fashionable bags on the market that met the strict regulations of sports centers. She decided to create a line of bags that met those restrictions, but still could appeal to the woman who loves fashion.

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Innovation Shines at CREATIVATE - Lehigh University News