Algea Therapies (Audubon, PA), a division of Globus Medical Inc (Audubon, PA), launched the SHIELD Vertebral Compression Fracture (VCF) System. The SHIELD VCF is a next-generation fracture management and vertebral augmentation platform for patients with vertebral compression fractures. The SHIELD features a new technique involving unipedicular cavity creation and a cement-directing device, the SHIELD implant.

For the second summer in a row, the CDC (Atlanta, GA) issued guidance on immunizing children during an ongoing shortage of certain combination vaccines. According to the CDC, Sanofi Pasteur's (Paris, France) Pentacel and Daptacel, and GlaxoSmithKline's (GSK) (Research Triangle Park, NC) Pediarix will remain in short supply during summer 2013. Sanofi Pasteur will resume distributing Pentacel in limited quantities June 3, but allocation restrictions on the vaccine will remain in place throughout the summer. The CDC website offers a reference table explaining which alternative vaccines may be given during the shortage and when.

California Pacific Medical Center (San Francisco, CA) unveiled its revised $500 million construction plan for California Pacific Medical Center Saint Luke’s Campus (San Francisco, CA). As part of California Pacific’s two-hospital replacement project, Saint Luke’s will be torn down and a new seven-story hospital will be erected on the site of a physician’s parking lot along Cesar Chavez Street to the west of the current hospital. The 120-bed facility would house an ER 50 percent larger than the present one. Once patients are transferred to the new hospital, the old hospital would be torn down and replaced by a five-story medical office building within five years of the new hospital’s opening. The entire deal must still be approved in steps by the planning commission, and board of supervisors. If approved, construction will begin in 2015 and end in 2019.

Massachusetts hospitals may lose over $250 million through new legislation under review in Congress that would eliminate a wage payment system instituted in the Affordable Care Act (ACA). One of the ACA's provisions states that Medicare must reimburse physician and staff wages at urban hospitals for at least the same rate as rural hospitals, which in Massachusetts means that Nantucket Cottage Hospital (Nantucket, MA), the only rural hospital in the state, sets the floor for physician wages. Because Nantucket Cottage Hospital's employees are paid at a relatively higher rate to reflect the more expensive cost of living in the area, the reimbursement provision has given Massachusetts nearly $250 million in funds drawn from a national pool at the expense of other states. The program creates a net loss for 40 states, while 10 others, including several in New England, receive a net benefit. The proposed bill to eliminate the payments has bipartisan support among most state representatives in the House and Senate.

More than 97 percent of Dean Health Systems Inc (Madison, WI) shareholders voted in favor of merging with SSM Health Care of Wisconsin (Madison, WI). Dean consists of 500 physicians, more than 60 clinics and its subsidiaries, including a joint venture, 300,000-person health plan with SSM and a telemedicine firm. All facilities would become fully owned by SSM. Financial details were not disclosed. The deal is expected to close by late summer 2013, pending regulatory approval.

Each week, the Dail-E News tries to brighten the end of the long work week with a couple of off-the-wall stories from around the world. This week, there are a lot of people who need their weeks brightened in the wake of the massive Oklahoma tornado. You can help.

There are a slew of scammers and fake charities cropping up, trying to take advantage of peoples’ generosity. Below are a few of the legitimate sites for the organizations that have been established to help the victims of this tragedy. Please take a few minutes to see how you, or your organization, can help.

Henry Schein Disaster Relief Hotline
Henry Schein Inc’s (Melville, NY) Disaster Relief Hotline for dentists, physicians, and veterinarians who are experiencing operational, logistical, or financial issues as a result of the tornado is now open. In addition to helping its customers, healthcare products donated by Henry Schein through Henry Schein Cares will help support organizations providing disaster relief assistance to citizens in the affected communities. The toll-free number for all Henry Schein customers is 800-999-9729, and the hotline is operational from 7 am to 7 pm EST.

OKSTRONG Disaster Relief Fund
Governor Mary Fallin, in coordination with the United Way of Central Oklahoma, established the OKStrong Disaster Relief Fund to assist with the long-term needs of victims of the tornado. Donations for the long-term needs can be made by calling (405) 236-8441, or donating online at www.unitedwayokc.org.

Red Cross: www.redcross.org/

Have a great, safe holiday weekend,
-Dail-E News Staff

In this week's TIPS FOR GREATER SUCCESS, Dan Nielsen, founder of the National Institute for Healthcare Leadership (www.nihcl.com), reminds his readers that, although life doesn’t always go according to plan, it is always in our power to make the best of things. Nielsen writes, “Life throws a lot at us, and it’s easy to get discouraged or frustrated when things don’t turn out quite like we’d hoped… With the right attitude and outlook on life, you can find and recognize the positive in every situation and appreciate the blessings along with the troubles.” To read this week's Tips, visit nihcl.com/tips-for-success/2013/may-24.asp.

Due to the Memorial Day holiday, Dail-E News will not be published on Monday, May 27th. It will resume on Tuesday, May 28th. MDSI wishes everyone a safe and happy Memorial Day!

MedAssets (Alpharetta, GA) is looking for exhibitors for the 2013 Technology & Innovation Forum, to be held Tuesday, October 1, 2013, in Orlando, Florida. MedAssets is encouraging industry suppliers who manufacture or distribute medical products, supplies, and services to participate in the annual event which spotlights healthcare technology and trends. The deadline for submissions is June 3, 2013. About 60 suppliers chosen for this event will have products or services that are designed to reduce supply chain costs, introduce significant technological or clinical advancements, or present opportunity to improve patient outcomes and the overall delivery of patient care. Applications should clearly define how the product or service differs from other existing offerings. Organizations wishing to exhibit at the 2013 Technology & Innovation Forum should complete the application form available on the MedAssets website.

MedAssets (Alpharetta, GA) awarded Stryker Corporation (Kalamazoo, MI) a new three-year, sole-source agreement for its surgical power equipment and medical accessories. Effective July 1, 2013, MedAssets clients will have access to Stryker’s full line of products, including large and small bone equipment; micro and neurological equipment; tourniquet inflation machines; and disposable and reinfusion post-op wound drains.

Quotes last updated at 5/23/2013 4:47:09 PM EST