Wednesday, 10-14-09

-American Society of Transplantations Promotes Transplant Drug Extension With Senate
http://www.pharmaceuticalonline.com/article.mvc/AST-On-Capitol-Hill-To-Promote-Transplant-Dru-0001?VNETCOOKIE=NO

The American society of Transplantations (AST) went to Capitol Hill yesterday to discuss the support of a health care reform provision that would ensure kidney transplant recipients continue to receive Medicare coverage for immunosuppressive drugs.

Extending this coverage under Medicare would improve the long term health of kidney recipients and would be more cost-effective to taxpayers.

Currently the Medicare Program pays for kidney transplantation, an initial investment of more than $100,000. By providing coverage for a patient's immunosuppressant drugs, the tranplant investment is protected and preserved.

((There was no real human element but should ask a kidney recipient how they feel about the legislation or a doctor just how well this would protect the investment of the original operation.))

The bill, the Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act of 2009, is currently on the floor of the U.S. Senate and has been included in the House health care reform bill.

-Extended Antiviral Treatments PostSurgery Benefit Kidney Transplant Recipients
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_89500.html

-American Association of Kidney Patients Stresses the Importance of Exercising for Patients
http://www.aakp.org/aakp-library/Exercise-prescribed/