Pew reports raise more questions than answers

Information gaps are a significant impediment to the reports' usefulness to policy-makers. Nonetheless, these reports can and should inform our discussion and debate as we search for a durable solution to the problem.

While Independence Blue Cross and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield have recently ceded ground on coding and reimbursement methodologies, it remains to be seen whether insurers and physicians will be able to develop the necessary level of trust and collaboration to make innovative systems work.

Tobacco settlement challenges & opportunities

Despite all of the hype, the settlement appears to be short on public health policies and long on special legal protections for the tobacco industry. And there is no guarantee that any of the settlement money coming to Pennsylvania will be spent on tobacco control, public health or health care.

Is it a coincidence that a second physician has left a high-ranking position at the state Health Department, or is it a sign of serious problems?

PA's role in the tobacco wars

Pennsylvania, known more for its tobacco crop than its tobacco use prevention programs, has been showing signs that it may be waking from its slumber on this issue.

Discussion forum blossoms, search capacity is operational, and other new features of this site.

Why you are reading this, and what more you can expect.