Briefs

HOUSTON - The American Association of Breast Care Professionals (AABCP) has created a lymphedema advisory committee to raise "social and political awareness" about the condition, which occurs often after mastectomy surgery. "Medicare denies a simple but highly effective compression garment for the treatment of upper limb lymphedema as 'not medically necessary and a non-covered item' however Medicare will pay for more costly lymphedema treatments," stated AABCP founder Rhonda Turner.

Wound care devices donated to Haiti

SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Wound care supplier Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (KCI) has donated more than $2 million in medical devices to Haiti, the company announced in January. Among the goods: Its V.A.C. Freedom Therapy units to treat individuals with compound fractures at high risk of infection. "We hope that our donation makes one measure of difference on the front lines of this terrible disaster," stated Catherine Burzik, president/CEO, in a release. KCI is partnering with the Surgical Implant Generation Network (SIGN) and Project Medishare to get the devices to Haiti.

NCPA pays to play

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) political action committee (PAC) contributed more than $1 million in political donations in 2009, nearly triple what it gave in 2007, according to a Feb. 16 article in USA Today. "We had our hats handed to us in years past," Bruce Roberts, CEO of the pharmacy group is quoted as saying in the article. "We are now focused on making sure we are in the game and getting our voices heard." Overall, political contributions from healthcare PACs were up nearly 14% from 2007, according to the article.

Walgreens reorganizes healthcare divisions

DEERFIELD, Ill. - Walgreens Health Services Division's specialty and infusion pharmacy, mail order, long-term care pharmacy and home care services will move to Walgreens' core Pharmacy Division as part of a restructuring effort, the company announced March 1. The move will enable the company to offer integrated "Pharmacy, Health and Wellness Solutions" to employers, managed care organizations, pharmacy benefit managers and government clients, the company stated in a release.