The Federal Government commissioned a report, released August 9, 2007, which contained a recommendation that patient Electronic Health Records(EHRs), which are medical files stored on a providers computer, must allow health insurers’ unrestricted access to patient electronic medical records. According to Modern Health Care, the report titled, Recommended Requirements for Enhancing Data Quality in Electronic Health Record Systems,  was actually completed back in May but not released until August. link to article

With this kind of access, patients could have their entire medical record examined by payers. This could include physician encounters not subject to a current claim, or maybe those that were paid previously by another payer or even for those that were paid by the patient themselves with cash.

No big surprise that Mary Matalin wrote a letter to a federal judge on behalf of Scooter Libby, but her husband James Carville, a long time democratic strategist co-signed the letter.  By doing so,  Mr. Carville joins Don Rumsfeld, John Bolton and Paul Wolfowitz as the group of special friends that went out of their way for poor old Scooter.

Carville has sold his last shred of credibility to his wife's GOP benefactors.

When pro-lifers insist that, "life begins at conception", why do pro-choice advocates stumble in their response or clam up?  

The pro-lifers are kicking pro-choice ass by repeating their message "life begins at conception".  We will never win this battle if we concede this point.  

The simple quick retort is "no, it doesn't" or "no,life does not begin at conception".  Why don't we hear that from NARAL and other leaders?  Why don't we say it unequivocally when discussing this issue?

Is it time for the White House Press Corps to snub McClellen and not show up for a day? The Cheney shooting has been just another example of how the Bush administration has no interest in the truth. It is patently obvious that the White House has nothing but contempt for bonafide journalists and their profession.  

I just completed a bizarre and disturbing Zogby poll.  The poll asked under what conditions would it be ok for the US to use a nuclear weapon on Iran.  It also asked what other kind of action against Iran would be acceptable, airstrikes? invasion? occupation?  Would it be better to go it alone, or with the Europeans? Israelis? UN?

Should I be more troubled by the fact that my government is considering using a nuclear weapon weapon against Iran or the fact that they are asking me my opinion so they can sell it in the State of the Union?