Helping the nation further attain its goal of nationwide electronic health recorders, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) this week announced $139 million in grants and contracts to pro

As the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) meets this month in Atlanta, the focus of the educational sessions is on intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), brachytherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, PET/CT, and image-guided treatment planning and therapy. Of the varied types of cancers, prostate, breast, lung and head and neck cancers are getting the most attention. (A preview of new products on the exhibit floor starts on page 14.)

To avoid compromises, networks supporting radiation oncology must rely on multiple fiber paths, switches with primary and secondary backup and uninterruptible power supplies that won't let them down.

Radiation therapy is reaching new heights with IMRT. It is delivering lethal dosages of radiation to tumors while sparing adjacent, critical structures - meaning higher cure rates for patients and less complications.

Radiation therapy is reaching new heights with IMRT. It is delivering lethal dosages of radiation to tumors while sparing adjacent, critical structures - meaning higher cure rates for patients and less complications.

The Senate Appropriations Committee this week passed a FY05 bill to allocate $654 million in loans and grants for broadband access and for programs to improve telemedicine and distance learning.

Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, last week introduced a bill that would establish an Office of Health Information Technology (IT) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The U.S. is one step closer to better reporting of medical errors, with the Senate last week approving legislation to create a voluntary and confidential reporting system for reporting medical errors.