TGIF Edition

Yesterday was oral argument in the Florida case against health reform. As he has done in the past, the judge made several comments leading us to believe that he will rule against the individual mandate that people buy insurance. More here. And here. And here. And here. Here's why the individual mandate is so important. Still, experts continue to try to think of alternatives to the individual mandate in case they are needed.

You may have heard that the FDA has decided to ban Avastin for the treatment of breast cancer because they don't believe it's effective. Well, the Republicans say it's rationing and blame it on health reform. Huh? The FDA has been ruling on the effectiveness of drugs for a long time -- far longer than health reform has been around.

Community health centers will play an expanded role in health reform, as they apply for federal grants to expand services to those in need.

The wonderful Pauline Chen writes about the importance of the hospital room surroundings.

Seventy-five percent of doctors believe in miracles! I don't know if I think that's cool, or if it's scary that they think they NEED miracles!!!

States are cutting access to HIV drugs due to deficits. So when we need to cut a budget, we start with letting people die? Really? They couldn't find something else to cut, like all the government holiday parties maybe?

But hey -- it's Friday. That means we made it through another week, and it's almost time for our holiday break. So have a great day. Jennifer