Gout, an arthritic disease, is on the rise. And that’s perhaps why it is the focus of lobbying efforts in New York and elsewhere.
Gout affects some 6 million adults in the country, a number that is growing as the population ages and becomes more obese. A disease seen primarily in males, its occurrence is rising in women over the age of 70.
The New York State Health Foundation analyzed the state’s health information technology infrastructure capabilities and offered a list of options for integrating them. That will be necessary to meet federal requirements for setting up an insurance exchange. The 50-page report, written by Social Interest Solutions, rates the existing computer architecture of 15 electronic health information systems now in use in New York.
After many months of delays, the state has released its list of nominees for the Public Health and Health Planning Council. The nominations, which include the previous members of the Public Health Council, need Senate approval.