Roundup of the Day's Health News
ByABC News
August 20, 2001, 7:43 PM
Aug. 20 -- In the medical file today:
Trimming Edges
In a major cost-cutting measure that will affect millions of people who rely on Medicare, the federal health insurance program plans to dramatically reduce how much it pays for treatments done on an outpatient basis, such as chemotherapy and pacemaker implants. Some doctors say they may be forced to give these same treatments in the hospital, which would cost even more. Read more.
If You Can't Quit
Researchers in Sweden report that people who reduce the number of cigarettes they smoke by half, have significantly reduced risk for heart disease after only eight weeks. The findings suggest that people who are unable to quit entirely may still benefit from smoking less. Read more.
