A new Japanese medical firm, Cyfuse Biomedical (Tokyo, Japan), is embarking on a most unique application of 3D printing. The goal of their research effort is to create new blood vessels. Koji Kuchiishi is the CEO of the firm; his previous endeavors include mobile phone design (at Panasonic), a patent associate, and a stint as a McKinsey consultant. His firm has significant venture backing (JAFCO, the largest Japanese Venture Capital firm and the University of Tokyo Edge Capital Fund, among others). Cyfuse’s developments are “protected” by patents in the US, China, Singapore, and Japan.
Safe and Effective?
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to deal with FDA (Food and Administration) approvals for a variety of drugs and devices. I admit, sometimes, it did not quite seem to be an ‘opportunity’, but, generally, I was most appreciative of the process.
Medicare sets the tone
One of the key thoughts behind the idea of healthcare reform was to cut the cost of medical care. In America, more than 1 of every 6 dollars we spend is for health related expenses. (It was on track to be one of every 5 by this year- but that was before Obamacare [PPACA] was proposed and enacted.)
Isn’t there an easier way?
Yesterday, we discussed indemnity, catastrophic, and conventional health care plans. One of the primary reasons to have a health care plan is to be able to get lower prices for each service that may be needed. Without such a plan, you pay what the provider wants- or get sued. The difference in pricing can be 90%. It is routine for me to see an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) detailing a bill that came in as $ 7244, was considered to be $ 1200 once reduced by my insurance carrier, and for my share of the costs to be only $ 50 or so.
Indemnity my a..
Oh, I know, you’ve heard that some folks’ insurance bill have escalated. I will not deny that changing from a catastrophic-coverage plan to a real health care plan is not more (even much more) expensive- but in the grand scheme of things for all citizens, that is not a big change. Because most Americans get their health care insurance at work.
What’s that sticking out of your pants?
Some of us have been using smartphones for a long time. Oh, I know, y’all thought my Palm Pilot wasn’t sophisticated. But, consider this- for nearly 15 years, I was able to have a contact list (with eMail, pictures, and special information), Microsoft Office functionality (like a word processor, spreadsheet, and calendaring), access to my accounting program and to do lists, among other important functions (like Scrabble and books- albeit with 100 words or so on a page).
PAC ’em in, it’s only our elections on the line
We’ve talked about the Koch Brothers and their lobbying groups. Other than ALEC, most of them are recently founded. That is not true for Karl Rove’s group- Crossroads GPS. As you recall, it spent some $ 208 million in 2012, while its sister group (PAC American Crossroads) employed some $ 117 million- making it second right behind the Koch Brothers.
Continue reading PAC ’em in, it’s only our elections on the line
If it looks like a duck, it quacks like a duck…
So, yesterday, we spoke about one of the Koch Brothers’ lobbying groups, ALEC. Today, we’ll examine their networks n a little more detail.
Continue reading If it looks like a duck, it quacks like a duck…
Of the people, by the people, and for the people?
From the second John Kerry was attacked via the “Swiftboating” episode, I knew that Americans (and, given that we seem to invading other countries electoral political process, the world) were in for a heap of trouble. You see, the group (I am clearly being of generous mood, here) behind this attack, the “Swift Boat Veterans for Truth” was a 527 organization. A “tax exempt” organization that focuses on “issues”.
Continue reading Of the people, by the people, and for the people?
Jack be nimble…
What do we do if we don’t believe holacracy (which we discussed yesterday) will work in our company? Do we just give up? I don’t think so.