The 2008 release in the ODG product line (including the 13th edition of Official Disability Guidelines and 6th edition of ODG Treatment in Workers Comp) provides the most up to date evidence-based medical treatment and disability duration guidelines to improve as well as benchmark outcomes in workers’ compensation and non-occupational disability. ODG 2008 is succinct, straightforward, complete, and authoritative - based on an aggregate of over 10 million disability cases and a decade of research, including a systematic medical literature review. In this ongoing task to make tangible and accessible the results of important and emerging medical evidence to minimize the impact of illness and injury in the workplace, Work Loss Data Institute is pleased to introduce ODG 2008.

The ODG library has realized considerable acceptance because:

1) ODG is independent of any medical specialty group and multidisciplinary in scope.
2) ODG takes evidence-based guidelines to their logical end point; the conclusions are linked directly to the evidence in the studies and references.
3) ODG is continuously updated reflecting the findings of new studies as they are conducted and released; subscribers are always up to date.
4) ODG is designed for both Clinical Practice and Utilization Review.
5) ODG seeks clarity in recommendations.
6) ODG allows the ability to copy & paste, saving time and effort in documenting approvals or denials of treatment.
7) ODG has been accepted by the Federal Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality (AHRQ) for inclusion in the National Guidelines Clearinghouse www.guidelines.gov

A six-month pilot study of ODG was recently conducted in Ohio. The use of ODG Treatment reduced medical costs by 64 percent, cut lost days by 69 percent, and minimized treatment delays. Plus, the results of a provider feedback survey showed that use of ODG drew considerable praise from physicians.

Peritoneal mesothelioma: hypertrophic gastroepiploic and omental arteries identified by radioimmune angiography

Introduction
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare and uniformly fatal tumour arising from cells of mesodermal origin that line the serosal cavities (Elmes and Simpson 1976). The accurate preoperative diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma is very difficult. Radiographic findings including routine radiography, sonography and computed tomography (CT) are rarely helpful to distinguish peritoneal mesotheliomas from peritoneal carcinomatosis (Lazarus et al. 1971; Marini and Walter 1984). Findings of dilated omental arteries on celiac angiography may be helpful to make a preoperative diagnosis (Marini and Walter 1984). We report a first case of peritoneal mesothelioma examined by radioimmune (RI) angiography with technetium- 99m human serum albumin (99mTc-HSA).

Case report

A 52-year-old man presented with abdominal pain which had increased during the past 3 months. Physical examination revealed a large, fixed mass which occupied the whole abdomen. Routine laboratory tests, upper gastrointestinal series and barium enema results were normal. Ultrasound revealed an ill-defined, hypoechoic mass which occupied the whole abdomen. Plain CT showed a large nodular mass with irregular low-density areas. It involved the mesentery and omentum. No ascites was noted . Angiography disclosed hypertrophied gastroepiploic arteries and enlarged epiploic branches . Gallium-67 citrate images revealed an irregularly increased uptake throughout the abdomen . On RI angiography with 740 MBq of 99mTc-HSA, the dilated epiploic branches were clearly depicted . The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy which revealed a diffusely infiltrating tumour throughout the abdomen. The biopsy specimen showed malignant peritoneal mesothelioma.

Discussion
Malignant mesotheliomas are uncommon neoplasms arising from the serosal linings of the body cavities. Although the pleura is the most common primary site for mesotheliomas, the peritoneal cavity is not uncommonly involved (30%-45%). Furthermore, some mesotheliomas (12%-20%) arise from the peritoneum (Elmes and Simpson 1976; Legha and Muggia 1972; Moertel 1972). An association with asbestos exposure appears stronger for pleural than peritoneal primaries (Fanney et al. 1988). The diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma is often delayed until exploratory surgery or autopsy. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma usually present with mild and non-specific symptoms such as abdominal pain and distension, weight loss, digestive disturbances, and oedema (Elmes and Simpson 1976; Kannerstein and Churg 1977; Moertel 1972). Routine radiographic findings are often negative or non-specific. Chest radiographs may show signs of asbestosis in fewer than 45% of these patients (Granke et al. 1987). Barium contrast gastrointestinal studies may demonstrate non-specific extrinsic mass effects and separation of the bowel loops (Lazarus et al.
1971). The sonographic appearance of peritoneal mesothelioma has been reported as an echogenic mass within the greater omentum separated from underlying bowel loops by ascites (Shah and King 1979). CT findings include evidence of ascites fluid (86%), peritoneal involvement (75%), bone destruction (25%) and peritoneal mass (12%) (Whitley et al. 1982). Other findings include an irregular thickening of the peritoneum which mayhave a nodular appearance (Fanney et al. 1988; Reuter et al. 1983). However, on sonography and CT, it may be difficult to differentiate this from carcinomatosis and carcinoid tumours (Cockey etal. 1985; Fanney etal. 1988; Granke et al. 1987). Angiographic features include mild hypervascularity and hypertrophic gastroepiploic arteries and their branches (Cockey et al. 1985). Although the angiographic
findings are not absolutely specific, one may strongly suspect the possibility when they occur (Granke et al. 1987; Marini and Walter 1984). Our case is the first reported example of RI angiography that demonstrates hypertrophic gastroepiploic arteries and their branches. It shows a good correlation between RI angiography and conventional angiography. Uptake of 67Ga-citrate in peritoneal mesotheliomas has been reported (Dach et al. 1980; Wolk 1978). In those cases and in our one, there is diffuse 67Ga-citrate uptake within the peritoneal cavity. The pattern of 67Ga - citrate uptake may help to distinguish peritoneal mesotheliomas
from carcinomatosis, which rarely shows gallium uptake. In conclusion, our results suggest that peritoneal mesotheliomas

Technorati Tags: and omental arteries, angiography, by, gastroepiploic, hypertrophic, identified, Mesothelioma News, Peritoneal mesothelioma, radioimmune

How to apply

To apply for Federal Loan Consolidation with Doctor Consolidation, please follow the instructions below. If you need assistance, call Toll Free 1-800-918-7587 and a Personal Financial Advisor will be happy to assist you.

To Complete the Application Form:

1. Type your information directly into the form using your Tab key to move from one position to the next position. You also may print out the application and complete it using a black or blue ink pen. Any corrections should be crossed out and initialed. Please do not use White-Out or similar products.

2. In Section D.1, include all federal loans you wish to consolidate. The Lender/Servicer is where you send or will send your payments. If you do not have all of your loan information, please call Doctor Consolidation Toll Free at 1-800-918-7587 and a Personal Financial Advisor will assist you. You also may check your information at www.nslds.ed.gov. You will need to know your PIN (personal identification number) for each loan in order to consolidate your loans under the federal loan consolidation program. For security, please do not share your PIN with anyone other than your Financial Advisor at Doctor Consolidation.

3. In Section D.2, please include any loans you do not want to consolidate.

4. In Section E, choose your repayment terms. If you do not make a selection, the Standard Repayment Option will be selected for you.

5. Please review your application to verify information provided is complete and accurate. Print the application if you filled it out on line. Make a copy for your records.

6. Sign and date the completed application. Follow the mailing instructions below. Note: The average processing time for your new federal loan consolidation is 30-60 days. Please continue to make all current loan payments until you receive notification that your new loan is completed. Failure to keep existing loan payments current could make you ineligible for consolidation. Mail the completed and signed original copy of the application to:
Doctor Consolidation
4170 Pioneer Ave., Suite B
Las Vegas, Nevada 89102
For assistance call Toll Free: 1-800-918-7587

Technorati Tags: application form, consildation, doctor, federal, Federal Loan Consolidation, how to apply, loan, personal financial advisor

Information for applicants

What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a relatively rare form of cancer in which malignant cells are found in the sac lining of the chest, the lining of the abdominal cavity or the lining around the heart. Mesothelioma is almost always associated with exposure to asbestos. There is normally an interval of 20 – 40 years between the initial exposure and diagnosis.

Applying for workers’ compensation
Under the Worker’s Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 (the Act), anyone defined as a ‘worker’ who has sustained an asbestosrelated ‘injury’ in their employment in Queensland can apply for workers’ compensation.

How do I apply for compensation?

You can apply for compensation by sending WorkCover a signed and completed Application for Compensation—Asbestos Injury form available on request from WorkCover or at www.workcoverqld.com.au and a Workers’ Compensation Medical Certificate. When completing the application form, provide as much information about your injury as possible. In particular, if you can supply WorkCover with:
• proof of your employment as a Queensland worker and
• some evidence of asbestos exposure while a Queensland worker, it will assist us to make a fast decision on your claim.

Do I need a lawyer?
Benefit payments are the same whether you use a lawyer or not and by dealing direct with WorkCover, the process is usually simpler and faster. As all claims are assessed according to the Act, workers with similar injuries will have similar entitlements. Whether you choose to have legal representation is a personal choice. Although this will not change the amount of benefits you may be entitled to receive, you will need to deduct the cost of legal fees from this amount. Our assessors can discuss the claims process with you and will obtain, or help you obtain, the necessary information in the shortest possible time. We will also help you collect employment history and other relevant information by contacting your nominated union representative, former employers and doctors.

How are applications assessed?
WorkCover’s asbestos-related claims team will assess your application according to the workers’ compensation legislation in effect at the date of your last exposure. This includes determining whether you at the time of injury, were a ‘worker’ and suffered an ‘injury’ in your employment, as defined in the legislation. As part of the assessment process, your level of permanent impairment will be determined.
Mesothelioma is usually assessed at 100% permanent impairment.

Entitlements
If your claim is accepted and you have 100% permanent impairment, you will be entitled to lump sum payments including:
• a lump sum for your permanent impairment
• if you are under 80 years of age, an
additional lump sum which varies according to your age (if you are 70 years or under, you are entitled to the maximum; if you are aged between 71 to 79, this amount is reduced for each year of age). You may also be entitled to other benefits which your assessor will discuss with you.
Contacting WorkCover
For more information or if you need help completing your application form, contact WorkCover’s asbestos claims team directly by calling 3006 6894. You can also visit our web site at

Technorati Tags: I have mesothelioma, Mesothelioma News, What do I do?

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can develop decades after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a mineral that was once widely used due to its fire resistant and insulating properties,
but is no longer mined, milled or manufactured in Australia because of the health risks. All uses in
new products are now banned in Australia and no asbestos products may be imported. Strict
precautions also govern the removal and disposal of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials.
Mesothelioma usually starts in the outer membrane of the lungs (pleura) but can also occur in the
membrane lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). Uncommonly, the heart or reproductive
organs may be affected.
The treatment for mesothelioma depends on whether it is only in one place or has spread.
Currently there is no cure for mesothelioma unless it can be removed by an operation.
Unfortunately, when mesothelioma is diagnosed, it has usually already spread beyond the point
where it could be removed by an operation. Treatment aims to prolong life and keep the person as
comfortable as possible.

Technorati Tags: asbetos, asbetosis, Mesothelioma News, peritoneum