Health Stocks in Motion

Shares of Conceptus(CPTS Quote) were among the best-performing health-related stocks Tuesday, rising 19% after the company said that its Essure birth-control device has been approved for reimbursement by UnitedHealth Group's(UNH Quote) UnitedHealthcare unit.

"This is excellent news for women covered by UHC who will want to avail themselves of our non-incisional approach to permanent birth control," the company said. The reimbursement goes into effect immediately. Shares were trading up $1.29 to $8.05.

Horizon Health(HORC Quote) rose 2% after the company posted third-quarter earnings that beat Wall Street forecasts. The company, which manages psychiatric and physical rehab programs, earned $3.5 million, or 24 cents a share, on sales of $57.9 million. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call were expecting earnings of 23 cents a share on sales of $57.1 million. A year ago, the company earned $2.7 million, or 24 cents a share, on sales of $44.8 million. Looking ahead, Horizon forecast 2005 earnings of $1 to $1.02 a share, which excludes items. Analysts are expecting earnings of $1.01 a share. Shares were trading up 47 cents to $24.62. ...