MedWorm Tags: care, MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'care,'. Tue, 04 May 2010 18:19:46 +0100 PA Founds Non-Profit Benefitting Rural Women and Children http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3530058&cid=t_299663_175_f&fid=37867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcommunity.advanceweb.com%2Fblogs%2Fpa_1%2Farchive%2F2010%2F05%2F04%2Fpa-founds-non-profit-benefitting-rural-women-and-children.aspx In 2008, emergency medicine physician assistant Elizabeth Sheehan founded Containers to Clinics (C2C), a non-profit organization that converts shipping containers into health care clinics that serve women and children in developing countries. Sheehan,...(read more) (Source: ADVANCE Blog for PAs) ADVANCE Blog for PAs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3530058 Tue, 04 May 2010 14:16:00 +0100 3530058 New Health Affairs Issue: Reinventing Primary Care http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3529741&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=35747&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthaffairs.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F05%2F04%2Fnew-health-affairs-issue-reinventing-primary-care%2F Bold changes are needed in how the United States delivers and pays for primary care if the key goals of national health reform are to be achieved, according to the May issue of Health Affairs. This thematic issue of the journal, released today at a National Press Club briefing, examines the crisis facing the U.S. primary care system as well as promising solutions for reinventing primary care.  Building a state-of-the-art primary care system, the issue concludes, is critical to achieving better health care, better value for the dollars spent, and expanded access for the tens of millions of Americans who will gain insurance coverage over the next few years. The United States faces a well-known shortage of primary care providers, but recruiting more physicians, nurse practitioners, physic... Health Affairs Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3529741 Tue, 04 May 2010 13:06:04 +0100 3529741 Social networking impact on patients, doctors, and non-profits http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3529718&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F05%2Fsocial-networking-impact-patients-doctors-nonprofits.html by David Nash, MD, MBA In its current listing of online social networks, Wikipedia presents 156 major, active websites. A neighboring link to view “now-defunct” sites accompanies the listing — a subtle reminder of the Internet’s competitive and volatile environment where promising endeavors rise and fall overnight. But although the popularity of a specific website may fade with time, the practice of online social networking is here to stay. (...)Read the rest of Social networking impact on patients, doctors, and non-profits 1 comment | Tags: Patient, Primary care, Social media, Specialist, Twitter | Category: Social media (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3529718 Tue, 04 May 2010 13:00:59 +0100 3529718 Health-Care Overhaul and Industry Outlook: Pfizer and Merck http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3529758&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FCB9c3xoHPMY%2F Starting in 2014, the provisions of health-care overhaul legislation that will expand coverage to the previously uninsured will have a more positive effect on pharma companies. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3529758 Tue, 04 May 2010 12:47:58 +0100 3529758 Study: Primary Care Career Wealth Gap Totals Over $2.5 Million http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3529759&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2Fq9_gWpyDDcA%2F To make up for the difference in income over the course of a career, primary care doctors would have to receive a $1 million lump-sum payment or have an annual income boost of $100,000. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3529759 Tue, 04 May 2010 12:06:37 +0100 3529759 Avoiding the ER and arranging a direct admit is not easy http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3529719&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F05%2Favoiding-er-arranging-direct-admit-easy.html Are emergency departments solely responsible for the bulk of unnecessary tests? Most would like to believe so, but emergency physician Edwin Leap says that’s not the case. He cites an instance involving a primary care doctor and hospitalist: Local physician, who does not admit to the hospital, sees patient in the office. Patient has uncontrolled hypertension and is having some chest pain and shortness of breath. Local physician contacts hospitalist. Hospitalist who could reasonably direct admit patient, says, ‘better send them to the ER first.’ (...)Read the rest of Avoiding the ER and arranging a direct admit is not easy 3 comments | Tags: Hospital, Primary care, Specialist | Category: Physician practice (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3529719 Tue, 04 May 2010 11:00:07 +0100 3529719 Board Member Blows Whistle on Health Insurance Company's Accounting http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3529731&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fboard-member-blows-whistle-on-health.html We previously posted about some of the travails of for-profit health insurance company/ managed care organization Wellcare.  In August, 2009, we posted about Wellcare's "admission" that it had made numerous questionable campaign contributions.  In May, 2009 we posted about WellCare's submission to a deferred prosecution agreemeent based on charges that it defrauded state programs by inflating its expenses. In 2007, we posted about how the state of Connecticut stopped WellCare from running a plan for poor children after the company refused to reveal what it was paying physicians, and why it was failing to pay for particular services. So WellCare has been cited for three different kinds of unethical behavior in 2007-09. Here's a story about Wellcare with a new twist ... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3529731 Mon, 03 May 2010 20:32:00 +0100 3529731 The Faux Compassion of Club Sarkozy http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3529773&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2Fc9rGCP3b7U8%2F By Michael F. CannonShortly after President Obama signed his health care law, French president Nicolas Sarkozy offered this backhanded compliment to the United States: “Welcome to the club of countries that does not dump its sick people.” In this month’s Diplomat magazine (U.K.), I explain pourquoi c’est fou: Every member of Sarkozy’s “club” has its stories of sick people who have been “dumped,” in one manner or another, despite laws that officially preclude such things from ever happening. In 2005, Canada’s Supreme Court wrote of its country’s Medicare system: “Access to a waiting list is not access to healthcare…[T]here is unchallenged evidence that in some serious cases, patients die as a result of waiting lists for publi... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3529773 Mon, 03 May 2010 17:11:12 +0100 3529773 Dental care during pregnancy – a shift in opinion http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3529775&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D463 For years, we’ve been told that a woman may experience dental problems during pregnancy.  But popular wisdom has held that any extensive dental care to resolve a problem during pregnancy should be put on hold till after the baby is born to avoid any unanticipated issues with the treatment. Now a study reports that it is imperative to resolve dental problems when they happen and not to wait till post-delivery.  Apparently, the bacteria that may form as a result of dental problems can be transmitted to newborns in a number of ways common to mothering (you know, kissing your baby, feeding your baby, etc).  Infants are not born with bacteria in their mouths and the transmission of such can create “rampant tooth decay” in the child as he or she grows. So don’t avoid t... Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3529775 Mon, 03 May 2010 16:09:24 +0100 3529775 Go To A Famous Hospital, Get Better Care? http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3526741&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fgo-to-a-famous-hospital-get-better-care%2F2010.05.03 Hospital rankings matter. Specifically, those published in the U.S. News & World Report carry additional weight. Hospitals use these numbers in advertising campaigns, and patients often choose hospitals based on these rankings. But does a high place really mean you’re getting better care? Not necessarily. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at KevinMD.com* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3526741 Mon, 03 May 2010 16:00:24 +0100 3526741 Basic Skin Care – Remember the Sunblock http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3526969&cid=t_299663_160_f&fid=36189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skinmdblog.com%2F42%2Fbasic-skin-care-remember-the-sunblock%2F Melanin is what makes our skin brown. This pigment is also the skin’s primary defense against the harmful rays of the sun. Being people of color, the high amount of melanin in our skin is the reason why the incidence of skin cancer is almost nil and is why our skin ages more slowly than Caucasians. Given these facts why else do we need to wear sunblock and why do we need to use it daily even though we’re practically in the shade all the time? New studies have come up showing that even intermittent exposures to the sun as short as a few minutes (like that 5 minute walk to that nearby cafe) may do sub-clinical damage to our skin. Slowly and with time these damages add up and become visible as wrinkles, pigmentation changes, dullness, increase in pore size etc. Luckily, there are numerous... Skin MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3526969 Mon, 03 May 2010 13:42:25 +0100 3526969 Obama vs. Common Sense http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3526730&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FoC3xsu_iCj4%2F By Michael F. CannonPresident Obama delivered a commencement speech at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor on Saturday. He called on all Americans “to maintain a basic level of civility in our public debate.”  Who could argue? Yet the president apparently believes that civility means protecting his policies from valid criticism. He instructed graduates that “the practice of listening to opposing views is essential for effective citizenship.”  Right again.  But the civics lesson rings hollow coming from a president who falsely claimed there was “no disagreement” over his massive “stimulus” bill, and that opponents of his health care takeover offered no proposals of their own. He explained, “what we should be asking is not whether... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3526730 Mon, 03 May 2010 12:37:37 +0100 3526730 Patient complaints may worsen defensive medicine http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3526700&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F05%2Fpatient-complaints-worsen-defensive-medicine.html Doctors often have a communication disconnect with their patients. A recent piece from the New York Times encapsulates the issue, citing a recent New England Journal of Medicine perspective. According to oncologist Ethan Basch, “Direct reports from patients are rarely used during drug approval or in clinical trials. If patients’ comments are sought at all, they are usually filtered through doctors and nurses, who write their own impressions of what the patients are feeling.” (...)Read the rest of Patient complaints may worsen defensive medicine 1 comment | Tags: Malpractice, Patient, Primary care | Category: Malpractice (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3526700 Mon, 03 May 2010 11:00:22 +0100 3526700 May Man of the Month – Thomas Maeder http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3526740&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDisruptiveWomenInHealthCare%2F%7E3%2FNM66JGUNeTk%2F Thomas Maeder, our May 2010 Man of the Month, is the author or co-author of twelve books and numerous articles in national publications, and has long experience in the biomedical field as a writer, educator, and consultant. Below, he shares his thoughts on rare disorders and their place in the drug market. Orphan Diseases – Bellwether of Health Care “The only people interested in rare diseases are those who have them, and that’s not a lot,” an editor once told me when rejecting my proposal for a book on orphan diseases. In reality, nearly thirty million Americans – one in ten – suffer from some 7,000 rare diseases, making them collectively very common indeed.  Though they differ wildly in their causes and manifestations, they share many characteristics in terms of the uncertai... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3526740 Mon, 03 May 2010 09:57:09 +0100 3526740 Healthcare Performance Management Institute's Executive Director, George Pantos, speaks with David Harlow about tools and strategies for employers to manage health care services and expenses http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3526840&cid=t_299663_114_f&fid=34648&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthblawg.typepad.com%2Ffiles%2Fgeorge-pantos-hpm-institute-healthblawg-interview-with-david-harlow-042110.mp3 Health care costs are a perennial issue for employers and employees.  There are a variety of approaches out there designed to improve health status and health outcomes and reduce costs at the same time.  Proponents of a variety of approaches have been featured here on HealthBlawg in the past.  I recently had the opportunity to speak with George Pantos, of the Healthcare Performance Management Institute, a brand-new organization on the scene, founded by a group of folks who have developed tools for managing these costs. The audio file of my interview with George Pantos (about 20 minutes long) is available for download/podcast.  A full transcript is at the end of this post (and in the linked George Pantos, Executive Director, Healthcare Performance Management Institute, HealthBlaw... HealthBlawg :: David Harlow's Health Care Law Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3526840 Mon, 03 May 2010 03:16:33 +0100 3526840 Health blog posts of the week, ending April 30, 2010 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3526701&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F05%2Fhealth-blog-posts-week-april-30-2010.html Here are the top posts from this past week, based on the number of times they were viewed. 1. Aneurysm as a cause of the Bret Michaels brain hemorrhage 2. Hospital practice can come with pitfalls for doctors 3. Internal medicine is dead, will concierge physicians thrive? 4. C-section rates and its association with lawsuits 5. Texas Medical Association: Stop the Medicare meltdown Health blog posts of the week, February 28-March 1, 2010 Health blog posts of the week, April 9-16, 2010 Health blog posts of the week, ending April 23, 2010 No comment | Tags: Health reform, Hospital, Medicare, Primary care, Specialist | Category: Physician practice (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3526701 Sun, 02 May 2010 19:00:26 +0100 3526701 Wondering If Mom Is Safe? FineThanx Calls And Checks For You http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3524110&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwondering-if-mom-is-safe-finethanx-calls-and-checks-for-you%2F2010.05.02 FineThanx is a new automated phone system that automatically calls your sick or elderly family members at home to check on how they’re doing. The system can check in with loved ones once or twice a day, and if no one answers or the person is unwell, the system calls a member of his or her ”care circle.” If everything is fine, the FineThanx system will send you a report by email, so you can continue working or finish those 18 holes of golf, then check in for reassurance on your iPhone or personal computer afterwards. Listen to a sample call here. *This blog post was originally published at Medgadget* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3524110 Sun, 02 May 2010 14:00:20 +0100 3524110 Almost Over http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3524467&cid=t_299663_165_f&fid=37962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fotnotes.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Falmost-over.html Our conference time is almost at an end...Saturday was a long day, but still had some highlights. I got some good videos and pictures, which will all be uploaded to the OT Connections Conference Gallery either at the airport or Monday after I get home. So if you're not already on OT Connections... get there! I have been talking especially to acute care practitioners at conference trying to get them involved w/ OTC because I feel that we are very isolated in our practice and need to connect so we can determine what is best practice and what is just "facility tradition." It's hard after conference to maintain the same energy and excitement, and I feel that using OTC can help keep that feeling alive longer in the face of everyday work.Time to go to my last workshop... these Sunday sessions ar... Occupational Therapy Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3524467 Sun, 02 May 2010 11:12:00 +0100 3524467 Good Sense In The Sun http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3524114&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fsense-in-the-sun%2F2010.05.01 We’re past spring break and headed toward the end of the school year and summer vacations. I noticed this product in the April issue of Plastic Surgery Practice. UVSunSense is a wristband that monitors your exposure to sun. If you and your children have trouble remembering to reapply sunscreen or to just get out of the sun, then this might be just the ticket. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Suture for a Living* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3524114 Sat, 01 May 2010 18:00:00 +0100 3524114 Adult day centers help older patients and their families http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3522598&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F05%2Fadult-day-centers-older-patients-families.html by Deborah Stricoff Are you caring for an elderly loved one or someone with dementia? As a caregiver, you may need respite and you can get it with the help of an adult day center knowing that your loved one is safe and cared for. Many people are not aware of adult day programs and the benefits they provide, and it’s important to get the word out. (...)Read the rest of Adult day centers help older patients and their families No comment | Tags: Patient | Category: Patient care (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3522598 Sat, 01 May 2010 11:00:22 +0100 3522598 Constitution Offers No Haven to ObamaCare’s Individual Mandate http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3522623&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F0acngJJvFJ4%2F By Michael F. CannonWith multiple lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of ObamaCare’s “individual mandate,” the law’s backers have proffered two principal arguments in its defense.  First, they claim that Congress has the power to require U.S. residents to purchase health insurance under the Constitution’s grant of power “to regulate Commerce…among the several States.”  Second, they claim the measure is authorized by the taxing power. Regarding the commerce power, Cato senior fellow Randy Barnett explains in yesterday’s Wall Street Journal: [T]he Court has never upheld a requirement that individuals who are doing nothing must engage in economic activity by entering into a contractual relationship with a private company. Such a ... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3522623 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 20:17:47 +0100 3522623 Health-Care Overhaul and Industry Outlook: Allergan Little Affected http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3522621&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FUFYTSKtqX24%2F The legislative changes being implemented this year have a generally negative impact on pharma and biotech companies. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3522621 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 18:47:33 +0100 3522621 Dean Kamen invents a brain controlled prosthetic arm http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3522600&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fdean-kamen-invents-brain-controlled-prosthetic-arm.html Dean Kamen discusses one of the first brain-controlled prostheses in the history of robotics. Possessing fine motor skills in addition to strength, Kamen’s arm is capable of picking up a raisin without dropping it. Fascinating lecture from TEDMED 2009. Smartphones and the future of wireless medicine How did David Blaine break the world record for holding his breath? Is a new strategy needed in the war against cancer? No comment | Tags: Patient | Category: Patient care (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3522600 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 17:00:16 +0100 3522600 Are States Jumping into the (High-Risk Insurance) Pool? http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3519433&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FtByjmymp2BE%2F Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger has announced California will run its pool. But Wyoming’s Democratic governor is letting HHS handle his state’s eligible patients. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3519433 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:42:09 +0100 3519433 Skin Pores and Pore Size http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3526971&cid=t_299663_160_f&fid=36189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skinmdblog.com%2F28%2Fskin-pores-and-pore-size%2F Pores are tiny openings on the skin that are found in close association with the hair follicle.  It’s where the secretions of the oil glands come out from. Pore size is determined by a number of factors.  Primarily, it is genetically determined so if you already have enlarged pores there’s really little you can do to make them smaller. Pore size is also related to sebaceous gland activity so if you have oily skin chances are your pores may appear larger than those of your friends with dry skin.  Sun damage and skin aging may also lead to enlarged pores so it’s always important to slather that sunblock on before going out under the sun. Although there is little you can do to actually alter the size of your pores there are some things you could do to make them appear finer.  Find o... Skin MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3526971 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:20:01 +0100 3526971 Skin Pores and Pore Size http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3519735&cid=t_299663_160_f&fid=36189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fskinmdblog.com%2F28%2Fskin-pores-and-pore-size%2F Pores are tiny openings on the skin that are found in close association with the hair follicle.  It’s where the secretions of the oil glands come out from. Pore size is determined by a number of factors.  Primarily, it is genetically determined so if you already have enlarged pores there’s really little you can do to make them smaller. Pore size is also related to sebaceous gland activity so if you have oily skin chances are your pores may appear larger than those of your friends with dry skin.  Sun damage and skin aging may also lead to enlarged pores so it’s always important to slather that sunblock on before going out under the sun. Although there is little you can do to actually alter the size of your pores there are some things you could do to make them appear finer.  Find o... Skin MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3519735 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:20:01 +0100 3519735 How To Simplify Medical Billing And Reduce Costs http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3519416&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=35747&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthaffairs.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2F30%2Fhow-to-simplify-medical-billing-and-reduce-costs%2F As every American knows, the process of billing third-party entities for health care services is complex and time-consuming, for the patient as well as for the provider.  According to the authors of an article published yesterday in Health Affairs, physicians use nearly 12 percent of their net revenue to cover the costs of these administrative charges. To improve this situation, Bonnie Blanchfield of Massachusetts General Hospital and her colleagues have created a hypothetical model, consisting of a single, transparent set of payment rules for multiple payers, a single claim form, and standard rules of submission. They estimate that the changes could result in $7 billion of annual savings for physician and clinical services billings, and four hours per physician and five hours per practi... Health Affairs Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3519416 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:16:50 +0100 3519416 Physician supply trends for primary care doctors and specialists http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3519396&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fphysician-supply-trends-primary-care-doctors-specialists.html by William R. Yates, MD Health care reform continues to be a key political topic of discussion in the U.S. Physician supply and specialty training are important elements in designing an efficient system that provides the highest quality of care. To understand where U.S. physician supply and specialty training is headed, I examined the U.S. trends from 1990 to 2007 (latest year data is available). Physician supply has been growing during this period. In 1990, there were 615,000 physicians in the U.S. and by 2007 this figure had increased by 53% to 941,000. This came during a period when the total U.S. population increased approximately 25% (...)Read the rest of Physician supply trends for primary care doctors and specialists 1 comment | Tags: Health reform, Primary care, Specialist | Categ... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3519396 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:00:55 +0100 3519396 CT scans for lung cancer screening may not save lives http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3519397&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fct-scans-lung-cancer-screening-save-lives.html Should smokers receive screening CT scans? As it stands, there’s no evidence that screening patients with either chest x-rays or CT scans save lives, but a large, federally-funded study should yield some answers in the next year or so. (...)Read the rest of CT scans for lung cancer screening may not save lives No comment | Tags: Cancer, Primary care | Category: Cancer (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3519397 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 11:00:41 +0100 3519397 Coventry - a good Q1 2010, but what about the future... http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3519568&cid=t_299663_118_f&fid=34852&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.joepaduda.com%2Farchives%2F001810.html Coventry released its Q1 2010 financials today, and looking at the numbers one would have to be a naysayer to find fault. The company is successfully exiting the Medicare Private Fee for Service business, growing its Medicare, Medicaid, and Part... (Source: Managed Care Matters) Managed Care Matters blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3519568 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3519568 Sebelius To Keynote Health Affairs Briefing http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3519419&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=35747&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthaffairs.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2F29%2Fsebelius-to-keynote-health-affairs-briefing%2F Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius will keynote the Health Affairs May 4 briefing “Reinventing Primary Care.” The briefing will take place from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM at the National Press Club in Washington D.C.  It will highlight the journal’s May issue, a thematic volume on primary care that will be released that day. You may obtain more information on the briefing and RSVP online here. Health Affairs will also offer live Twitter updates from the briefing on HA_Events at #HAprimarycare. Copyright © 2010 Health Affairs Blog. This Feed is for personal non-commercial use only. All material published on Health Affairs blog, excluding links, is covered under a Creative Commons Attribution - NonCommercial - No Derivs 2.5 license.Plugin by Taragan... Health Affairs Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3519419 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:17:49 +0100 3519419 Internal medicine is dead, will concierge physicians thrive? http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3519398&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Finternal-medicine-dead-concierge-physicians-thrive.html by Steven Knope, MD For the last several years, writers in the New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of the American Medical Association have authored doomsday editorials about the prognosis of primary care medicine. There has been much discussion about the fact that internists and family practitioners cannot keep pace with rising overheads and falling reimbursement under the traditional third-party payment system. Paraphrasing a recent story published in The New York Times, an internist in Massachusetts who practices under the new RomneyCare program said this: “Every time I see a Medicare patient, it is the equivalent of giving them a ten-dollar bill. I have a six month wait to see a new patient. I run from room-to-room. I can barely make my overhead. I’ve never felt so disr... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3519398 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 19:00:24 +0100 3519398 Pressure Ulcer Prevention Lacking in High Risk Patients http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3519483&cid=t_299663_105_f&fid=39124&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jeffreymlevinemd.com%2Fpressure-ulcer-prevention-lacking-in-high-risk-patients%2F A major study published in The Gerontologist has shown that pressure ulcer prevention measures are lacking in high risk patients.  A research group based in the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine studied elderly patients with hip fractures, following them across care settings that included hospitals, rehabilitation [...] (Source: Jeffrey M. Levine MD | Geriatric Specialist | Wound Care | Pressure Ulcers) Jeffrey M. Levine MD | Geriatric Specialist | Wound Care | Pressure Ulcers blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3519483 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 15:45:00 +0100 3519483 Health-Care Overhaul and Industry Outlook: Bristol–Myers http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3515327&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FXm2KfAAC_8A%2F Bristol-Myers Squibb didn't weigh in on what health-care overhaul legislation might mean for its 2011 outlook. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3515327 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 13:23:46 +0100 3515327 Most Medicare Advantage Enrollees Aren’t in Best Plans http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3515328&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F8nP922vBync%2F Scores will soon be used to do more than guide consumers; starting in 2012, better-scoring plans will get higher payments from the government than lower-scoring ones. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3515328 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 12:43:50 +0100 3515328 Here’s What Primary Care Doctors Do All Day http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3515329&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FvLQFl18TpUI%2F On average, doctors handled 23.7 phone calls a day. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3515329 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 21:20:47 +0100 3515329 Will Companies Keep Retiree Drug Benefits? http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3515330&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F4CUw107gHqY%2F Medco told analysts that the “most likely choices for a large percentage” of companies was to stick with their current retiree drug plans or to switch over to a employer group waiver plan. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3515330 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 20:27:06 +0100 3515330 Columbus Dispatch: ObamaCare = Malpractice http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3515338&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FH78JrwFZ7EQ%2F By Michael F. CannonPopular discontent with ObamaCare extends even so far as the traditionally left-of-center Columbus Dispatch editorial page: Almost daily, the ill effects of the health-care overhaul passed by Congress last month are becoming apparent. As employers and government bureaucrats analyze the law’s effect on bottom lines for the private sector and for government, the alarm bells are ringing. The tragedy is that these ill effects could have been and should have been calculated before the law was passed, not after. In fact, many of them were prophesied before passage of the bill, but the prophets were ignored by President Barack Obama and the Democratic majority in Congress. That’s because their uppermost goal was not to pass the best health-care bill possible but me... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3515338 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 20:05:13 +0100 3515338 Oh, the Prices We Pay, Reloaded - Celgene Balks at Explaining High Price of Thalidomide http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3515298&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Foh-prices-we-pay-reloaded-celgene-balks.html A brief article on Bloomberg.com implied that Celgene has been fighting efforts by the Canadian Patented Medicine Prices Review Board to get pricing data about the drug Thalidomid (thalidomide):Celgene Corp., the biotechnology company specializing in blood-cancer medicines, will get a hearing before Canada’s highest court over the country’s demands to provide pricing information for the drug Thalomid.The Supreme Court of Canada today agreed to hear Celgene’s appeal of a Federal Court of Appeal ruling that said Canada’s Patented Medicine Prices Review Board was entitled to information about the pricing of the drug. The high court gave no reason for its decision.Celgene’s two top-selling drugs are Revlimid and Thalomid, for a form of blood-cancer called multiple myeloma. They broug... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3515298 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 19:57:00 +0100 3515298 Medicare will soon cover preventive exams http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3515287&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fmedicare-cover-preventive-exams.html by Edward Pullen, MD A nice surprise buried somewhere in health care reform is that, starting next year, Medicare patients will be able to get annual preventative care exams that are paid for by their health insurance. It may come as a surprise to those of you with commercial insurance who think of coverage of an annual exam as a routine thing for insurance to cover, but up to now Medicare has only covered a “Welcome to Medicare” exam in the first year after turning 65. (...)Read the rest of Medicare will soon cover preventive exams 10 comments | Tags: Health reform, Medicare, Primary care | Category: Medicare (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3515287 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 19:00:11 +0100 3515287 Staying Abreast of Better Health Practices http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3515578&cid=t_299663_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fstaying-abreast-of-better-health-practices%2F Steven Narod, MD, is a foremost authority on BRCA cancers. I met him after my genetics team at the University of Michigan referred Sister to him in Canada. Dr. Narod is affiliated with the Women’s College Research Institute in Toronto and is what you would expect from a passionate researcher — quirky and optimistic. Sister has been proactive about her diagnosis and is involved in a study in Canada where she is tested twice yearly; she receives a mammogram in January and an MRI in May. Her goal is to keep her breasts, and aggressive monitoring will identify any sign of a breast tumor early. She also stays abreast (pun intended) of continuing research and findings regarding genetic breast cancers. A hysterectomy two years ago reduced Sister’s risk of both breast cancer and ovarian canc... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3515578 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:35:30 +0100 3515578 Hospital practice can come with pitfalls for doctors http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3511493&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fhospital-practice-pitfalls-doctors.html by Victoria Rentel, MD I read recent New York Times and KevinMD.com items about the migration of doctors to hospital-owned practices. The benefits are obvious: guaranteed salary, regular hours, malpractice coverage, paid benefits, school loan repayment. (...)Read the rest of Hospital practice can come with pitfalls for doctors No comment | Tags: Hospital, Primary care | Category: Primary care (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3511493 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 17:00:32 +0100 3511493 Welcome to SkinMDBlog.com http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3526974&cid=t_299663_160_f&fid=36189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skinmdblog.com%2F1%2Fwelcome-skin-md-blog%2F . This blog will be dedicated to providing up to date information to help consumers choose the most effective and natural skin care products possible. Please check back soon, as we have tons of all original unique content we would like to share with you! Until then…..take care of your skin (Source: Skin MD) Skin MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3526974 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:28:24 +0100 3526974 Welcome to SkinMDBlog.com http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3519738&cid=t_299663_160_f&fid=36189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fskinmdblog.com%2F1%2Fwelcome-skin-md-blog%2F . This blog will be dedicated to providing up to date information to help consumers choose the most effective and natural skin care products possible. Please check back soon, as we have tons of all original unique content we would like to share with you! Until then…..take care of your skin (Source: Skin MD) Skin MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3519738 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:28:24 +0100 3519738 Manicures: The price may be higher than it seems http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3511535&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F04%2Fmanicures-the-price-may-be-higher-than-it-seems-risks-of-gel-nail-manicures-.html "I’m in agony," the woman told my secretary last week, pleading to be seen for an emergency appointment. "Every time my thumb touches anything I get a severe electric shock, occasionally running through to my elbow," she explained. She had gone to six doctors in the past month since her injury, including two primary care physicians, two orthopedic specialists, a dermatologist and, a chiropractor and none of them could find a cause. She was at the end of her rope—her right thumb was still clearly swollen and there was a yellow, mottled, dimpled abrasion on her fingerpad. When I touched the tip of it, she cried out in pain and pulled away. My patient’s thumb undoubtedly had nerve damage. The day before her symptoms began she had what she was told was a gel manicur... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3511535 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:25:56 +0100 3511535 More Companies Disclose Effects of Health Overhaul http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3511521&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2Fin-V5vYcBDk%2F The elimination of a federal tax deduction for government subsidies of retiree prescription-drug benefits is already hitting companies. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3511521 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:15:55 +0100 3511521 Primary care is burdened by excessive paperwork http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3511495&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fprimary-care-burdened-excessive-paperwork.html by Charles R. D’Agostino, MD We’ve all seen the headlines –- “Primary Care Physicians Becoming a Scarce Breed”, “Wait Times for Appointments Increasing”, “Primary Care in Crisis” –- and have heard the pundits pontificating on the deteriorating state of primary care. But rarely do we hear what’s happening from physicians on the front lines, those actually seeing patients. Consequently, with direct access to the primary care trenches, replete with an overworked physician and staff members, I decided to investigate the life of a primary care physician a little further. (...)Read the rest of Primary care is burdened by excessive paperwork 10 comments | Tags: Health reform, Medicare, Patient, Primary care | Category: Primary care (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3511495 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 13:00:07 +0100 3511495 Health Affairs Briefing: Reinventing Primary Care http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3511510&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=35747&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthaffairs.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2F27%2Fhealth-affairs-briefing-reinventing-primary-care%2F The May 2010 issue of Health Affairs examines what it will take to reinvent primary care in the United States. Operational, payment, regulatory, legal, and educational reforms will be necessary to improve care and achieve savings —and to prepare for the influx of millions of Americans who will be insured for the first time as of 2014. On May 4, Health Affairs will host a briefing to examine what policies are needed to increase the corps of primary care providers and to improve practice. The briefing and the journal issue also explore the promising models of care that are likely to produce the best outcomes. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has been invited to deliver the keynote address. Other speakers include Paul Grundy, director of healthcare tr... Health Affairs Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3511510 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 20:54:12 +0100 3511510 Study: Retailers Likely to Face Big Health Overhaul Challenges http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3511526&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F5q3qk6fJX7U%2F Mercer analyzed data from its annual survey of employer health plans and found that only 38% of retailers don’t have potential problems under three requirements of the new law. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3511526 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 20:45:17 +0100 3511526 Breast Cancer Scare: Insurer Tries to Break Up with Patients http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3511697&cid=t_299663_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FB-W0m9gk02g%2F Kathleen Sebelius Add this to the list of offenses we’ve seen from the insurance industry: Recently, the insurer Wellpoint was caught canceling the policies of women newly diagnosed with breast cancer and other conditions, according to a Reuters investigation. And Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius isn’t too happy about it. She’s called on the nation’s largest insurer to stop, reminding them in a letter that the practice will soon be outlawed because of recent health care reforms. The Reuters article alleges that Wellpoint was using a computer system to target patients who had been recently diagnosed with breast cancer. The insurer denies the charges, saying it uses the system only to find conditions patients would have known about when they app... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3511697 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 20:11:43 +0100 3511697 Breast Cancer Scare: Insurer Tries to Break Up with Patients http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3511515&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fbreast-cancer-scare-insurer-tries-to-break-up-with-patients%2F Kathleen Sebelius Add this to the list of offenses we’ve seen from the insurance industry: Recently, the insurer Wellpoint was caught canceling the policies of women newly diagnosed with breast cancer and other conditions, according to a Reuters investigation. And Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius isn’t too happy about it. She’s called on the nation’s largest insurer to stop, reminding them in a letter that the practice will soon be outlawed because of recent health care reforms. The Reuters article alleges that Wellpoint was using a computer system to target patients who had been recently diagnosed with breast cancer. The insurer denies the charges, saying it uses the system only to find conditions patients would have known about when they app... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3511515 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 20:11:43 +0100 3511515 Loneliness is Not a DSM-5 Disorder, But it Still Hurts http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3508243&cid=t_299663_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F04%2F27%2Floneliness-is-not-a-dsm-5-disorder-but-it-still-hurts%2F The recent controversy over the still-developing DSM-5 — that compendium of mental disorders the media love to call, inappropriately, “The Bible of Psychiatry” –has gotten me thinking about loneliness. Now, thankfully, nobody has seriously proposed including loneliness in the DSM-5. Indeed, loneliness is usually thought of as simply an unpleasant part of life — one of the “slings and arrows” that pierce almost all of us from time to time. Loneliness, in some ways, remains enmeshed in a web of literary and cultural clichés, born of such works as Nathaniel West’s darkly comic novel, Miss Lonelyhearts, and the Beatles’ whimsical anthem, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” But loneliness turns out to be a serious matter. And as psychiatry debat... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3508243 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 19:31:32 +0100 3508243 Questions for doctors are powerful patient tools http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3508109&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fquestions-doctors-powerful-patient-tools.html by Toni Bigby Our Federal Government is investing in a consumer education campaign called, “Questions are the Answer.” The idea is to encourage people to watch out for themselves a little better and be their own advocate by asking their doctors questions like, “Why do I need this surgery?” and “Are there any side effects from this drug?” (...)Read the rest of Questions for doctors are powerful patient tools No comment | Tags: Patient, Primary care, Specialist | Category: Patient care (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3508109 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 19:00:16 +0100 3508109 Primary care shortage solutions after health care reform http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3508110&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fprimary-care-shortage-solutions-health-care-reform.html by Toni Brayer, MD The new reform law which is called the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) will be a huge disappointment to the millions of previously uninsured people who finally purchase insurance policies when they try to find a doctor. Primary care physicians are already in short supply and the most popular ones have closed practices or long waits for new patients. Imagine when 2014 hits and all of those patients come calling. Who is going to be available to treat them? (...)Read the rest of Primary care shortage solutions after health care reform 1 comment | Tags: Health reform, Medicare, Primary care | Category: Primary care (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3508110 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 17:00:20 +0100 3508110 PA Brings Home Burned Iraqi Boy http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3508490&cid=t_299663_175_f&fid=37867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcommunity.advanceweb.com%2Fblogs%2Fpa_1%2Farchive%2F2010%2F04%2F27%2Fpa-brings-home-burned-iraqi-boy.aspx Last week we told you about 12-year-old Mohammed, a little boy from Iraq with severe burns on his body who asked to be saved and brought to America, and Maj. David Howell, a physician assistant for the National Guard, who heeded Mohammed's request. This...(read more) (Source: ADVANCE Blog for PAs) ADVANCE Blog for PAs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3508490 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:02:00 +0100 3508490 Army Transition Units: “A Dark Place” http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3508244&cid=t_299663_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F04%2F27%2Farmy-transition-units-a-dark-place%2F This article makes it seem like the problem still exists, and the Warrior Transition Units may have made some issues even worse by over-medicating soldiers upon their return. Perhaps a government oversight committee will open an independent investigation to get to the truth of the matter, and ensure soldiers are receiving the care they need. Read the full article: Feeling Warehoused in Army Trauma Care Units (Source: World of Psychology) World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3508244 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 15:30:10 +0100 3508244 One Example of Rating Long Term Care EMR Software http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3515478&cid=t_299663_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.emrandhipaa.com%2Femr-and-hipaa%2F2010%2F04%2F27%2Fone-example-of-rating-long-term-care-emr-software%2F After my previous post on EMR company ratings, one of my readers pointed me to a resource (pdf) that kind of rates the various long term care EMR software vendors. There are 64 listed and not all are EMR vendors, but it’s an interesting way to approach listing the various long term care software providers. Basically, a list of each vendor and a mark in the column that matches the software. Of course, the real problem with this type of resource is that it’s just a grid with no qualitative information. The grid works great when you’re talking about static details like database or supported operating systems. However, when you’re talking about various functions in an EMR software, you need some more qualitative information and not just a check box. For example, it woul... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3515478 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 14:59:27 +0100 3515478 One Example of Rating Long Term Care EMR Software http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3508283&cid=t_299663_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEmrAndHipaa%2F%7E3%2FvFOxdOsdcRE%2F After my previous post on EMR company ratings, one of my readers pointed me to a resource (pdf) that kind of rates the various long term care EMR software vendors. There are 64 listed and not all are EMR vendors, but it’s an interesting way to approach listing the various long term care software providers. Basically, a list of each vendor and a mark in the column that matches the software. Of course, the real problem with this type of resource is that it’s just a grid with no qualitative information. The grid works great when you’re talking about static details like database or supported operating systems. However, when you’re talking about various functions in an EMR software, you need some more qualitative information and not just a check box. For example, it woul... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3508283 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 14:59:27 +0100 3508283 The Blog that Ate Manhattan was here! http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3524269&cid=t_299663_105_f&fid=39191&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fblogspot%2FMwTK%2F%7E3%2FkUuzwNFvIYQ%2Fblog-that-ate-manhattan-was-here.html Dr. TBTAM (a NYC OB/GYN) and Mr. TBTAM were here in central Ohio last weekend, visiting The Daughter of TBTAM in Graville. She posted terrific pictures from a bike ride on one of Ohio's many wonderful rail trails. Today she followed her travel post up with a great post about lung cancer in women from a GYN-perspective, but really, works for primary care, too. Read them both:An Ohio Country Bike RideLung Cancer and WomenThen go ride a bike in Granville. My Blog Name (Source: Medical Marginalia) Medical Marginalia blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3524269 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 13:17:00 +0100 3524269 How Many Administrators Does It Take to Run A Hospital? http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3508214&cid=t_299663_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fhow-many-administrators-does-it-take-to.html From KevinMD:... for every one doctor there are 5 more are employed to do administrative tasks.And, frankly, it’s ridiculous. As Dr. Cutler says, “There is a lot of money spent doing things that in no other industry do we tolerate.”If you want to find out how many administrators it takes to run a hospital, ask yourself how many work on the weekend.That number should be just about right.-WesMusings of a cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist. (Source: Dr. Wes) Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3508214 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:43:00 +0100 3508214 Who’s Really Controlling Your Health Care? http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3508394&cid=t_299663_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fwhos-really-controlling-your-health-care%2F For the past year I have been debating health-care reform on the national front at Washingtonpost.com. People in America have been so concerned about big government takeover of health care that their fears have played right into the hands of big business. The practice of targeting and cancelling policies of people diagnosed with serious and chronic illness is well documented. Last week the news agency Reuters reported that WellPoint, the country’s largest insurance agency with nearly 34 million policyholders, had cancelled the policies of at least two women diagnosed with breast cancer [Editor’s note: WellPoint has issued a statement denying these allegations]. This isn’t new — breast cancer is expensive to treat and easy to profile, so insurers know what groups of people are most ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3508394 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 18:30:19 +0100 3508394 To Google or Not to Google? http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3505156&cid=t_299663_175_f&fid=37867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcommunity.advanceweb.com%2Fblogs%2Fpa_1%2Farchive%2F2010%2F04%2F26%2Fto-google-or-not-to-google.aspx Have you ever Googled your patients or requested their friendship on Facebook? What would patients find if they Googled you? And would you accept a Facebook friend request from a patient? Where should health care professionals draw the line when it comes...(read more) (Source: ADVANCE Blog for PAs) ADVANCE Blog for PAs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3505156 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:29:00 +0100 3505156 Costly IRS Mandate Slipped into Health Bill http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3504893&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FEpY0J8RzU2o%2F By Chris EdwardsMost people know about the individual mandate in the new health care bill, but the bill contained another mandate that could be far more costly. A few wording changes to the tax code’s section 6041 regarding 1099 reporting were slipped into the 2000-page health legislation. The changes will force millions of businesses to issue hundreds of millions, perhaps billions, of additional IRS Form 1099s and related W-2s every year. It appears to be a costly, anti-business nightmare. Under current law, businesses are required to issue 1099s in a limited set of situations, such as when paying outside consultants. The health care bill includes a vast expansion in this information reporting requirement in an attempt to raise revenue for an increasingly rapacious Congress. In a recent... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3504893 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:57:54 +0100 3504893 Alternative medicine isn’t taught to doctors in medical school http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3504865&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Falternative-medicine-taught-doctors-medical-school.html by Crystal Phend Physicians don’t know much more about complementary and alternative medicine than their patients do, according to a new survey. Most healthcare professionals who answered an online survey of Drug and Therapeutic Bulletin subscribers said their profession was just as poorly informed about herbal medicines (75.5%) as the general public (86.3%). (...)Read the rest of Alternative medicine isn’t taught to doctors in medical school No comment | Tags: Drugs, Medical school, Primary care | Category: Drugs and pharma (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3504865 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:00:44 +0100 3504865 Q&A: Does deodorant increase breast cancer risk? http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3504906&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F04%2Fdoes-deodorant-increase-breast-cancer-risk-preventing-breast-cancer.html I’ve heard that using antiperspirants or deodorants increases your risk of breast cancer. Is that true? —R.S., Salem, S.C. It seems unlikely. Aluminum, a sweat-stopping ingredient in antiperspirants, has caused cell mutations in test-tube and animal studies. And parabens, chemicals in antiperspirants, deodorants, and many other personal-care products, may mimic the hormone estrogen, which fuels breast-cancer growth. One small study found parabens in some human breast-cancer tumors. Another study found that breast-cancer survivors who had used antiperspirants or deodorants more often or earlier in life tended to develop the malignancy at an earlier age. But both of those human studies had major flaws. And a larger study of healthy women found no increased risk of developing the cancer... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3504906 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 14:20:41 +0100 3504906 High-Tech Devices for Older Patients: Lots of Money for Questionable Gain http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3508216&cid=t_299663_105_f&fid=39124&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jeffreymlevinemd.com%2Fhigh-tech-devices-for-older-patients%2F A substantial multi-billion dollar industry in implantable cardiac devices has emerged in recent years.  Technologies such as cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices are being implanted in many people who may not need them, and one of the biggest markets is the elderly.  A recent paper published in the Archives of Internal Medicine [...] (Source: Jeffrey M. Levine MD | Geriatric Specialist | Wound Care | Pressure Ulcers) Jeffrey M. Levine MD | Geriatric Specialist | Wound Care | Pressure Ulcers blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3508216 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 14:19:31 +0100 3508216 ‘Health Care 2.0’: Will Cost Control Be Next Big Push? http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3504890&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F13PJa3CKD18%2F Cost control provisions in health-care overhaul constitute a “spaghetti approach,” i.e. throwing stuff against the wall to see what sticks, an economist tells the AP. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3504890 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:21:32 +0100 3504890 Killing lice is a growing health field http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3504867&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fkilling-lice-growing-health-field.html What’s one of the fastest growing health care fields? A professional nitpicker. As in, the profession of picking lice out of hair. (...)Read the rest of Killing lice is a growing health field 1 comment | Tags: Primary care | Category: Diagnosis and treatment (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3504867 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 11:00:23 +0100 3504867 Fake Facebook profiles and other portents of the end times http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3504996&cid=t_299663_114_f&fid=34648&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FHealthBlawg%2F%7E3%2FDN-L1oh3I1U%2Ffake-facebook-profiles-and-other-portents-of-the-end-times.html One issue up for discussion in this evening's free-form health care social media tweetchat was the fake Facebook page of eSara Baker, posted as a form of marketing for a company providing online health-related services (which sound like typical patient portal stuff like scheduling appointments and accessing test results).  The page prominently states: "If you haven't uncovered our secret yet, here it is: Sara isn't a real person." The identity of the company and the services provided are not at issue here.  The issue discussed in the #hcsm tweetchat was whether using social media to market a health care service through the use of a fabricated profile was unethical and/or harmful to authentic uses of social media for health care. I disagree with some of my #hcsm cohorts who twee... HealthBlawg :: David Harlow's Health Care Law Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3504996 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 03:04:59 +0100 3504996 ADHD needs more than drugs to appropriately treat http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3504868&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fadhd-drugs-appropriately-treat.html by Claudia M. Gold, MD I consider my most successful cases to be the ones that do not seem me any more. Not that they are “better”, but they and their families have come to realize the full complexity of the problems they are struggling with, and are getting appropriate help. (...)Read the rest of ADHD needs more than drugs to appropriately treat 2 comments | Tags: Drugs, Patient, Primary care | Category: Diagnosis and treatment (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3504868 Sun, 25 Apr 2010 19:00:30 +0100 3504868 Weekly News Round-Up, Weather Radio Edition http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3502782&cid=t_299663_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F04%2F25%2Fweekly-news-round-up-weather-radio-edition%2F I spent most of yesterday* listening to the weather radio repeatedly sound its alarm (we had tornado watches and severe thunderstorm warnings most of the day), watching the driveway fill up with water, and wondering what the lightning just hit to make that sound. It seems only right to start the round-up, then, with tornado safety tips: from NOAA; for kids; from the CDC; in Spanish; from the Red Cross. Nominations for the Our Bodies Ourselves 2010 Women’s Health Heroes awards are open through this Friday! Science & Sensibility has an interview with Judith Rooks about the use of nitrous oxide for labor pain relief and her advocacy for expanding the availability of this method in the United States. RH Reality Check has a couple of pieces responding to the meme that younger women ... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3502782 Sun, 25 Apr 2010 16:30:21 +0100 3502782 The happy, and the dreadfully sad, of April 24 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3502952&cid=t_299663_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F04%2F24%2Fthe-happy-and-the-dreadfully-sad-of-april-24%2F Does anyone in Toronto know where I could get French-language greeting cards? Well, one more time, I had to mail an English birthday card to Craig’s partner, Claude.  Now he’s always up for anything that will improve his second-language skills but, as a gesture, I just think French-language cards for him would be nice. April [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3502952 Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:07:38 +0100 3502952 Bret Michaels in Critical Condition With Brain Hemorrhage http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3502775&cid=t_299663_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fbret-michaels-critical-condition-brain-hemorrhage%2F Bret Michaels has been admitted to the intensive care unit at an undisclosed hospital with a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Michaels was recovering uneventfully from an appendectomy last week when he experienced a severe headache and was taken to the hospital for evaluation. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3502775 Sat, 24 Apr 2010 16:41:15 +0100 3502775 The Costs of a Heart Attack http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3501541&cid=t_299663_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fcosts-of-heart-attack.html Quite a bit, according to some:According to an article from the National Business Group on Health, the average total (editor's note: lifetime) cost of a severe heart attack–including direct and indirect costs–is about $1 million. Direct (lifetime) costs include charges for hospitals, doctors and prescription drugs, while the indirect costs include lost productivity and time away from work. The average (lifetime) cost of a less severe heart attack is about $760,000. Amortized over 20 years, that’s $50,000 per year for a severe heart attack and $38,000 per year for a less severe heart attack.I'm all for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but before we get all hot and bothered about performing more testing to "prevent" a heart attack as a means to save health care costs going forward, rem... Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3501541 Sat, 24 Apr 2010 14:59:00 +0100 3501541 Op-ed: Health insurance doesn’t mean doctors will be available http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3501483&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Foped-health-insurance-doctors.html The following op-ed was published on March 30th, 2010 in AOL News. Health reform has passed, and the United States is poised to join the rest of the industrialized world in providing most of its citizens with affordable health coverage. But having health insurance doesn’t necessarily mean it will be easy to find a doctor. Even before reform, reports projected a shortfall of 40,000 primary care physicians over the next decade. Thirty-two million newly insured Americans, plus the millions of baby boomers entering Medicare age, will only make this shortfall worse. (...)Read the rest of Op-ed: Health insurance doesn’t mean doctors will be available 5 comments | Tags: Health reform, Primary care | Category: Health policy and politics (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3501483 Sat, 24 Apr 2010 11:00:11 +0100 3501483 Congratulations to Our 5 AVEENO® Earth Week Giveaway Winners! http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3501667&cid=t_299663_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FsO6rXSbN5yI%2F Congratulations to Cassy, Daspears, Rose7a, Coffeelizard, and Grannyhoff, who just won Blisstree’s AVEENO® Earth Week giveaway! In honor of Earth Day, AVEENO® launched a brand-new Sustainability Guide Widget, and they’re giving away an exclusive gift to five Blisstree readers – just for checking it out. Cassy, Daspears, Rose7a, Coffeelizard, and Grannyhoff just won the following set of four AVEENO® products: POSITIVELY NOURISHING Calming Body Wash POSITIVELY NOURISHING Energizing Wash POSITIVELY NOURISHING Soothing Body Lotion POSITIVELY NOURISHING Invigorating Body Lotion The AVEENO® Sustainability Guide Widget includes: An “Eco-quiz” that calculates your everyday consumption to determine how eco-friendly you are Customized tips and solutions for living a m... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3501667 Sat, 24 Apr 2010 02:32:40 +0100 3501667 Congratulations to Our 5 AVEENO® Earth Week Giveaway Winners! http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3501654&cid=t_299663_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FsO6rXSbN5yI%2F Congratulations to Cassy, Daspears, Rose7a, Coffeelizard, and Grannyhoff, who just won Blisstree’s AVEENO® Earth Week giveaway! In honor of Earth Day, AVEENO® launched a brand-new Sustainability Guide Widget, and they’re giving away an exclusive gift to five Blisstree readers – just for checking it out. Cassy, Daspears, Rose7a, Coffeelizard, and Grannyhoff just won the following set of four AVEENO® products: POSITIVELY NOURISHING Calming Body Wash POSITIVELY NOURISHING Energizing Wash POSITIVELY NOURISHING Soothing Body Lotion POSITIVELY NOURISHING Invigorating Body Lotion The AVEENO® Sustainability Guide Widget includes: An “Eco-quiz” that calculates your everyday consumption to determine how eco-friendly you are Customized tips and solutions for living a m... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3501654 Sat, 24 Apr 2010 02:32:40 +0100 3501654 Congratulations to Our 5 AVEENO® Earth Week Giveaway Winners! http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3501503&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fcongratulations-to-our-5-aveeno%25c2%25ae-earth-week-giveaway-winners%2F Congratulations to Cassy, Daspears, Rose7a, Coffeelizard, and Grannyhoff, who just won Blisstree’s AVEENO® Earth Week giveaway! In honor of Earth Day, AVEENO® launched a brand-new Sustainability Guide Widget, and they’re giving away an exclusive gift to five Blisstree readers – just for checking it out. Cassy, Daspears, Rose7a, Coffeelizard, and Grannyhoff just won the following set of four AVEENO® products: POSITIVELY NOURISHING Calming Body Wash POSITIVELY NOURISHING Energizing Wash POSITIVELY NOURISHING Soothing Body Lotion POSITIVELY NOURISHING Invigorating Body Lotion The AVEENO® Sustainability Guide Widget includes: An “Eco-quiz” that calculates your everyday consumption to determine how eco-friendly you are Customized tips and solutions for living a m... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3501503 Sat, 24 Apr 2010 02:32:40 +0100 3501503 Pay for Hypocrisy for Health Insurance Executives http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3501494&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fpay-for-hypocrisy-for-health-insurance.html A few weeks ago, we discussed the cognitive dissonance produced by huge salary boosts for top executives of health care companies with miserable ethical track records.  One of our examples contrasted a long list of ethical violations by US giant health insurance company/ managed care organization WellPoint and the huge raises given its CEO and top executives.  Now more ethical questions are being raised about WellPoint.Rate Hikes Retrospectively for Golden ParachutesAn op-ed published in several California newspapers (here via the Sonoma Index-Tribune) claimed that the huge rate hike that WellPoint's California subsidiary proposed earlier this year, an action that helped to revitalize the US legislative health care reform process, was meant to recoup costs of a pre... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3501494 Fri, 23 Apr 2010 20:09:00 +0100 3501494 Merck: Health Overhaul to Pare $170 Million from ‘10 Sales http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3501512&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FJ3eRbI5IlaQ%2F The impact on Merck is "less than what we might have otherwise guessed," wrote Timothy Anderson, an analyst at Sanford Bernstein, in a research note. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3501512 Fri, 23 Apr 2010 19:57:55 +0100 3501512 WellPoint Brouhaha Puts Rescission Back in Headlines http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3501513&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FQ_wfGRJ9K_8%2F The practice should be making fewer headlines in the future, since it's officially prohibited under the health-care overhaul legislation. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3501513 Fri, 23 Apr 2010 19:05:57 +0100 3501513 Primary care physicians are heroes too http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3501486&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fprimary-care-physicians-heroes.html by Kenneth Lin, MD Not long ago, I attended the Shining Knight Gala, a fundraising dinner that benefited the trauma surgery and injury prevention programs at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center. The highlight of the evening was the dramatic presentation of the story of a young man who had suffered severe, life-threatening injuries in a car accident and, through the skill and dedication of first responders and the VCU trauma and rehabilitation professionals, was stabilized and gradually restored to health. In recognition of their extraordinary efforts, all of the clinicians involved in this young man’s care were awarded the “Order of the Shining Knight.” (...)Read the rest of Primary care physicians are heroes too 6 comments | Tags: Primary care | Category: Pr... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3501486 Fri, 23 Apr 2010 19:00:11 +0100 3501486 Palliative care physicians confronting their own mortality http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3501487&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fpalliative-care-physicians-confronting-mortality.html by Lyle Fettig, MD Dr. Desiree Pardi was the palliative care medical director at Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York. She died of metastatic breast cancer in 2009 at the age of 41. Her story provides palliative care clinicians an opportunity to reflect on how our own personal mortality interacts with our professional lives. I did not personally know Dr. Pardi. I write this post knowing that many readers did indeed know her, some very well. I express my sincere condolences to Desiree’s husband, Robert, and family, as well as any colleagues that were affected by her death. I admit that my thoughts below are largely based on how I might feel, so my apologies if what I say is presumptuous. (...)Read the rest of Palliative care physicians confronting their own mortality 2 comments |... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3501487 Fri, 23 Apr 2010 17:00:19 +0100 3501487 Medicaid physician payment rates hurts primary care doctors http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3499012&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fmedicaid-physician-payment-rates-hurts-primary-care-doctors.html by David Nash, MD, MBA Across the country, state Medicaid health insurance programs serving low-income children and families, people with disabilities, and older adults are struggling in an environment of chronic underfunding. Consider that, nationwide, at least one child in four relies on Medicaid for health coverage. Medicaid funds healthcare services for two out of every five births and fills in gaps in Medicare coverage for the elderly and disabled. But inadequate payments and outmoded methods of delivering them to providers are limiting access to primary care and wellness and prevention services for these vulnerable populations. (...)Read the rest of Medicaid physician payment rates hurts primary care doctors No comment | Tags: Health reform, Medicare, Primary care | Category: Health... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3499012 Fri, 23 Apr 2010 15:00:12 +0100 3499012 Health-Care Overhaul and Industry Outlook: Baxter http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3499045&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FZxYnC0D3b9s%2F Baxter cut its 2010 earnings estimate by 28 cents, 10 cents of which it attributed to Medicaid drug rebates. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3499045 Fri, 23 Apr 2010 14:11:29 +0100 3499045 Health Overhaul Analysis: More Coverage? Yes! Lower Costs? No! http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3499047&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FOHTREjhBtCU%2F The analysis, released yesterday, found that the cost increase will be small: a less than 1 percent jump from now through 2019, for an increase of $311 billion. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3499047 Fri, 23 Apr 2010 12:27:35 +0100 3499047 Health Care Social Media comes to the Massachusetts Hospital Association http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3499164&cid=t_299663_114_f&fid=34648&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FHealthBlawg%2F%7E3%2Fz9pni8O1CPk%2Fhealth-care-social-media-comes-to-the-massachusetts-hospital-association.html The Massachusetts Hospital Association presented a health care social media program today featuring two leading evangelists and strategists -- who also happen to be compelling speakers: Larry Weber and Lee Aase.  The MHA is getting its own social media presence off the ground, and the hospitals represented at the meeting are at various stages of social media adoption and use. The show-and-tell and war stories resonated with the audience, and a number of attendees were resolved to pick up flip cameras and integrate video into their social media offerings.  As the token lawyer in the room, I was asked if stand-up video interviews could be posted by virtue of getting electronic releases; since a digital signature is a signature these days under the law, I said yes.  The truth is, digiti... HealthBlawg :: David Harlow's Health Care Law Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3499164 Fri, 23 Apr 2010 11:41:02 +0100 3499164 Revamped CAP resource MyBiopsy.org http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3499332&cid=t_299663_155_f&fid=38412&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpathlabmed.typepad.com%2Fsurgical_pathology_and_la%2F2010%2F04%2Frevamped-cap-resource-mybiopsyorg.html The College of American Pathologists recently revamped its excellent Web resource for patients and their families looking for information regarding biopsy reports and disease processes called MyBiopsy.org.  I have referred our local oncologists to this site as a resource for their patients.  Patients and their families can be assured as high quality and unbiased content from this site.I "test-drove" a few of the topic sites, including breast-invasive ductal carcinoma, colon-adenocarcinoma, and blood-CLL.  The site is easy to navigate around.  Individual topics are organized in a user-friendly frequently-asked-questions format.  I especially like the section on questions to ask your doctor and the compact packet of information.  It is easy for p... The Daily Sign-Out blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3499332 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 20:41:47 +0100 3499332 CBO: 4 Million Americans to be Hit by Insurance Penalties in 2016 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3499048&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2Fi6EJyYmd47g%2F Those hit by penalties in 2016 will owe an average of $1,000. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3499048 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 20:31:04 +0100 3499048 Patient adherence to drugs is low and what doctors can do http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3499014&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fpatient-adherence-drugs-doctors.html by Shantanu Nundy, MD Frequently in preventive health we ask patients to take medications that will reduce the risk of a certain bad medical outcome years down the road: cholesterol-lowering agents that lower the risk of a heart attack, blood pressure-lowering agents that reduce the risk of kidney disease, glucose-lowering medications that reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications. Sometimes these medications make patients feel better — for example, insulin in patients with symptomatic diabetes or a beta-blocker in someone with exertional angina — but more commonly patients get no tangible benefit from these medications on a day-to-day basis. (...)Read the rest of Patient adherence to drugs is low and what doctors can do 4 comments | Tags: Drugs, Heart, Primary care | Category... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3499014 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 19:00:02 +0100 3499014 Earth Day: 7 easy ways to be greener and healthier http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3499068&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F04%2Fearth-day-7-easy-ways-to-be-greener-and-healthier.html When it comes to your wellness, it’s not easy being green. Green for your home? Yes. Green for your car? Check. Green electronics? Of course. But green for your health seems a bit more complicated, but in fact there are some earth-friendly ways you can look after your health. Take a look at these 7 easy steps to greener, healthier living, and oh, and there’s a bonus: Most of these tips will save you money too. Cut down on your "food miles." Who doesn’t prefer a fresh tomato that tastes like it came out of your own garden? Experts say local fruits and vegetables may retain more nutrients than produce shipped hundreds of miles, and some people swear it tastes better as well. And since local food travels shorter distances and requires less packaging and refrigeration, it can... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3499068 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:30:06 +0100 3499068 Dementia affects the entire family http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3494248&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fdementia-affects-entire-family.html by Emily P. Walker My grandfather recently died of pancreatic cancer. My grandpa was a WWII veteran, a nature enthusiast, an animal-lover, a chiropractor until the 1980s, and a firm believer in natural medicine. He helped my grandmother give birth to five children in her bed, and neither of them had ever taken any drugs except when both were hospitalized one winter with pneumonia. (...)Read the rest of Dementia affects the entire family No comment | Tags: Patient, Primary care | Category: Diagnosis and treatment (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3494248 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 15:00:36 +0100 3494248 Health-Care Overhaul and Drugmaker Outlook: Amgen http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3494290&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F9wIOwvh32v4%2F Biotech Amgen yesterday became the latest drug company to reduce its outlook because of health-care overhaul elements such as immediate increases in Medicaid discounts. As earnings season continues, we’ll track what pharma and biotech companies are saying about the near-term impact of legislation on its sales and earnings. Johnson & Johnson recently predicted the pharma industry would lose about $4 billion in 2010 sales and $11 billion in 2011 sales due to the new law. Here’s what we know so far about the impact of health care legislation: Amgen is projecting 2010 sales will be reduced by between $200 million and $250 million. Abbott cut its 2010 earnings outlook to a range of $4.13 to $4.18 a share from its earlier outlook of $4.20 to $4.25 a share. Revenue will be down an estimate... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3494290 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:41:26 +0100 3494290 Wound Healing Products: From Ancient to Modern Mythology http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3494329&cid=t_299663_105_f&fid=39124&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jeffreymlevinemd.com%2Fwound-healing-products-from-ancient-to-modern-mythology%2F Greek mythology tells us that filings from the rusty spear of Achilles were used successfully on a non-healing wound.  To this legacy of using metal derivatives to heal wounds, a newer, more modern mythology has been added.  This is the use of silver in wound-care dressings.           Telephus was a hero of Ancient Greece who fought in the [...] (Source: Jeffrey M. Levine MD | Geriatric Specialist | Wound Care | Pressure Ulcers) Jeffrey M. Levine MD | Geriatric Specialist | Wound Care | Pressure Ulcers blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3494329 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:25:32 +0100 3494329 Roe v. Wade: Baby Boomers Drive Fight for Abortion Rights http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3494485&cid=t_299663_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FpzS21cduK8c%2F Thirty-seven years after Roe v. Wade, the fight for reproductive rights is still being waged across America. Last month, President Obama’s health care bill just barely passed in the Senate, thanks in part to the support of Rep. Bart Stupak, who came to Obama’s side only after the President signed an executive order confirming the ban on federal funding for abortions. While the National Right to Life movement has had no trouble attracting young women, the pro-choice side that fought for and won abortion rights several decades earlier is seeing its membership age without much new blood coming in, according to National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws (NARAL) president Nancy Keenan, who was recently profiled in Newsweek. Keenan considers herself part of the “post-menopaus... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3494485 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 17:38:25 +0100 3494485 Roe v. Wade: Baby Boomers Drive Fight for Abortion Rights http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3494472&cid=t_299663_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FpzS21cduK8c%2F Thirty-seven years after Roe v. Wade, the fight for reproductive rights is still being waged across America. Last month, President Obama’s health care bill just barely passed in the Senate, thanks in part to the support of Rep. Bart Stupak, who came to Obama’s side only after the President signed an executive order confirming the ban on federal funding for abortions. While the National Right to Life movement has had no trouble attracting young women, the pro-choice side that fought for and won abortion rights several decades earlier is seeing its membership age without much new blood coming in, according to National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws (NARAL) president Nancy Keenan, who was recently profiled in Newsweek. Keenan considers herself part of the “post-menopaus... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3494472 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 17:38:25 +0100 3494472 Roe v. Wade: Baby Boomers Drive Fight for Abortion Rights http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3494285&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Froe-v-wade-baby-boomers-drive-fight-for-abortion-rights%2F Thirty-seven years after Roe v. Wade, the fight for reproductive rights is still being waged across America. Last month, President Obama’s health care bill just barely passed in the Senate, thanks in part to the support of Rep. Bart Stupak, who came to Obama’s side only after the President signed an executive order confirming the ban on federal funding for abortions. While the National Right to Life movement has had no trouble attracting young women, the pro-choice side that fought for and won abortion rights several decades earlier is seeing its membership age without much new blood coming in, according to National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws (NARAL) president Nancy Keenan, who was recently profiled in Newsweek. Keenan considers herself part of the “post-menopaus... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3494285 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 17:38:25 +0100 3494285 High blood pressure treatment that patients need to know http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3494250&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fhigh-blood-pressure-treatment-patients.html by Erin Marcus, MD When her gynecologist told her she had high blood pressure, Marie had a simple solution: switch doctors. After all, she had gone to him for a different problem, and this was the first time he had ever checked her blood pressure. “He said, ‘Oh my God, you’re like a bomb waiting to explode.’ I said, ‘I didn’t come here for that, I came here for something else,’” she explained. Two years later, Marie went to see her general medical doctor, who was also a family friend. “He looked me dead in my face and said, ‘I’ve known you since you were a teenager and you don’t want to die. Would you like somebody to be wiping the dribble from your mouth, would you like to walk with a dragging foot?’” (...)Read the rest of High blood pressure treatment that pat... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3494250 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 17:00:25 +0100 3494250 Top doctors may not always be the best physicians http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3494251&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Ftop-doctors-physicians.html by Dr. Charles I’m sure you’ve read through top doctor rankings and online physician ratings. It is only human to seek perceived leaders. But as sometimes seen in politics, those who have reached the pinnacles are often motivated by ambition, charisma, and gamesmanship instead of altruism, sincerity, and merit. Beware the top doctors issues found in magazines and newspapers. (...)Read the rest of Top doctors may not always be the best physicians 10 comments | Tags: Primary care, Specialist | Category: Patient care (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3494251 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 17:00:21 +0100 3494251 Disruptive Women on the Radio…with Real Women on Health http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3494309&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDisruptiveWomenInHealthCare%2F%7E3%2FJcHdoFbgkF8%2F By Robin Strongin.  Breaking News.  Exciting news for Disruptive Women in Health Care.  Recently, I had the opportunity to meet Kelley Connors and Cassie Holm. Kelley is the creator of Real Women on Health and she and Cassie have created an amazing site.  Kelley, Cassie and I have a great deal in common, especially our enthusiasm to talk – to share our knowledge and experiences with other women. Kelley is host of Real Women on Health!,  an Internet radio program that has just made the exciting move to TALK RADIO….and they have invited me to  be the show’s DC Health Correspondent, providing “inside the beltway” health policy updates for the Real Women on Health! talk radio show. Here are the details:  please tune in and join the conversation (call in number ... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3494309 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 16:46:49 +0100 3494309 National Guard PA "Saves" Badly Burned Iraqi Boy http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3490910&cid=t_299663_175_f&fid=37867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcommunity.advanceweb.com%2Fblogs%2Fpa_1%2Farchive%2F2010%2F04%2F21%2Fnational-guard-pa-saves-badly-burned-iraqi-boy.aspx Maj. David Howell, a physician assistant for the Michigan National Guard, is the subject of a series of recent profiles in the State News , along with Mohammed, the Iraqi boy who Howell brought back to the U.S. for medical care. In November 2008, Howell...(read more) (Source: ADVANCE Blog for PAs) ADVANCE Blog for PAs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3490910 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 16:35:00 +0100 3490910 Health-Care Overhaul and Pharma Outlook: A Scorecard http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3490611&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FyhdLspKpzyc%2F Abbott is the latest drug maker to reduce its outlook because of health-care overhaul elements such as immediate increases in Medicaid discounts. Here’s the Dow Jones Newswires story. As earnings season continues, we’ll track what pharma companies are saying about the near-term impact of legislation on its sales and earnings. Yesterday Johnson & Johnson predicted the industry as a whole would lose about $4 billion in 2010 sales and $11 billion in 2011 sales due to the new law. Here’s what we know so far about the impact of health care legislation: Abbott cut its 2010 earnings outlook to a range of $4.13 to $4.18 a share from its earlier outlook of $4.20 to $4.25 a share. Revenue will be down an estimated $230 million in 2010 and an incremental $200 million in 2011. Johnson & Jo... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3490611 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 16:17:49 +0100 3490611 FDA takes it up a notch: A fresh look at radiation emitting equipment regulation, and what about EHRs? http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3490728&cid=t_299663_114_f&fid=34648&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FHealthBlawg%2F%7E3%2FN0rw9xKpgWg%2Ffda-radiation-therapy-emitting-equipment-regulation-ehr-device.html Earlier this month, the FDA released a letter announcing a new focus on radiation-emitting products.  Here's the core of the letter:In order to reduce the number of under-doses, over-doses, and misaligned exposures from therapeutic radiation the FDA is taking several steps to improve the safety and safe use of certain radiation therapy devices. Analyses of Medical Device Reports (MDRs) revealed device problems that appear to be the result of faulty design or use error that could be mitigated by the incorporation of additional safeguards. Between December 31, 1999, and February 18, 2010, FDA received 1,182 MDRs associated with the use of radiation therapy devices. Of these MDRs, linear accelerators accounted for 74%, radiation therapy treatment planning systems (RTP) accounted for 19%, and... HealthBlawg :: David Harlow's Health Care Law Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3490728 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 13:59:06 +0100 3490728 New Rules on Medicaid Discounts a Bummer for States http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3490613&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F5YUYsPlnMIk%2F The changes to Medicaid rebates that are paring some drug companies’ sales and earnings may also cut into already-ailing state budgets, Kaiser Health News reports. The health care overhaul increases the minimum brand name drug discount to 23.1% from 15.1%, but also changes how the funds are split between the states and the feds, shifting a “significant portion” to the latter. A spokeswoman for Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid tells KHN the states are benefiting from the $434 billion, 10-year increase in Medicaid spending that the redistributed rebates will help fund. And, another provision of the law gives states a discount on drugs sold to Medicaid managed care plans. But a KHN analysis finds that only Arizona, Massachusetts and New Mexico would come out ahead with the new rebate polic... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3490613 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 13:10:50 +0100 3490613 There's No Vacation From Skin Care http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3490903&cid=t_299663_160_f&fid=36190&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skincareblog.org%2Fentry%2Ftheres-no-vacation-from-skin-care%2F Everybody loves to go on vacation. Whether you happen to be into sun and sand, or slopes and snow boards, a little time away from all the boring yet stressful parts of your life can be just the rejuvenation you need, to get back to things energized and ready to build a better life. But, of course, even on vacation, you still have some responsibilities. While no one wants to think of serious chapping, let alone melanoma skin cancer, these are both potential hazards, which can be magnified by the weather conditions you may encounter while you are on vacation. So whether you happen to be going on cruises or skiing on the Alps, you may want to take heed of the following tips for on the go skin care. Pack some dry skin lotion. While many people do not think of this, dry skin can make your enti... Skin Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3490903 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 11:58:15 +0100 3490903 Pharmalot… Pharmalittle… Good Morning http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3490873&cid=t_299663_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fa7pJ_G8HTjo%2F Nice to see you again. Another busy day lies ahead, no doubt, as meetings and deadlines beckon. And this calls for a cup or more of stimulation. So grab one yourself - or perhaps a bottle of water - and dig in. We hope your day goes well. Do stay in touch… Gilead Lowers Outlook, Citing Health Care Reform (Reuters) FDA Questions Acura Abuse-Resistant Painkiller (Associated Press) Bayer Health Hires Ex-Novartis Exec (Bloomberg News) India, Pharma And Trade Agreements (Huffington Post) Pharmacies Sell More Meds Over The Counter (The Daily Mail) Elan Moves Closer To Profitability (PharmaTimes) Coffee pix thx to chichcacha flickr creative commons (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3490873 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 11:43:21 +0100 3490873 Pharma Sales Set to Grow 5%-8%; Overhaul Effects Unclear http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3490614&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2Fo_tGwpcGAnk%2F Global pharmaceutical sales are expected to grow by an average of 5% to 8% annually over the next five years, with drugs to treat cancer, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and HIV projected to outpace the market, according to IMS Health. The market research firm is sticking to its projection of 4% to 6% growth this year. Growth in those disease areas is forecast to “exceed 10%” through 2014 as more patients have access to drugs and new treatments hit the market. Emerging markets such as China, Brazil, Russia, India and Venezuela are expected to grow by 14% to 17% per year, while mature markets will plug along at 3% to 6% annual growth. IMS also said that the U.S. health system overhaul may “spur fundamental change in the market,” but that its effects aren’t likely to be completely felt unt... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3490614 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 20:43:43 +0100 3490614 Sick friends could use your help http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3490578&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fsick-friends.html by Duncan Cross Illness might be the most isolating and alienating experience a person can know. Lots of well people simply have no clue how to relate to someone with a chronic and catastrophic illness. That sort of thing is scary even just to witness. They hope (or assume) you’ll get better, and then they won’t have to deal with whatever you’re going through – but when that takes too long, they drift away. (...)Read the rest of Sick friends could use your help 3 comments | Tags: Patient | Category: Patient care (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3490578 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 19:00:56 +0100 3490578 "I Love Your Smile" – Or, Discrimination In the Workplace http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3487298&cid=t_299663_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FihXLJrEOwjw%2F My teeth aren’t perfect. I drink coffee, I prefer stain-inducing red wine to white, and I didn’t wear my retainers as a teenager. But thanks to a mother obsessed with keeping me pearly and cavity-free, I got braces to reel back my buck teeth, received bi-annual fluoride treatments to keep fillings at bay, and endured pricey whiteners to abate a Diet Coke-tinted grin. For that, I’m eternally grateful. After all, who doesn’t enjoy hearing “I really like your smile” on a first date, or getting compliments over the din of the dental hygienist’s plaque grinder? Nobody ever told me that I landed a job thanks to my awesome incisors, but according to researchers at Columbia University, my teeth may be adding to my paycheck. In a study published by the Nati... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3487298 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:00:17 +0100 3487298 "I Love Your Smile" – Or, Discrimination In the Workplace http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3487278&cid=t_299663_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FihXLJrEOwjw%2F My teeth aren’t perfect. I drink coffee, I prefer stain-inducing red wine to white, and I didn’t wear my retainers as a teenager. But thanks to a mother obsessed with keeping me pearly and cavity-free, I got braces to reel back my buck teeth, received bi-annual fluoride treatments to keep fillings at bay, and endured pricey whiteners to abate a Diet Coke-tinted grin. For that, I’m eternally grateful. After all, who doesn’t enjoy hearing “I really like your smile” on a first date, or getting compliments over the din of the dental hygienist’s plaque grinder? Nobody ever told me that I landed a job thanks to my awesome incisors, but according to researchers at Columbia University, my teeth may be adding to my paycheck. In a study published by the Nati... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3487278 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:00:17 +0100 3487278 "I Love Your Smile" – Or, Discrimination In the Workplace http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3487011&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fi-love-your-smile-%25e2%2580%2593-or-discrimination-in-the-workplace%2F My teeth aren’t perfect. I drink coffee, I prefer stain-inducing red wine to white, and I didn’t wear my retainers as a teenager. But thanks to a mother obsessed with keeping me pearly and cavity-free, I got braces to reel back my buck teeth, received bi-annual fluoride treatments to keep fillings at bay, and endured pricey whiteners to abate a Diet Coke-tinted grin. For that, I’m eternally grateful. After all, who doesn’t enjoy hearing “I really like your smile” on a first date, or getting compliments over the din of the dental hygienist’s plaque grinder? Nobody ever told me that I landed a job thanks to my awesome incisors, but according to researchers at Columbia University, my teeth may be adding to my paycheck. In a study published by the Nati... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3487011 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:00:17 +0100 3487011 Feds Consider Banning Execs For Fraud http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3487368&cid=t_299663_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FmeGuuecYx9g%2F Drugmakers that repeatedly defraud the government may be forced to sell meds, relinquish product exclusivity, or fire execs and have them banned from working at other companies that do business with the government, Lewis Morris, the Health and Human Services Inspector General tells Inside Health Policy (subscription required). The warning comes after a growing number of instances in which drugmakers have handed large fines for off-label promotion and concerns that large fines are considered to be a cost of doing business. In fact, Pfizer created a shell to pay its fine and avoid the possibility of being excluded from contracting with Medicaid and Medicare, a route the government has avoided over fears patients would be hurt (see here). And so Morris tells IHP that he is aware of the concer... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3487368 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:23:22 +0100 3487368 Nurse Practitioners Poised to Take the Lead in Primary Health Care http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3487056&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.josiahmacyfoundation.org%2Fdocuments%2Fjmf_ChairSumConf_Jan2010.pdf By Pamela Cipriano. Access to care from Nurse Practitioners got two boosts in recent weeks.  The health insurance reform legislation (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148) contains important provisions that will address payment and recognition of NP services in medical homes and nurse managed health centers. (Refer to Lisa Korin’s blog 4/16 on “The Patient Centered Medical Home Model:  A Way to CostiEffectively Improve Quality of Care”) Original plans for medical home models had been stalled, and included payment only for physicians; the new law recognizes nurse practitioners as leaders of primary care practices and makes them eligible for reimbursement.  Nurse practitioners are also key providers and leaders of Nurse Managed Health Centers (NMHC).  Refo... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3487056 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 10:57:49 +0100 3487056 2011 IPPS draft rule released by CMS: Good news, bad news for hospitals http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3487195&cid=t_299663_114_f&fid=34648&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FHealthBlawg%2F%7E3%2FqwfebZK_bx0%2F2011-ipps-draft-rule-released-by-cms-good-news-bad-news.html The good news is that the acute hospital market basket update in Medicare payment proposed in the 2011 IPPS draft rule released by CMS on April 19 (to be published in the Federal Register on May 4) is 2.4% (subject to revision based on data clarifications in the final rule).  The bad news comes in two parts.  First, the 2.4% includes 2% for RHQDAPU compliance, and there are a number of new measures to report.  Second, and even worse, is that the rule also includes a -2.9% adjustment (yes, Virginia, a net cut of 0.5%) to account for part of the anticipated overpayment resulting from zealous documentation of claims under the relatively new MS-DRG system.  CMS gave hospitals a bye last year, when this adjustment was supposed to start.  Part 2 of the adjustment is supposed to be... HealthBlawg :: David Harlow's Health Care Law Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3487195 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:27:52 +0100 3487195 Medicaid Discounts Hit Lilly; What About Other Companies? http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3487033&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FxqXPkFf-kpw%2F Eli Lilly is taking a hit from the health care overhaul – today it said the legislation will cut its 2010 revenue by between $350 million and $400 million, and 2011 revenue by $600 million to $700 million. Here’s the lowdown on earnings from Dow Jones Newswires. But analysts say that not all pharma companies will be equally affected; product mix matters a lot. Lilly didn’t break out the financial impact of different provisions in health-care changes, but did cite higher discounts to Medicaid as one factor. The company’s anti-psychotic Zyprexa and its diabetes product portfolio give it fairly broad exposure to Medicaid. What about other companies? Bristol-Myers Squibb “apparently has the highest exposure to Medicaid,” with about 10-15% of U.S. sales coming from those covered unde... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3487033 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 18:53:59 +0100 3487033 Primary care needs better physical exam skills http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3482851&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fprimary-care-physical-exam-skills.html by Joseph Biundo, MD Not long ago, primary care physician Rob Lamberts did a blog post about the economics of seeing Medicare and Medicaid patients, stating that doing so was bad business. While I agree with most of his points, I have a quarrel with his statement that primary care physicians keep down the cost of care by keeping people healthy, away from specialists, and out of the hospital. (...)Read the rest of Primary care needs better physical exam skills No comment | Tags: Primary care, Specialist | Category: Physician practice (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3482851 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:00:15 +0100 3482851 Proof That Cutting Costs Might Affect Quality of Care http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3482913&cid=t_299663_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fproof-that-cutting-costs-might-affect.html ... when the new, cheaper answering service answers the phone after hours:"Cardiac Electro-psychology. How may I help you?"Sad, but true. (At least it was worth a chuckle.)-WesMusings of a cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist. (Source: Dr. Wes) Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3482913 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 13:23:00 +0100 3482913 Health reform winners and losers, and how it affects doctors http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3482852&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fhealth-reform-winners-losers-affects-doctors.html by Richard Reece, MD I congratulate President Obama and the Democrats on their historic health reform achievement. Will this bill be able to win approval as it runs the parliamentary gauntlet? Is it an act of political suicide that will become manifest in November? Will it bankrupt the country because of lack of cost controls? Regardless of where one stands, the bill is a political act of vast ambition and colossal risk. Now may be a good time to pick winners and losers of health reform. (...)Read the rest of Health reform winners and losers, and how it affects doctors 1 comment | Tags: Health reform, Medicare, Primary care, Specialist | Category: Health policy and politics (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3482852 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 13:00:27 +0100 3482852 Pharmalot… Pharmalittle… Good Morning http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3483121&cid=t_299663_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FIdJ7HI3NHAg%2F Welcome to another working week. We hope your weekend was pleasant and relaxing, and that you feel refreshed. Now, of course, the routine resumes and that means meetings and deadlines await. As always, we have gathered a few items to help you along. So grab your cup of stimulation and dig in. And have a good day. See you soon… Lilly Says Health Care Reform To Crimp Results (Reuters) Covance To Close Michigan Facility (Kalamazoo Gazette) AstraZeneca Says Flying Ban Doesn’t Threaten Meds (Dow Jones) Astellas Won’t Raise Bid For OSI (Bloomberg News) Glaxo’s Japan Unit To Disclose Doctor Payments (Reuters) Elan May Spin Off Drug Delivery Unit (Bloomberg News) (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3483121 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 11:29:13 +0100 3483121 The Loss of Physician-Owned Hospitals Solves Nothing http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3482914&cid=t_299663_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Floss-of-physician-owned-hospitals.html With the new health care reform bill signed in to law, the fate of physician-owned hospitals was sealed:The bill Congress passed in March includes a ban on new physician-owned hospitals and freezes those already in business at their present size. Doctors hold a one-third interest in Avera Heart, which opened in 2001, so the bill President Obama signed would prevent that facility from ever growing.The law change, in effect, leaves expansion of treatment of cardiovascular disease open for Sanford to dominate locally in coming years - if in fact that field of medicine grows. Avera Heart says such growth is not a given, because people are living healthier and have less need for emergency care.While it is easy to point to the potential conflict of interest inherent to physician-owned medical fa... Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3482914 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 10:32:00 +0100 3482914 Cerner - Fuqua School of Business 'Corporate Ethics 101' Paper and Website Disappear http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3482862&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fcorporate-ethics-101-paper-and-website.html On April 16 at "Healthcare IT Corporate Ethics 101: A Strategy for Cerner Corporation to Address the HIT Stimulus Plan" I wrote about a Duke Fuqua School of Business paper (apparently authored by a Cerner official) promoting a business strategy of regulatory manipulation to restrain the free market for HIT products.The paper, and the Fuqua School of Business web page "Past Papers" on which the paper was promoted, have both disappeared as of this April 18 writing.I have posted an image of the "Past Papers" page and updated my link to an archived copy of the paper, but the scrubbing of the Fuqua site and removal of the paper is interesting.-- SSAddendum Apr. 19 -A former HIMSS staffer related to me that I am likely blacklisted from the HIT vendor industry as a result of my writings on health... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3482862 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 01:35:00 +0100 3482862 Health blog posts of the week, April 9-16, 2010 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3482855&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fhealth-blog-posts-week-april-916-2010.html Here are the top posts from this past week, based on the number of times they were viewed. 1. Neosporin and other OTC drugs to avoid 2. iPad review for doctors: A hands on guide for medicine 3. Primary care doctors are saying farewell 4. Private practice medicine will soon become extinct 5. iPhone medical apps may be medical malpractice targets Health blog posts of the week, February 28-March 1, 2010 10 top health blog posts, March 2010 Ten top medical blog posts, October 2009 No comment | Tags: Drugs, Health IT, Primary care | Category: Health IT and EMR (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3482855 Sun, 18 Apr 2010 17:00:11 +0100 3482855 Patient appointment scheduling needs flexibility http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3480774&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fpatient-appointment-scheduling-flexibility.html by Rosemarie Nelson, MS The daily appointment schedule is often a sore spot in everyone’s day: * Patients aren’t completely satisfied because they can’t get an appointment when they want one. * Physicians feel they’ve lost control of their day when the flow is not running smoothly and they fall behind and patients complain. * Nurses and medical assistants are frustrated at the hodgepodge of types of appointments that get scheduled seemingly without any consideration for timing or room setup and required supplies. * Receptionists feel they are between a rock and a hard place — the nursing staff and the patients — trying to keep the patients informed and helping the nursing staff by alerting them to potentially put-off patients. * And the manager, where th... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3480774 Sun, 18 Apr 2010 15:00:38 +0100 3480774 When All the Cardiologists Merge with a Single Hospital http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3480798&cid=t_299663_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fwhen-all-cardiologists-merge-with.html Is competition or consolidation is the best way to deliver care and contain costs in the post-reform business of health care? In Maine, the state Legislature has maintained that competition should prevail:Under the plan, MaineHealth, owner of Maine Medical Center, would hire the 40 cardiologists now with Maine Cardiology Associates, which is based in South Portland, and Cardiovascular Consultants of Maine, based in Scarborough. The doctors would continue to see patients at their existing offices with the same medical and support staffs, although MaineHealth would buy the offices and equipment.MaineHealth and the physician groups asked for a change in state law that would protect the deal from antitrust challenges if they can show it is in the public interest – for example, that it preser... Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3480798 Sun, 18 Apr 2010 13:16:00 +0100 3480798 Op-ed: Health reform is missing malpractice and primary care fixes http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3479628&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fhealth-reform-missing-malpractice-primary-care-fixes.html The following op-ed was published on March 22nd, 2010 in CNN.com. With health reform passing the House, a comprehensive overhaul of our health care system draws another step closer. Coverage will expand to cover nearly 95 percent of legal U.S. residents. With a recent study showing that patients without health insurance have a shorter life span, coupled with the number of uninsured approaching 50 million in 2010, that is perhaps the biggest reason to cheer. (...)Read the rest of Op-ed: Health reform is missing malpractice and primary care fixes No comment | Tags: Health reform, Malpractice, Primary care | Category: Health policy and politics (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3479628 Sat, 17 Apr 2010 11:00:41 +0100 3479628 ObamaCare Is RomneyCare 2.0 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3479665&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FS-ySxmLrDt4%2F By Chris MoodyFormer Massachusetts governor and possible 2012 presidential contender Mitt Romney has spent a lot of time campaigning against the recent health care overhaul. One problem: It looks a lot like the law he signed in 2006 while he was governor of Massachusetts. “In every important respect the Obama plan and the Romney plan are identical,” says Michael Cannon, Cato director of health policy studies. In a new video, Cato’s David Boaz and Michael Cannon explain how alike the two plans really are. Watch: Cato scholars have been critical of Romney’s health care plan since its inception.  In June 2006, Michael Tanner authored the Cato Briefing Paper, “No Miracle in Massachusetts: Why Governor Romney’s Health Care Reform Won’t Work,” an... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3479665 Fri, 16 Apr 2010 17:51:41 +0100 3479665 Health costs are high, and here’s why http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3479630&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fhealth-costs-high.html by Toni Brayer, MD Health costs are high because the body is complicated and doctors and patients hate ambiguity. The cost is high because a missed diagnosis can lead to death and a large lawsuit. The cost is high because we have many specialists that view the body in tiny pieces and want to feel 100% correct about their piece. Let me give you a real life example. (...)Read the rest of Health costs are high, and here’s why 9 comments | Tags: Primary care, Specialist | Category: Physician practice (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3479630 Fri, 16 Apr 2010 17:00:43 +0100 3479630 PAs: Seasonal Allergy Experts http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3476108&cid=t_299663_175_f&fid=37867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcommunity.advanceweb.com%2Fblogs%2Fpa_1%2Farchive%2F2010%2F04%2F16%2Fpas-seasonal-allergy-experts.aspx In the past few weeks, PAs have offered their expertise in treating seasonal allergy sufferers by writing or being quoted in a number of news stories. As I sit at my desk with watery eyes and sniffles myself, staring out the window at my pollen-dusted...(read more) (Source: ADVANCE Blog for PAs) ADVANCE Blog for PAs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3476108 Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:22:00 +0100 3476108 Breastfeeding non-compliance costs the country billions http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3475753&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fbreastfeeding-noncompliance-costs-country-billions.html by Crystal Phend Poor compliance with breastfeeding recommendations costs the nation at least $13 billion each year, with nearly all of the cost related to infant morbidity and mortality, according to a comprehensive economic analysis. If 90% of new mothers followed guidelines for six months of exclusive breastfeeding for their children, an estimated 911 deaths would be prevented annually, said authors Melissa Bartick, MD, MSc, of Harvard Medical School, and Arnold Reinhold, MBA, of the Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics, both in Boston. (...)Read the rest of Breastfeeding non-compliance costs the country billions No comment | Tags: Patient, Primary care, Specialist | Category: Primary care (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3475753 Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:00:47 +0100 3475753 Don’t Buy Health Insurance? Your Tax Refund May Suffer. http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3475795&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F5Sa9_ozGRAQ%2F Starting in 2014, your federal tax refund may be clipped if you don’t follow the mandate to purchase health insurance. While the IRS won’t have the power to audit people to see if they’re covered, or to impose liens or levies to collect penalties, it will be able to reduce your refund, the WSJ reports, citing remarks made yesterday by IRS Deputy Commissioner for Services and Enforcement Steven T. Miller before the Senate Finance Committee. Under the new health-care law, insurers will verify enrollment by issuing a 1099 form. Those who can’t prove they have coverage may owe penalties; by 2016, they’ll owe either $695, or 2.5% of household income up to $2,085, whichever is greater, says the WSJ. Those who make too little to pay income taxes are exempt from penalties. The mandate and pen... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3475795 Fri, 16 Apr 2010 14:15:33 +0100 3475795 Technology can impact home based health care http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3475754&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Ftechnology-impact-home-based-health-care.html Eric Dishman, a behavioral scientist who works at Intel, discusses how technology can impact home based health care. From TEDMED 2009. Smartphones and the future of wireless medicine Placebo effect power, as shown by a magician How your health can depend on where you live No comment | Tags: Patient | Category: Patient care (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3475754 Fri, 16 Apr 2010 13:00:05 +0100 3475754 Healthcare IT Corporate Ethics 101: 'A Strategy for Cerner Corporation to Address the HIT Stimulus Plan' http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3475768&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fhealthcare-it-corporate-ethics-101.html I have written on these blog pages that the IT industry has staged an invasion of the healthcare professions.One of these invasions has to do with the ethics of the IT industry at odds with medical ethics and the Hippocratic oath. The HIT industry is characterized by an overarching interest in profits and a relative indifference towards patient harm and human life through sales of inferior products, ultra-aggressive marketing, and legalized suppression of adverse events information about poorly designed, unproven, insecure, experimental health IT medical devices.Worse, the health IT industry is entirely unregulated and has pushed to maintain that status quo.The public is beginning to wake up to the deception regarding at least some of the hazards regarding security and the profound exagge... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3475768 Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:11:00 +0100 3475768 The Patient Centered Medical Home Model: A Way to Cost-Effectively Improve Quality of Care http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3475821&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpcpcc.net%2Ffiles%2FPilotGuidePip.pdf By Lisa Korin. The media has given much attention to the health insurance aspects of health reform, but less to aspects of the law addressing the root issues.  Yes, the number of uninsured is a huge problem, but let’s not forget that an increasingly chronically ill population needing access to often expensive health services is one the key drivers contributing to the plight of the uninsured even needing insurance. According to the CDC, nearly 50% of the U.S. population suffers from a preventable chronic health condition, and these diseases account for 75% of the nation’s $2 trillion annual healthcare costs. Much of these costs arise from:  patients obtaining care from multiple healthcare providers, lack of medical care coordination, duplicate diagnostic testing and provider visits, a... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3475821 Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:57:37 +0100 3475821 Love-Hate Relationship with Over the Counter Meds? http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3476047&cid=t_299663_136_f&fid=39025&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Feverythingchangesbook%2F%7E3%2F0-haAqqOWxQ%2Fmedication-cancer I’ve long been afraid of medication, even over-the-counter meds.  Since way before my cancer diagnosis, I was scared of what the side effects could do.  I opted for just feeling my pain or taking natural remedies instead.  But having cancer changed some of that for me. I used to not even take Tylenol for a headache.  Now I toss back two extra-strength at the first twinge of pain.  I want to nip pain in the bud because A) Feeling pain sometimes launches me into a cancer PTSD anxiety spiral and B) Since cancer I feel like I have filled my life time quota of pain.  Why have any more than I need? Without going into huge detail about my bowels, I’ll just say that my doctor wants me to start taking a medication that contains aspertame and might make me feel bloated and crap a l... Everything Changes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3476047 Fri, 16 Apr 2010 00:05:51 +0100 3476047 Panel Says Most Health Insurers Need to Boost Medical Outlays http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3475797&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FOXKbfXWHRMY%2F Most of the big publicly traded insurance companies spend less on medical care than the new health law will require of them, says a report issued today by the Senate Commerce Committee. The committee, chaired by West Virginia’s John D. Rockefeller IV, has spent almost a year digesting data on each insurer’s medical-loss ratio, a metric closely watch by state regulators and Wall Street of how much health plans spend on benefits versus administrative expenses and profits. Starting next year under the new health law, insurance companies will need to spend 80% of premiums collected from individual and small-group plans on medical care and 85% of premiums from plans sold to large groups on care. After combing through the numbers insurers file to states, the committee determined that... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3475797 Thu, 15 Apr 2010 21:33:20 +0100 3475797 Imaging Technology Adoption: The Impact Of Self-Referral http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3475780&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=35747&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthaffairs.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2F15%2Fimaging-technology-adoption-the-impact-of-self-referral%2F Conclusion      Both articles, while informative, fail to address what I believe is the most significant driver of increased use of MRI for nonspecific low back pain and of hospitals’ adoption of the 64-slice CT scanner: self-referral. If Baras and Baker could identify self-referral physicians, I suspect their findings would show that the likelihood of undergoing an MRI is much higher for patients treated by referring physicians who stand to gain financially from each MRI scan performed.  Along the same line, if Lapado and colleagues had the data to capture competition from CT scans performed in nonhospital settings, I expect that this factor would be the driving force behind a hospital’s decision to acquire a 64-slice CT machine. Our efforts to bend the cost curve and rein in he... Health Affairs Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3475780 Thu, 15 Apr 2010 19:22:10 +0100 3475780 ABIM: Maintenance of Certification – For the public http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3475756&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fabim-maintenance-certification-public.html A guest column by the American Board of Internal Medicine, exclusive to KevinMD.com. by Christine Cassel, MD, MACP The debate about recertification recently in the New England Journal of Medicine and highlighted earlier this week on KevinMD.com and in an Associated Press article brings to light some of the real challenges facing the future of the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. I have been through the program – recertifying in geriatric medicine in 2005 – and I think it was worthwhile, but I agree that the program can still be improved. Many of the thoughtful comments by physicians in the Journal will help the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) to improve and increase the relevancy of the program for physicians. (...)Read the rest of ABIM: Maintenance of Certificati... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3475756 Thu, 15 Apr 2010 19:00:39 +0100 3475756 Physicians are leaving medicine for alternative careers http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3475757&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fphysicians-leaving-medicine-alternative-careers.html by Joseph Kim, MD, MPH When physicians choose to leave clinical medicine to pursue alternative careers, what motivates them to make such changes? Is it money? More time with family? Scheduling flexibility? Avoiding litigation? To pursue new challenges? Maybe you’re getting bored with medicine. (...)Read the rest of Physicians are leaving medicine for alternative careers 3 comments | Tags: Primary care, Specialist | Category: Physician practice (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3475757 Thu, 15 Apr 2010 17:00:50 +0100 3475757 When States Tie Conditions of Licensure to Insurance Payments http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3475852&cid=t_299663_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fwhen-states-tie-conditions-of-licensure.html A bill currently under review by the state Senate in Massachusetts will make participation in the state and federal Medicare/Medicaid programs a condition of medical licensure, effectively making physicians employees of the state:Every health care provider licensed in the commonwealth which provides covered services to a person covered under "Affordable Health Plans" must provide such service to any such person, as a condition of their licensure, and must accept payment at the lowest of the statutory reimbursement rate, an amount equal to the actuarial equivalent of the statutory reimbursement rate, or the applicable contract rate with the carrier for the carrier’s product offering with the lowest level benefit plan available to the general public within the Connector, other than the you... Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3475852 Thu, 15 Apr 2010 16:27:00 +0100 3475852 UnitedHealth to States: Here’s How to Save Billions on Medicaid http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3471762&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FU3i1U6yioWE%2F And the race is on! The health overhaul has created a new source of customers for insurers, and as the WSJ reports, one of the biggest new markets is the 16 million people who will be newly eligible for state Medicaid coverage. UnitedHealth Group is today releasing a report that offers managed-care strategies it says will save states money as they expand their Medicaid rolls. Managed-care Medicaid programs such as UnitedHealth’s AmeriChoice and others offered by Amerigroup, Centene and WellPoint usually take a fixed payment from the government to care for patients. Those insurers are hoping more states move to use outside programs rather than doing it themselves. The report, by UnitedHealth’s Center for Health Reform and Modernization, lays out $366 billion in savings it says could be re... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3471762 Thu, 15 Apr 2010 16:14:31 +0100 3471762 Exercise for life http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3471779&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F04%2Fexercise-for-life.html "I can’t help my weight—it’s my genes." "I don’t have time to exercise." "I hate going to the gym and getting sweaty." If that sounds familiar, listen up. Yes, genes can affect your chances of putting on weight, but getting regular exercise can actually limit the amount of weight you gain in adolescence. And building exercise into your day, simply by walking faster, can protect you from having a stroke in later life. Two studies published in the last week highlight the protective effects of exercise. The first looked at teenagers who had a gene variation known to be associated with obesity. In effect, the genetic variation means these teens are programmed to eat more than their bodies need. You might think these kids didn’t have a chance of staying... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3471779 Thu, 15 Apr 2010 14:00:00 +0100 3471779 AT&T, Verizon ‘Hopeful’ Health Bill Has Net Benefits http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3471763&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FmzXJf2H-J48%2F A congressional hearing scheduled for next week to air corporations’ concerns about the costs they’ll incur from the health-care overhaul has been scrapped. Henry Waxman, head of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, canceled next Wednesday’s hearing at the behest of companies such as AT&T and Verizon, the Associated Press reports. A string of companies have announced charges to due to a provision that will block companies from deducting tax-free government subsidies they receive for retirees’ prescription drug benefits. But, the AP says, companies are now backing down, with Waxman saying they are “hopeful that some benefits of the new law will outweigh the costs.” Here’s the committee’s staff report, via Kaiser Health News. That report also finds the companies followed corr... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3471763 Thu, 15 Apr 2010 13:37:57 +0100 3471763 Design Challenge: Outlook from the Original Diabetes Entrepreneur http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3471991&cid=t_299663_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fdesign-challenge-outlook-from-the-original-diabetes-entrepreneur.html Robert Oringer is currently Co-Chairman and Board Director of AMG Medical Inc. in Canada, which distributes professional and home healthcare products. But he’s also the man who pioneered private-label diabetes products in the US, including syringes, glucose products, and testing supplies. One might call Robert a serial diabetes entrepreneur — and at least as importantly, father [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3471991 Thu, 15 Apr 2010 13:00:38 +0100 3471991 Primary care and the three year medical student http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3471722&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fprimary-care-year-medical-student.html It’s well documented on this blog that the primary care shortage will only worsen once most of America has access to affordable health insurance. As I wrote in a recent op-ed. not only will there a shortage of primary care physicians, but nurse practitioners and physician assistants won’t alleviate the problem either, mostly because they are also enticed by the lucrative allure of specialty practice. Enter the three-year primary care physician. (...)Read the rest of Primary care and the three year medical student 8 comments | Tags: Medical school, Primary care | Category: Primary care (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3471722 Thu, 15 Apr 2010 11:00:48 +0100 3471722 Health Wonk Review: Block That Metaphor! http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3471893&cid=t_299663_114_f&fid=34648&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FHealthBlawg%2F%7E3%2FV8chGkdkGmo%2Fhealth-wonk-review.html I'm not a superstitious man, but April 15th is fraught with doom, linked as it is to death and taxes ... among other themes, as we will explore in this edition of Health Wonk Review.  For that reason, and due to the happy accident that this edition is the fifth that I have hosted (Joe Paduda thought it was the umpteenth; I know, I know, we lawyers have a way with words ... but there have only been 1, 2, 3, 4 others), I'm opening this post under the protective auspices of a khamsa, a five-fingered good luck talisman, or amulet, designed to ward off the evil eye. Will Rogers once said: "The income tax has made liars out of more Americans than golf."  Honesty is, they say, the best policy.  On the flipside, though, last week Roy Poses questioned the de-linking of ethics from pecu... HealthBlawg :: David Harlow's Health Care Law Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3471893 Thu, 15 Apr 2010 09:16:39 +0100 3471893 Estrogen: The Great Debate http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3471784&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDisruptiveWomenInHealthCare%2F%7E3%2F1GLP7dTQLZA%2F By Robin Strongin.  Heads up — the New York Times magazine will be publishing The Estrogen Dilemma this Sunday, April 18th. Just in time for Disruptive Women’s April 29th breakfast: News (Hot) Flash: Sex, Drugs, and Menopause. (you can register here and of course, MEN are more than welcome to attend.)  We will be showing a sneak peak of the soon-to-be-released movie, Hot Flash Havoc. Estrogen and Menopause:  Lots of studies, lots of data, lots of unanswered questions. If you are comfortable, feel free to share your experience with the mother of all hormones. Related posts:Rethinking Hormone Replacement Therapy Video blog roundup: Health care reform debate goes public (Source: Disruptive Women in Health Care) Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3471784 Wed, 14 Apr 2010 23:37:59 +0100 3471784 Key Members of Diabetes Care: The Dietitian http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3471739&cid=t_299663_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2010%2F04%2F15%2Fkey-members-of-diabetes-care-the-dietitian%2F Filed under: CareAs a recently diagnosed diabetic, your life will change dramatically. Instead of stopping in to see a doctor only when you have a cold or flu, you'll have to see your primary care physician regularly. You're also going to have to see eye doctors, dentists, podiatrists and endocrinologists. Once you've had an initial consultation with your registered dietitian and have a treatment plan in place, though, repeat visits with him or her can seem tedious. They shouldn't be. Dietitians can help you figure out your food needs throughout your life and will help you adjust your eating habits depending on lifestyle changes, medications you may take or other health goals. Dietitians work in hospitals, schools, fitness centers and private practices. Look for dietitians who speci... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3471739 Wed, 14 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3471739 Primary care doctors are saying farewell http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3471723&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fprimary-care-doctors-farewell.html by Aldebra Schroll, MD It has been three months since I closed the door on my primary care office for the last time. It was with a heavy heart that I said goodbye to the many patients I cared for over the last six years. I am the fourth physician to leave the practice in as many years. (...)Read the rest of Primary care doctors are saying farewell 9 comments | Tags: Primary care | Category: Primary care (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3471723 Wed, 14 Apr 2010 19:00:49 +0100 3471723 Rural medicine won’t be helped by health reform http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3471724&cid=t_299663_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevinmd.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Frural-medicine-helped-health-reform.html by Rick Bendinger, MD I am a rural health provider in Abbeville, Alabama and have been here almost 30 years. I originally went to school on a public health scholarship and took the private practice option. This was a program that existed in the 1980s that paid for tuition and a stipend with the obligation to go either to a prison, rural area, or Indian reservation. Sadly the program no longer exists. Both myself and my partner went to school on this program. The thought was that once you paid off a 4 year obligation working in a rural area you would stay and for me it worked. (...)Read the rest of Rural medicine won’t be helped by health reform 7 comments | Tags: Health reform, Primary care | Category: Primary care (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3471724 Wed, 14 Apr 2010 17:00:45 +0100 3471724 Caution Urged with Negative Pressure Wound Therapy http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3467793&cid=t_299663_105_f&fid=39124&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jeffreymlevinemd.com%2Fcaution-urged-with-negative-pressure-wound-therapy%2F I recently was called to consult on a man whose sternal wound was being treated with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). He had undergone a coronary artery bypass operation and his chest wound had opened up. His doctor prescribed NPWT but after the third day the canister was filling with blood and clots. The wound [...] (Source: Jeffrey M. Levine MD | Geriatric Specialist | Wound Care | Pressure Ulcers) Jeffrey M. Levine MD | Geriatric Specialist | Wound Care | Pressure Ulcers blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3467793 Wed, 14 Apr 2010 13:57:09 +0100 3467793