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 'healthcare system'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:02:48 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5181741&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2011%2F08%2Fexploring-the-health-needs-of-incarcerated-women The July/August issue of the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing includes a series of articles on the health care needs of women in prison, including the need to address inequalities, provide thorough care for complex health conditions, and to attend to the end-of-life needs of female prisoners. In End-of-Life Care and Barriers for Female Inmates, the authors explore a little-discussed topic. For background, they explain that “end-of-life” in prisons does not typically occur they way we might think, and so health care, and especially end-of-life care, for incarcerated women is much more complex than we might be aware: Stereotypical images in the popular media promote a perception that prison death is due to suicide or homicide by fellow inmates. In reality... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5181741 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 18:21:17 +0100 5181741 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096148&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2011%2F08%2Fthe-effects-of-birth-control-right-wing-version As previously reported, women with health insurance will soon have access to a host of preventive health care services, including contraception, without having to pay out-of-pocket costs such as co-payments, co-insurance and deductibles. Not surprisingly, the news rankled some conservatives who refuse to acknowledge the long-term economic or health benefits. Take, for instance, Sandy Rios, a FOX News contributor and vice president of the Family-PAC Federal, a conservative political action committee, who likened women’s health needs to beauty services: ”We’re $14 trillion in debt and now we’re going to cover birth control, breast pumps, counseling for abuse? Are we going to do pedicures and manicures as well?” Once again, we turn to Stephen Colbert to explain the outrage... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096148 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 21:09:01 +0100 5096148 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086133&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2011%2F08%2Fyes-hhs-approves-iom-recommendations-for-preventive-care-for-women Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that it is adopting the Institute of Medicine’s recommendations for preventive care services for women. This will ensure that women have access to the following services under health insurance plans without having to pay a co-payment, co-insurance or deductible: well-woman visits screening for gestational diabetes HPV testing STI counseling HIV screening and counseling contraception methods and counseling breastfeeding support, supplies, and counseling screening and counseling for domestic and interpersonal violence Coverage for these services is expected to begin Aug. 1, 2012. There is one caveat for some women regarding access to contraception without a co-pay — a provision that “Group health plans spon... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086133 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 19:30:20 +0100 5086133 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077644&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2011%2F07%2Fiom-recommendations-also-support-screeningcounseling-for-violence Last week, we highlighted the Institute of Medicine’s recommendation that birth control be covered without co-pays as a preventive service under health care reform. Several other aspects of women’s health were also covered by the Institute’s recommendations, including “screening and counseling for interpersonal and domestic violence.” While the birth control prevention got a lot of attention online, we’ve seen less discussion of this and other recommendations, so thought we’d highlight it. An email we received from Futures Without Violence called it a “historic victory,” and explained, “This is not a requirement for screening for domestic violence. It does however, break down significant barriers to integrating comprehensive respo... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077644 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:22:06 +0100 5077644 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069474&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fimgs.xkcd.com%2Fcomics%2Fstandards.png Many people ask why the United States, unlike other countries, has no national system of electronic medical records. Here’s why: Insert the number 576 instead of 14, by the way. Each of which (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Musings of a Dinosaur* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069474 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 14:00:36 +0100 5069474 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5062290&cid=t_124357_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F25%2Fneed-mental-health-treatment-in-2-weeks-fat-chance%2F This study demonstrates quite the opposite. Read the full article: Medical News: Barriers High in Mental Health Care (Source: World of Psychology) World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5062290 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 20:15:01 +0100 5062290 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5057719&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhy-im-afraid-for-anyone-to-enter-the-healthcare-system-ever%2F2011.07.23 Alright, I admit that the title of this post is a little dramatic. But it really does seem that most people I know socially have had a bad experience with the healthcare system lately. Take for example my friend whose 3- year-old went to the hospital for a common pediatric procedure – the little girl was overdosed on a medicine, aspirated, got pneumonia, went into respiratory distress (noticed first by her mom) and remained in the pediatric ICU for several days. The hospital staff swept the overdose under the rug, and outright denied it happened when faced with direct questioning. As outrageous as that all is, my friend chose not to pursue action against the hospital and staff for their error and behavior. She just “let it go” because no permanent harm had occurred. Anoth... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5057719 Sun, 24 Jul 2011 01:18:24 +0100 5057719 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028450&cid=t_124357_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F14%2Fgratitude-for-the-canadian-healthcare-system-from-an-american-patient%2F “…our challenge is twofold: We have to find a way to cover all our people; and we have to figure out how to get better value for the US$2 trillion we currently spend on healthcare.” – David M. Cutler, Otto Eckstein Professor of Applied Economics at Harvard University and Member of the Institute of Medicine -commenting on the US healthcare system. Last month I was invited to speak for a week for The International Certificate Programme in Dual Diagnosis associated with Brock University under the guidance of Dr. Dorothy Griffiths & Dr. Frances Owen. Work I’ve developed over the past several years on psychotherapy for people with intellectual disabilities has been implemented in the States and most of the countries with socialized medicine.  The Canadians have a real fl... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028450 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 18:34:58 +0100 5028450 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028123&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2011%2F07%2Fspeak-up-against-threats-to-medicare We received the following letter from Physicians for a National Health Program yesterday regarding political negotiations that range from raising the eligibility age for Medicare and increasing costs for participants to dismantling the program altogether. It’s an important issue and we hope you’ll take the time to learn more : With the 46th anniversary of Medicare only a few weeks away (July 30), the program is in serious danger. … You may have seen the Washington Post story last week that said, “President Obama is pressing congressional leaders to consider a far-reaching debt-reduction plan that would force Democrats to accept major changes to Social Security and Medicare in exchange for Republican support for fresh tax revenue,” and as that part of his pitch he’s ... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028123 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 15:33:07 +0100 5028123 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008118&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2011%2F07%2Fjoin-the-national-womens-law-center-for-a-birth-control-blog-carnival On July 21, the National Women’s Law Center is hosting a “Birth Control: We’ve Got You Covered” blog carnival to talk about the importance of access to birth control and to encourage the U.S. government to include birth control in a list of services that will be available without a co-pay. The Affordable Care Act requires coverage – without a co-pay – for preventive services. Decisions about which services will be included are expected sometime this summer. Advocates, including the NWLC, have been working to encourage the Institute of Medicine and Department of Health and Human Services to include birth control as one of the preventive services to be covered. If you’re unfamiliar with the “blog carnival” concept, it’s when lots of people post... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008118 Wed, 06 Jul 2011 13:56:05 +0100 5008118 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4975869&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmore-employers-are-dropping-healthcare-insurance-coverage%2F2011.06.26 McKinsey Quarterly has reported its survey concluding there will be a radical restructuring of employer-sponsored health benefits (ESI) as a result of President Obama’s following the 2010 passage of the Affordable Care Act. Healthcare insurance rates have already skyrocketed as a result of anticipating the conditions of Obama care. President Obama has been powerless to do anything about the increases. Thirty percent (30%) of companies providing ESI to their employees will drop healthcare insurance coverage once Obama care takes effect in 2014. The survey included 1300 employers providing ESI across industries, geographies, and employer sizes. Other surveys have found that as we get closer to 2014, President Obama’s Healthcare Reform Act will provoke a much greater number of employers t... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4975869 Sun, 26 Jun 2011 21:00:51 +0100 4975869 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872050&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2011%2F05%2Fvermont-passes-law-providing-for-insurance-coverage-of-home-births-and-midwives-birth-certificate-changes-for-transgender-individuals This reportedly makes Vermont the only state with a law that explicitly specifies that surgery is not required in order to obtain a new birth certificate. The law also provides that the original birth certificates will not be available for public inspection in order to protect individual privacy. (Source: Our Bodies Our Blog) Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872050 Fri, 27 May 2011 12:30:21 +0100 4872050 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841416&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2011%2F05%2Fhealth-literacy-resources-for-providers Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to attend the IHA health literacy conference, where many experts spoke about ways to make health information more understandable to more people. Health literacy is a complex topic that I’m still learning about, but it encompasses more than just reading skills. According to a common definition, health literacy is “The degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions.” Encompassed in that definition are basic reading skills, but also more complex skills such as those required to read a prescription bottle and figure out how and when to take a drug, number skills, listening skills, and other abilities needed to navigate ... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841416 Tue, 17 May 2011 15:06:29 +0100 4841416 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4658383&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcan-patients-commit-medicaid-fraud%2F2011.03.30 We hear so much about health care fraud and how much it costs us all in terms of higher Medicaid, Medicare and private insurance costs, and if we could just rein in this fraud we could make our health care system pay for itself. My trusty Mac widget dictionary defines fraud as: a person or thing intended to deceive others, typically by unjustifiably claiming or being credited with accomplishments or qualities and wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain. Well, I’m wondering, what is actually considered fraud? Let me give some examples, and help me understand whether or not this is fraudulent behavior. The examples are purely hypothetical and do not represent any known individuals, living or dead, or specific situations in any known emergency de... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4658383 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 17:00:19 +0100 4658383 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4615075&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2011%2F03%2Fmedical-journal-editorial-on-u-s-maternal-mortality-as-a-human-rights-failure The March editorial for the journal Contraception frames rates of maternal mortality in the United States “not just a matter of public health, but a human rights failure.” The authors, from WomanCare Global, AWHONN, and Amnesty International, explain the problem: The rise of maternal deaths in the United States is historic and worrisome. In 1987, maternal death ratios hit the all-time low of 6.6 deaths per 100,000 live birth. These ratios were essentially maintained for more than a decade. Around 2000, the ratio began to increase and has since nearly doubled, hovering between 12 and 15 deaths per 100,000 live births between 2003 and 2007…’near misses’ (maternal complications so severe the woman nearly died) have also increased by 27% between 1998 and 2005, now... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4615075 Mon, 21 Mar 2011 14:08:17 +0100 4615075 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4532212&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhen-headlines-bash-doctors%2F2011.02.28 While I know it grabs the eye, it really didn’t matter what the article was about. The headline says it all: Doctors are the problem, not the system, right? -WesMusings of a cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist. *This blog post was originally published at Dr. Wes* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4532212 Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:00:00 +0100 4532212 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4495204&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fovertreated-is-underread%2F2011.02.18 My daughter, Elana, home from college on winter break, offered me a book to peruse from one of her classes. She correctly suspected that her father, the MD Whistleblower, would enjoy reading a book authored by a whistleblower pro. The book, “Overtreated: Why Too Much Medicine Is Making Us Sicker and Poorer” by Shannon Brownlee should be required reading for first year medical students, who have not yet acquired views and habits that promulgate excessive medical care and treatment. For those of us already in practice, this book should be a required element of board recertification. Brownlee understands the medical system well and describes a culture of excess, conflicts of interests, absence of universal quality control mechanisms and fractured and disorganized care with no one ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4495204 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 18:00:00 +0100 4495204 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4464496&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmaking-employee-health-a-fundamental-part-of-company-culture%2F2011.02.11 Dick Quinn of Quinn’s Commentary has a pithy post about why it’s hard for the government to control healthcare costs. He says: Nobody complains about the cost of healthcare, rather they complain about their insurance premiums or their payroll deductions for health benefits. He’s right about what politicians react to. The healthcare reform law is loaded with things that are meant to contain the price of coverage. But I would add two words to his post: “Nobody who votes complains about the cost of healthcare.” It’s true: The large employers who pay for much of healthcare in America complain about the cost a lot. But they are doing something about it. In my work, I have the opportunity to present at events with some of our Fortune 500 clients. (I have one this week with The Home ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4464496 Fri, 11 Feb 2011 16:00:28 +0100 4464496 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4313981&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2011%2F01%2Fthe-new-year-in-health-care-reform-good-news-and-bad-for-older-americans The new, more Republican Congress is now in session, and we’re already seeing talk of repealing last year’s health care reform legislation. For now, older Americans can benefit from some of last year’s changes that are now becoming active, including: The effect of the “doughnut hole” in Medicare Part D coverage should be reduced through a 50% discount on brand-name prescription drugs in the coverage gap. Senate Democrats are focusing on this benefit as one that should not be repealed by the new House and are vowing to block any such repeal. Free preventive services, such as cancer screenings and annual wellness exams, will be available for seniors on Medicare. Another expected benefit looks like it will be reversed: The New York Times reports that Medicare ... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4313981 Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:27:47 +0100 4313981 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4304877&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-best-book-on-health-care-reform%2F2011.01.03 The best book on health care reform — or surviving it — is the “The Innovator’s Prescription: A Disruptive Solution for Health Care.” The decade worth of research spent understanding, studying, and ultimately offering solutions to make the health care system more accessible, higher quality, and affordable is clear. Unlike other books, the authors, respected Harvard Business School (HBS) professor Clayton Christensen, Jerome Grossman, a doctor who also was the Director of Health Care Delivery Policy Program at Harvard Kennedy School, and Jason Hwang, another doctor and graduate of the MBA program at HBS, avoid the traps the plague most other solutions by taking a completely different perspective by looking at other industries where products and services offere... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4304877 Mon, 03 Jan 2011 14:00:00 +0100 4304877 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4298622&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fbecoming-a-savvy-healthcare-consumer-a-difficult-science%2F2010.12.29 Dr. Kent Bottles is in the midst of a very thoughtful multi-part blog post under the heading, “The Difficult Science Behind Becoming a Savvy Healthcare Consumer.” Part I examined “the limitations of science in helping us make wise choices and decisions about our health.” Part II explores “how we all have to change if we are to live wisely in a time of rapid transformation of the American healthcare system that everyone agrees needs to decrease per-capita cost and increase quality.” Both parts so far have addressed important issues about news media coverage of healthcare. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Gary Schwitzer's HealthNewsReview Blog* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4298622 Wed, 29 Dec 2010 18:00:30 +0100 4298622 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4258869&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-illusion-of-healthcare-reform%2F2010.12.13 The greatest minds are assembled to discern the answer in healthcare reform. Powerful interest groups are aligned to design solutions to protect their turf. Rubrics, formulas, slogans and taglines get designed, spun, pitched and thrown out. The burden of finding alignment, an answer, a plan that suits everyone seems insurmountable — unless we don’t. The idea of a fit for all is an illusion. Justice and equity are seen differently. We imagine some public consensus at our own peril. But honesty has been in short supply. To paraphrase Oprah: What do we know for sure? Some people want a relationship with a trusted doctor who knows them well. They want to pick the doctor, the neighborhood and the hospital they attend. Others want immediate access and have little trust or interest in a p... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4258869 Mon, 13 Dec 2010 21:00:00 +0100 4258869 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4253139&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwomens-health-in-the-u-s-gets-an-f%2F2010.12.12 The Oregon Health and Science University has published its fifth report card since 2000. It grades and ranks the United States on 26 health-status indicators for women. In 2010, not one state received an overall “satisfactory” grade for women’s health, and just two states — Vermont and Massachusetts — received a “satisfactory-minus” grade. Overall, the nation is so far from meeting the goals set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that it receives an overall grade of “unsatisfactory.” The national report card uses status indicators to assess women’s health: Women’s access to healthcare services (medically under-served area, no abortion provider, no health insurance and first trimester prenatal care) Wellness... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4253139 Sun, 12 Dec 2010 18:00:00 +0100 4253139 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4249059&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-virtue-of-unnecessary-care%2F2010.12.10 I case you didn’t hear the news, the American healthcare system is in financial crisis. One of the biggest culprits indicted in this crises is “unnecessary care,” with estimates ranging from $500 to $650 billion (total spending estimate is $2.6 trillion) going toward things labeled “unnecessary.” Personally I think this is an underestimate, as it doesn’t take into account the some big-ticket items: Brand name drugs given when generics would do. Antibiotics given for viral infections (and the additional cost due to reactions and resistance). Unproven costly care considered “standard of care” (PSA testing, robotic surgery, coronary stents). The unnecessarily high price of drugs. One of the main reasons I am an advocate of EMR is to measure and analyze care, eliminating tha... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4249059 Fri, 10 Dec 2010 17:00:19 +0100 4249059 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4225205&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F12%2Fnew-recognition-for-nurses-dedicated-to-evidence-based-model-of-care by Nekose Wills | OBOS program assistant The Coalition for Improving Maternity Services (CIMS) has started the Mother-Friendly Nurse Recognition Initiative, which aims to recognize nurses who are dedicated to using an evidence-based model of care to improve health outcomes of birthing women and their babies. CIMS will confer recognition to nurses who provide maternity care services consistent with the 10 Steps of the Mother-Friendly Childbirth Initiative (pdf). These nurses keep the best interest of women and babies at the forefront while embracing the MCFI as their guiding philosophical approach to the care of birthing women. This handy FAQ page explains the program’s goals and application process. The application is available here. Given the vital role nurses play in patient care ... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4225205 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 13:50:16 +0100 4225205 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4197065&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-seduction-of-primary-care%2F2010.11.24 Hey there, big, smart, good-looking doctor… Are you tired of being snubbed at all the parties? Are you tired of those mean old specialists having all of the fun? I have something for you, something that will make you smile. Just come to me and see what I have for you. Embrace me and I will take away all of the bad things in your life. I am what you dream about. I am what you want.  I am yours if you want me… Seduce: verb [trans.] attract (someone) to a belief or into a course of action that is inadvisable or foolhardy : they should not be seduced into thinking that their success ruled out the possibility of a relapse. See note at “tempt.” (From the dictionary on my Mac, which I don’t know how to cite.) If you ever go to a professional meeting for doctors, make su... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4197065 Wed, 24 Nov 2010 13:00:39 +0100 4197065 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4139237&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhealthcare-reform-and-a-divided-congress%2F2010.11.05 Republicans who had opposed healthcare reform before the election are now elected officials with a say in how the programs are funded. At federal and state levels, the program’s opponents either have a larger voice or are now in charge of implementing elements of reform. Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid said he’d consider adjustments to healthcare reform. Frightened seniors flipped toward opposition to healthcare reform, while flipping on the issue may have saved a few Democrats. Exit polling showed 48 percent would repeal healthcare reform, 16 percent would leave it as is, and 31 percent would expand it. Now that Republicans have a larger say in the matter, take a look at their plan for healthcare in A Pledge to America, starting on page 25, and decide for yourself. (New Yor... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4139237 Fri, 05 Nov 2010 14:00:00 +0100 4139237 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4121851&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpersonal-hygiene-role-model-behavior-and-the-world-series%2F2010.10.31 To: Bud Selig, Commissioner of Baseball Dear Mr. Selig: The World Series is an exciting time. It’s important to promote the national pastime. Kids play baseball all over the world. I have been particularly interested in the post-season games this season because my home team, the Texas Rangers, is in the World Series. They have been playing magnificent baseball. I have been both a Yankees and Rangers fan ever since the Rangers came to Texas. In fact, my brother and I went to the first Rangers game in Arlington Stadium. I have been a student of baseball strategy for many years. Baseball is a fantastic game. Baseball players are role models to kids all over the world. A baseball player’s behavior on the playing field should be exemplary. Baseball players have been poor role models as ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4121851 Sun, 31 Oct 2010 16:00:46 +0100 4121851 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3983394&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpatient-empowerment-is-it-what-americans-really-want%2F2010.09.19 Empowered patient. Consumer driven healthcare. Transparency. Access to their full medical records online. Review the latest news and you’ll discover more books and articles recommending patients be advocates for themselves. The pitch? The only way to get the best care is to be thorough, informed, and always asking questions. This perspective is understandable because advocates have observed a healthcare system that provides inconsistent quality, too many preventable medical errors, and overtreatment resulting in unnecessary injuries and deaths. Even I’ve written a book saying the same thing, and I hate to write.  The public is urged to take charge of their health and their healthcare. When they have a problem, ask the doctor questions. Do research. If they need a proc... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3983394 Sun, 19 Sep 2010 14:00:00 +0100 3983394 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3885416&cid=t_124357_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fhealing-sick-health-care-system-dr.html This is Chap 1 from Dr Nadkarni's book, Healing the Sick Healthcare System.The Health–care-system is very complex . It is asystem in which any person with any perceived illness seeksmedical assistance to get rid of his illness, even if the perceivedillness is false, in the sense that it may not be a true organicillness. The primary needs of the individual are food, clothing andshelter. Health and education come next in order. Food, clothingand shelter are considered most essential for the survival of anindividual. Yet every need under these heads cannot beconsidered as essential. While rice, chapatti and dal maybeconsidered most essential, the same cannot be said about‘pickles’, ‘papad’ and ‘pista’, ‘badam’ and such dry fruits couldlegitimately be considered as luxuries. ... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3885416 Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:37:00 +0100 3885416 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3733059&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F07%2Fhealthcare-gov-provides-tools-for-understanding-health-care-options Last month, Christine posted some resources for shopping for health insurance in light of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which institutes a number of changes in health insurance availability and coverage. This month, one of the provisions of that Act was enacted to further aid in insurance shopping. The government is now offering a website where residents of any state can identify affordable health insurance coverage options in their state. The website, HealthCare.gov, provides an online tool individuals and families can use to search for insurance and healthcare options. Under the “Find Insurance Options” section, you can put in information about your state, status (healthy individual, senior, young adult, etc.), age, and other non-personal details to find inf... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3733059 Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:18:48 +0100 3733059 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3699468&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F06%2Fproposed-rule-change-would-improve-hospital-visitation-rights The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services this week announced a proposed rule change intended to make hospital visitation much easier for LGBTQ patients and their partners. The rule rule “would protect patients’ rights to choose their own visitors during a hospital stay, including visitors who are same-sex domestic partners.” The proposed rule change follows up on an April 15 presidential memorandum requesting, in part, that critical access hospitals and hospitals participating in Medicaid or Medicare allow patients to designate visitors who would receive the same access as “immediate family members.” These participating hospitals “may not deny visitation privileges on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gen... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3699468 Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:52:21 +0100 3699468 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3662646&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F06%2Fshopping-for-health-insurance-start-here In the wake of healthcare reform, many practical questions remain, including: How do I find and select a reasonable plan? For the previously uninsured who are now interested in purchasing their own healthcare insurance, Claudia Buck of McClatchy Newspapers has put together a “How to Shop for Health Insurance” guide. It’s quick and cursory — but it gives a decent starting point, especially for anyone overwhelmed by the possibilities. It provides a needed warning about brokers — check if the broker or agent is licensed and in good standing — and it dispenses some good advice for those who are doing their own online shopping (on a site like ehealthinsurance.com): Pay attention to what’s covered. The lowest premium, for instance, may carry a high deduc... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3662646 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 13:28:05 +0100 3662646 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3662670&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhospital-parking-another-revenue-stream%2F2010.06.15 When it comes to hospital parking, the British healthcare system is making a go at it: Using data from 126 Freedom Of Information requests, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust came top for clamping. Over a year, the hospital clamped 1,671 cars and made nearly £2m profit. Leeds General Infirmary issued the most parking tickets — over 10,000, generating £142,000 profit. The Royal Derby was the target of the most criticism — it received 82 complaints in 2008-09. I wonder what U.S. hospitals are bringing in? When a hospital owns 4,734 parking spaces, I bet they’re doing pretty well. -WesMusings of a cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist. *This blog post was originally published at Dr. Wes* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3662670 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +0100 3662670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3648786&cid=t_124357_147_f&fid=39202&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnicolaziady.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F09%2Firish-hospitals-under-fire-after-wrongly-diagnosing-miscarriages%2F Doctors in Ireland are encouraging additional and more thorough readings of fetal scans for pregnant women, as well as for equipment to be updated regularly, in the wake of news that three different women were wrongly informed that they had miscarried. In the most high profile of the three cases, Melissa Redmond was eight weeks pregnant when she was told late last year by doctors at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, that her baby had died. Just prior to undergoing a procedure to have the fetus removed, Redmond sought a second opinion, where it was determined that her child was, indeed, alive. The boy, Michael Jr., is now 13-weeks old according to BBC News. “The health scanner [at Our Lady of Lourdes] was not fit for purpose,” Redmond’s husband, Michael, said. &... Nicola Ziady blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3648786 Wed, 09 Jun 2010 23:15:12 +0100 3648786 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3603598&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhealth-insurance-and-medical-loss-ratio-foolishness%2F2010.05.25 Like Ezra Klein, smart people keep saying foolish things about the health insurance business. This time it’s a pair of bloggers talking about the largest expense that health insurers face — their “medical loss ratio.” According to Richard Dale at the Venture Cyclist: [W]hy do they call it Medical Loss Ratio? Why is looking after me (or you) called “Medical Loss,” when the whole point of a healthcare system is to look after me (or you)? (Sigh.) Alan Katz, one of the leading health insurance bloggers, surprisingly links to this with approval, saying “words matter.” The problem? The word “loss” is probably one of the four oldest words in the insurance industry. I’d say the others are probably “premium,” “commission,” and “profit.” Should we start outlawi... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3603598 Wed, 26 May 2010 01:00:39 +0100 3603598 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3595557&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F05%2Foboss-judy-norsigian-on-health-care-reform-at-salon Our own Judy Norsigian – along with Ellen Shaffer of the Center for Policy Analysis – has a new piece up at Salon.  A practical guide forward for progressives on healthcare looks at the myths that have undermined  enthusiasm for the new health care reform package and encourages people to build upon its successes. Norsigian and Shaffer also propose next steps for progressives who share the goal of affordable universal health care. Check it out, and let us know what you think in the comments! (Source: Our Bodies Our Blog) Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3595557 Mon, 24 May 2010 16:04:21 +0100 3595557 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3545426&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F05%2Fcitizen-activist-margaret-flowers Entrant: Carol Paris Nominee: Margaret Flowers, Citizen Activist Margaret Flowers is a Maryland pediatrician who for the past several years has devoted all of her energies to speaking out and organizing for a truly universal and comprehensive health care program, one that goes far beyond the law just enacted by Congress. Rebelling against the daily injustices inflicted upon children and their families by a profit-driven health industry – especially the big insurance and drug companies – she left active medical practice in 2006 and resolved to work full time for a health plan that guarantees everyone the quality care they need and deserve. Margaret has since become one of our nation’s most prominent advocates for a single-payer health program, an improved and expanded Medicare for All... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3545426 Fri, 07 May 2010 21:02:03 +0100 3545426 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3448832&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Ftwo-weeks-into-health-care-reform-answers-to-questions-concerns-over-costs-and-whats-in-it-for-me Wondering what health care reform means for you and your family? You may want to invite Raising Women’s Voices to your community for a special education session. From RWV: We are bringing groups of experts into the community to meet with women, who often are the key health decision-makers for their families. Our aims are to explain the many ways in which health reform will help families — such as providing coverage for 32 million uninsured Americans — and to note the ways in which the law fell short, such as in covering abortion services and including undocumented immigrants. Check out the list of available experts and topics to be covered. It seems like a wonderful opportunity to hear directly from women who can discuss individual and community-wide benefits and the nuan... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3448832 Thu, 08 Apr 2010 14:23:12 +0100 3448832 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3437682&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fspeaker-of-the-house-nancy-pelosi Entrant: Sandra Gandsman Nominee: Nancy Pelosi, Congresswoman and Speaker of the House There is no woman in the country who deserves this honor more than Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi. By sheer strength of will, this woman has led an unruly Congress into passage of the most far reaching health care legislation in the history of our country.  She persisted when others might have folded under the stress of constant attacks both personal, ugly and unrelenting. While there is much still to be accomplished in health care, this is a brave new start, and Congresswoman Pelosi should be applauded for her success. While some women may argue that she gave in to the right wing and the anti-choice minority with regard to abortion rights, I, however, would argue that she understood the historic movement s... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3437682 Mon, 05 Apr 2010 12:58:42 +0100 3437682 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3395098&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F03%2Fhealth-care-reform-how-it-passed-and-what-comes-next In case you slept through Sunday’s exciting (no really! it was!) health care debate on the House floor, here’s a look at what went down — and, most importantly, what health care reform means for the country and for you. The Nut Graph The House approved the Senate bill by a vote of 219-212, with 34 Democrats voting against and zero Republican support. The bill expands insurance coverage to 32 million additional people; approximately 23 million will remain uninsured, about one-third of whom are undocumented immigrants. Passage was sealed once President Obama placated anti-abortion Democrats by agreeing to issue an executive order reaffirming restrictions against the public funding of abortions. So it Came Down to Support for Women’s Reproductive Health? Pretty much.... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3395098 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:51:23 +0100 3395098 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3378442&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F03%2Fan-interview-with-childbirth-connections-carol-sakala Medscape, a website from WebMD targeted primarily to healthcare providers and professionals, has just published an interesting interview with Carol Sakala, PhD, MSPH on the need to transform maternity care in the United States. Sakala is the Director of Programs for Childbirth Connection and co-author of the report, Evidence-Based Maternity Care: What it is and What it Can Achieve [PDF]. In it, Sakala discusses maternity care in the context of healthcare reform, noting the lack of focus on maternity care quality, outcomes, and value despite its “major role in the nation’s healthcare system.” She also addresses overused and underused interventions in maternity care; the need to have evidence-based practice guidelines based upon good quality studies rather than expert opini... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3378442 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:16:14 +0100 3378442 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3366173&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F03%2Fdouble-dose-what-will-happen-to-healthcare-reform-stopping-campus-rape-granny-midwife-margaret-charles-smith-is-honored-and-more On How a Bill Becomes a Law: The bill that will likely become the reconciliation bill on healthcare has been posted (PDF). Ezra Klein explains what it means. Democratic leaders say a bill will pass this week.  House Minority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) pledges obstruction, saying Republicans will do “everything we can to make it difficult for them, if not impossible, to pass the bill.” Jen Nedeau covers the multiple threats to women’s health and reproductive rights that must be addressed, including the House anti-abortion language. You know it as the Stupak/Pitts admendment. But Richard Doerflinger, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ point man on abortion, should have had his name in there, too. Meanwhile, Jessica Arons tries to see the world through t... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3366173 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:54:23 +0100 3366173 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3306812&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F02%2Fhealthcare-reform-an-overview-of-politics-and-policy We have reached The Summit. Thursday’s bipartisan meeting at the White House (which you can follow live) promises to kick-start what may be the final descent toward healthcare reform. An overview: Does healthcare reform have a chance? Is bipartisanship a real possibility? David Leonhardt of The New York Times provides some provisional answers. Igor Volsky over at the Wonk Room brings us up to speed by providing a nice, clear comparison of the House bill, the Senate bill and President Obama’s new proposal. As far as questions women should be asking about their stake and status in the debate, Lisa Codispoti and Brigette Courtot at the National Women’s Law Center remind us of the “8 Questions” they have been asking all along — and how Obama’s proposa... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3306812 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 06:44:49 +0100 3306812 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3267024&cid=t_124357_113_f&fid=34625&url=http%3A%2F%2Fclinicalit.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Ffierce-events-at-himss.html I'm not exactly the type of person to be hawking "public appearances" and such, but I will be involved, in my capacity as senior editor of three FierceMarkets publications, in a couple of events at the upcoming HIMSS conference in Atlanta.The main event, so to speak, is the free networking bash that FierceHealthIT is hosting on Tuesday, March 2, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. It takes place at the World of Coca-Cola, a tourist attraction in its own right. If you've never been to Coke's slick headquarters, it's definitely worth seeing. It may be hard to to imagine getting excited about something as simple as a soda brand, but the World of Coke is actually a lot of fun and offers tastings of the secret Coke recipe as it exists in countries around the world. And of course, plenty of mixers will be o... Neil Versel's Healthcare IT Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3267024 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 22:30:00 +0100 3267024 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2737879&cid=t_124357_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FONT_iHWoDa4%2F We have two excellent new speakers, Anne Hinton and Steve DeMello, to add to the excellent roster during the ASA Brain Health Day to take place on Friday, September 11th, 2009, at the Oakland Marriott City Center. Anne Hinton is Executive Director of the San Francisco Department of Aging and Adult Services. In this capacity she has responsibility for In-Home Supportive Services, Adult Protective Services, Public Guardian, Public Conservator, Public Administrator, Representative Payee, Veterans Services, Information and Referral, and the Partnership for Community Based Care and Support. In addition the Department funds 45 community service providers for programs such as congregate meals, senior centers, home delivered meals, case management, family caregiving, etc. Her career spans more th... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2737879 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 03:17:39 +0100 2737879 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2630328&cid=t_124357_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fwayback-wednesday-amys-tour-of-health-plans.html Talk about nothing changes! For this week’s trip back in time, I’m reprinting a post from September of 2005 about attempting to navigate the American healthcare system — and what a bumpy ride that is.  Just for confirmation that we’re all still struggling with this same baloney, check out #patientsfirst on Twitter.  Now, buckle up [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2630328 Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:30:54 +0100 2630328 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2660805&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D1012 I’ve been a critical care nurse for 12 years. I rarely find out about the costs my patients incur as they get care in my unit, though occasionally I hear figures. One gentleman, who had open heart surgery to fix one of his heart valves had to come back 3 months later for a re-do. His wife told me that they had just received the bills that added up to almost $200,000. That was about 8 years ago. Not long ago I learned that the charge per day in intensive care units like mine was now $11,000. Not unrelated to that fact, just the other day, one of our patients who was a ’self pay’ (read ‘no insurance’) was quickly and quietly packed up and transferred to the county hospital for the remainder of her critical care stay which was going to be several days. ludlow&#82... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2660805 Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:48:18 +0100 2660805 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2660806&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D1009 It is spring in McAllen, Texas. The morning sun is warm. The streets are lined with palm trees and pickup trucks. McAllen is in Hidalgo County, which has the lowest household income in the country, but it’s a border town, and a thriving foreign-trade zone has kept the unemployment rate below ten per cent. McAllen calls itself the Square Dance Capital of the World. “Lonesome Dove” was set around here. McAllen has another distinction, too: it is one of the most expensive health-care markets in the country. Only Miami—which has much higher labor and living costs—spends more per person on health care. In 2006, Medicare spent fifteen thousand dollars per enrollee here, almost twice the national average. The income per capita is twelve thousand dollars. In other words, Medicare spends ... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2660806 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:49:35 +0100 2660806 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2441955&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D1003 On May 21, Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry today signed into law historic tort reform legislation, saying House Bill 1603 by Rep. Dan Sullivan and Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee will help improve the legal process without impeding a citizen’s access to the courts. The measure would help curb frivolous lawsuits and reduce costs associated with the justice system, among other things. “This legislation enacts reasonable and responsible reforms that improve the civil justice system without impairing a citizen’s constitutional right to have his or her legitimate grievances appropriately addressed in court,” Gov. Henry said. “It is perhaps the most comprehensive tort reform measure in state history, and I want to thank all the parties who were involved in crafting this bipartisan ... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2441955 Fri, 29 May 2009 16:37:10 +0100 2441955 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2417102&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D1002 A message to all physicians from AMA President Nancy H. Nielsen, MD, PhD. As our country hurtles toward health system reform, Medicine has been at the table during the discussions. The American Medical Association and the specialty and state society leaders have had access to and have been engaged with the White House and the key committees in Congress. We have been working closely with top Obama administration officials and key staff members of both parties. We have given our best advice, and we have taken the time and effort to carefully consider all views. In truth, we’re not just at the table; we’re helping set the stage for our nation’s future. But as Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D, W.V.) said recently, “There’s too much happy talk. It’s time to start t... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2417102 Mon, 18 May 2009 14:29:08 +0100 2417102 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2414935&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D1001 Physicians can receive up to $44,000 over a five-year period for the use of HIT CHICAGO – As part of its continuing efforts to help physicians learn about and adopt new technology, the American Medical Association (AMA) today announced a new, free webinar series that will help physicians understand the health information technology (HIT) provisions laid out in the recently passed economic stimulus bill. The three-part series will lay out what these provisions mean for physicians and how they can take advantage of the $19 billion in funds allocated for the purchase and use of HIT. The first webinar is Thursday, May 21. “The stimulus bill marks the first significant federal investment in HIT and offers both financial benefits for physicians and the promise of national standards that w... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2414935 Fri, 15 May 2009 15:51:04 +0100 2414935 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2405615&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D1000 Physicians and surgeons in Oregon have seen a decline in medical professional liability insurance rates the past several years, according to a Department of Consumer and Business Services analysis of recent rate changes. The DCBS Insurance Division found that physicians insured by Oregon’s two largest medical malpractice insurers have experienced an average 18 percent rate decrease since 2005 (see chart below). The two largest insurers—Continental Casualty Company (CNA) and Northwest Physicians Insurance Company (NPIC)—represent about 53 percent of the medical professional liability insurance market in Oregon. “In the earlier part of this decade, rising malpractice insurance costs were a significant concern for specialty doctors, particularly in rural areas, forcing many to leave... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2405615 Wed, 13 May 2009 16:37:21 +0100 2405615 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2405616&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D999 Last month, the Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS) testified before the legislature’s Joint Committee on Health Care Financing and urged adoption of major reforms in medical liability, saying that the current system to resolve medical liability claims doesn’t work for either patients or providers, takes too long, doesn’t appropriately compensate negligently injured patients in a timely manner and encourages the practice of costly defensive medicine. Alan Woodward, MD, vice chair of the MMS’ Committee on Professional Liability and a past president of the organization, recently testified in support of Senate Bill 561, “An Act to Establish an Adverse Event Disclosure and Compensation Grant Program for Hospitals.” The legislation would establish a program at the Betsy Lehman C... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2405616 Wed, 13 May 2009 16:34:09 +0100 2405616 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2398913&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D998 The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), along with several other health organizations, filed an amici curiae (friends of the court) brief with the U.S. Supreme Court asking that it overturn a recent decision by the Georgia Supreme Court that would allow cases alleging injury from childhood vaccines to be decided by state juries, threatening the no-fault system enacted by Congress in the mid-1980s. Congress enacted the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Compensation Act of 1986 to protect the small number of children injured by vaccines and to safeguard the nation’s vaccine supply. Leading up to passage of the legislation, vaccine-related lawsuits against vaccine manufacturers had spiked, and the rising litigation threatened to halt necessary production of life-saving vaccines. Accordin... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2398913 Fri, 08 May 2009 16:52:21 +0100 2398913 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2398914&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D997 Public Citizen’s annual ranking of state medical boards shows that most states, including two of the largest, are not living up to their obligations to protect patients from doctors who are practicing substandard medicine, according to the recently released report. For the first time since Public Citizen, a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization, has been publishing the rankings, California, the largest state in the country, and Florida, one of the largest, are among the 10 states with the lowest rates of serious disciplinary actions. Minnesota was the worst state when it came to disciplining doctors, and, along with Maryland, South Carolina and Wisconsin, has consistently been among the worst 10 states for each of the last six rankings. Overall, the rate of discipline for doctors in... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2398914 Fri, 08 May 2009 16:46:16 +0100 2398914 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2387043&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D996 Yesterday I visited the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta and was taken inside the command center, where almost 100 staffers have been working around the clock to monitor and stem the current outbreak of flu. I first spoke to Toby Crafton, the manager of the command center, who oversees the day-to-day operations. He and his team have been preparing for a possible pandemic of flu or another infectious illness for years. I also spoke to Michael Shaw, PhD, who heads up the virology labs that are studying the H1N1 virus causing the current outbreak. He’s spent a career learning the laboratory techniques that are so urgently needed right now. The third person I spoke to was Dr. Richard Besser, Acting Director of the CDC, who has been working at the agency for 13 years and is an extensiv... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2387043 Mon, 04 May 2009 14:32:21 +0100 2387043 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2376377&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D995 It looks like a few rule changes have dramatically lowered the number of malpractice suits filed in Pennsylvania. There were 1,602 filings last year, a 41% decline from the annual average between 2000 and 2002, before the changes were put in place. One of the new rules requires a “certificate of merit” from a medical professional, establishing that “the medical procedures in a case fell below applicable standards of care,” according to a recent statement from the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts. Another rule requires cases to be filed in the county where the alleged malpractice took place — an effort to discourage so-called venue shopping, where cases would be filed in counties thought to be sympathetic to plaintiffs. The number of malpractice cases fell sharply in... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2376377 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:15:45 +0100 2376377 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2376378&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D994 In this report, Public Citizen noted: American Medical Association President Donald Palmisano told the 2004 Annual Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates that “what is driving this crisis are the out-of-sight awards some runaway juries are handing out in certain liability cases.” This assertion is incorrect on the facts – when adjusted for inflation, the median judgment grew only from $125,000 in 1991 to $139,100 in 2005, a mere $14,000 over 14 years. Such a modest increase hardly suggests that juries are irrational In addition, it was further reported: · The number of malpractice payments declined 15.4 percent between 1991 and 2005. · Adjusted for inflation, the average annual payment for verdicts declined 8 percent between 1991 and 2005. · Payments for million-dollar... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2376378 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:05:54 +0100 2376378 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2365224&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D992 The American Medical Association (AMA) recently launched a new online learning center to provide physicians with the information and tools they need to make informed decisions about electronic prescribing (ePrescribing). The learning center can be found at www.ama-assn.org/go/eprescribing. “The AMA’s new ePrescribing learning center takes the guess work out of the decision-making process by giving physicians all the tools they need to decide what system is best for their practice,” said Joseph M. Heyman, MD, AMA board chairman. “At the end of last year, about 13 percent of physicians were prescribing electronically, but with the incentives available through Medicare’s ePrescribing incentive program and this new AMA resource, I’m certain that percentage will increase.” ... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2365224 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:02:44 +0100 2365224 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2365225&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D991 On June 23-24, at the Union League of Philadelphia, the American Conference Institute (ACI) will be hosting a Conference on Preventing, Managing and Defending Claims of Obstetric Malpractice. Arguably the most expensive medical malpractice cases to deal with given the economic consequences of compensating for a lifetime of medical care and economic loss as well as pain and suffering, perinatal brain injury cases carry a disproportionate share of total defense costs, indemnity payments and damages in physician liability lawsuits. Thus, it is key for professionals involved in obstetric care to have up-to-the-minute medico-legal information on obstetric malpractice lawsuits. The Conference on Preventing, Managing and Defending Claims of Obstetric Malpractice will feature a panel of legal an... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2365225 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 21:37:27 +0100 2365225 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2365226&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D990 In a decision of broad impact tomedical malpractice lawsuits across Maryland, a circuit judge in Rockville has refused to apply the state’s “cap” on non-economic damages in a malpractice case. Judge John Debelius ruled that when the Maryland General Assembly revised the damage cap in 2005 to lower the amount that malpractice victims could recover from negligent doctors and hospitals, the legislature exempted casesin which the parties had not first gone through the state’s pre-suit arbitration system. The decision was handed down late on April 20, 2009 in the case of Semsker v. Lockshin. The case concerned the death of 47-year-old Richard Semsker, a Bethesda employment attorney, from malignant melanoma, a curable skin cancer. A jury last November found a prominent ... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2365226 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 21:33:08 +0100 2365226 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2353930&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D989 Ontario recently became the latest Canadian province to adopt an apology law that will allow people to say they’re sorry without fear of having it turned against them in court. Under the new rules, apologies can’t be used as an admission of fault or liability and won’t affect someone’s insurance coverage—a move critics warn may do victims more harm than good. Fewer people apologize because they’re afraid it could come back to haunt them if they are sued, Attorney General Chris Bentley said after the bill passed a third and final reading in the legislature. “This removes a legislative barrier to do what we all think is the right thing to do,” he said. “If you do harm, your natural instinct is to say, ‘I’m sorry.’” British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba hav... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2353930 Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:43:12 +0100 2353930 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2353931&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D988 The Nevada Supreme Court is taking aggressive steps to resolve a lingering problem in the District Courts of Clark County—a backlog of medical malpractice cases. During the month of May, two-judge teams of senior judges will conduct settlement conferences in medical malpractice cases at a rate of two a day. Eighteen or more conferences will be set each week. This process has been referred to as the “medical malpractice settlement marathon.” Justice Michael Cherry, who supervises the Senior Judge Program, said the settlement program will target the 216 oldest cases. Of those, 109 were filed more than two years ago. “This process will provide unique access to the justice system and to some of our most experienced judges,” Cherry said. “Attorneys with pending medical malpractice... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2353931 Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:31:39 +0100 2353931 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2353932&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D987 Congressman Michael Burgess, MD, has reintroduced the Medical Justice Act (HR 1468) for this year’s legislative session, which was conceived to improve patient access to healthcare by diminishing unnecessary medical liability lawsuits. “Texas has led the nation in medical justice reform, and is now a model state for what successful tort reform looks like,” Congressman Burgess said. “Unfortunately, only a few states have followed suit, leaving too many Americans trapped in a system that is harmful to patients and doctors. We need national, across-the-board change in the tort reform system, and my bill would do just that. Runaway lawsuits are unnecessary and costly, and reforming medical liability must be a part of the national healthcare debate.” The Medical Justice Act would re... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2353932 Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:26:37 +0100 2353932 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2348892&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D986 The AMA has created an extensive online resource. By the close of 2008, only about 13% of physicians were prescribing electronically. The prescription pad and pen still rule in most offices. But doctors are getting a nudge to automate their prescribing process. Physicians who prescribe electronically for their Medicare patients will be eligible for incentive payments. This year’s bonus will be equal to 2% of all Medicare Part B pay for the year. Before the monetary incentives there was friendly persuasion. A 2006 Institute of Medicine report called on all prescribers to have an electronic prescribing system in place by 2010, saying such systems would help reduce medication errors. In November 2008, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released a guide for doctors who ... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2348892 Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:43:18 +0100 2348892 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2348893&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D985 CONCORD, N.H. (AP) The New Hampshire Medical Society says the state has no right to take a $110 million surplus from a state fund that underwrites malpractice insurance and use it for other purposes in the state budget. The society argues the money is from premiums paid by health care providers and belongs to them. About half the 900 policyholders are doctors. The rest are nurses, physicians’ assistants, home care providers, nursing homes, a hospital group and other medical providers. The state counters that the Medical Malpractice Joint Underwriting Association in question was created in 1975 by the state to fill a gap in the availability of malpractice insurance and the policyholders got what they paid for: coverage against malpractice claims. Any surplus can rightfully be used t... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2348893 Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:38:18 +0100 2348893 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2348894&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D984 Dr. John Ghertner, MD Medicare works for your parents, why not you? It is time to encourage our elected officials in Washington to begin a serious open minded discussion about ways to improve our society’s health care system. We must implore them to listen to facts, ignore the lobbying noise from those who continue to profit inordinately from our damaged health care system and make a final decision that is practical, not ideological. As a physician and nursing home operator in the Sodus and Williamson community for the last 30 years, I have become increasingly distressed with the state of the health care industry. I have witnessed first hand as insurance companies, physicians and hospitals have become part of a system that forces doctors to compromise patient care, institutions to... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2348894 Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:34:05 +0100 2348894 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2348895&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D983 By Dr. Ana Maria Lopez On behalf of the 2,043 members of the Arizona chapter of the American College of Physicians, I would like to congratulate the Arizona Daily Star for tackling one of the most pressing challenges facing our health-care system — the growing shortage of primary-care physicians. A survey of 1,200 fourth-year medical students published in the Sept. 10 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association found that only 2 percent of graduating medical students plan to go into primary-care medicine. In a similar survey in 1990, the figure was 9 percent. In Arizona, we have only 4,719 primary-care physicians (36 percent of doctors in the state) to provide care for all Arizona residents. In the United States, there are 88.1 primary-care practitioners for every 100,000... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2348895 Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:03:21 +0100 2348895 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2348896&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D982 In Washington, the Obama administration is promising to spend billions to make health care more efficient, but Jennifer Brull, a family doctor in rural Kansas, is already a step or two ahead. A year ago, she switched her 3,000 patients from paper charts to electronic health records, a core feature of most plans for healing the nation’s ailing health system. Now, working with computers and printouts, her staff of part-time nurses and shared front-office workers has more time to help her meet the needs of patients. “I’ll never go back to the old system,” said Dr. Brull, 37, who runs a solo practice in Plainville, Kan. “I can always look at the records by Internet, whether I am seeing patients at the nursing home or a clinic or the hospital, or even when I’m as far away as Flori... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2348896 Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:27:05 +0100 2348896 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2348897&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D981 WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama on Thursday said the government would create a national electronic medical records system for the military that will serve as a model for broad reform of U.S. healthcare administration. The system, organized by the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs, would follow military personnel from active duty through retirement, keeping records organized and complete. Obama said the agencies were moving to create a system for military members “that will contain their administrative and medical information — from the day they first enlist to the day that they are laid to rest.” “Currently, there is no comprehensive system in place that allows for a streamlined transition of health records between DOD and... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2348897 Fri, 10 Apr 2009 14:15:01 +0100 2348897 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2317436&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D980 WASHINGTON — The blank wall behind the receptionists’ desk stands as a symbol of efficiency in Peter Basch’s bustling office. A dozen years ago, Basch and his fellow doctors went paperless and ditched the stacks of patients’ charts that stood there. An early entry into the world of electronic medical records, Basch is an enthusiastic supporter. “It allows our staff and physicians to be far more organized,” he says. And that means “more focused on the patient.” President Obama wants doctors’ offices and hospitals nationwide to follow suit, and the government has set a goal for every American to have an electronic health record by 2014. Kathleen Sebelius, the White House nominee for Health and Human Services secretary, calls the move to co... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2317436 Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:54:29 +0100 2317436 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2317438&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D979 By CATHY BUSSEWITZ CARSON CITY, Nev.—Dozens of Nevadans, including patients affected by a hepatitis C outbreak in Las Vegas, packed hearing rooms here and in Las Vegas on Monday to support a bill that would allow for bigger lawsuit awards as a result of negligence by doctors. The Assembly Judiciary Committee debated AB495, a response to the hepatitis C outbreak that led to the largest patient notification in U.S. history. More than 50,000 patients at two now-closed outpatient clinics were notified last year that they may have been exposed to bloodborne diseases by shoddy injection practices. “These health care providers, under anybody’s standard, were grossly negligent, and they absolutely put profit ahead of patient safety,” said Bill Bradley, representing the Nevad... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2317438 Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:49:30 +0100 2317438 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2272912&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D978 The incentives in the economic recovery act to encourage the conversion from paper to electronic health records could mean hundreds of millions of dollars for the state’s health care systems and doctors. The emergency spending bill also could spur the final push needed to make paper charts a medical artifact. “It’s going to drastically increase adoption,” said Michael Repka, executive director of the Independent Physicians Network, which negotiates contracts and provides other services for physicians in the Milwaukee area. The long-awaited transition from paper to electronic records is considered essential if doctors and hospitals are to improve coordination of care, manage patients with chronic disease, lessen the wide variation in how medicine is practiced and ... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2272912 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 19:26:42 +0100 2272912 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2272386&cid=t_124357_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2Fu7WoG_2DwyA%2F A recent report on MSN said President Obama “could support taxing some employee health benefits” in an effort to ” help pay for overhauling the health care system.“ I have a huge problem with this! As someone who has several chronic health conditions, I look for work that includes health coverage. Often I have skipped over more lucrative jobs because they didn’t offer health benefits. Since we already pay an income tax, it is beyond wrong to charge us for having health insurance. I don’t agree with this strategy, because it seems the average worker already foots the bill for a lot of things. Is there a better way to do this? What’s your opinion? Image from StockXchange. (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2272386 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 10:00:27 +0100 2272386 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2240778&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D977 THE PRESIDENT: To Sir Edward Kennedy. (Applause.) That’s the kind of greeting a knight deserves. (Laughter.) It is thrilling to see you here, Teddy. We are so grateful for you taking the time to be here and the extraordinary work that your committee has already started to do, along with Mike Enzi; I know Max Baucus and Chuck Grassley on the Senate side; Henry, I know that you guys are gearing to go on the House side. So I just want to, first of all, thank all of you for participating. Today was the first discussion in this effort, but it was not the last. In the coming days and weeks we’ll be convening a series of meetings with senior administration officials here at the White House to further explore some of the key issues that were raised today and to bring more voices into ... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2240778 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 21:05:02 +0100 2240778 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2232496&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D976 side note: This is exactly why we linked with MyMedicalMalpracticeInsurance.com. They have proven time and time again that they will save you money on your premiums. By Stephanie Desmon Baltimore Sun Legislators seek remedies before the situation gets even worse When his longtime physician retired, Southern Maryland lawmaker Thomas “Mac” Middleton faced a predicament: The senator needed a new doctor but couldn’t find one who was taking new patients. “I had to go through three different doctor groups before someone would take me,” he said. He ran right into the critical doctor shortage facing rural Maryland - to the west of Baltimore, to the south, on the Eastern Shore. There are not enough primary-care doctors setting up practice in these areas, leaving s... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2232496 Mon, 02 Mar 2009 23:21:27 +0100 2232496 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2232497&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D975 side note: At the end of the article, Tom Ockers, chief executive of Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center calls for the President to fund programs for preventive care and wellness. We at Doc Advocate also believe that there is a need to better educate physicians so they can help prevent frivolous lawsuits themselves. Check out Cunningham Group Insurance’s website to learn more about the book Healing Words on how a doctor can cut their number of claims by quite a huge amount. BY RIDGELY OCHS Newsday.com Local hospital administrators applauded President Barack Obama for putting health care front and center in his budget proposal. But they said they need to see more details and worry that, given the dire state of the economy, the changes could be hard to implement. “He&... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2232497 Mon, 02 Mar 2009 23:17:13 +0100 2232497 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2216505&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D973 The nation’s largest organization of registered nurses today praised President Obama’s call for “comprehensive” healthcare reform in his speech to Congress Tuesday night, but emphasized that only genuine reform, as in expanding Medicare to cover everyone, will actually solve the crisis — and rein in the skyrocketing costs that the president noted are bankrupting Americans and costing jobs. “After the past dismal eight years, it could not be more gratifying to hear a President emphasize the need for comprehensive action on healthcare, and recognize the growing crisis felt by American families,” said Malinda Markowitz, RN, co-president of the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee. “But we cannot repair our broke... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2216505 Thu, 26 Feb 2009 16:27:37 +0100 2216505 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2216506&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D972 Medical malpractice claims and insurance rates fell again in Ohio in 2007, but the state’s top insurance official isn’t calling a win just yet for tort reform legislation that took effect in 2003. The Ohio Department of Insurance’s third annual report on professional liability claims shows 3,451 claims closed in 2007, the latest year for which statistics were available. That’s down 14 percent from 4,004 claims in 2006, a year that saw closed claims drop more than 20 percent from the year before. Of claims closed in 2007, about 65 percent were abandoned or dismissed while 21.6 percent closed with a claim payout, roughly on par with recent years, according to the report. The average payment in 2007 grew 9 percent to $315,365, though the increase has been attributed to a rise in hea... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2216506 Wed, 25 Feb 2009 22:17:01 +0100 2216506 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2216507&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D971 The economic stimulus plan currently being considered by Congress allocates $20 billion to health information technology such as electronic medical records (EMRs). Recent postings on Medscape Physician Connect (MPC), a physicians-only discussion board, offer frank opinions about the utility of EMRs in clinical practice — opinions that are decidedly mixed. “EMR is the worst thing that has happened to me professionally in over 25 years of practice. My care of patients is impeded and the quality of my care is worse as a direct effect of the introduction of EMR,” says a MPC contributor who championed the installation of an EMR system for his physician group. “I absolutely love our EMR,” says a nephrologist. “It has improved the quality of our practice imme... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2216507 Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:47:32 +0100 2216507 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2210323&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D969 Dr. Adrian Strand is something of a rarity. Strand, 33, is a primary care physician in a country where such doctors are in short supply, and she practices in Santa Cruz County, where the challenge of recruiting frontline doctors is making it difficult for Medicare patients to access care. But Strand works for Salud Para La Gente, a safety net clinic that is able to take advantage of a federal financial aid program aimed at encouraging primary care doctors to work in under-served communities. As the county’s private practices struggle to recruit young doctors who can earn more and live more cheaply elsewhere, Salud has hired Strand and six other doctors through the federal National Health Service Corps program in the past two years. Some medical professionals think the federal pro... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2210323 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:10:34 +0100 2210323 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2204979&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D968 Responding to a growing trend in U.S. legislative and judicial interpretations regarding communications-related discrimination, LifeLinks, a provider of video remote interpreting and American sign language video relay services, recently unveiled a low-cost services package—LifeLinks ADA/Liability Shield—to assist businesses in avoiding litigation and remaining compliant with both the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). According to LifeLinks, recent court decisions have increasingly sided with clients and patients when requested language services were not provided. Rulings have focused on the lack of effective communications, consequent unequal participation in the process and, hence, discriminatory treatment for whic... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2204979 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 21:03:40 +0100 2204979 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2204980&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D967 The Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) cites Humana for its commitment to administrative simplification and its leadership in adopting standardized, machine-readable patient ID cards for its members. MGMA recently launched Project SwipeIT, an industry-wide effort calling on health insurers, vendors and healthcare providers to initiate processes to support standardized cards by Jan. 1, 2010. Most patient ID cards currently in use have no machine-readable elements. Healthcare providers typically photocopy the cards for their records, wasting money on data entry that invites human error and leads to denied claims. Machine-readable cards like Humana’s could be linked to providers’ computer systems via a card reader allowing for the automatic population of patient information c... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2204980 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 20:58:34 +0100 2204980 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2200454&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D965 The recession has been taking a toll on New York businesses, but it isn’t the only thing ailing us; the high cost of health care and the lack of access to care dog businesses and individuals. Here is a commentary from the League of Women Voters on single-payer national health insurance, a leading solution to the cost and accessibility problems plaguing health care in New York, where an estimated 1 in 6 people lacks insurance. What is single payer? It refers to the administration of health-care funds by one payer, rather than by the current multiple insurance companies. This payer would be the federal government. Think of single payer as enhanced and improved Medicare for all. The League of Women Voters of Westchester, New York state and the U.S. League all advocate for single-payer ... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2200454 Thu, 19 Feb 2009 19:35:20 +0100 2200454 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2200455&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D964 President Obama on Tuesday in Denver signed into law a $787 billion economic stimulus package that includes a number of health care provisions, the New York Times reports (Stolberg/Nagourney, New York Times, 2/18). During a speech in which he discussed the benefits of the stimulus package, Obama said, “We have done more in 30 days to advance the cause of health care reform than this country has done in an entire decade” (Fletcher, Washington Post, 2/18). He added that the stimulus package provides “the biggest increase in basic research funding” for NIH, with an additional $10 billion for biomedical research and facility construction (Hall/Jackson, USA Today, 2/18). White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs also said that Obama might consider a second stimulus pac... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2200455 Thu, 19 Feb 2009 17:01:54 +0100 2200455 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2194838&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D963 To better accommodate physicians’ needs in the fast-changing world of health-care news, the American Medical Association’s (AMA) physician-focused newspaper, American Medical News, is expanding its online presence and capabilities. The print version of American Medical News is moving to a twice-a-month publishing schedule and will continue to provide in-depth coverage and practical advice for physician readers. The full content of the print edition will continue to be presented on www.amednews.com, which will also present fresh reporting and features every weekday throughout the year. “American Medical News’ convenient and easily accessible online news and resources can better help physicians with their day-to-day needs,” said AMA Board Chair Joseph M. Heyman, M.D. “The Web si... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2194838 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 17:35:24 +0100 2194838 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2194839&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D962 This study gives us a better sense about the general success of paperless systems in a diverse set of community, academic and safety-net hospitals. We were also able to examine the many components contained in a hospital information system.” Results showed that with computerized automation of notes and records, hospitals whose technologies ranked in the top third were associated with a 15-percent decrease in the odds that a patient would die while hospitalized. “If these results were to hold for all hospitals in the United States, computerizing notes and records might have the potential to save 100,000 lives annually,” Powe said. Similarly, the highest scores for electronic “order entry” systems were linked to a 9-percent and 55-percent decrease in the odds of death from heart... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2194839 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 07:54:33 +0100 2194839 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2194840&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D961 Today’s medical professional liability insurance (MPLI) industry is facing challenges from volatile economic conditions—free fall in the stock market, the credit freeze, the subprime crisis and the current recession—coupled with competitive pressures from the ongoing soft market. To discuss this new era in insurance and medicine—as well as help insurance professionals understand and prepare for turbulent conditions ahead—the Physician Insurers Association of America will be hosting its 32nd Annual Meeting, aptly titled On the Horizon: Solutions for an Evolving Market, which will convene the world’s leading MPLI industry specialists and influential healthcare leaders. The 2009 PIAA Annual Meeting will be held May 13-16 at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on Hawaii’s Big Island. T... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2194840 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 07:48:36 +0100 2194840 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2190524&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D956 A new program from Medical Professional Mutual Insurance Co. (MPMIC) and its subsidiaries, ProMutual Group, a leading provider of medical liability insurance in the Northeast, was recently instituted in a pilot phase to address the needs of physicians, hospitals and their patients following certain adverse medical outcomes. Called REACT for Respond Effectively And Communicate Timely, the program was established to work with physicians and patients to promote disclosure and apology, help prevent the reoccurrence of adverse medical outcomes and reduce litigation. The program will also provide appropriate reimbursement of expenses to patients and their families following such events. The REACT Program’s foundation is based on ProMutual Group’s many years of promoting and advocating open... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2190524 Mon, 16 Feb 2009 17:49:18 +0100 2190524 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2131257&cid=t_124357_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEmrAndHipaa%2F%7E3%2F_m6Vrw2tkns%2F Details about Obama’s health care stimulus package are out. I prefer to call it Obama funds EMRs for medical practices. Here’s a summary of some proposed changes via HISTalk and John Glaser, VP and CIO at Partners HealthCare System (and thanks to Chris Paton for linking me there). Provision of $40,000 in incentives (beginning in 2011) for physicians to use an EHR Creation of HIT Extension Programs that would facilitate regional adoption efforts Provision of funds to states to coordinate and promote interoperable EHRs Development of education programs to train clinicians in EHR use and increase the number of healthcare IT professionals Creation of HIT grant and loan programs Acceleration of the construction of the National Health Information Network (NHIN) He also adds. &#8220... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2131257 Sat, 24 Jan 2009 17:58:46 +0100 2131257 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1221295&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FWomensBioethicsBlog%2F%7E3%2F232770073%2Falways-excellent-kaiser-foundations.html The always excellent Kaiser Foundation's Daily Health Report http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_index.cfm calls attention to a startling new research finding--apparently "most patients... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Women's Bioethics Blog) Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1221295 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 04:11:43 +0100 1221295 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1204685&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FWomensBioethicsBlog%2F%7E3%2F226617382%2Fpolicy-briefing-requiring-individual.html The health care problem is not only an ethical issue (many people, myself included, believe that Americans should not go without needed health care because they're poor) but also, increasingly, a... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Women's Bioethics Blog) Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1204685 Tue, 05 Feb 2008 02:59:26 +0100 1204685 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=814190&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=34866&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecardioblog.com%2F2007%2F08%2F21%2Fis-our-healthcare-system-heartless%2F Filed under: Mind Body medicineIs our health care system lacking heart? I think most people would agree, and that sadly the trend seems to be towards colder and even more clinical approaches. Although I agree that health and science is largely scientific, we can't completely ignore the fact that we're emotional beings. Most medical professionals are trained to suppress their feelings and just focus on the facts, and in some cases that's a good thing but not always. The best doctors, the ones you really remember, are the ones who find a way to keep that sensitive side and really connect with their patients. How many doctors have you met that had that quality? They're few and far between.Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments (So... The Cardio Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=814190 Tue, 21 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 814190 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=794195&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F08%2F12%2Fa-faltering-healthcare-system%2F Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Opinion, Support, CareHow is this nation going to cope with the so-called epidemic of type 2 diabetes when our healthcare system is faltering? How are diabetics, both type 1 and type 2, going to get the care they deserve until the system is reformed? It's a good thing that many Americans realize this is a mammoth problem. Michael Moore's new film Sicko has, in it's typically Moore-ish way, helped draw more attention to the issue too. The current system, rests on a precarious and complex (or should I say, chaotic?) relationship between public and private healthcare providers and the insurance industry. Sadly, reform may not be possible until Americans get much, much angrier about how badly they are being let down by the system that's supposed to serve them. A gr... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=794195 Sun, 12 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 794195 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=791320&cid=t_124357_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F08%2F10%2Faustralian-obesity-crisis-fuels-diabetes-epidemic%2F Filed under: Type 2, Lifestyle, Daily NewsType 2 diabetes, mate? By crikey. Australia's diabetes epidemic continues to be a problem. News this week indicates the spread of obesity, and with it associated conditions like Type 2 diabetes, in rural areas is far worse than previously realized. A survey of 806 randomly selected adults (okay, not the biggest sample, admittedly) found that a great many are affected by the disease. Based on their findings from that survey, researchers calculate that almost three-quarters of Aussie men living in rural areas are overweight. They think women in rural areas may be slightly better-off - around two-thirds may be overweight. This puts rural Australians at a very high risk for T2DM. The conclusion, stated in the Medical Journal of Australia: "urgent popul... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=791320 Fri, 10 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 791320 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=674727&cid=t_124357_114_f&fid=34901&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdocadvocate.com%2F%3Fp%3D832 Health information technology can and must support a major change in health care that’s now under way, a leader in health IT said at a Washington meeting June 5. “Health care has become fundamentally a team sport,” said Dr. Brent James, vice president of medical research and executive director of the Institute for Health Care Delivery Research at Intermountain Healthcare in Salt Lake City. “It’s a fundamental shift in how we see ourselves as health professionals.” He spoke at a membership meeting of the Center for Health Transformation, which was founded by former Rep. Newt Gingrich. Although doctors have long been regarded as independent craftsmen, James said they now must learn to act as part of a professional team that includes generalists, specialists, nurses, technicians... Doc Advocate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=674727 Thu, 07 Jun 2007 13:38:44 +0100 674727