Ronald M. Davis, MD
FDA authority over tobacco
Did you know that every day, about 4,000 kids in the United States will try a cigarette for the first time, and more than 1,000 will become daily smokers? Twenty-three percent of high school students in the United States are current cigarette smokers. One-third of those who continue to smoke will eventually die prematurely as a result.
In a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ranking of the leading "actual" causes of death—that is, the underlying risk factors for the diseases and injuries that kill the most Americans—tobacco is No. 1, responsible for 435,000 deaths each year, or 18 percent of total U.S. deaths. One of the cruelest ironies in public health is that the most important preventable cause of death in our society is also one of the most unregulated consumer products (if not the most unregulated product).
That would change with passage of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, which would give the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the power to regulate the tobacco industry and tobacco products. This bipartisan legislation (S. 625, H.R. 1108) has been introduced in Congress by Sens. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., and John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Reps. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., and Tom Davis, R-Va.
The bills would strengthen cigarette package warning labels, similar to the tough warnings on Canadian cigarette packs; further restrict tobacco advertising and promotion; and ban the use of terms such as "light," "mild," and "low," which falsely imply to consumers that those brands are safe or less hazardous. The legislation also would ban all cigarette flavorings except menthol, thus prohibiting tobacco companies from continuing their recent practice of introducing fruit- and candy-flavored cigarettes, which are likely to be attractive to kids. >>Read more
Please send comments, questions, and replies to amaprez@ama-assn.org
eVoice®
August 16, 2007
AMA eVoice is your regular update on the most important health care issues and recent AMA activities.
The AMA is committed to communication. We encourage you to help us spread the word by forwarding AMA eVoice to your colleagues.
Your news interests
Sign up to receive customized AMA eVoice messages.
Faculty practice physician issues
1) In AMNews: Physicians offered incentives to practice medicine in New Orleans
Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender physician issues
1) Research shows that gay discrimination still exists in medical schools
2) AMA-GLBT Advisory Committee member to become next president of Gay and Lesbian Medical Association
Group practice physician issues
1) California offers health care report card for PPO health plans
International medical graduate issues
1) Virtual Mentor looks at language, culture and belief
2) AMA-IMG Section Interim Congress and Caucus registration now open
Medical school news
1) Register for the 2007 AMA-SMS Interim Meeting
2) Call for Interim Meeting resolutions
3) In AMNews: Veterinarians and physicians working together for one medicine
Medical student issues
1) Special travel and hotel rates offered for 2007 AMA-MSS Interim Meeting
2) Mark your calendar: 2007 AMA-MSS Interim Meeting deadlines
3) AMA gives physicians a choice on prescribing data access
4) Chapter project of the week: University of Mississippi Medical Center's health awareness fair
Minority health issues and professional concerns of minority physicians
1) AAMC offering Minority Faculty Career Development Seminar
Organized medical staff issues
1) Sign up for the AMA-OMSS announcement listserv today
2) It's Hawaii—plan now to attend 2007 AMA-OMSS Interim Assembly Meeting
3) Infection rate can be costly to hospitals
Resident and fellow issues
1) Be a representative on the National Board of Medical Examiners
2) Research wanted for Fourth Annual Poster Symposium
3) Residents score poorly in diagnosing and treating TB
4) Tamper-resistant pads could be a pain
Senior physicians issues
1) AMA-SPG introduces officers, members of the governing council
Women physician and women's health issues
1) In AMNews: Flex appeal—it's all in the planning
2) Women in Medicine Month highlights mentors
3) ICIM offering symposium on integrative care of female patients
Young physician issues
1) Tell us what's really on your mind
2) August issue of Virtual Mentor now available
3) Celebrate Women in Medicine Month in September
General AMA news:
1) Grassroots effort in Iowa spotlights uninsured problem
2) AMA victorious in CPT® lawsuit
3) BCBS settling parties agree to pay out more than $131 million; Oct. 19 is key deadline
4) Two health insurers send combined $79 million to physicians
5) Women physicians, say thanks to your mentor
6) On Sermo: Medical liability, Medicare's future, retail clinics and self-Googling
7) In JAMA: Diet high in meat, fat and refined grains associated with increased risk for colon cancer recurrence and death
Your news interests
Sign up to receive customized AMA eVoice messages.
Faculty practice physician issues
1) In AMNews: Physicians offered incentives to practice medicine in New Orleans
The Greater New Orleans Health Service Corps has received $40 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help recruit and retain doctors and health care professionals working with the underserved, according to an Aug. 6 article in American Medical News (AMNews). Since the Corps office opened in April, it has awarded 81 grants to health care professionals, including 37 physicians.
Incentives offered include loan repayments of up to $110,000, sign-on bonuses and medical liability insurance premium payments. Additional monies of up to $20,000 are being offered for relocation expenses.
View the article.
>>Return to your news interest contents
Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender physician issues
1) Research shows that gay discrimination still exists in medical schools
A recent Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) survey found that bias and even hostility against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender medical students is more prevalent than previously thought.
View the July 2007 AAMC article regarding these findings.
2) AMA-GLBT Advisory Committee member to become next president of Gay and Lesbian Medical Association
This year, the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association's (GLMA) 25th Annual Conference—the world's largest gathering of GLBT health care professionals—will be held Sept. 26–29, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. During the conference, AMA-GLBT Advisory Committee Vice Chair Jason Schneider, MD, will be inducted as the new president of GLMA. The committee congratulates Dr. Schneider on this accomplishment.
Learn more about the AMA Advisory Committee on GLBT Issues.
Learn more and register for the GLMA conference.
>>Return to your news interest contents
Group practice physician issues
1) California offers health care report card for PPO health plans
In an effort to monitor the insurance industry, the California Department of Insurance plans to offer "health care report cards" for six of the state's largest preferred provider organizations (PPO). The cards will be used to compare plans and will include information on quality of care and patient satisfaction. While details are being finalized, the report cards will also assess how doctors follow best-practice guidelines, such as providing childhood immunizations and giving at-risk patients regular cancer screenings.
The report cards may also include clinical outcomes, including patient blood pressure averages and sugar levels in diabetics. Per an article in the Los Angeles Times, the plan is the first in the country to target PPO health plans. Critics maintain the report cards will not do anything about problems such as insurers denying care or discontinuing patients' coverage.
>>Return to your news interest contents
International medical graduate issues
1) Virtual Mentor looks at language, culture and belief
The August issue of Virtual Mentor, the AMA's online ethics journal, features articles and clinical cases that explore issues related to culturally effective care and some federal and private initiatives focused on bridging the gaps in language, culture and belief in medical encounters.
2) AMA-IMG Section Interim Congress and Caucus registration now open
Register now and mark your calendars to attend the following AMA-IMG Section events at the 2007 Interim Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates in November. All events will take place at the Hawaii Convention Center, Honolulu.
- AMA-IMG Section Congress—5:30–7:30 p.m., Nov. 9
- AMA-IMG Section Caucus—5:30–7 p.m., Nov. 10
- AMA-IMG delegate-sponsored reference committee reports caucus—7:30–9 a.m., Nov. 12
- AMA-IMG Leadership Development Workshop—9:30–11:30 a.m., Nov. 12
Visit the Web site to download a registration form. Registration is open through Nov. 1.
>>Return to your news interest content
Medical school news
(Brought to you by the AMA Section on Medical Schools)
1) Register for the 2007 AMA-SMS Interim Meeting
The AMA-SMS will hold its 31st Interim Meeting Nov. 10–11 at the Hawaii Convention Center, Honolulu. The meeting gives representatives an opportunity to become involved in the AMA, develop AMA policy and network with colleagues. The educational program focus will be on innovative approaches in medical education—a continuation of the dialogue from the June AMA-SMS educational session. The AMA Council on Medical Education has invited section representatives to its educational program on the implications of the medical home model for medical education from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 9.
Meeting registration and hotel reservation information were mailed to all section representatives earlier this week. If materials are not received by Aug. 24, send an e-mail or call the section office at (312) 464-4655.
2) Call for Interim Meeting resolutions
The AMA-SMS resolution subcommittee seeks ideas and/or actual language for resolutions that address areas of importance to academic physicians. As a reminder, the focus of the AMA House of Delegates Interim Meeting is on advocacy and legislation.
Send an e-mail with questions or your proposed resolution. Resolutions are due Sept. 21.
3) In AMNews: Veterinarians and physicians working together for one medicine
The AMA and the American Veterinary Medical Association are collaborating on the One Health Initiative. At its Annual Meeting in June, the AMA voted to increase collaboration with the veterinary community to better recognize, monitor and treat zoonotic diseases, and more broadly collaborate in medical education and biomedical research, according to an Aug. 13 article in American Medical News (AMNews).
>>Return to your news interest contents
Medical student issues
1) Special travel and hotel rates offered for 2007 AMA-MSS Interim Assembly Meeting
The 2007 AMA-MSS Interim Assembly Meeting will be held Nov. 8–10 in Honolulu. The AMA has reserved a block of rooms at a discounted rate for attendees at the Doubletree Alana Hotel-Waikiki. A special room rate will be available until Oct. 7 or until the group block is sold out.
Learn more and reserve your room.
The AMA also has teamed up with United Airlines to offer attendees a 10 percent discount (and an extra 5 percent discount if you make your reservation at least 30 days in advance).
Learn more and make your reservation.2) Mark your calendar: 2007 AMA-MSS Interim Assembly Meeting deadlines
Please join us for the 2007 AMA-MSS Interim Assembly Meeting Nov. 8–10 at the Hawaii Convention Center, Honolulu. The meeting includes policymaking sessions, educational sessions, a research poster session and more. The AMA-MSS is planning programs for this meeting and would like your ideas.
Visit the Web site to obtain an online form and submit your ideas.
Please keep the following deadlines in mind:
- Sept. 7—Convention committee applications due
- Sept. 21—Resolution submissions due
- Sept. 21—AMA-MSS Research Poster Symposium abstracts due
- Oct. 1—Meeting registration due
- Oct. 1—AMA Board of Trustees/chair-elect applications due
- Oct. 1—Regional delegate applications due
Visit the Web site to learn more about the meeting and obtain applications.
3) AMA gives physicians a choice on prescribing data access
For more than a century, the AMA has been recognized as a trusted source of physician practice, licensure and medical education data. All physicians deserve to be able to choose who has access to their prescribing data. The AMA Physician Data Restriction Program (PDRP) empowers all physicians to determine whether or not the prescribing data they generate is made available to pharmaceutical sales representatives. Yet it still keeps the data available to advance important public health benefits, such as timely and appropriate communication about drug recalls and evidence-based medical research. The AMA does not collect, sell or have access to prescribing data, but rather provides a way for physicians to determine how their data will be used.
4) Chapter project of the week: University of Mississippi Medical Center's health awareness fair
The University of Mississippi Medical Center is held a health awareness fair this week at a local public after-school program.Medical students taught children safety tips, such as when to dial "911," and the importance of bicycle helmets, healthy eating habits and general age-appropriate medical knowledge.Approximately 100 medical students participated in the event.
This project was funded by an AMA-MSS Chapter Involvement Grant (CIG). CIGs are available to AMA-MSS chapters to help put student projects and recruitment events into action. Chapters are eligible for $1,000 per academic year with a maximum of $500 per event.
Visit the Web site if your chapter has a project it would like to get started.
>>Return to your news interest contents
Minority health issues and professional concerns of minority physicians
(brought to you by the AMA Minority Affairs Consortium)
1) AAMC offering Minority Faculty Career Development Seminar
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) is offering the Minority Faculty Career Development Seminar, Sept. 8–10, at the Sonesta Grove Hotel & Suites in Coconut Grove (Miami), Fla. The three-day professional event is designed for junior faculty (senior fellows, instructors and assistant professors) who are members of underrepresented minority groups and who aspire to positions of leadership in academic medicine.>>Learn more and register
>>Return to your news interest contents
Organized medical staff issues
1) Sign up for the AMA-OMSS announcement listserv today
The AMA-OMSS announcement listserv will serve as a vehicle through which the section's leadership and staff will communicate with section members and other interested parties on important issues, as well as ones that require member action and feedback. Please note that this is an announcement listserv, so you will not be able to reply or send messages to the group. In order to receive messages regarding AMA-OMSS activities and issues, you must subscribe to the announcement listserv.
Send an e-mail to subscribe to the AMA-OMSS announcement listserv. No subject line or text is necessary. Shortly thereafter, you will receive a "welcome" message.
Send an e-mail or call (312) 464-5193 if you experience any technical problems.
2) It's Hawaii—plan now to attend 2007 AMA-OMSS Interim Assembly Meeting
It's not too early to make plans to attend the Interim Meeting of the 50th AMA-OMSS Assembly in Honolulu, Nov. 8–11. Mark your calendar and reserve a room at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Honolulu.
Make your reservation.
Learn more about the development and submission of resolutions. The deadline for resolution submissions is Sept. 28.
Send an e-mail with all resolution submissions.
3) Infection rate can be costly to hospitals
According to an article in The Boston Globe,arecently released state reportshows that"infections acquired during hospital stays drive up medical costs to almost a half a billion dollars every year in Massachusetts." To heighten awareness and begin reducing the numbers, the reportsuggests publicizing infection rates.Researchsupports that an estimated 100,000 people die every year from hospital-acquired infections.
>>Return to your news interest contents
Resident and fellow issues
1) Be a representative on the National Board of Medical Examiners
The AMA-RFS is now accepting applications for a resident representative to the National Board of Medical Examiners. Board members represent the academic, practice and licensing communities, and share the responsibility of preparing and administering qualifying examinations. This position is for a vacancy whose term will end in March 2009.
Visit the Web site to learn more and obtain an application. Applications are due Sept. 10.
2) Research wanted for Fourth Annual Poster Symposium
The AMA-RFS will be holding its Fourth Annual Research Poster Symposium in November at its 2007 Interim Assembly Meeting in Honolulu. Abstracts may be submitted in four categories: basic science research, clinical medical research, public health/health policy/medical education and clinical vignettes.
Visit the Web site for submission information. Abstract submissions are due Sept. 5.
3) Residents score poorly in diagnosing and treating TB
According to a BMC Infectious Diseases study, "many medical residents lack adequate knowledge of recommended guidelines for the management of tuberculosis (TB)." A survey about TB diagnosis and early management was administered to 131 internal medicine residents at four medical centers in Baltimore and Philadelphia. Participating residents answered correctly a median of 55 percent of survey questions. The study also found that "medical resident knowledge about TB did not improve with increasing post-graduate training or greater number of patients managed for TB within the previous year."
4) Tamper-resistant pads could be a pain
On Oct. 1, a law will go into effect that requires the prescriptions for Medicaid patients to be written on tamper-resistant pads, according to a July 19 Associated Press article. The problem is that most doctors do not use this pad and many are not aware of the law. The AMA is concerned that this could threaten access to medication for some Medicaid patients due to the amount of time needed to educate physicians. Although pharmacist groups urge a delay of implementation, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has no plans to change the date.
>>Return to your news interest contents
Senior Physicians issues
1) AMA-SPG introduces officers, members of the governing council
The AMA Board of Trustees appointed a seven-member governing council to oversee AMA-SPG activities. The current officers of the AMA-SPG Governing Council are: Chair William E. Jacott, MD, Minnesota, and Vice Chair Harrison Rogers Jr., MD, Georgia. During the AMA's Annual Meeting in June, the group welcomed three new governing council members: Arthur L. Eberly Jr., MD, Florida; John A. Knote, MD, Indiana; and Virginia T. Latham, MD, Massachusetts.
View a complete listing of governing council members.
>>Return to your news interest contents
Women physician and women's health issues
(brought to you by the AMA Women Physicians Congress)
1) In AMNews: Flex appeal—it's all in the planning
Flexible scheduling and job sharing can help medical practices recruit and retain quality employees, according to an Aug. 16 American Medical News (AMNews) article that looks at how these and other human resources solutions can help practices keep their employees happy.
2) Women in Medicine Month highlights mentors
Each September the AMA commemorates Women in Medicine Month to recognize and celebrate the growing number and influence of women physicians in the medical profession and their communities.
This year's theme, "Sharing a passion for medicine," acknowledges physicians who have contributed to the success of women physicians and provides a chance to say thank you to colleagues or teachers who have had an influence on women physicians.
As part of September's Women in Medicine Month, the AMA-WPC is asking you take part in its first AMA-WPC Physician Mentor Recognition Program, which is designed to acknowledge physicians who contribute in small, often unsung ways to the success of women physicians.
Visit the Web site to learn more about Women in Medicine Month and download an AMA-WPC Physician Mentor Recognition Program application.
3) ICIM offering symposium on integrative care of female patients
The International College of Integrative Medicine (ICIM) is offering "Remember the ladies: A symposium on the integrative care of female patients" Sept. 21–23 in Detroit. This program will focus on utilizing integrative medicine to treat the unique problems female patients face.
Visit the Web site or call (866) 464-5226 to register.
>>Return to your news interest contents
Young physician issues
1) Tell us what's really on your mind
The AMA invites you to participate in a meet and greet event for all physicians attending the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.
This event gives AMA leadership the opportunity to connect with AMA members in an interactive conversation to exchange ideas and views, and introduce nonmembers to the work the AMA does to help doctors help patients. Through this event, the AMA can better understand the issues young physicians face and how we can work together to address them. Don't miss this opportunity to make your voice heard. Encourage your colleagues to attend this exciting event.
Details of the Sept. 17 event are as follows.
- 7–9 p.m.
- AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting
Renaissance Washington, D.C., Hotel
Room: Congressional B
999 Ninth St. N.W. - Dinner will be served
2) August issue of Virtual Mentor now available
To enter the world of medicine as a patient is to engage in a multicultural exchange. Imagine, then, those who come to medicine with language, customs or an understanding of illness different from that shared by the wider U.S. culture. The August issue of Virtual Mentor takes a close look at a Cambodian man whose doctors diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder and suggest treatments unknown in his culture, a woman from West Africa whose husband speaks for her and whose children disagree with their father's message, and a Hispanic boy whose mother says he suffers from "susto"—believed to result from a frightening experience that causes the soul to leave the body. The remaining articles examine federal and private initiatives to close the gaps in communication and understanding that are inherent in medicine's cross-cultural exchanges.
3) Celebrate Women in Medicine Month in September
Each September the AMA commemorates Women in Medicine Month to recognize and celebrate the growing number and influence of women physicians in the medical profession and their communities. This year's theme, "Sharing a passion for medicine," acknowledges physicians who have contributed to the success of women physicians and provides a chance to say thank you to colleagues or teachers who have had an influence on women physicians.
As part of the celebration, the AMA Women Physicians Congress (WPC) is accepting applications for its first Physician Mentor Recognition Program.
Visit the Web site for materials and an event planning guide related to Women in Medicine Month, and to obtain an AMA-WPC Physician Mentor Recognition Program application.
>>Return to your news interest contents
General AMA news
1) Grassroots effort in Iowa spotlights uninsured problem
Amid the livestock, concerts, potato lollipops and crowds, volunteers representing the AMA and Iowa Medical Society were on hand at the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 16 to draw attention to the problem of the uninsured and the principles for the solution.
As part of the AMA-sponsored "Voice for the Uninsured Day" at the fair, the volunteers—including AMA Trustee Samantha Rosman, MD, and Iowa Medical Society President James Hubbard, MD—spoke with fairgoers about the AMA's proposal to expand health coverage and urged voters to show presidential candidates how important the uninsured crisis is to them. At an AMA tent, fairgoers signed a petition in support of the AMA's proposal and learned how to share their position with candidates in the Iowa caucuses.
Watch for next week's issue of AMA eVoice for a major announcement about this effort.
>>Return to your general news contents
2) AMA victorious in CPT® lawsuit
The integrity and independence of the process by which Current Procedural Technology (CPT®) codes, widely used to describe medical services and procedures, were recently affirmed by a Georgia federal district court. The court summarily dismissed the claims of an unsuccessful applicant for a Category I CPT code. Neotonus, the unsuccessful applicant, had sought to use the courts to force creation of a CPT code for its medical device intended to treat female urinary incontinence.
Chief Judge Jack T. Camp of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia granted summary judgment to the AMA, which created the CPT code set and which sponsors the process by which an independent editorial panel determines when changes to CPT codes are needed. Claims against the American Urological Association (AUA), one of more than 100 specialty medical advisors to the independent editorial panel, were also summarily dismissed. The decision is significant because the court affirmed the integrity and independence of the decision-making process of the CPT® Editorial Panel and the process of getting input from medical specialty advisors.
The lawsuit had alleged that the two medical societies conspired illegally to reject Neotonus' repeated applications for a Category I CPT code for extracorporeal magnetic innervation therapy using its medical device. Following its usual practice, the CPT Editorial Panel sent the applications to various specialty medical societies that provide advice on CPT coding matters. The AUA, one of the panel's advisors, reviewed Neotonus' applications and concluded, as did several other specialty advisors, that established standards for awarding the CPT code sought by Neotonus had not been met. Separately, and independently, members of the CPT Editorial Panel reached the same conclusion.
In a lengthy opinion granting summary judgment, the chief judge wrote that the lawsuit "appears to be an attempt on the part of Neotonus to have a federal court second-guess the medical expertise and opinions of 17 CPT Editorial Panel members and numerous medical specialty societies and payers" who independently assessed the efficacy of the therapy. The court found the CPT Editorial Panel had sound, lawful reasons for its decisions denying Neotonus' applications for a Category I CPT code.
>>Return to your general news contents
3) BCBS settling parties agree to pay out more than $131 million; Oct. 19 is key deadline
Physicians who provided covered services to any patient enrolled in or covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) plans at any time between May 22, 1999, and May 31, 2007, may be entitled to a payout as part of a class action lawsuit settlement agreement.
The group of BCBS settling parties has agreed to distribute $131,209,507 (with accrued interest since June 30) among eligible physicians who file a claim form by Oct. 19. If you think you may be eligible and have not yet received a notice in the mail, visit the Web site to download the mailed notice, claim form and claim form instructions that were mailed to physicians on July 27. Be sure to submit a completed claim form by October 19. One form can be prepared for an entire practice. However, a list of every physician as well as the number of shares to which each physician is entitled should be attached.
If you have questions about the settlement you can contact the settlement administrator via the e-mail address listed on the Web site or by telephone at (877) 893-2643. You may also obtain information regarding this and other settlements on the AMA Web site.
>>Return to your general news contents
4) Two health insurers send combined $79 million to physicians
This month, physicians who filed timely claim forms as part of the Health Net and Humana settlements of the class action multi-district litigation case received funds from the settlements. Health Net settlement funds totaling $39 million were disbursed on Aug. 6 among physicians who received between $59.30 and $593, depending on the number of shares of the settlement to which they were entitled.
Humana distributed about $40 million in settlement disbursement checks on Aug. 10. Physicians received between $78.91 and $789.10 depending on the number of shares to which they were entitled.
>>Return to your general news contents
5) Women physicians, say thanks to your mentor
Do you have a special colleague or teacher who has unknowingly steered you down the right path, been your longtime inspiration or a prominent role model throughout your medical career? In September—Women in Medicine Month—take the time to thank that person who has really been an inspiration to you on your path to success.
With next month's theme, "Sharing a passion for medicine," the AMA Women Physicians Congress is carrying out its first annual Physicians Mentor Recognition Program. The program—recognizing motivating physicians who have contributed to the achievements of women in the medical profession—will honor nominated mentors through a special certificate and display at the AMA Women Physicians Congress gala reception at the 2007 Interim Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates in November in Honolulu.
Visit the Web site to learn more and obtain a nomination form. Entries are due Sept. 1.
>>Return to your general news contents
6) On Sermo: Medical liability, Medicare's future, retail clinics and self-Googling
Wouldn't it be great to know exactly what physicians need to do in order to prevent medical liability claims? The book Physician Protect Thyself is "essential reading for any practicing physician," according to one doctor on Sermo, the online community for physicians. Join this lively discussion about how to steer clear of disputes and medical liability lawsuits.
By 2030, the 65-and-older population is projected to nearly double and programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid could reach 75 percent of the present budget, according to one discussion post. Join the conversation on the future of Medicare.
Sermo members are discussing how retail clinics affect their practice. Read what they're saying about how clinics are staffed in their area and how they affect relationships with patients. Join the conversation about so-called "minute clinics."
With today's technology, it's easy to see what others are saying about you—simply "Google" yourself. Join the conversation with doctors who conduct Google searches to read the good and bad about themselves.
>>Return to your general news contents
7) In JAMA: Diet high in meat, fat and refined grains associated with increased risk for colon cancer recurrence and death
Patients treated for colon cancer who had a diet high in meat, refined grains, fat and desserts had an increased risk of cancer recurrence and death compared with patients who had a diet high in fruits and vegetables, poultry and fish, according to a study in the Aug. 15 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
Preview the study.
>>Return to your general news contents
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