Dec. 18, 2000: Table of Contents

American Medical News - vol. 43 no. 47
Government - Professional Issues - Business - Opinion - Health - 2000 index

GAO report finds National Practitioner Data Bank physician records inaccurate, incomplete
Flaws reported in the data bank's malpractice and clinical privileges information call into question its overall reliability.

Ohio physician fights insurance plan's use of economic profiles
An internist's dismissal for high utilization rates comes as plans put greater emphasis on economic profiling to control costs -- and perhaps doctors as well.

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U.S. Supreme Court to tackle medical marijuana
The high court will decide if seriously ill patients can use marijuana for medical reasons despite federal laws that say it's illegal to distribute it.

Prescription drugs: States act while Congress stalls
More states pass plans for help on prescription drugs; federal lawmakers eye such programs as a way to help Medicare enrollees immediately.

Government news briefs:

• Insurance groups plan merger to create heftier lobby
• Report finds HCFA renewed contract with firm accused of fraud
• Acting HCFA chief departs

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World Medical Assn. adopts new research standard that puts patients first
A revised Declaration of Helsinki reiterates that the well-being of the patient outweighs advancement of clinical research, even in the poorest of countries.

Web sites forming CME partnerships
Medical Web sites explore alliances with specialty societies to expand CME offerings, but some societies are rebuffing collaborative offers -- for now.

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Independent practice associations: What works and what doesn't?
This works: Despite many failures, the concept of the IPA is very much alive. Those in the know tell how it can stay that way.

Street Smarts: Wall Street fluctuates along with vote recounts

Practice Pointers: Tailor insurance coverage to your practice needs

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Opinion

Prompt-payment laws: Spotty performance on clean claims
Prompt-pay laws haven't lived up to their potential. Better laws and enforcement are needed, as well as a change in attitude by health plans.

Letters:

• Like a single-payer system? Check out England's waiting times
• Canada proves single-payer's faults
• Government, not physicians, should pay for medical interpreters
• Report both sides of debate on global warming

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Dodging danger: For pediatricians, patient education includes "anticipatory guidance" for parents
Physicians face a significant challenge in anticipating and intervening before risks to young patients cause harm.

Cancer detection strides falter as mammography centers close
Low reimbursements and rising costs threaten public health gains against breast cancer.

3-D imaging could replace invasive tests
Technology now used to teach human anatomy -- and explore mummies -- offers clinical potential.

Study looks at stopping medication without spurring rejection of transplanted organs
Doctors search for a way to minimize use of anti-rejection drugs by organ transplant patients.

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