Dec. 22/29, 2003: Table of Contents

American Medical News   vol. 46 no. 48
Top stories - Government - Profession - Business - Opinion - Health - 2003 index

"Fluoroquinolones are very good drugs ... but people end up using them for just about everything," says Lionel A. Mandell, MD, lead author of guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America on treating pneumonia without perpetuating antibiotic resistance.

Back from the brink Every year, hundreds of physicians lose their medical licenses. For about 10%, substance abuse is involved. The fall can be devastating, but recovery is possible. Three doctors share their stories. In Profession Charting your course There are systematic ways of ensuring that your practice meets its goals. One group shares its techniques. In Business

Top stories

Medicare law starts clock on fixing payment formula
Physicians face a reimbursement cliff in 2006 unless the update process is changed.

Chuck E. Ped: Practice at the fun park
A North Carolina pediatrics group incorporates some of the lively trappings of a former miniature golf course and arcade.

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Government & Medicine

Medicare reform opens up health savings accounts to all
Republicans hope the new product will reverse the growth in Medicare spending, while Democrats claim it's just another tax shelter for the rich.

Scully leaves CMS for a private-sector job
The Medicare chief changed the agency's name and tried to improve its responsiveness.

Government news briefs:

• HMO reform back on the menu
• States cut Medicaid
• Pediatric drug testing becomes law
• Medicare bill lifts therapy caps

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Professional Issues

Back from the brink: How three physicians re-entered the medical world
Regaining your medical license following a suspension or revocation for misconduct is no simple task, but it can be done.

High surgical volume equals better patient outcomes
Standards may evolve to reflect the impact that individual surgeons have on reducing surgical risk.

Get tough on medical errors, conference told
Economist Uwe Reinhardt, PhD, calls on health care safety and quality activists to stop being so polite.

Professional Issues news briefs:

• Group's guidelines part of workers' compensation reform
• Vermont Medical Society council settles assisted-suicide controversy

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Business

Charting your course: A primer on scoring practice success
Reaching your practice goals doesn't have to be guesswork. One group shares how it measures anything it can to make sure its physician practices are clinically and financially successful.

AAFP offers members a technology price break
The deal gives doctors discounts of up to 50% on EMR software and computer hardware.

Practice Management: Strategize to decrease liability premiums

Business news briefs:

• HealthSouth board members to be replaced
• Poll: More favor nonprofit plans
• Tenet completes sale of 4 Ark. hospitals

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Opinion

Obesity: Not just a phase kids outgrow
Addressing weight issues with children and adolescents requires a multifaceted approach from physicians that often involves the entire family.

Letters:

• Virginia experiencing liability rate increases that threaten patient care
• Article underscores need for return to teaching compassion in medicine
• There can be two sides in role model approach to physical fitness
• Physicians should accept that patients see them as role models

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Health & Science

Agencies join forces to stop rogue online pharmacies
Government officials are stepping up efforts to shut down Internet outlets that offer painkillers and other prescription drugs without physician oversight.

AMA guide arms doctors for battle against obesity
The new primer offers help in addressing this health problem.

New guidelines give specifics for pneumonia care
An update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America offers more detailed drug treatment recommendations for community-acquired pneumonia, while keeping an eye out for antibiotic resistance.

Health news briefs:

• Virtual colonoscopy as polyp detector
• Legislation could aid transplant access
• West Nile: The conquering virus

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