Dec. 20, 2004: Table of Contents
American Medical News vol. 47 no. 47
Top stories -
Government -
Profession -
Business -
Opinion -
Health -
2004 index
Top stories
Criminal checks increasingly a fact of life for physicians
State medical boards say scrutiny of license applicants helps keep bad doctors out of their states.
Anthem, WellPoint merge into largest health plan
The combined company, which operates many BlueCross BlueShield insurers, prompts physician misgivings about how the new WellPoint will wield its power.
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Government & Medicine
Medicare payment ample for cancer drugs, GAO says
The American Society of Clinical Oncology questions the findings and continues to worry about the impact of next year's reimbursement changes.
Thompson's farewell to HHS urges continued focus on global health
Doctors applaud the secretary's work to fight obesity and to promote regulatory reform.
Baseball deal strikes out with physicians in District of Columbia
A proposed fee to help fund a new stadium is expected to hit oncology practices especially hard.
Government news briefs:
- Lupron maker settles suit over drug's pricing
- CMS seeks input on Rx benefit
- Government alleges kickback, asks for more time in Medco case
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Professional Issues
Study details gap in death rate by race; health care disparities blamed
Researchers hope findings will influence physician and policy-maker attitudes.
ACP opens affiliate membership to PAs
There are about 50,000 physician assistants, and the number has been growing.
UNOS: Don't solicit for cadaveric donation
A transplant ethicist says the agency missed its chance to limit directed organ donations only to family members.
Oregon doctors want more in-state students
Physicians say the medical school's tuition may be keeping Oregonians from entering the profession.
Removal of FAQs about prescriptions on DEA Web site causes turmoil
The agency's "clarification" appears to criminalize a practice now taught in pain medicine programs.
Professional Issues news briefs:
- $30 million verdict reinstated by Ohio judge
- Mass. medical association to produce TV show
- La. physician named country doctor of the year
- Match expands its resident representation
- JCAHO chief touts pay for performance
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Business
Scouting a career coach: When it's time for a change
Physicians are turning to advisers to help them decide where to go in their professional life. But with so many coaches -- and with charges at $130 per hour -- physicians need to tread carefully before hiring one.
Practice Pointers: EMR search, while tough, can be done
Personal Finance: Doctors looking at details as interest in HSAs grows
Business news briefs:
- JCAHO offers principles on quality pay
- HealthSouth aims for legal settlement
- HCA grows in outpatient market
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Opinion
Inform your patients about HSAs
A new AMA brochure, "Health Savings Accounts at a Glance," is useful for physician waiting rooms.
AMA Leader Commentary: AMA communications efforts help physicians to serve
Letters:
- Ophthalmology academy president: Scope-of-practice crisis threatens quality, and Okla. is on the front line
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Health & Science
Pursuing the placebo effect: What exactly is it?
The use of placebo has been associated by patients with trickery or losing out, but some researchers are looking for something about it that can be harnessed to heal.
Brain scans may detect markers of some mental disorders
Imaging could provide a biological basis for ADHD and bipolar disorder, but it is too soon to become a part of clinical practice.
Calculating obesity's toll is more than a number
The CDC is considering all the evidence in determining the effects of risky behaviors on the nation's health before setting goals.
FDA approves new drug for treating MS
The drug for multiple sclerosis uses a humanized monoclonal antibody to prevent immune cells from reaching the brain and spinal cord.
Health news briefs:
- Teens and pertussis
- Stronger Accutane safeguards
- HIV testing higher among targeted populations
- Drinking water could benefit those with low blood pressure
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Copyright 2004 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
