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Dec. 12, 2005: Table of Contents

American Medical News   vol. 48 no. 46
Top stories - Government - Profession - Business - Opinion - Health - 2005 index

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"The electronic records systems will be the central nervous system of the new model of family medical practice. Our message [to doctors] is pretty much get with the program with a smile on your face," says David C. Kibbe, MD, director of the American Academy of Family Physicians' Center for Health Information Technology.
What's the catch?
 Doctors might be skeptical of health plans offering them free or discounted software. But plans -- and some physicians -- say accepting the offer isn't such a bad idea after all.
 In Business
Solving health disparities
 Efforts by groups such as the AMA and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to address gaps in medical care based on racial and ethnic disparity are moving to the implementation phase.
 In Health

Top stories

Primary care recertification eased after physician complaints
Internal and family medicine boards say they have been working with physicians to improve maintenance of certification.

Medicare Part D squashes charity drugs
The government decision is expected to add to seniors' confusion about the new drug benefit.

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Government & Medicine

Illinois to offer health coverage to all children
Physician groups support "All Kids" but are keeping an eye on its implementation, including Medicaid changes designed to pay for the new program.

Defense Dept. deploys EMR system
The military is a year away from completing the rollout of its electronic medical record initiative -- said to be the largest in the world.

New Hampshire regulates liability rates
Data on insurers' market share led the state insurance commissioner to institute a one-year prior approval system for rate changes.

Doctors, consumer groups oppose tobacco tax initiative
The California Medical Assn. and others say that under the hospital-sponsored proposal, tax revenue would not be distributed fairly.

Government news briefs:

  • Medicare drug prices higher than other options
  • Drug importation change added to law

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Professional Issues

Future of family medicine: Multimillion-dollar makeover
A pilot program will transform the face of primary care.

Iowa suit accuses system of name infringement
Physicians say the name that Covenant Health System chose for its new clinic is causing confusion for patients and vendors.

New York sues over device maker's lack of disclosure
Defibrillator design flaw information was critical, a lawsuit brought by the New York attorney general claims. Some say the move interferes with the FDA's role.

Aetna settlement foundation hands out grants
The organization dedicated to small and solo physician groups awarded money to proposals tackling issues of chronic illness management, care for the uninsured and technology.

Arizona seeing shortage of psychiatrists
The pinch leads primary care physicians to take on more mental health responsibilities.

More stress for emergency departments as fewer specialists are on call
Risk of malpractice litigation, unpredictable hours and lack of reimbursement for uninsured patients are reasons cited for gaps in coverage.

In the Courts: Doctor at odds with hospital's conflict-of-interest policy

Professional Issues news briefs:

  • California conscience-clause bill set to go into effect
  • AMA offers grant for research on women in medicine
  • Campaign raises money for rebuilding
  • $8.25 million grant targets Hispanic obesity, diabetes health disparities
  • Report: Litigation drives up health costs, damages society
  • CMS pays $8.85 million to hospitals for quality improvements

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Business

What's the catch? With tech freebies, maybe there isn't one
Physicians might be skeptical of health plans offering them free or discounted software. But the plans -- and some doctors themselves -- say accepting their offers isn't such a bad idea after all.

Doctors testify against United-PacifiCare merger
The AMA joins the Colorado Medical Society in fighting the regulatory approval of the latest combination of large health plans.

Personal Finance: Tax changes mean now may be time to buy equipment

Quick View: Consumers weigh in on records privacy, automation

Business news briefs:

  • Premera to test online visits
  • HHS awards contracts for health network
  • Former HMO officials indicted
  • Allscripts seeks $200 million
  • Visa, Blues team up on debit card
  • Physician software company expands

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Opinion

Boosting disaster response: Be prepared
AMA delegates call for state and local disaster preparedness plans and removal of barriers blocking physicians from volunteering in response efforts.

Letters:

  • If Roe overturned, add " 'illegal abortion' to the differential diagnosis"
  • Education debt is tragically driving decisions to shun primary care

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Health & Science

Researchers press for risk-stratified analysis of clinical trial data
Current practice determines the average effect for the population at large but often fails to take into account patient variability.

Diagnosing migraines proves to be a headache
The brain's ability to refer pain to various parts of the face and head has helped promote a diagnosis of sinus headache.

Programs seek solutions to health disparities
Efforts to address gaps in care move to the implementation phase.

Treatment exists for heavy menstruation
Women are not likely to ask a physician about their options for slowing abnormal monthly cycles, according to a new survey.

Health news briefs:

  • Many with depression seeking care
  • FDA confirms safety of Tamiflu in children
  • Depression assessment tool developed
  • Injections sometimes unsuccessful in women

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