Dec. 11, 2006: Table of Contents

American Medical News   vol. 49 no. 46
Top stories - Government - Profession - Business - Opinion - Health - 2006 index

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"Lack of access to care may become a greater cause of cancer-related deaths than tobacco," says Richard C. Wender, MD, the first primary care physician to serve as president of the American Cancer Society, noting that even a cure won't help if people can't get it.

An amazing race Every Second Counts portrays the intense pressure among four surgeons in the 1960s competing to be the first to transplant a human heart. In Profession Push to cut costs of Medicare drugs Democratic desires to reduce what Part D beneficiaries pay faces obstacles. In Government Ways to avoid an EMR meltdown About a third of practices that buy the systems stop using them within a year. In Business

Top stories

Liability insurance rates mostly hold steady or drop this year
AMA president says rates are still "obscene." Insurers aren't optimistic the stabilization will continue.

Classes teach new IMGs American-style medicine
As the number of foreign-born international medical graduates grows, residencies seek out ways to ease their transitions.

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Government & Medicine

Medicare drug price push faces hurdles
Experts say price-negotiation legislation has a good chance in the House but will face a stiff fight in the Senate.

SCHIP renewal expected, but funding remains the question
Congress is considering ensuring coverage for all eligible children -- a move that would cost billions.

Part D formulary guideline changes proposed
The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention suggests adding some specific vaccine types to guidelines on Medicare drug lists.

Medicaid Commission adopts reform plan
The panel's suggestions sparked criticism from leading congressional Democrats.

Quick View: Employee health coverage dips

Government news briefs:

• Mont. hospital drops suit against physician-owned facility
• Mass. residents support universal care law, poll finds

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Professional Issues

An amazing race (book excerpt: Every Second Counts)
During the 1960s, four surgeons competed to become the first to complete a human heart transplant. South African-born author Donald McRae details the race.

California public hospital set to close residencies
It may mark the first time a university has eliminated all physician training programs while the host hospital stayed open.

AMA honors physicians for leadership and service
Response to Hurricane Katrina and youth smoking prevention programs were among the efforts lauded.

Quick View: Uptick in work-hour violations

In the Courts: Massachusetts judge allows liability claim by plaintiff who was not a patient

Professional Issues news briefs:

• Push to get patients angioplasty more quickly
• Profiling guide available for Florida physicians

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Business

Avoiding EMR meltdown: How to get your money's worth
About a third of practices that buy electronic medical records systems stop using them within a year. A little homework can help ensure you buy one that will work for you.

Doctors offer insights and caveats for Internet searches
It may be hard for patients to evaluate online health information, but surfing the Web can prove useful for physicians.

Physician-run HMO in Florida is going out of business
The plan lasted for two years before financial issues overwhelmed it.

Contract Language: Collaborative agreement details allied workers' duties

Business news briefs:

• Chains expand low-priced generics
• CEO leaves embattled hospital group
• Cigna premiers new payment program

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Bioidentical hormone replacement: Safety requires oversight
The AMA at its November Interim Meeting adopted policy calling for FDA surveys of compounded hormones' purity and for adverse event reporting.

AMA Leader Commentary: When we care the most, we are at our best as physicians

Letters:

• Claims data an appropriate basis in pay-for-performance programs

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Health & Science

New pain relief remedies for achy joints
The number of people with arthritis is increasing, as are the ways to provide help. Botox injections and quad strengthening, anyone?

Clear communication key to treating complex conditions
Information that is devoid of medical jargon can enhance patient care and allow patients to assess the pros and cons of various treatments.

Family physician to head American Cancer Society
Installing a primary care doctor as ACS president marks a significant broadening of this organization's focus.

Quick View: Where is the flu?

Health news briefs:

• Flu drug linked to delirium, self-injury in children
• Antibiotics not recommended for acute bronchitis
• FDA OKs silicone breast implants
• Gene sequencing centers funded
• Falls become a leading killer of seniors

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