Dec. 24/31, 2007: Table of Contents
American Medical News vol. 50 no. 48
Top stories -
Government -
Profession -
Business -
Opinion -
Health -
2007 index
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Top stories
Looming Medicare pay cut forces tough decisions on participation
Some physicians may be attracted by the higher reimbursement they can get under a nonparticipation arrangement, but patient collections may be an issue.
Stricter requirements sought for relicensure as medical boards draft proposal
The FSMB wants physicians to prove competence through a process similar to maintenance of board certification. Doctors see even more paperwork ahead.
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Government & Medicine
Internist society sees single-payer as option
A new American College of Physicians paper says the government should guarantee a basic level of health care as part of larger reforms.
OIG nixes investment partnership in ambulatory surgery center
Experts say the Office of Inspector General's opinion points out legal risks involved in the arrangements, despite safe harbors.
Government news briefs:
- Most seniors retain good access to doctors, survey finds
- Medicaid entities owe $1 billion in taxes
- State budgets squeezed by health care spending
- Maine to scrutinize child sexual abuse reporting mandates
- Grassley targets spending at Iowa QIO
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Professional Issues
Body and soul: When faith guides a doctor's vocation
Some physicians embrace dual careers in medicine and religion.
Wisconsin doctor pulls double duty: 4 sets of twins in 24 hours
The La Crosse hospital where he works welcomed 31 sets of twins last year.
Survey: Physicians falling short on professionalism
Despite widespread acceptance of ethical standards, doctors' actions often belie the consensus. Still, many say there has been much improvement.
Professional Issues news briefs:
- AHIP survey shows most HSAs cover preventive care from the first dollar
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Business
Culture shock: Consumer-directed health care slow to catch on
Defining patients as "consumers" is a concept many doctors have not embraced. Patients seem to agree, as health plans that give patients more first-dollar coverage are growing less quickly than expected.
Fight over physician quality ratings moves to Massachusetts
The dispute focuses on tiered networks covering public employees and a state insurance commission's request for rankings data.
Business news briefs:
- Sutter nearly triples EMR budget
- EMR security standards group forms
- Minn. launches rural IT resource
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Opinion
Prescribing a more active life
A new effort launched by the AMA and American College of Sports Medicine urges physicians to take every opportunity to encourage their patients to exercise more.
Letters:
- Open-source code is best path to creating physician-friendly EMRs
- Protect doctors so they can say no to improper requests for antibiotics
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Health & Science
Santa aging well, ho-ho-ho'ing to health
The Pennsylvania Medical Society spotlights Mr. Claus to educate the public about living longer; others raise awareness of a seasonal spike in heart attacks.
Salt limits urged for processed foods, restaurant meals
The AMA and others recommend that the FDA follow the example of nations that restrict the level of sodium in foods.
"Whole patient" approach needed in diabetes care
Older patients often have more than one chronic condition and need guidance to prioritize self-care, according to a new study.
Health news briefs:
- Simple screen for male osteoporosis
- Baclofen helps alcoholics' abstinence
- Hepatitis B shot not associated with childhood multiple sclerosis
- Nanotechnology used to differentiate cancer cells from normal cells
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