Table of Contents: Dec. 22/29, 2008

American Medical News vol. 51 no. 48. Posted online Dec. 15, 2008.
Top stories - Government - Profession - Business - Opinion - Health - 2008 index

PLEASE NOTE: Access to American Medical News content is restricted. Details

"The number of primary caregivers in Wisconsin -- and nationally -- is far, far short to effectively get the job done," says family physician Tim Bartholow, MD, the Wisconsin Medical Society's senior vice president of member services, policy planning and physician professional development.

INSIDE THIS WEEK

Illness interrupts
A new book by cardiologist Thomas Graboys, MD, chronicles his drastic change from physician to patient.
Professional Issues
CMS proposes new no-pay rules
The new policy would end Medicare pay for surgeries involving any of three major errors.
Government & Medicine
Health plans take it to the bank
Seeing their enrollments and profits erode, insurers are looking to grow by managing money rather than care.
Business
Easing pain of kids' shots
Research looks at ways to make the vaccination process more comfortable for patients, parents and physicians.
Health & Science

Government & Medicine

CMS proposes no-pay rules for 3 surgical errors
The agency is seeking comments on which physicians should forego Medicare pay under the policy and what related complications might qualify as errors.

Federal court dismisses New Jersey suit over SCHIP limits
Despite the setback, states are anticipating changes under the new administration that would allow health coverage expansions to continue.

Government news briefs:

Obama seeks input on health reform
Illinois medical clinic antitrust suit settles

Professional Issues

Illness interrupts (book excerpt: Life in the Balance)
Thomas Graboys, MD, 64, was a renowned Boston cardiologist before Parkinson's disease and dementia forced him to stop practicing. His book chronicles the drastic change from doctor to patient.

State societies warn of primary care shortages
Physician leaders say efforts such as tuition breaks are needed to ensure there are enough doctors.

New Hampshire ban on sale of prescribing data upheld
The court said drugmakers' use of doctors' prescribing information is not protected speech.

Professional Issues news briefs:

AHA joins AMA, NMA to address racial disparities

Business

Taking it to the bank: A new strategy for health plans
While pledging to be "trusted advisers" for members and employers, health plans are positioning themselves to be financial players, too.

Usefulness of home monitoring devices studied
Insurers traditionally have shied away from home monitoring reimbursement, but pilot programs are allowing payers to test the benefits. View in PDF

Most patients rely on word of mouth when picking a new doctor
In contrast, online physician rating sites based on cost and quality criteria are used by one in 10 patients looking for a new physician.

Business news briefs:

Former Coventry CEO now executive board chair
Plea offered in snooping case
Report: 47% of New Jersey hospitals posted losses in 2007

Opinion

A green approach to public health
A range of new AMA policies underscores the impact of global climate change on health and urge physician action to address it.

Letters:

Medical home designation carries threat of more scut work
Will small practices be able to compete for title of medical home?

Health & Science

Research looks at new ways to ease pain of kids' shots
Distractions, topical anesthesia and education of parent and child all are possible tactics to soften the sting.

Geriatric Consult: Find the reason, then prevent the fall

Health news briefs:

AAP wants oral health as part of routine care
College students vaccinated against flu miss fewer classes
Neuropathy guidelines issued

Vote refines AMA stance on health reform
The AMA House of Delegates rejected attempts to rescind support of a U.S. House health reform bill and any new government-sponsored health insurance plan during the 2009 Interim Meeting.
Story - AMA House - Slideshow