TABLE OF CONTENTS

Jan. 12, 2009

American Medical News  Print edition cover date Jan. 19, 2009, vol. 52 no. 3.

Top stories - Government - Profession - Business - Opinion - Health - 2009 index

Top stories

Medicaid funding cuts unresolved as new administration takes office
If allowed to become effective, the rules would reduce federal Medicaid spending by more than $12 billion over five years.

Study supports use of no-sedation colonoscopy
The option could make screening more available, but experts worry the approach might deter patients. View in PDF  

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Government & Medicine

Court orders Medicaid coverage for low-income HIV patients
California officials ignored a 6-year-old law extending benefits to patients before they develop AIDS, the judge said. The state contends the program is too costly.

Massachusetts now applying CON rules to surgery centers
Physician-owners and other critics say certificate-of-need laws impede access.

News briefs:

• Survey rates Medicare contractors
• FPs seek more training funds

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Professional Issues

150 years of Gray's: The iconic reference has spawned new generations
The famed medical book has evolved from textbook to physicians' clinical reference, while still carving out a place alongside other literary classics. View in PDF  

Quality reports for hospitals inconsistent
Leading sources for quality data rank the same facilities differently, even for the same conditions. Ratings providers say patients can judge for themselves.

News briefs:

• Cleveland Clinic surgeons perform first face transplant in the U.S.

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Business

Trading for treatment: Bartering makes a comeback
Physicians find creative ways to collect from patients during difficult economic times.

Contract Language: Hospitalist's role needs to be defined

News briefs:

• Grocery chain latest to offer free generic antibiotics
• Doctor-founded urgent care company growing

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Opinion

Medicare pay overhaul can no longer wait
Without action from Congress and the White House, doctors' payments in 2010 will fall off a cliff.

Letters:

• Greater transparency needed in how insurers account for care costs

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Health & Science

FDA wants closer scrutiny of new diabetes drugs
With type 2 diabetes already increasing heart risks, the FDA is seeking assurances that new drugs won't do further damage.

Combination of drugs found most effective asthma treatment
An FDA panel says long-acting beta agonists should be used in tandem with inhaled corticosteroids.

News briefs:

• Antiepileptic drugs get new warnings
• Study explores sleep issues

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