TABLE OF CONTENTS

Feb. 2, 2009

American Medical News  Print edition cover date Feb. 9, 2009, vol. 52 no. 6.

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

Top stories

Doctors win ICD-10 coding reprieve; compliance now due by 2013
The Bush administration also finalizes no-pay rules for surgical errors and prepares to bring back DME competitive bidding.

"Inevitable" Blues merger implodes at 11th hour
Pennsylvania's Highmark Inc. and Independence Blue Cross scrap a deal rather than agree to state regulators' conditions. This could signal greater scrutiny for mergers nationwide.

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Government & Medicine

FTC finds price-fixing at physician IPAs, suggests legal alternatives
Experts warn of antitrust scrutiny but say the settlements signal the FTC's support of arrangements that can benefit patient care.

Analysis compares competing health system reform plans
Some proposals would cover nearly everyone who is uninsured, say researchers from the Commonwealth Fund.

News briefs:

• Senate bill would expand senior care training

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Professional Issues

At the same table: Alternative liability resolution
More doctors are considering mediation and other voluntary methods to avoid a costly, adversarial court system. But some say it's no panacea for doctors' liability woes.

Guidelines target stem cell medical tourism
Some clinics are taking advantage of desperate patients, says an international group of stem cell scientists.

In the Courts: Doctor stands up for patient care, wins case

News briefs:

• Device trade group updates ethics code

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Business

Easing into technology: Alternatives to a full EMR
Even if a full-fledged system is financially out of reach for your practice, there are ways to automate. View in PDF  

Technically Speaking: Technology costs may be tax-deductible

News briefs:

• UnitedHealth Group appoints EVP to lead health system reform efforts
• Blue Shield of California reinstates members in settlement with state
• Michigan Blues warned about undermarketing medigap

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Opinion

United agreements: Fair payments ahead
UnitedHealth Group agrees to bring out-of-network rate calculations into the sunlight as well as pay back some of those physicians who were underpaid.

Letters:

• Peer review needs oversight and transparency to be effective
• Incentives needed to keep, boost primary care practices

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Health & Science

FDA to study TV drug ads' influence on U.S. consumers
Controversial since they debuted in 1997, DTC ads are thought by many to require more oversight.

Hand washing, alcohol-based rubs help curb influenza outbreaks
Study suggests soap and water may be slightly more effective than hand rubs, but both work well. View in PDF  

News briefs:

• Benefit of genetic testing before blood-thinning therapy studied
• Serious injuries from Tasers rare
• New dietary tool helps Hispanics reduce their diabetes risk

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