Table of Contents: Feb 23, 2009

American Medical News vol. 52 no. 8. Posted online Feb. 16, 2009.

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"Active surveillance is not a silver bullet, but hospitals are actively seeking ways to prevent the spread of infections," says Matthew Fenwick, a spokesman for the American Hospital Assn.

INSIDE THIS WEEK

Early medical innovators
Author and historian David Dary chronicles medicine's role as the pioneers moved westward.
Professional Issues
Fraying safety net
Blue Cross Blue Shield plans say hits to their bottom line will be felt throughout the health care system.
Business
CHIP "down payment" in reform effort
Reauthorization of the children's health program is just the first step toward universal coverage, say Obama and Senate Democratic leaders.
Government & Medicine
Addressing involuntary weight loss
The problem, frequently seen in older patients, raises the risk for infections, depression and even death.
Health & Science

Government & Medicine

CHIP called "down payment" in reform effort
President Obama also rescinds Bush administration restrictions on state use of federal children's health money.

Court issues rare Stark ruling on physician-hospital agreement
The federal appellate ruling also highlights the potential for these joint financial arrangements to lead to false claims liability.

Government news briefs:

Number of uninsured rises in Pa.

Professional Issues

Early Innovators (book excerpt: Frontier Medicine)
Author and historian David Dary chronicles medicine's role as the pioneers moved westward.

States consider requiring hospitals to screen for MRSA
As the drug-resistant staph rate grows, lawmakers call for a more aggressive response. But doctors question mandates.

Professional Issues news briefs:

HHS ramps up message on preventing hospital infections

Business

Fraying safety net: Insurer of last resort feeling financial pinch
Blue Cross Blue Shield plans say hits to their bottom line will be felt throughout the health care system.

States move to limit insurance rescissions
Legislatures are introducing bills restricting insurers' ability to revoke individual health insurance policies.

Contract Language: Noncompete clause may not restrict you

Business news briefs:

S.C. Blues plan opens retail store

Opinion

AMA's enhanced Web site
The Association retooled its site to provide physicians with easier access to a wide range of professional resources.

Health & Science

Patient choice can help target dyspepsia care
Initiating treatment with an antacid and stepping up appears to achieve results similar to beginning with a PPI and stepping down.

Geriatric Consult: Addressing involuntary weight loss

Health news briefs:

Number of suicides in the military up
RSV leads large number of children to needed medical care

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