TABLE OF CONTENTS

April 6, 2009

American Medical News  Print edition cover date , vol. 52 no. 11.

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

Top stories

Medicine slams FTC over forcing physicians to police identity theft
Physicians object to the broad application of the "red flag" rules and say they were not forewarned properly. Enforcement begins May 1.

AMA sues WellPoint to recoup pay for doctors
The country's largest private-pay insurer and other plans are hearing calls from doctors and legislators to be accountable for using the controversial Ingenix database.

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Government & Medicine

Stakeholders start offering their own proposals for health reform
Health insurers make a counteroffer to a national public health plan, while the AMA and a diverse coalition of groups have their own ideas.

Medicare Advantage defenders decry proposed cuts
Many physicians say proposed funding cuts to the private plans are long overdue, but supporters fear cuts could cause disruptions in care.

Only 1.5% of nonfederal hospitals report having full EHRs
A new study says hospital use rates are dismal, but some experts say federal stimulus money -- and physician cooperation -- could boost technology adoption.

Quick View: More money, fewer problems getting insurance

News briefs:

• Obama picks assistant HHS chief
• Nursing homes to see Medicare P4P

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Professional Issues

Initiative to cut catheter infections expands
The $23 million effort, backed by the federal government and private philanthropy, builds on success in Michigan ICUs. View in PDF  

Ariz. high court validates standards for expert witnesses in liability cases
Meanwhile, Georgia's noneconomic damage cap likely will head to that state's Supreme Court after a trial court declared the award limit unconstitutional.

Mass. sets new rules for contact with drug industry
The state bans drug- and device-makers' gifts to doctors and forces pay disclosures.

States dangle school loan repayment deals
New York and Texas beef up incentives to draw more physicians to areas lacking adequate medical care.

1,000 Words: Students volunteer time to help the homeless

In the Courts: Pain doctor made to prove care was proper View in PDF  

News briefs:

• Utah doctors win ED liability shields
• CME program offered to internists

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Business

Broadcast your brand: Find the patients you most want to treat
Letting patients know who you are and what your interests are can make you more memorable -- and cement loyalty.

Health Net weighs jettison of health plans in 4 states
Following a year of declining profits, the company wants to boost cash reserves.

Boston physicians cut their own salaries to help hospital
Medical department chiefs donated a portion of their paychecks to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and ask other physicians to follow.

Practice Pointers: How to calculate the right staffing for a smaller practice

News briefs:

• Massachusetts Blues sign fourth medical group to capitated contract
• WebMD to launch portal in the UK

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Opinion

Science trumps speculation: MMR not linked to autism
A special vaccine court dismissed claims that the vaccine can cause the cognitive disorder.

AMA Leader Commentary: AMA participation on the Joint Commission a win-win

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Health & Science

Changing history: The questions you ask patients keep expanding
The centuries-old interview at the core of medical practice is under pressure to evolve, just as it also becomes more essential.

Psoriasis may reflect systemic inflammation, heart disease
This skin problem is being viewed as more than an aesthetic issue, but the connection to overall health is not fully understood.

Risk of depression, anxiety in elderly can be cut
A new study finds that prevention is possible in the primary care setting.

News briefs:

• Despite shortage of Hib vaccine, CDC urges primary dose for infants
• FDA warns about weight loss products with undeclared drugs
• Most people eat too much salt

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