TABLE OF CONTENTS

April 20, 2009

American Medical News  Print edition cover date April 27, 2009, vol. 52 no. 12.

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

Top stories

Doctors face risk of harsh penalties from new Medicare enrollment rules
Stricter requirements governing retroactive billing, changes of address kicked in April 1.

Look beyond stereotypes to spot patients with eating disorders
A national statistical analysis indicates that rates for these illnesses are on the rise among younger patients and other unexpected demographics. View in PDF  

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Government & Medicine

Details now emerging about cuts to Medicare private plans
Anticipating reductions of more than 4% next year, Medicare Advantage plans say CMS is using unrealistic estimates.

New York budget increases Medicaid fees for physicians
But lawmakers cut hospital and nursing home fees and raised taxes on health plans.

Forums open up debate about health system reform
In addition, President Obama issued an executive order creating health reform offices in the White House and at HHS.

News briefs:

• Emergency bid to halt San Francisco health spending mandate fails
• AMA releases guidance on FTC "red flag" rules

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Professional Issues

Making sure your patients know what you're saying
Communication barriers continue to pose legal risks if doctors fail to provide adequate language assistance to patients who are deaf or don't speak English. View in PDF  

Court rejects claims against Blues holdouts in pay lawsuit
Doctors are considering an appeal or pursuing in state courts claims that individual insurers conspired to shortchange them.

News briefs:

• State legislatures, medical schools target gifts, financial conflicts

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Business

Forced out of retirement: Getting back into practice not always easy
Stung by investment losses, retired physicians often struggle to re-enter the job market. But there are jobs out there, experts say, if you're prepared.

Senator calls for new look at Ingenix database
A federal agency is asked to investigate health plans' use of the controversial data to set out-of-network rates.

Technically Speaking: Steps to take to eliminate spam from your e-mail diet

News briefs:

• Payer-owned electronic network grows

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Opinion

One-stop site: E-prescribing help for physicians
The AMA has created an extensive online resource.

AMA Leader Commentary: We must protect guidelines against undue influence

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Health & Science

IOM studies boost in vitamin D requirements
Researchers suggest a huge bump in recommended daily levels as the vitamin's benefits extend to helping fight diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease.

An alternative diagnosis to GERD centers on food allergies
Milk, soy, eggs, wheat, nuts and fish are the likely triggers for an allergy that causes inflammation of the esophagus.

News briefs:

• Disparities affect longevity
• Guidelines issued on low blood glucose disorders

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