TABLE OF CONTENTS

May 4, 2009

American Medical News  Print edition cover date May 11, 2009, vol. 52 no. 13.

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

Top stories

Key Senate panel sets brisk pace for health system reform package
Lawmakers at a Finance Committee roundtable zeroed in on the quality improvements and cost savings demonstrated by a Pennsylvania health system.

NIH policy loosening stem cell research restrictions disappoints both sides in debate
Some research advocates and scientists are upset that techniques they support would get no federal money.

Back to top

Government & Medicine

Medicaid fees outpace Medicare but still low
While doctors seek higher pay, two unlikely partner organizations seek a Medicaid expansion to cover more people.

Medicare cancer patients win battle over off-label coverage
Legislative changes mean patients and independent reviewers can cite medical literature when defending off-label, non-compendia drug uses.

EMR adoption higher in states with fewer privacy rules
Privacy advocates say it's the cost, not state restrictions, that slows adoption rates.

Medicare DME bidding program set to relaunch in 2010
The White House gives the green light to competitive bidding over vigorous objections from equipment suppliers and some lawmakers.

News briefs:

• Sebelius confirmed as HHS chief
• Americans fear loss of medical privacy

Back to top

Professional Issues

Nevada lawmakers moving to change state's liability cap
Meanwhile, a backlog of medical liability cases has prompted a "settlement marathon" by the state Supreme Court.

Medical students taking free online courses in quality, safety
The Institute for Healthcare Improvement's curriculum stresses less-traditional topics of error reduction and resource management.

Doctor discipline inches up but still off 14% from peak
State funding can play a role. Kansas doubled disciplinary actions last year with an additional $410,000 in funds.

In the Courts: Peer review hearing officer's role is limited

News briefs:

• Massachusetts physicians lobby for apology protections
• North Carolina hospital wins award for case-management services

Back to top

Business

How to set your fee schedule: Experts advise updating it every 3 to 12 months
You know what third parties pay you. But experts say you also need to know what your base charge is for every service you provide.

AMA takes first steps to build physician Web portal
The Association is developing the site as a response to doctors' requests for more assistance in their day-to-day practice.

Contract Language: Stimulus package alters HIPAA rules for business associates

News briefs:

• Cigna offers cost estimator tools
• Maryland fines Coventry for unclear policy
• Walgreens sets e-Rx record
• 3 million and counting using Kaiser's PHR

Back to top

Opinion

8 simple rules for health system reform: A new sounding board
AMA support for President Obama's basic reform principles gives physicians the opportunity to help convert promise into policy.

AMA Leader Commentary: AMA can help you prepare for the health IT future

Back to top

Health & Science

Accommodating aging: Helping your older patients live the life they want
Older patients bring a range of challenges to the exam room. Experts offer tips on how to meet their treatment needs. View in PDF  

New federal policies sought to reflect HIV treatment gains
Earlier identification of those infected with the AIDS virus is tied to better therapy outcomes and lower transmission rates, groups say. View in PDF  

Tight not always right for controlling diabetes
Studies suggest that the strategy of more blood glucose control could harm patients and that greater attention is needed on overall health. View in PDF  

Bariatric surgery found effective at lower weights
Conclusions from a data review fuel debate about when surgery should be considered. View in PDF  

News briefs:

• New tools for cancer survivors
• Task force renews tobacco-cessation recommendations
• Plan B access expanded

Back to top