TABLE OF CONTENTS

June 1, 2009

American Medical News  Print edition cover date June 8, 2009, vol. 52 no. 15.

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

Top stories

Senate panel finishes health reform hearings, foresees bill by mid-June
One option being studied is limiting Medicare spending for physicians and hospitals based on adjusted national or regional averages.

Health plan requirements cost practices billions, with the per-doctor average near $70,000
Primary care physicians spent the greatest amount of time dealing with health plan administrative tasks.

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Government & Medicine

FTC opinion expands guidance on joint contracting
Although the advisory tamps down some antitrust fears, the AMA raises concerns that physicians might think hospital collaborations are necessary.

W.Va. Medicaid wellness plan comes up short in evaluation
Mountain Health Choices has the right goals but not the best execution, a university assessment says.

Lawmakers consider health delivery system reform
Primary care physicians and specialists make their pitches on ways to improve care coordination and address doctor shortages.

News briefs:

• Dr. Hamburg confirmed to lead FDA
• New Medicare anti-fraud team announced

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Professional Issues

Vt. bans industry gifts, tightens reporting rules
The new law could set the standard for other states, even as Congress ponders "sunshine" legislation.

More cuts in resident hours could be costly
A new study puts a huge price tag on more cuts in work time. Meanwhile, concerns linger about how reductions affect training quality.

Calif. may require public notice of medical license
CMA questions the need for new rules, saying doctors already tell patients the medical board licenses them.

Doctor gets jail time for online, out-of-state prescribing
The decision could give prosecutors broader reach in pursuing criminal charges in such cases.

Long appointment waits may signal doctor shortage
Boston patients faced the longest waiting times for routine care, regardless of the specialty, a new survey says.

Quick View: Prevalence of C. diff in hospital patients

In the Courts: Doctor's duty to a third party the exception, not rule

News briefs:

• Bill challenging Nevada liability cap defeated
• Oregon weighs measure giving psychologists prescribing rights

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Opinion

The $2 trillion savings plan
The AMA and other essential health care stakeholders make a pledge on savings to make health system reform possible.

AMA Leader Commentary: Health system reform is coming -- and you all helped

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Business

How to spot a Ponzi scheme: Experts suggest ways to evaluate a pitch
Determining whether a potential investment opportunity is a great deal or a fraud is a lot like diagnosing a mystery illness -- you have to run some tests. View in PDF  

Massachusetts considers capitated insurance payments
The Blues plan has already brought back capitation; now a state commission is moving to recommend that "global payments" replace fee-for-service charges.

Health plan CEO pay declines in weakened economy
Executives at the largest stockholder-owned plans still make millions, but many saw their incomes drop in 2008.

Practice Management: Good scheduling can link vaccinations to well-child visits

News briefs:

• California issues first fine for patient privacy violations
• Hospital stocks improve; analysts take more positive view of investing
• Partnership to give patients online access to lab results

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