American Medical News - health care disparities http://www.amednews.com/ Medical news from the news source for America's physicians en-us Newspaper Medical news Mon, 7 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT Copyright 2011 American Medical Association American Medical News http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/images/rss.gif http://www.amednews.com/ 88 31 The news source for America's physicians http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/05/07/prsa0507.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/05/07/prsa0507.htmHealth disparities persist as overall care quality slowly improvesA report shows blacks get worse quality care than whites on 41% of quality measures, while Hispanics often receive worse care than whites.Mon, 7 May 2012 12:00:00 GMTProfession http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/12/05/hlsa1205.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/12/05/hlsa1205.htmOb-gyns told to welcome transgender patientsACOG encourages obstetrician-gynecologists to offer them routine care and more specialized procedures such as hormone replacement therapy.Mon, 5 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMTHealth http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/28/prsa1128.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/28/prsa1128.htmHow practices can make room for mobilityMore than 40 million Americans have a disability, and about 24% of them use mobility aids. Experts offer tips to improve care for these patients.Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMTProfession http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/24/prsb1024.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/24/prsb1024.htmCMS incentive plan could worsen care disparities, study findsThere are twice as many black patients at low-quality, high-cost hospitals than at top-performing ones.Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMTProfession http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/24/hlsa1024.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/24/hlsa1024.htmHealthy People 2010 misses targets on obesity and health disparitiesObesity increases across all age groups, and gaps in care continue to widen in many areas, the report shows.Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMTHealth http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/09/05/prsa0905.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/09/05/prsa0905.htmLGBT patients: Reluctant and underservedLesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender patients sometimes postpone care because of discrimination concerns. Sometimes health professionals chase them away unknowingly. Here are ways to combat that.Mon, 05 Sep 2011 12:00:00 GMTProfession http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/08/29/hlsa0829.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/08/29/hlsa0829.htmMenthol smokers find it harder to kick the habitThe FDA is considering a menthol-flavoring ban that could save lives, a study says. These smokers may need extra help from physicians.Mon, 29 Aug 2011 12:00:00 GMTHealth http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/08/15/prsc0815.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/08/15/prsc0815.htmNational groups unite to target health disparitiesAHA leads an effort to increase data collection, improve diversity in medical leadership and encourage cultural competency training at hospitals and medical schools.Mon, 15 Aug 2011 12:00:00 GMTProfession http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/07/18/gvsb0718.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/07/18/gvsb0718.htmMedicaid primary care spending linked to fewer hospitalizationsA separate study concludes that Medicaid patients are healthier and less financially stressed than the uninsured.Mon, 18 Jul 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/07/11/gvsb0711.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/07/11/gvsb0711.htmGlobal payment alone won't solve Massachusetts' health market woes, report saysThe state attorney general finds that consumers don't have enough information or incentives to choose high-quality physicians and hospitals.Mon, 11 Jul 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/07/04/edsa0704.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/07/04/edsa0704.htmDemographic data: Reducing disparities starts with a questionBy asking patients to provide information on race, ethnicity and language, physicians can help ensure that all are getting the treatment they need. EditorialMon, 04 Jul 2011 12:00:00 GMTOpinion http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/03/28/hlsa0328.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/03/28/hlsa0328.htmShortage of HIV specialists hinders careIOM calls for more collaboration, training and efficient distribution of responsibilities among physicians and other health professionals.Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:00:00 GMTHealth http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/03/14/prsc0314.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/03/14/prsc0314.htmU.S. quality improvement steady, but progress on disparities elusiveThe biggest jumps in performance come on measures of acute care quality, according to two new reports compiling federal data.Mon, 14 Mar 2011 12:00:00 GMTProfession http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/03/07/gvsb0307.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/03/07/gvsb0307.htmSurgeon general previews preventive health strategyThe nation's top doctor seeks to shift the focus from sickness to well-being before millions gain coverage.Mon, 07 Mar 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/02/21/bil20221.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/02/21/bil20221.htmNew vital sign: degree of patient's online accessHealth care information is available online. But many patients -- especially those who may need it most -- can't get to it, a recent survey says.Mon, 21 Feb 2011 12:00:00 GMTBusiness http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/02/14/bisa0214.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/02/14/bisa0214.htmDoctors' digital divide could widen health care disparitiesGovernment and private entities are looking to ensure that health IT adoption doesn't leave out physicians who treat poor and minority patients.Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:00:00 GMTBusiness http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/01/31/hlsa0131.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/01/31/hlsa0131.htmCDC confronts harsh reality: disparities in health careThe goal is to provide officials with the data they need to reduce gaps caused by income, race or ethnicity, gender and other social factors.Mon, 31 Jan 2011 12:00:00 GMTHealth http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/11/08/bil21108.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/11/08/bil21108.htmFew use mobile phones to access health infoExperts say the high number of cell phone and wireless device owners signals that the information will become more mobile.Mon, 08 Nov 2010 12:00:00 GMTBusiness http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/11/08/gvsa1108.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/11/08/gvsa1108.htm91% of U.S. children are insured, survey findsCoverage varies greatly from state to state, with Massachusetts at 98.5% and Nevada at 81.6%.Mon, 08 Nov 2010 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/10/04/prsa1004.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/10/04/prsa1004.htmNew tactics for diversity: Creating doctors from all racial, ethnic groupsMedical school efforts to attract more minorities have been hindered by myriad factors, including a small pool of applicants and socioeconomic barriers.Mon, 04 Oct 2010 12:00:00 GMTProfession http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/07/26/gvsb0726.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/07/26/gvsb0726.htmHIV/AIDS national policy unveiledThe Obama administration plan does not propose significant increases in HIV/AIDS funding but instead calls for better coordination of existing resources.Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/05/03/edca0503.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/05/03/edca0503.htmEnding health disparities takes interdisciplinary approachColumnMon, 03 May 2010 12:00:00 GMTOpinion http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/05/03/prl20503.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/05/03/prl20503.htmPreventable risk factors cut 4 to 5 years off life spanThe federal government has introduced measures aimed at reducing obesity and tobacco use, increasing physical activity and improving nutrition.Mon, 03 May 2010 12:00:00 GMTProfession http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/03/01/prse0302.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/03/01/prse0302.htmInterpreter services offered at more than half of physician practicesOther efforts to combat health disparities, such as cultural competency training, were found to be less common.Tue, 02 Mar 2010 07:00:00 CSTProfession http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/03/01/gvl10301.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/03/01/gvl10301.htmHealth status varies by county: Where patients live mattersA report detailing the first-ever county breakdown in each state finds wide disparities in health standings and notes factors contributing to those rankings.Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/02/22/gvsc0222.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/02/22/gvsc0222.htmCost increases tied to market power's impact on payment: Mass. studySome physician groups and hospitals in the state receive twice the rates of others who provide similar services, according to the state's attorney general.Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/02/15/prsg0219.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/02/15/prsg0219.htmTeen pregnancy rate up for 1st time in more than 10 yearsExperts say physicians can help stop increases by educating adolescent patients and their parents about pregnancy prevention.Fri, 19 Feb 2010 07:00:00 CSTProfession http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/02/08/prsc0208.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/02/08/prsc0208.htmMental health treatment varies by locationMexican-Americans and blacks receive the least care for depression, researchers find. Another study says multiple prescriptions may be causing some harmful interactions.Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMTProfession http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/01/18/edsa0118.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/01/18/edsa0118.htmEditorial - Fighting obesity: Tools for a year-round effortThe AMA provides physicians with resources for evaluating and treating weight-related health problems.Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMTOpinion http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/01/11/prsh0115.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/01/11/prsh0115.htmDarker skin not immune to melanomaSkin cancers are more often diagnosed at a later -- and more dangerous -- stage among minority patients, study warns.Fri, 15 Jan 2010 07:00:00 CSTProfession http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/12/07/prsb1207.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/12/07/prsb1207.htmSTDs increasing among young women; more prevention urgedBlacks also continue to be disproportionately affected by STDs, with higher rates than any other racial or ethnic group, a CDC report found.Mon, 07 Dec 2009 12:00:00 GMTProfession http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/11/23/prsc1123.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/11/23/prsc1123.htmAMA meeting: 'Don't ask, don't tell' said to hurt patient care; repeal urgedThe House of Delegates also said a lack of marriage rights contributes to health care disparities that affect gay families.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMTProfession http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/11/23/prsb1123.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/11/23/prsb1123.htmDigital divide emerges at hospitals serving poor patientsSlower adoption of health IT may be hurting care quality.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMTProfession http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/11/02/gvsc1102.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/11/02/gvsc1102.htmHigher hospital spending linked to better outcomesAn examination of six California teaching hospitals contradicts conclusions of the Dartmouth Atlas Project.Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/10/26/gvsb1026.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/10/26/gvsb1026.htmWomen pay more for health careThirty-four states offer no protection against higher individual market premiums for women, but some say medical lawsuits are to blame, too.Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/10/19/prsa1019.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/10/19/prsa1019.htmMandating cultural competency: Should physicians be required to take courses?More states are moving toward requiring cultural competency training. Physicians question the need for a mandate.Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:00:00 GMTProfession http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/09/28/prsa0928.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/09/28/prsa0928.htmDoctors often register unconscious bias against blacks, study findsPsychological testing shows white physicians have friendlier attitudes toward anonymous white people than toward black people. But is this linked to unequal treatment?Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:00:00 GMTProfession http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/09/21/edsa0921.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/09/21/edsa0921.htmEnding unequal treatmentThe Commission to End Health Care Disparities is uniting physicians and others to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities. Editorial -Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:00:00 GMTOpinion http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/08/03/prsc0803.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/08/03/prsc0803.htmPhysicians asked to persuade adults to get immunizedNew surveys show that rates of adult vaccination are low and that young adults are unaware of the dangers of vaccine-preventable diseases.Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:00:00 GMTProfession