American Medical News http://www.amednews.com/ Medical news from the news source for America's physicians en-us Newspaper Medical news Fri, 6 Nov 2009 07:02:20 CST Copyright 2009 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 Former managed care official fined in United-PacifiCare merger http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/11/02/bisf1106.htm A California commission cited the director for participating in merger discussions while owning stock in UnitedHealth Group. Fri, 6 Nov 2009 07:02:20 CST Business Individual insurance policy rules changing in Wisconsin http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/11/02/bisg1106.htm New procedures will allow for independent review of denials because of preexisting conditions and review of cancellations or rescissions. Fri, 6 Nov 2009 07:02:20 CST Business Patient safety after hospital discharge challenging http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/11/02/prse1106.htm Doctors and hospitals should focus on short-term steps to protect patients, an expert panel says. Fri, 6 Nov 2009 07:02:20 CST Profession AMA supports House bills on health reform, Medicare pay http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/11/02/gvsg1105.htm The Association insists that both measures are vital to comprehensive overhaul efforts. Thu, 5 Nov 2009 14:58:55 CST Government Recession leads many patients to skip routine care http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/11/02/bise1105.htm A North Carolina survey also finds 36% of respondents report buying fewer prescription drugs. Thu, 5 Nov 2009 06:57:55 CST Business Medicare relaunches DME competitive bidding http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/11/02/gvsf1105.htm Suppliers back new legislation to repeal the program, saying it will bankrupt firms and decrease patient access. Thu, 5 Nov 2009 06:57:55 CST Government House votes for FTC identity theft rule reprieve http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/11/02/gvse1104.htm Legislation passed in the House would create an exemption for businesses with 20 or fewer employees. Wed, 4 Nov 2009 07:00:00 CST Government Tort reform law challenged in Georgia http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/11/02/prsd1104.htm The state Supreme Court will decide if a law raising burden of proof in emergency care lawsuits is constitutional. Doctors say reversal would hurt access. Wed, 4 Nov 2009 07:00:00 CST Profession House bill would end antitrust exemption for health plans http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/11/02/gvsd1103.htm But at least one Republican said the law would unfairly put small health insurance companies at a disadvantage by ending collaboration. Tue, 3 Nov 2009 07:00:33 CST Government Family physicians' partnership with Coke draws criticism http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/11/02/prsc1103.htm Some say accepting cash from sugared-soda maker sends wrong message. AAFP says the funding will help educate consumers on beverage choices. Tue, 3 Nov 2009 07:00:33 CST Profession H1N1 vaccine shortage leaves doctors managing crowds, anxieties http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/11/02/prl11102.htm Many physicians are struggling, often in vain, to find H1N1 vaccine or locate alternative sources for patients. Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT Profession Failed Senate vote clouds future of SGR reform http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/11/02/gvl21102.htm Doctors hope the House will have more success with a Medicare pay bill and put pressure on the Senate to revisit the issue. Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT Government Health reform review: The Massachusetts experience http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/11/02/gvsa1102.htm The state's universal insurance program has solved some access issues, but it's not a panacea. Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT Government Health reform bills light on medical liability reform http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/11/02/gvsb1102.htm A recent Congressional Budget Office report citing potential savings and revenues from tort reform could breathe new life into the debate. Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT Government Higher hospital spending linked to better outcomes http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/11/02/gvsc1102.htm An examination of six California teaching hospitals contradicts conclusions of the Dartmouth Atlas Project. Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT Government Litigation stress: Being sued is personal as well as professional http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/11/02/prsa1102.htm Some programs are helping physicians cope. Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT Profession Smoking bans cut overall heart disease risk http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/11/02/prsb1102.htm An IOM report highlights how reducing secondhand smoke can lower threats to cardiovascular health. Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT Profession Disciplinary records relevant in liability case http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/11/02/prca1102.htm In the Courts - A column analyzing the impact of recent court decisions on physicians Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT Profession Where to turn for H1N1 information http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/11/02/edsa1102.htm Physicians need to be armed with facts to calm patient fears and ensure proper treatment and vaccination. Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT Opinion AMA's 7 guiding principles for health system reform http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/11/02/edca1102.htm AMA Leader Commentary - A message to all physicians about current events in medical practice Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT Opinion Need a practice management system? Here's what to look for http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/11/02/bisa1102.htm Upgrading, replacing or adopting a practice management system can be difficult. Asking the right questions will ensure you get the right system. Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT Business AMA's flu site 1st to link to care after rating symptoms http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/11/02/bisb1102.htm After patients answer questions online, they can request results be forwarded to their physicians Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT Business Health care layoffs already exceed last year's totals http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/11/02/bisc1102.htm But there is some good news -- the number of job cutbacks is starting to decline. Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT Business Health plans owned by doctors, hospitals are disappearing http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/11/02/bisd1102.htm The loss of smaller, locally owned health plans is one part of broader market consolidation. Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT Business Review what expanded ADA means for your practice http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/11/02/bica1102.htm Practice Management - A column about keeping your practice in good health Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT Business