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TOP STORIES

Health status varies by county: Where patients live matters
A report detailing the first-ever county breakdown in each state finds wide disparities in health standings and notes factors contributing to those rankings.

Anthem rate hike reignites health reform push
A move from the WellPoint-owned company to hike premiums in California got the attention of reform advocates, including the White House.

GOVERNMENT & MEDICINE

Obama health reform proposal builds on previous legislation
The plan further develops provisions from Senate and House bills, but Republicans found much to criticize in advance of a White House summit.

Health reform is top ACP priority in annual status report
The physician organization also says President Obama can begin enacting meaningful changes on his own before any action from Congress.

Medicare pay-for-reporting still gets bad grades from physicians
A new poll of practice managers finds PQRI report cards remain difficult to obtain and are of little value.

Colorado IPA, FTC settle over allegations of price-fixing
The agreement highlights the dangers of negotiating jointly with payers without showing evidence of clinical integration, experts said.

Federal EMR money starts flowing to states
A new office under the national health IT chief will work with small group practices in adopting and implementing paperless systems.

Oklahoma physicians see Medicaid pay cut reduced
A budget agreement lowers a planned cut, yet some physicians worry that this will still reduce patient access. Government officials predict possible future cuts.

PROFESSIONAL ISSUES

Infection rates drop as Michigan hospitals turn to checklists
From the surgical suite to the ICU, checklists are protecting patients from harm, a study says. But some advocates say they are not a cure-all.

Colorectal cancer screening rates rising but still low
An NIH panel suggests eliminating financial barriers and implementing interventions to increase screening.

New DSM changes categories for autism, eating disorders
Physicians are invited to comment on the draft version of the diagnostic manual, which will be field-tested in clinical settings.

Childhood obesity lower with household routines
Pediatricians are urged to discuss with parents the value of having regular family meals and limiting children's TV.

In the Courts - Fla. doctor beats insurer -- in small claims court

OPINION

Editorial - Fighting to protect tort reform laws
The AMA will continue its efforts, even though a damages cap was struck down in Illinois and similar reforms are in peril in three more states.

AMA Leader Commentary - Haiti earthquake victims need help now

Letters - Health system changes will stifle job growth at medical practices and others

BUSINESS

Retail clinics: Struggling to find their place
Billed as a low-cost alternative to primary care, retail clinics are filling a niche but are finding it hard to turn a profit.

NCAA tournament perfect time for a vasectomy, urologists say
Practices create special promotions for the procedure that sell men on the benefits of recovering while watching basketball.

Boston hospital giving raises again; doctors took pay cut
Physicians and high-level managers in 2009 also wrote checks, while other staff gave up salary increases and 401(k) contributions in a bid to reduce layoffs.

N.Y. pediatrician takes child's play to the mat
Inspiration for the educational toy came from the experiences of the physician's 3-year-old son.

Practice Management - Boost morale by asking workers what's bugging them

Contract Language - Divorcing your practice? Check finances first

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