Doctors zero in on benefit gaps allowed under health reform
Physician organizations say some health plan benchmarks that states might choose would provide inadequate benefits. Others worry the proposal would not control costs. And at least one doctors' association is calling for a single national standard for essential health benefits, saying that's what the health system reform law requires.
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Hot-button issues drive state CME mandates
At least eight states in the past five years have approved rules governing what subjects doctors should study as part of their continuing medical education. Physician organizations strongly oppose politicians and policymakers interfering with CME.
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GOVERNMENT & MEDICINE

RUC adds 2 seats for primary care
An American Geriatrics Society representative and a primary care physician will join the 29-member board that helps the government set Medicare rates.

Medicare private plan enrollment hits 12.8 million
Advantage plans have remained popular with seniors, but insurers warn that choices could be limited after health reform law cuts.

Medical marijuana distributors subject to federal prosecution despite state law
Montana voters approved a medical cannabis measure in 2004, but some provisions remain in limbo after a recent court ruling.

PROFESSIONAL ISSUES

Home births rise despite higher neonatal mortality rate
Although the vast majority of deliveries occur in hospitals, more women who want a less institutional experience are opting to give birth at home.

Physician assistants can't do needle EMG tests, N.J. top court rules
Justices say only licensed physicians can perform electromyography.

Ethics Forum - Special assistance needs of young and old place demands on doctors

BUSINESS

Strike a balance as a boss
In a small office, everyone knows each other personally but must work together professionally. How can physicians make sure staff relations are appropriate?

What's behind WellPoint's pay raise for primary care doctors?
Hoping to save money by curtailing more expensive care, the health plan is offering an average of 10% more than current fee schedules.

Ambulatory setting expected to provide more job growth than hospitals
Demand for physicians in each environment will remain high during the next decade, a government report says.

Practice Management - How to keep sick staffers at home and healthy ones at work

OPINION

Editorial - What's being done to curb physician shortages
Connected coverage -- selected articles on trends, challenges and controversies in the changing world of medicine.

HEALTH & SCIENCE

IOM presents blueprint to combat chronic disease
A federal report provides a framework for public health efforts to address the health and social needs of people with chronic disease.

POSTED LAST WEEK

• Being insured is no guarantee unemployed will seek care - Feb. 7
• Referral rates for physicians nearly double in 10 years - Feb. 7
• Global payment gains traction in Massachusetts - Feb. 8
• Almost half of preventive services not offered during checkups - Feb. 8
• CMS lays out how to appeal meaningful use decisions - Feb. 9
• House votes to repeal long-term-care program - Feb. 9
• California tax hike could take pressure off Medicaid - Feb. 10
• Cancer screening rates lower for Asians and Hispanics than other groups - Feb. 10

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