Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2012
News for Senior and Retired Physicians
Is age a factor in physician quality?
Some experts say the aging U.S. physician population raises patient safety concerns, and a story by American Medical News examines a call for the medical profession to address the delicate subject of when and how to monitor older physicians to assure patient safety. American Medical News points to several pieces of research on the topic, including a 2009 study on how to oversee, prevent and remediate cognitive impairment among elderly physicians.
The story also includes comments from Harris R. Clearfield, MD, a 78-year-old Philadelphia gastroenterologist who works nine hours a day and sees about 70 patients a week. Dr. Clearfield said the idea of requiring screening after a doctor turns 65 or 70 could discriminate against older physicians who have a lot to offer, American Medical News reports.
CME activity helps doctors adopt preventive services
A new continuing medical education (CME) activity (free login required) offered by Medscape discusses the mechanics of implementing Medicare preventive services as routine care for older patients. The activity features an archived AMA webinar on coding these services, video vignettes demonstrating clinician-patient communication strategies and answers to frequently asked questions.
