Staff News Writer

Medicare will soon cover diabetes prevention programs. When more than 11 million seniors have diabetes and another 26 million have prediabetes, this government announcement of preventive care is truly groundbreaking.

Medicare patient satisfaction surveys pose problems for physicians managing pain. Pressure to prescribe opioids may contribute to epidemic. Ohio takes action to change questionnaire.

The CDC released clinical guidelines for prescribing opioids to help combat the nation’s overdose epidemic. Physicians point out concerns such as gaps in health care system and lack of evidence for the benefit of long-term use of opioids.

Addressing the rising cost of prescription drugs, 3 experts in the pharmaceuticals field discuss marketplace trends affecting drug spending and pricing. They also discuss solutions to address drug prices and availability.

The AMA has provided an overview that addresses concerns about reporting requirements and participation in commercially supported, accredited and certified continuing medical education (CME) programs in 2016.

Physicians seeking to prescribe buprenorphine to fight opioid addiction must have 8 hours of certified training and obtain a waiver. Webinars offer medication-assisted treatment training.

Interested in mentoring med students and residents? The AMA Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Advisory Committee is piloting a mentorship program during an upcoming AMA meeting. They seek physicians at all career levels to participate.