Staff News Writer

A coalition of stakeholders in the prescription drug supply chain, from manufacturers to pharmacies to physicians, Wednesday released comprehensive public health-focused policy recommendations to guide lawmakers’ efforts to curb misuse and abuse of such medicines across the nation. 

Physician educators made strides in redesigning medical education this week during a special consortium meeting at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where 11 AMA grant recipients discussed how they’re moving from planning stages to execution.

Physicians’ Medicare claims data—including billed charges and total payments—was released Wednesday to the public by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). It’s already generating considerable attention.

Resident duty-hour restrictions have negative impacts on patient outcomes and performance on certification examinations, according to an analysis of duty-hour studies, which was published in the March issue of Annals of Surgery.

In the podcast (No. 5 in HIMSS’ ongoing HIE series), presenters explain that such technology can make a real difference for patient care, giving physicians access to patients’ health care information even when they receive that care outside of the physician’s organization.

The AMA’s partnership with the YMCA of the USA—part of the AMA’s Improving Health Outcomes initiative—connects physicians with local YMCAs that offer an evidence-based diabetes prevention program.

In advance of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) public release of physician Medicare data—which could happen as soon as Wednesday—the AMA is working to prevent misinterpretation of what could be confusing billing and payment information for reporters and patients.