Austin Littrell is assistant editor of Medical Economics.
When screening delivers bad news: 7 tips for navigating difficult conversations
Evidence-based strategies for delivering unexpected or life-changing diagnoses with empathy, clarity and professionalism — while maintaining trust in the process.
Comparing weight-loss medications; using AI to localize seizures; can a virtual nurse convince patients to get vaccinated? – Morning Medical Update
The top news stories in medicine today.
Succeeding in value-based payment: Choosing the right model
Joshua M. Liao, MD, outlines three critical factors primary care physicians should consider when deciding between value-based care models.
Succeeding in value-based payment: Aligning incentives for the whole team
Joshua M. Liao, MD, explains how practices can effectively include non-clinical staff in performance incentives.
Succeeding in value-based payment: Beyond face-to-face visits
Joshua M. Liao discusses how primary care practices can adapt to models that reward care delivered outside traditional office visits.
Succeeding in value-based payment: Keeping patients engaged
Joshua M. Liao, MD, offers advice for practices trying to keep patients engaged and connected in a fragmented care environment.
Succeeding in value-based payment: How can small practices navigate patient attribution
Joshua M. Liao, MD, discusses the importance of patient attribution in value-based payment models — and how small practices can get it right.
Ep. 64: The new standard for medical malpractice with Daniel G. Aaron, MD, JD
Daniel Aaron, MD, JD, an associate professor of law at the University of Utah, joins the show to talk about the new legal standard for assessing medical negligence.
FDA appoints first-ever Chief AI Officer; the first at-home HPV test for cervical cancer screening is approved; Assertio to pay $3.6M for illegally marketing fentanyl spray beyond approved use – Morning Medical Update
Pros and cons of AI patient portal messages
PCPs welcome AI as a time-saver, but new research shows that many failed to catch serious mistakes in AI-generated patient portal messages.
6 ways to beat burnout without quitting medicine
Six evidence-based strategies to fight burnout, reclaim your time and stay in medicine.
John Whyte, MD, MPH, named CEO of AMA
Public health communicator and digital strategist to lead the American Medical Association — the nation’s largest physician group.
The rise of early-onset cancers; new NASEM report urges action on Lyme infection-associated chronic illness; even short-term sleep loss raises risk of heart disease – Morning Medical Update
Who is Casey Means, MD, Trump’s new surgeon general pick?
The Stanford University-trained doctor and wellness influencer is Trump’s new nominee for the nation’s top public health role.
Mpox memes on social media spread misinformation and stigma; face mask detects CKD on your breath; AI trained on NHS records could forecast future illness – Morning Medical Update
Even a short workout can keep your brain young; AI flags hard-to-spot breast cancer missed in mammograms; is the shingles vaccine good for your heart? – Morning Medical Update
Are physicians responsible for AI errors?
Study warns that artificial intelligence could increase legal risk and burnout if health systems fail to support doctors.
Researchers develop wheat strains without gluten proteins harmful to celiac; Trump administration to end Narcan grant training first responders; excluded pharmacies 4.5x more likely to close – Morning Medical Update
The decline of solo primary care
Medicare data shows a shift toward larger, multispecialty and hospital-affiliated practices.
Ep. 63: Healthy eating with Chef Dr. Mike
Michael Fenster, MD — better known as Chef Dr. Mike — joins the show to discuss the importance of eating healthy.
The true age of your heart; Louisiana NP convicted in $2M Medicare fraud scheme; men face higher risk of 3 common diseases, but they’re less likely to seek care – Morning Medical Update
Conference recap: ACP Internal Medicine Meeting 2025
Medical Economics was on the ground in New Orleans covering the ACP Internal Medicine Meeting 2025.
Medicaid rollbacks could account for more than 14,000 additional deaths, study warns
Researchers warn federal cuts could drive mortality, medical debt and delayed care.
U.S. sues major insurers, brokers over kickbacks and disability bias; NIH launches effort to curb animal testing; AI flags pain risks after knee replacement – Morning Medical Update
Most Americans say federal cuts to health agencies go too far, KFF poll finds
A majority of the public says health care cuts under the Trump administration have been made “recklessly” — including some Republicans.
Female cancer survivors more likely to face fatigue, depression; key clinical insights from the ACP Internal Medicine Meeting 2025; how Rhode Island plans to save primary care – Morning Medical Update
AAFP warns of ‘dangerous precedent’ in health care policy
The American Academy of Family Physicians sounds alarm over the White House’s health agenda as Trump’s first 100 days reshape health care norms.
Insured but skipping care: 38% of Americans delay treatment over costs, study finds
New survey reveals a sharp increase in deferred care due to affordability concerns — even among the insured — as employers and physicians face the fallout.
Half of Americans prescribed drugs they can’t afford; the health benefits of daily coffee; AI spots early organ damage caused by cancer treatment – Morning Medical Update
Top patient complaints — and how your practice can solve them
Patient complaints reveal key insights for improving practice quality. Addressing these issues enhances satisfaction, boosts reputation and fosters patient loyalty.