Austin Littrell is assistant editor of Medical Economics.
UnitedHealthcare CEO killed in NYC; $54.3 million Medicare fraud scheme; Lil Jon promotes colon cancer screening – Morning Medical Update
The top news stories in medicine today.
How to navigate discussions with patients about what they see on social media
Richard W. Miller, MD, discusses the best ways to handle conversations about treatment options with patients who consume misinformation online.
How to ensure that patients are well-educated considering the influence of social media
Richard W. Miller, MD, discusses what physicians can do to ensure patient education in spite of misinformation available online.
The importance of shared decision-making when navigating social media misinformation
Richard W. Miller, MD, explains why shared decision-making is so important when navigating patient concerns rooted in social media misinformation.
How to manage a tense situation when a misinformed patient becomes frustrated
Richard W. Miller, MD, talks managing a situation when a misinformed patient becomes frustrated.
How to respond when a patient requests what they've seen online
Richard W. Miller, MD, discusses the proper response when a patient makes a misinformed request.
How do social media trends lead to unrealistic patient expectations about treatment options?
Richard W. Miller, MD, discusses how social media trends can result in misinformed patients.
1 in 3 U.S. retail pharmacies have closed since 2010
The rate of pharmacy store closures has more than doubled in recent years in what researchers call an “unprecedented decline.”
National influenza vaccination week; parasite-inspired medical devices; reducing risk of opioid addiction while continuing to alleviate pain – Morning Medical Update
Value-based care trends & predictions for 2025
Pradeep Kumar Jain, senior director of health care at Tredence, outlined five significant predictions for 2025.
Text messages can be ineffective as medication refill reminders
A study of more than 9,000 patients determined that text message reminders did not improve how regularly they refilled their medications after 12 months.
New model increases access to kidney transplants; the largest ever criminal enforcement targeting opioid distributors; oily fish and beer can reduce risk of rheumatoid arthritis – Morning Medical Update
The growing challenge of managing diabetes in primary care settings
Primary care practices handle more than 90% of diabetes cases despite insufficient resources, training and support.
Epilepsy medications during pregnancy don’t affect early-childhood development; HPV vaccination could decrease cervical cancer mortality; insulin resistance linked to heart valve disease – Morning Medical Update
New guidance on AI safety; vaping affects vascular health even without nicotine; 2024 NAM annual meeting videos available online – Morning Medical Update
Discuss family health history at Thanksgiving dinner; the importance of post-meal walks; worse mental health during the holidays – Morning Medical Update
PCE index, the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, rises 2.3% annually
The Personal Consumption Expenditures price index increased 0.2% in the month of October.
Medicare-supported GME residency positions look to grow the physician workforce and expand health care access
CMS published its list of teaching hospitals awarded Medicare-supported GME positions under Section 126 of CAA, 2021.
Cephalopod-inspired microjet delivery systems; Nobel Prize winners honored; wildfire smoke could increase risk of dementia – Morning Medical Update
Where should patients seek treatment when their primary physician is not available?
A Canadian study found that patients who visited another within-group physician were less likely to require an emergency department visit than those who visited walk-in clinics.
Removing barriers to screening for cognitive impairment in primary care settings
14 million Americans will have Alzheimer’s disease by 2060, and many cases of cognitive impairment go undetected by PCPs. Key points from a recent summit offer new insights into screening methods.
Up to half of heart disease risk can be genetic; strategic alliance looks to improve health care; 2025 Leapfrog Group survey updates – Morning Medical Update
The leaders of health care in the new Trump administration
President-elect Donald Trump's nominations for major positions of leadership in health care in his new administration—including HHS, CMS, CDC, FDA, NIH and surgeon general.
AMA president-elect has a brain tumor; Musk and Ramaswamy could cut funding to VA Medical Services; physician pleads guilty to Medicare fraud – Morning Medical Update
Are telehealth visits for pediatric primary care associated with higher rates of health care utilization?
Telehealth visits are a useful vehicle for pediatric health care delivery, although they shouldn’t be a universal substitute for in-person visits, says new study.
5 objectives for achieving high-quality primary care at the state level
Key objectives for the improvement of primary care at the state level were discussed in an expert-led AHCJ webinar, titled "No one can see you now."
Updated guidelines for CPR following drowning; former state senator defrauds HRSA to pay for wedding; first hangover treatment – Morning Medical Update
Primary care-centric ACOs generate better savings and better outcomes
PCC’s 2024 Evidence Report found primary care-centric ACOs generate more than two times higher savings through data integration.
70% of Americans want primary care providers to address mental health
Most U.S. adults are in favor of mental health discussions during primary care visits, according to a recent survey.
New oral drug calms abdominal pain; recommendations for syphilis screenings during pregnancy; major health care company files for bankruptcy – Morning Medical Update