Drug Safety: FDA will monitor Medicare claims data for drug problems
Here's one more reason why the feds are pushing for a nationwide health information network--the ability to scour millions of electronic records and catch unexpected drug side effects as soon as possible.
EHRs: Consider these programs if you're strapped for cash
A new study from the AC Group identifies seven EHR vendors that give you the most digital bang for your buck.
EHRs: Certification is extending to specialty EHRs
EHRs can be as specialized as the doctors who use them. That's why the CCHIT will begin putting its stamp of approval on programs geared toward child health and cardiovascular disease.
EHRs: What the Allscripts-Misys marriage means to you
Your choice of EHRs is slowly narrowing down as the number of vendors shrinks. That makes shopping easier.
Attract new patients by writing a newspaper column
The author built up her practice and became a local celebrity by writing a newspaper column.
EHR subsidies: The program you like may not qualify for a hospital hand-out
Hospitals have a federal green light to help you pay for an EHR, but one little restriction could limit the number of programs eligible for a discount.
Taxes: Beware of these latest scams
The IRS warns of a rash of e-mail and telephone scams whose aim is to latch onto a taxpayer's personal and financial data.
Malpractice: 3 lessons I learned the hard way
After several narrow escapes, the author is eager to share his hard-won lessons with others.
The day Joy died
When my patient died needlessly, part of me died, too.
Physician report cards: Help, ho-hum or horror?
Public scorecards on individual doctors are just around the corner, and payers want you to supply the data.
Adding Ancillaries: Physical therapy
You can get started for as little as $1,000-but first makesure payers in your area will reimburse for these services.
Rx vs OTC? Damned if you do,...
To save patients money, physicians are writing prescriptions even when an equivalent OTC med is available. Should they?
Scheduling drug reps online
Companies offering online sales appointment scheduling say they can make your practice life easier. Are they right?
The Way I See It: Report cards deserve an F
A numbers-only P4P agenda shouldn't reward—or punish.
I should've kept my mouth shut!
Long before HIPAA, an embarrassing incident taught this doctor that some conversations should never take place.
Adding ancillaries: Laser hair removal
This is the first in a series of articles on specific ancillary services that can boost your bottom line and keep you and your practice busy in a competivtive healthcare market.
MURDERED
A popular young doctor lay dead. The prime suspect: A fellow physician.
5 rules for managing tough patients
The author has treated more than his share of these challenging individuals. Here are some valuable tips he's learned that will make your job easier.
My patients and I — our own support group
The author had the same disease as some of her patients. Should she tell them?
He's not my patient, he's my father
Our Father's Day tribute: A reminder that in at least one relationship, you're not the doctor, you're still his child.
Malpractice: Another way to get sued
If a routine employment physical or workers' comp exam reveals abnormal results, your obligation to the patient goes deeper than you might think.
A young woman sits alone, dying
A young physician learns that the failure to care can be worse than the failure to cure.
Hospitals: Portrait of a failure
The closing of an inner-city hospital creates problems for doctors as well as patients.
Can your hospital help you get an EHR?
Evanston Northwestern Healthcare has offered to rent its EHR to community doctors. Read about their experiences.
Cultural Competence: Caring for your Muslim patients
Stereotypes and misunderstandings affect the care of patients from the Middle East and other parts of the Islamic world.
My patient lived—so she sued me
By mistakenly predicting a patient's imminent demise, this doctor nearly ended up in court.
The night I lost my faith
Every doctor is spiritually vulnerable, the author says. His unsuccessful effort to save a dying baby triggered his personal crisis. 2004 DOCTORS' WRITING CONTEST - GRAND PRIZE WINNER
Is your patient faking?
The modern-day "Munchausen" will do almost anything to get medical attention—and she's more common than you may think.
Dumb things I've said to patients
I thought I was saying the right things. Then I realized how pointless my timeworn words were.
Stephen Barrett on unconventional therapies
Here's how to steer folks away from bogus or useless "cures."
