SPOTLIGHT -
March 29th 2023
‘Modern gangsters’ use ‘strong arm tactics’ that hurt patients and pharmacies, lawsuit says.
The pros and cons of popular diet plans.
March 22nd 2023
Peterson-KFF ponders repercussions if patients have to pay out of pocket for vaccines or exams.
March 20th 2023
Physicians Foundation leader discusses support for new quality measures and connections among doctors, patients, payers, and basic resources to be healthy.
March 17th 2023
HHS leader says administration is ‘making historic progress’ in pushing down costs for prescription medicines.
Patients with multiple chronic conditions are more likely to have high medical debt
Even when eligible for social services, patients rarely recoup the income they have lost due to illness
U.S. life expectancy at birth drops to 77 years for 2020
All 50 states and D.C. post decrease, while women expected to outlive men overall.
Routine depression screening by primary care physicians may capture under-diagnosed patient populations
Screening for depression at the primary care level could dramatically increase the likelihood of treatment for those who are traditionally under-treated
Survey: 1 in 7 physicians use alcohol, drugs while on the job to cope with stress
Peer and family judgment, and possible license loss, deter some from seeking help.
Undiagnosed diabetes may be less prevalent than first thought
Overall numbers may be lower, but the obese, racial/ethnic minorities, and those without health care access have higher numbers of undiagnosed diabetes
Diabetes may be factor in worse COVID-19 outcomes in minority communities
Studies tie disease to higher risk of COVID-related hospitalizations and deaths
Primary care physicians need guidance on managing COPD
More real-life effectiveness studies would help, researchers say in new study.
Monkeypox vaccine gets emergency approval to increase vaccine supply
Smaller dose given by intradermal injection creates five-fold increase in total supply, FDA says.
Addressing physician burnout: Three physician leaders discuss solutions
Finances, practice size, autonomy, bureaucracy all factors in burnout, say Physicians Foundation leaders.
Primary care physicians need 26.7 hours a day for comprehensive care for patients
Team-based care would cut physician time, but would require systemic change, study says.
Primary care physicians provide most medical care for cancer survivors
Study examines physician roles in current specialist-driven models of care.
Telehealth interventions could lead to weight loss, lower risk of cardiometabolic disease
Researchers announce study with wearables, tablets for participating patients.
How to engage in effective clinical conversations about obesity
Small shifts in your communication style and tactics when discussing obesity with patients can significantly impact how your message is received.
Racial discrimination affects brain microstructure and increases risk for health disorders
Study shows stress of discrimination affects the brain in a way that may enhance the risk for negative health outcomes
Race-based disparities appear in drug overdose death totals for 2020
Fentanyl, COVID-19 pandemic likely factors in 30% increase from previous year.
The Water’s Fine: Consider jumping Into Remote Patient Monitoring
What you need to know about RPM before taking the plunge
Remote patient monitoring needs clinical intervention to ensure success
As any competent clinician will tell you, having data is only one part of the equation. A clinician must also be able to intervene efficiently and effectively.
How physicians can provide better care for patients with chronic conditions
Technology and care navigators are key to managing this growing population
Study finds reason why chronic pain and opioid use disorder are often linked
Patients with central sensitization struggle more with pain and quitting opioids
Medicare Advantage plans not much of an advantage for diabetes patients
Diabetes patients with a Medicare Advantage plan had poorer health than those on fee-for-service plans
Age discrimination may be taking toll on health of older adults across U.S.
Study examines links between physical and mental health and experiences with ageism.
JUUL e-cigarettes ban on hold, but FDA still not allowing sales
Regulatory agency’s “marketing denial order” moves to court.
Food insecurity becoming a national health problem that physicians can help
ACP makes six recommendations, including medical screenings, bolstering SNAP food benefits.
America’s obesity problem increased 40% in 20 years
More than half of Americans studied gained 5% or more of body weight over a 10-year period
Managing patients with heart arrhythmia
With the number of AF-attributed deaths increasing in recent years, optimizing management of the condition stands to have a significant impact on a patient and societal level.
State of mind counts in examining opioid prescription practices, Supreme Court says
Ruling comes in cases of physicians serving in prison for convictions over prescription drugs.
Report: Opioid crisis will get worse before it gets better
500,000 lives expected to be lost to opioids over the next 10 years
FDA ponders lower nicotine levels to make cigarettes less addictive, easier to quit
Proposal follows announced ban on menthol cigarettes, flavored cigars, and e-cig ban could be coming.
Most patients ‘wasting money’ on vitamin supplements to avoid heart disease, cancer
New medical guidance notes market booms as Americans seek good health in pills.
Insulin prices, profits, patients push feds to examine drug makers, PBMs
“Challenging healthcare industry conduct that may raise prices and stifle innovation is a top priority,” FTC says in policy statement.