This is ‘the most extensive and informative study to evaluate the safety of off-label drug use in an adult population to date,’ experts said. Medscape Medical News
Tag: Family Medicine/Primary Care
Congress Passes Budget Bill That Cuts Medicare Pay in 2025
‘It was easier to go after the doctors,’ said one veteran executive of organized medicine about lawmakers paying for the 2-year budget deal in part by reducing Medicare reimbursement 10 years from now. Medscape Medical News
Complications of Anesthesia for Cataract Surgery: Rare But Possible
Although rates are trending down, serious complications remain possible with local anesthesia for cataract surgery, according to a new study. Reuters Health Information
WHO Calls for Major Shift in View Toward Older People
The WHO’s ‘World Report on Aging and Health’ advises thinking about expenditures for older adults as ‘investments’ rather than ‘costs’ and calls for a re-examination of outdated stereotypes. Medscape Medical News
Arkansas Compounding Pharmacy Recalls Sterile Products
US Compounding was flagged in two recent FDA inspections for apparent safety lapses such as poor cleaning and disinfection. The vast majority of recalled products are injectables. News Alerts
Most Physicians Can’t Get No EHR Satisfaction
However, picking the right system and using it for more than 3 years is a formula for EHR contentment, a new survey suggests. Medscape Medical News
CHMP Backs Three Drugs for Rare Diseases
The EMA committee backs treatments for lysosomal acid lipase deficiency, alpha1-proteinase inhibitor deficiency, and Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy. International Approvals
Never Do Unto Others…
How far would you go for science? These physicians tested the limits — and some paid with their lives. Medscape General Surgery
Reader Poll: How Do Second Opinions Change What You Do?
A study has found that second opinions have a significant effect on diagnosis and treatment. Medscape Medical News
Some Physicians Plagued by Student Debt, Bad Investments
A survey of physician compensation has shown that rising student debt is saddling many doctors with a decades-long financial burden, while bad investments are also taking a toll on some physicians. Medscape Medical News
FAQ: What’s in Proposal to Fix Medicare’s Payments to Doctors
After negotiating behind closed doors for more than a week, Republican and Democratic leaders of two key House committees that handle Medicare unveiled details of the package late Friday. Kaiser Health News
Telemedicine via PCPs Ups Diabetic Retinopathy Screenings
The number of patients with diabetes will more than double by 2050. Screening via telemedicine can help manage demand, especially as technology evolves, said researchers who studied long-term results. Medscape Medical News
Physician Bullying: ‘Not Allowed to Cry’
Physician bullies are medicine’s troublemakers. What are some ways to deal with them — and the resulting fallout? Medscape Family Medicine
Key Opinion Leader Says Healthcare Reform Handcuffs Doctors
The ACA, HIPAA, Medicare, EHRs, and other well-meaning reform efforts often prevent doctors from delivering good patient care, a prominent physician CEO asserts. See whether your colleagues agree. Medscape Business of Medicine
100 Most Prescribed, Best-Selling Drugs Through September
The cholesterol-lowering drug rosuvastatin edged out the hypothyroid drug levothyroxine as the most prescribed drug in the United States, recent data show. Medscape Medical News
100 Most Prescribed, Best-Selling Branded Drugs Through September
The cholesterol-lowering drug rosuvastatin edged out the hypothyroid drug levothyroxine as the most prescribed drug in the United States, recent data show. Medscape Medical News
Health Spending Expected to Climb in 2014 and Beyond
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services predicts that expanded insurance coverage, faster economic growth, and aging baby boomers will lead to increased health spending growth in 2014-2023. Medscape Medical News
Occupations and Their Risk: Test Yourself
Labor Day celebrates all workers. But how much do you know about the risks associated with different occupations? Test yourself and find out. Medscape Family Medicine
CBO Projects Lower Medicare and Medicaid Costs
Reduced costs for medical services and labor have trimmed the 10-year projected cost of Medicare and Medicaid by $89 billion, the Congressional Budget Office said Wednesday. Kaiser Health News
Physicians Losing Money by Not Using Electronic Transactions
Report shows that billions of dollars could be saved if more transactions were automated; observers see some improvement in past 2 years. Medscape Medical News