Doctor News and Research

RSS

Teens abuse prescription drugs more than illegal drugs

According to the 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, teens abuse prescription medications more than all illegal drugs combined, excluding marijuana. Many teens are under the misconception that these highly addictive, easily accessible drugs are "safer" than illicit drugs.

9 Nov 2010

Thirteen myths about arthritis and rheumatic disease

A diagnosis of arthritis or another rheumatic disease can cause someone to feel anxious and even a little overwhelmed. Being a knowledgeable and empowered patient can help alleviate some of those feelings, and being able to navigate through the many misconceptions about arthritis and rheumatic diseases is vitally important.

8 Nov 2010

First Edition: November 8, 2010

Today's health policy headlines include more post-mortem reports about the health law's impact on the election.

8 Nov 2010

Tai Chi benefits individuals with arthritis

In the largest study to date of the Arthritis Foundation's Tai Chi program, participants showed improvement in pain, fatigue, stiffness and sense of well-being.

8 Nov 2010

Risk pools, drug prices and other issues in health law implementation

A health law program that directs $5 billion for coverage of otherwise uninsurable people through state-run high-risk insurance pools has attracted only 8,011 people according to health department enrollment figures, The New York Times reports. That's a paucity compared to the hundreds of thousands of people government actuaries predicted would flock to the program causing it to run out of money too early.

8 Nov 2010

Combination of DC-CIK and stem cell therapy effective to prevent cancer recurrence after surgery

"For brain cancer patients after surgery, the combined DC-CIK and stem cell therapy from Cellonis Biotechnologies can be a very effective method in preventing cancer recurrence," says renowned cancer doctor Dr. Dinggang Li.

4 Nov 2010

Doctor payment rates cut again under new Medicare rules

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services posted final Medicare payment rules Tuesday that include a cut in physician reimbursement rates.

4 Nov 2010

Today's Op-Eds: What the GOP can do with 'Obamacare' and more about the doctor shortage

Happily, a path back to the future exists that just might be politically actionable in a divided Washington. It involves not repealing ObamaCare but adding something to it an optional federal charter for health insurers.

4 Nov 2010

First Edition: November 3, 2010

Today's headlines track the GOP's sweeping electoral gains and begin to explore what this power shift might mean for the future of the health law.

3 Nov 2010

IU's cost-saving model of home-based care management for low-income older adults earns recognition

A model program developed at Indiana University to provide care to low-income older adults in their homes has earned recognition for its effective approach and cost-saving benefits in a leading national medical journal.

3 Nov 2010

Veterans deserve best health care coverage

The nation pauses to honor its veterans on November 11 for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. Naturally, we want our veterans to be taken care of, especially when it comes to their health. Those who have served their country through the United States military have several options when it comes to their health care coverage.

3 Nov 2010

Three states to cast ballots on health insurance mandate; Others consider abortion and marijuana questions

"Voters in three states will cast ballots Tuesday on the new healthcare law's individual mandate to buy insurance," The Hill reports. "Arizona and Oklahoma are expected to pass the state constitutional amendment, but it faces an uphill battle in Colorado. The measure on the ballot in Arizona and Oklahoma is modeled after legislation drafted by the conservative American Legislative Exchange Council.

3 Nov 2010

Health IT: Apps; Competitive contracts; Electronic medical records

The Wall Street Journal: "Indian technology companies are eyeing a coming wave of U.S. spending to digitize health care records. But sensitivity over outsourcing and resistance by American hospitals to sending medical information overseas could thwart efforts to win big contracts." Next year, the U.S. government will dispense billions to "health-care providers who adopt electronic medical records." Doctors are also facing "a federal mandate to upgrade software as the U.S. switches to a new system of insurance billing codes."

3 Nov 2010

Brain MRI could predict duration of stroke onset

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain could expand the number of stroke patients eligible for a potentially life-saving treatment, according to a new study, published online and in the December issue of the journal Radiology.

2 Nov 2010

Study confirms acupuncture as a viable tool for weight loss

Could a few pinpricks make someone thinner. Evidence weighs heavily in favor of that proposition, according to the results of a new study to be presented at the Pacific Symposium in San Diego this week. The groundbreaking study, "The Effects of Acupuncture on Weight-Loss in Over-Weight and Obese Adults Over 24 Years Old," reports that 95 percent of its subjects lost weight in a six-week period after receiving regular acupuncture treatments. Of those subjects, another 50 percent continued to lose weight after treatments stopped.

2 Nov 2010

GW School of Nursing receives full accreditation from CCNE

The George Washington University School of Nursing has received full accreditation for its bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

2 Nov 2010

Dr Sartori’s contentious alternative therapy: inquest date set

The Medical Practitioner's Board of Western Australia is looking into the case of a doctor and her role in an alternative cancer therapy program. Five cancer patients have died after apparently being given industrial solvents and dangerous minerals as a part of an alternative therapy program by Alexandra Boyd, a well-known Mosman Park breast cancer specialist. She along with two registered nurses administered the concoctions to the people in question.

1 Nov 2010

Consumer Reports publishes survey on eyeglass retailers

Shopping for eyeglasses isn't easy, especially when frames can cost well over $200 a pair, even without the fancy add-ons and logos. But a Consumer Reports survey found that a great pair of eyeglasses doesn't have to break the bank.

1 Nov 2010

Seven tips for navigating Medicare maze

If you're about to turn 65, you'll be part of the first wave of baby boomers signing up for Medicare. Consumer Reports Health recommends signing up as early as three months ahead of your birthday. Failing to do so could potentially cost you thousands of dollars down the road. That's one of seven tips for navigating the Medicare maze available in the December issue of Consumer Reports and online at www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org.

1 Nov 2010

Clear guidelines needed for consistent diagnosis and treatment of childhood stroke

Researchers are calling for clear guidelines on childhood stroke after a study, published in the November issue of Acta Paediatrica, found wide variations in time lag to diagnosis, investigation and treatment.

1 Nov 2010