Friday, July 31, 2015

Secrets to the Job Hunt: Healthcare Career Insights

(MedPage Today) -- Must-reads about the latest news and trends in healthcare careers

Thursday, July 30, 2015

MOC: Billion-Dollar Price Tag Seen for 2014 Overhaul (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- ABIM's changes to program requirements make MOC costlier and more time-consuming

Would People be Less Sweet on Sugar if it Were Taxed? (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Experts debate whether a levy on sugary beverages would lead to better health outcomes

Dire Straits: House Panel Mulls Rural Hospitals' Plight

(MedPage Today) -- Republicans, Democrats split on the root problems

PCSK9 Inhibitors: Bargain Among Biologics?

(MedPage Today) -- Against other monoclonal antibodies, the cost doesn't look so steep

Quiz: How Practice-Management Savvy are You?

(MedPage Today) -- 10 questions to test your knowledge

Medicare's Next 50 Years: More Home Care, Less Red Tape

(MedPage Today) -- A Democrat and a Republican offer competing visions for the program

Op-Ed: Public Health Loses in SCOTUS Pollution Ruling

(MedPage Today) -- Lost in the glare of King v. Burwell, another decision jeopardizes thousands of lives

Congress Okays Bill Bolstering Medicare Patients? Hospital Rights

(MedPage Today) -- Hospitals would have to notify observation patients of their status

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

FDA Okays Obesity Balloon Device

(MedPage Today) -- Belly balloon is latest in a flood of new obesity therapeutics

High Blood Sugar May Boost Alzheimer's Risk

Title: High Blood Sugar May Boost Alzheimer's Risk
Category: Health News
Created: 7/27/2015 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 7/28/2015 12:00:00 AM

Health Law Experiment Failed To Show Savings

(MedPage Today) -- Costs and utilization increased in medical-home test

Heart Disease, Alzheimer's Linked by Common Risk Factors

Title: Heart Disease, Alzheimer's Linked by Common Risk Factors
Category: Health News
Created: 7/28/2015 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 7/28/2015 12:00:00 AM

Pelzman's Picks: End-of-Life Talks, Docs Lobby for Cheaper Drugs

(MedPage Today) -- Private practice docs being bought out, raising the Medicare age, and more

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Are CMS Penalties Failing Hospitals? (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- It's what you measure that counts

Doctors on YouTube: Spreading the Knowledge

(MedPage Today) -- "A wonderful platform for delivering free, open access medical education"

Health Spending to Rise Nearly 6% Annually Through 2024

(MedPage Today) -- This year's increase pegged at 4.1%

No Benefit from Chemo at End of Life (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Quality of life takes a hit in healthiest cancer patients, researchers say.

Contrast Agent Builds Up in Brain, FDA Warns

(MedPage Today) -- Agency urges physicians to question the need for repeated gadolinium-enhanced MRI scans

Physicians Stubbornly Work While Sick: HealthLeaders Media

(MedPage Today) -- Also, finding long-term joy in bundled payments

Adverse Events: Pharma Slow to Report Bad News? (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- The 15-day serious adverse event FDA reporting window missed in one in ten cases

Morning Break: Alzheimer's Drug Doubts, Weird Ways To Die, New Anti-Abortion Script

(MedPage Today) -- Health news and commentary from around the Web, gathered by the MedPage Today staff

Sunday, July 26, 2015

The State of Drug Safety Systems

(MedPage Today) -- Why FAERS continues to be the gold standard for regulators and industry.

D.C. Week: VA in Crisis Again, Medicare Afloat 15 More Years

(MedPage Today) -- Budget woes at the VA anger House members.

Putting to Rest the 'Death Panel' Lie

(MedPage Today) -- ACP's Bob Doherty is pleased that Medicare will finally cover advance care planning.

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Exercise May Buffer Symptoms of Early Alzheimer's

Title: Exercise May Buffer Symptoms of Early Alzheimer's
Category: Health News
Created: 7/23/2015 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 7/24/2015 12:00:00 AM

New Drug Combo OK'd for Hepatitis C

(MedPage Today) -- A product combining three antivirals wins FDA's approval.

Dementia Risk May Be Dropping With Generations

Title: Dementia Risk May Be Dropping With Generations
Category: Health News
Created: 7/24/2015 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 7/24/2015 12:00:00 AM

Texas Congressman Releases Own Data on VA Wait Times

(MedPage Today) -- O'Rourke's survey was at odds with more optimistic stats from VA.

New Drugs Show Signs of Slowing Alzheimer's

Title: New Drugs Show Signs of Slowing Alzheimer's
Category: Health News
Created: 7/23/2015 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 7/23/2015 12:00:00 AM

Senators Press CMS on Efforts Against Provider Fraud

(MedPage Today) -- Hearing turns spotlight on nonexistent addresses, repeat offenders.

FDA Approves First PCSK9 Inhibitor

(MedPage Today) -- Indication given for heterozygous HF and secondary prevention

'How Much Is That Going to Cost Me, Doc?'

(MedPage Today) -- There are ways to help patients control out-of-pocket expenses.

FDA Approves Drug for Basal Cell Carcinoma

(MedPage Today) -- Sonidegib becomes second hedgehog inhibitor for locally advanced disease.

FDA Mulls Expansion of Diagnostic Test Oversight

(MedPage Today) -- Lab-developed tests are currently regulated by CMS.

Today's Teens Less Likely to Start Having Sex

(MedPage Today) -- Compared with past generations, more teens in recent years using protection, or abstaining.

Morning Break: Senior Tokers, Jeb's Medicare Flap, Vaginal Contouring

(MedPage Today) -- Health news and commentary from around the Web, gathered by the MedPage Today staff.

Stroke Rounds: Hospitals' Err When Reporting Stroke Lysis Stats (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Institutions often did not recognize their underperformance relative to other sites

Friday, July 24, 2015

Pain Often Hinders Seniors With Dementia

Title: Pain Often Hinders Seniors With Dementia
Category: Health News
Created: 7/22/2015 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 7/22/2015 12:00:00 AM

TBI Tx Quality Measures Don't Predict Outcomes (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- But other experts question study methodology.

Did Errant Futility Analysis Delay Effective AD Tx?

(MedPage Today) -- Progress in pipeline was delayed nearly 5 years because of faulty statistics, researcher says.

Stroke Rounds: Hospitals Often Overstate tPA Delivery Time (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Institutions often did not recognize their underperformance relative to other sites

IN THE SPOTLIGHT ADL Solutions Inc.

We are pleased to announce our newest advertiser in the
Welcome ADL Solutions, Inc.!




ADL Solutions is a total solution company. We offer evaluations and assessments in the facility and home setting to provide a variety of options and recommendations to modify the environment to meet the needs of the individuals served.

ADL has a team of professionals that understand the world of accessibility. We are committed to keeping up with the latest innovations and products in the industry to bring state-of-the-art equipment and concepts that can improve the quality of life for the individuals served.

We are Certified Environmental Access Consultants (CEAC), Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS), and Executive Certificate in Home Modification (ECHM), to help determine the most effective way to assist facilities & individuals with their needs.

We provide the complete installation of equipment and all the construction work necessary to modify the facility or home setting.

Our exceptional team of commercial and residential contractors are fully licensed and bonded. We also sell all the innovative and state-of-the-art adaptive equipment needed for the modification. Providing a variety of solutions and resources to help improve the quality of life for those in our community is at the very heart of what we do.

Visit us online @ www.adl-solutions.com

So Many Moving Parts

(MedPage Today) -- Administrative requirements are interfering with the medicine doctors love to practice, says Fred N. Pelzman, MD.

Medicare Advisers Lukewarm on PAD Therapy

(MedPage Today) -- No better than moderate confidence in benefit cited by panel.

House Panel Vexed by New VA Crisis

(MedPage Today) -- Agency chief threatens hospital closures if not given "flexibility" to move money around.

HypeWatch: Cannabis Bone-Healing Study Oversold

(MedPage Today) -- Forget the headlines you read. Here's what you should know.

CardioBrief: Cardiologists in the Sunshine

(MedPage Today) -- Analysis of CMS database shows some docs pocketed millions from drug and device makers.

OncoBreak: Healer-Sufferer, High Drug Prices, Scammer or Savior?

(MedPage Today) -- News, features, and commentary about cancer-related issues.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Will Good Students Be Able to Sidestep Alzheimer's?

Title: Will Good Students Be Able to Sidestep Alzheimer's?
Category: Health News
Created: 7/20/2015 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 7/21/2015 12:00:00 AM

PrEP Roll-out in Botswana Proves Worthy (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- No HIV infections in initial year-long program.

Women Descend Into Alzheimer's at Twice the Speed of Men: Study

Title: Women Descend Into Alzheimer's at Twice the Speed of Men: Study
Category: Health News
Created: 7/21/2015 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 7/21/2015 12:00:00 AM

Medicare Trustees Still Project Insolvency in 2030

(MedPage Today) -- But new report says system's long-term finances look better than before.

Post-PCI Stress Test Rates Vary at VA Hospitals (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Factors other than patient characteristics, reimbursement structure may influence practice variation.

Too Much TV, Too Little Exercise When Young May Hasten Mental Decline Later

Title: Too Much TV, Too Little Exercise When Young May Hasten Mental Decline Later
Category: Health News
Created: 7/20/2015 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 7/20/2015 12:00:00 AM

Despite Advance Directive Gains, End-Of-Life Cancer Care More Intense

(MedPage Today) -- Many may still get more intensive care than they would have liked.

Morning Break: Mass Gen #1, Leprosy-Spitting Armadillos, 'Dad Bod' Confirmed

(MedPage Today) -- Health news and commentary from around the Web, gathered by the MedPage Today staff.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Elmcroft Senior Living

We are pleased to announce our newest advertiser in the
Welcome Elmcroft of Tempe!

About Us

Based in Louisville Kentucky, Elmcroft takes great pride in offering much needed services for seniors across the United States. Elmcroft has 102 senior care communities, including 79 assisted living communities, 4 multilevel retirement communities and 19 health and rehabilitation centers serving over 6,000 residents in 19 states.
At Elmcroft, we are dedicated to providing compassion and kindness to our residents and fellow employees. Our mission is to enrich the lives of those who live and work with us by responding to their unique needs and universal desire for dignity and respect.
We are mindful that each resident comes to us with an individual set of needs. For some, those needs are as simple as companionship, a church service or a few kind words throughout the day. For others, it’s assistance with the basics of daily living such as housekeeping, laundry and more. Still others require more specialized care including therapy services, skilled nursing and rehabilitation services.
Our trained and tenured staff are here to serve the many differing needs of our residents, promoting creative thinking and learning, with patience, kindness and, above all, compassion.
The later years of life can bring many joys and many challenges. At Elmcroft, we are committed to making these precious years fulfilling and enjoyable. And we will do this through our passionate pursuit of excellent care and service.

Resources

At Elmcroft we understand the decision to place yourself or your loved one in another’s care is a complex one; there are many factors to consider. We would like to be a resource to help you make the decision that is best for you and your family based on your specific needs and wants. We have assembled some resources below to help, but we encourage you to reach out to one of our communities for assistance as well.

WHEN IT’S TIME

What are the signs that a move to a senior living community might be a good option?
  • Mobility issues – difficulty with daily activities or frequent falls and other safety concerns
  • Memory loss – misplacing items or wandering away from home
  • Medication concerns – forgetting to take medications as prescribed
  • Lack of socialization – not interacting as usual; untidy surroundings and poor personal hygiene
  • Fear and depression – unwilling to seek medical help or assistance; withdrawal from others
  • Lack of appetite – not receiving proper nutrition throughout the day
If you or your family member are experiencing any of these signs the move to a senior living community may in fact be a very good option. Whether a long-term or short-term stay, seniors often improve through socialization, regular diet and medication management, as well as relieving the burden they often feel they have placed on their family. You are free to resume your relationship and enjoy the company of your loved one without the worry of providing for their needs.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT COMMUNITY

You should take the time to visit the senior living communities you are interested in to see which will be the best fit for you. Each visit is an opportunity to get to know the community and staff better.
The Assisted Living Federation of America has developed an evaluation tool to help you get all the answers you are looking for before you choose the community that’s right for you.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

How will you cover the cost of a senior living community? This is a concern for many families. Follow the link below to view the financial options available to seniors and their families

MAKING A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION

We understand that you, just like your loved one, are going through a life-changing transition. Our goal is to make that process as comfortable as possible – for both of you.
You will have more quality time with your loved one because our caregivers are doing their day-to-day physical care. And you will have peace of mind knowing that your loved one is getting 24-hour care and you can focus on your own health needs.
  • It will take you and your loved one time to adjust, but remember why you chose to make the move to a senior living community.
  • Give your relationship time to adjust. You are still an important part of your loved one’s life.
  • Take care of yourself. Allow time for physical exercise, rest and play. Nurture yourself.
  • Reconnect with friends; surround yourself with supportive people.
Making the decision to surround your loved one with trained professionals who can meet their needs is a selfless act. It is important that you understand you will still be involved in medication and level of care concerns and that no one lights up your loved one’s life like you, so visit often and cherish those moments.
Here's to life.

As Baby Boomers Age, Alzheimer's Rates Will Soar

Title: As Baby Boomers Age, Alzheimer's Rates Will Soar
Category: Health News
Created: 7/20/2015 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 7/21/2015 12:00:00 AM

Nondrug Tx Best for Fibromyalgia: The Pain Medicine News Report

(MedPage Today) -- Also, new evidence supports medical marijuana use for chronic pain.

Panel: More Public Health $$ Will Save $$ -- and Lives

(MedPage Today) -- Programs on obesity, smoking, and cancer could bend the healthcare cost curve.

More Seniors Needed in Cancer Studies (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Improved knowledge base at center of ASCO recommendations.

Pitfalls, Promise of EHRs Discussed at AMA Event

(MedPage Today) -- Plea to regulators: "Liberate the information and listen to the physician."

PCSK9 Inhibitors: What's Coming Down the Pipeline

(MedPage Today) -- Could oral agents or vaccines be next?

At-Risk MSM Adhere to Pre-Exposure HIV Prophylaxis (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Demo study shows PrEP works outside of clinical trials.

Agent Orange Plus PTSD Equals Extra Dementia Risk

(MedPage Today) -- For Vietnam vets, defoliant exposure "may exacerbate effects of other risk factors."

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Pelzman's Picks: Diagnostic Accuracy, The Shift Change

(MedPage Today) -- Primary care providers in demand, dissolving needles, and more.

Morning Break: Ebola Contained in Liberia, 'Valley of Death', Penile Looks

(MedPage Today) -- Health news and commentary from around the Web, gathered by the MedPage Today staff.

Could a Saliva Test Help Spot Alzheimer's?

Title: Could a Saliva Test Help Spot Alzheimer's?
Category: Health News
Created: 7/19/2015 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 7/20/2015 12:00:00 AM

Monday, July 20, 2015

Women Respond Well to Daily HIV Prevention Pill (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Daily dosing fosters habit formation, does not require planning for sex, according to South African study.

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Saturday, July 18, 2015

Physicians and the 'LGBT Agenda'

(MedPage Today) -- It's about reducing healthcare disparities, says ACP spokesman.

Gene Linked to Alzheimer's May Affect Brain Early

Title: Gene Linked to Alzheimer's May Affect Brain Early
Category: Health News
Created: 7/15/2015 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 7/16/2015 12:00:00 AM

Diabetic Seniors Lobby for Medicare to Cover CGM Devices

(MedPage Today) -- Senate panel highlights glucose control issues facing Medicare patients with diabetes.

Friday, July 17, 2015

Brain Changes Differ by Race With Alzheimer's Disease: Study

Title: Brain Changes Differ by Race With Alzheimer's Disease: Study
Category: Health News
Created: 7/15/2015 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 7/16/2015 12:00:00 AM

Obese Patients Unlikely to Return to Normal Weight (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- The current system has failed, say authors of large study.

Senators Sound Off on HealthCare.gov Fraud Protections

(MedPage Today) -- System approves 11 of 12 fake applications submitted by GAO investigators.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Caring Senior Service


We are pleased to announce our newest advertiser in the
Welcome Caring Senior Service!




Long Term Care Options
At the Caring Senior Service of Phoenix, we understand that deciding on long term care
for yourself or an aging loved one is not an easy decision. Making the right
choice requires some research into the different options available to you.
To help we have provided a brief description of the most common options available
as well as a few facts about home care.

Nursing Home


Nursing homes offer skilled nursing care given by a registered nurse and include
medical monitoring and treatments. Skilled care also includes services provided by
specially trained professionals, such as physical, occupational, and respiratory therapists.
A nursing home facility may be a good choice for people who require 24-hour
medical care and supervision.

Assisted Living


Assisted living facilities offer housing alternative for older adults who may need help
with dressing, bathing, eating, and toileting, but do not require the intensive medical
and nursing care provided in nursing homes.

Independent Living

The operative word at any independent living community is “independent.” For the
most part, residents are active seniors who are ambulatory and are able to complete
all of the activities of daily living without assistance.

Non-medical Home Care

Non-medical home care focuses on helping seniors with the daily activities they need
to engage in to remain safe, healthy, and at home. In addition to assisting with daily
activities non medical homecare offers one on one companionship. A well
placed caregiver can help a senior continue participating in their favorite activities
such as gardening, baking or woodworking.

Homecare Facts

  • According to an AARP survey almost 90% of people over 50 want to stay in their
    homes as long as possible.
  • More than 80% of individuals who need long-term care receive it in their home.
  • Caring Senior Service believes every senior should be able to remain healthy, happy,
    and at home
  • No home can be 100% risk free but you can make yourself aware of many common
    hazards by downloading our free 43 Point Home Safety Assessment.
For a more detailed look at your long-term care options download this free eBook,
The Complete Road Map to Long-Term Care. The eBook will walk you through how to
approach the process of finding long-term care, will give you a better understanding
of your care options, and will help you learn how to receive the care that you need.

AIDS Meeting Looks to New Stage of Battle

(MedPage Today) -- Vancouver session has medical science important for future of fight against pandemic

Wildfire Smoke May Spark Heart Troubles (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Fine particulate matter linked to acute coronary events, especially in elderly.

Calif., Oregon to Allow Hormonal Birth Control Without Doctor's Rx

(MedPage Today) -- Women will be required to undergo a health screening at the pharmacy.

Morning Break: Phantom Patients Get Obamacare; George H.W. Bush Hospitalized

(MedPage Today) -- Health news and commentary from around the Web, gathered by the MedPage Today staff.

Morning Break: Med Student Mishaps, Dead Doc Mystery, 'Dark Web' Inhalers

(MedPage Today) -- Health news and commentary from around the Web, gathered by the MedPage Today staff.

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

FDA Reboot Needed to Grow Innovation, Senate Panel Told

(MedPage Today) -- Former senator blasts FDA for failing to live up to 2012 reform mandate.

Monday, July 13, 2015

CardioBreak: Sweetening the Entresto Deal, Device Guarantees

(MedPage Today) -- Recent developments of interest in cardiovascular medicine

EMA to Probe HPV Vaccination Safety

(MedPage Today) -- Reports of rare syndromes following HPV shots trigger agency's interest.

Elderly Want to Control What Health Information Families See

(MedPage Today) -- Older patients are keen to preserve autonomy, shield children from worry.

Friday, July 10, 2015

Thursday, July 9, 2015

CMS Proposes 0.5% Doc Fee Hike

(MedPage Today) -- Medicare will also pay for end-of-life counseling

FDA Staff Say 'Meh' to Novel Lung Ca Drug

(MedPage Today) -- Agency's oncology drug advisers will hear the case for necitumumab in NSCLC

Morning Break: Dead Doc Still Edits Journal, PCP Pay Bump

(MedPage Today) -- Health news and commentary from around the Web, gathered by the MedPage Today staff.

Culture Shock: Liberia Ebola Cases No Surprise

(MedPage Today) -- West African country still doesn't have the resources to stop epidemic

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Morning Break: Rebuilding After Ebola, 'Cancerism,' Buffett's Billions

(MedPage Today) -- Health news and commentary from around the Web, gathered by the MedPage Today staff.

Small-Group Marketplaces Need Fixing, Senators Told

(MedPage Today) -- The SHOP marketplaces suffer from IT problems, long waits for service.

PCSK9 Inhibitors vs. The Guidelines

(MedPage Today) -- A return to LDL targets may be one consequence of the new drug class

PCSK9 Inhibitors: Acceptance and Appropriateness

(MedPage Today) -- Are PCSK9 inhibitors potentially appropriate for patients with mixed hyperlipidemia and high cardiovascular risk, despite statins? How will an injectable be accepted by patients? Should we wait for the CV endpoint data before use?

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Praise for Two-Midnight Rule Revision, but Pay Cut Grates

(MedPage Today) -- Hospitals stunned by proposed 2% cut in CMS conversion factor

CMS, AMA Unveil Steps to Ease ICD-10 Transition

(MedPage Today) -- CMS will set up ombudsman and be flexible about accepting claims

Measles Death Points to Need for Herd Immunity

(MedPage Today) -- Vaccinated, but vulnerable due to impaired immune system

Health IT Tools Underused: HealthLeaders Media

(MedPage Today) -- Also, reasons why physicians should never copy and paste text in patient records

Monday, July 6, 2015

Lampedusa's Medic to the Migrants

(MedPage Today) -- On a remote Mediterranean island, a hospital director deals with the consequences of a "broken system"

Years Since Birth Is Only a Crude Measure of Biological Age (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Same calendar age but a 34-year spread in biological ages, study finds.

CardioBreak: Salt Cutbacks, Easier MOC for Interventionalists

(MedPage Today) -- Recent developments of interest in cardiovascular medicine

Study: Docs Order Fewer Preventive Services For Medicaid Patients

(MedPage Today) -- Medicaid patients less likely to get breast exams or Pap tests

Morning Break: U.S. Reports Measles Death, Diet Clinics Love ACA, Practice Merger Peril

(MedPage Today) -- Health news and commentary from around the Web, gathered by the MedPage Today staff.

Lawsuits, Adding Enrollees Among ACA's Challenges

(MedPage Today) -- Although some suits are in their "death throes," there are a few worth watching

Early Dialysis Ahead of Super Storm Linked to Better Outcomes (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Nearly 60% of patients received an extra dialysis before the 2012 storm hit, says study

Sunday, July 5, 2015

Friday, July 3, 2015

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

FDA May Seek Child-Safe E-Cig Liquid Packaging

(MedPage Today) -- Notice also issued for proposed rule on electronic cigarette nicotine exposure warnings

Pelzman's Picks: Opioid Tapering, Dementia Monitoring Tech

(MedPage Today) -- Integrating behavioral health into primary care, a look at risk stratification, and more