Perspective: Medicare, Medicaid, and other policy issues
November 10th 2012Stuart Altman, PhD, discusses with Medical Economics Editor-in-Chief Lois A. Bowers, MA, the biggest issue facing national health policy, the role of states in healthcare, and the lessons learned via his work with the Health Industry Forum.
AAFP, AMA: SGR fix, access, workforce issues, liability reform should be post-election priorities
November 7th 2012The day after the election, the American Academy of Family Physicians is calling on politicians to permanently address the sustainable growth rate, primary care workforce issues, and medical liability issues as well as increase citizen access to healthcare providers for adequate care.
The 4 biggest hurdles small primary care practices face in becoming PCMHs
November 5th 2012These four “ingrained characteristics†have become virtually invisible to most providers and staff members in affected practices, but they can “seriously inhibit†the ability of practices to transform themselves into Patient-Centered Medical Homes.
Retail clinic patients not likely to return to PCP for illness
November 5th 2012Once patient have visited a retail clinic for illness, they aren’t likely to return to their PCPs for similar treatment, but no evidence exists to suggest that retail clinics are negatively affecting preventive medicine at primary care practices, according to a new study.
Blogging about chronic conditions can reduce patients' feelings of isolation
October 31st 2012Starting a blog can give patients suffering from chronic conditions a greater sense of connection with others, a reduced feeling of isolation and a better understanding of their illnesses, according to a recent study of patient bloggers.