Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Otolaryngology for August 2014. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.
Report Highlights Progress, Challenges in Health IT
FRIDAY, Aug. 29, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Progress has been made toward widespread adoption of electronic health records (EHRs), although there are still barriers to adoption of advanced use of EHRs, according to a report published by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Cleft Lip, Palate Don't Increase Ear Tube Complications
FRIDAY, Aug. 29, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) does not appear to affect complication rates for ventilation tube (VT) placement among pediatric patients, according to a study published online Aug. 28 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Doctors Frequently Experience Ethical Dilemmas
THURSDAY, Aug. 28, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- For physicians trying to balance various financial and time pressures, ethical dilemmas are common, according to an article published Aug. 7 in Medical Economics.
AMGA: Physician Turnover Still High in 2013
THURSDAY, Aug. 28, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- For the second year running, physician turnover remains at the highest rate since 2005, according to a report published by the American Medical Group Association (AMGA).
Team Approach Improves Practice Efficiency
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 27, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- The increasing administrative requirements of a medical practice are requiring a team-based approach to care, and physicians must learn to manage the team, according to an article published Aug. 7 in Medical Economics.
Restrictive, Non-Solicitation Covenants Are Valid
MONDAY, Aug. 25, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Restrictive and non-solicitation covenants are valid and can be enforced, according to an article published Aug. 5 in Medical Economics.
EPA: Air in U.S. Cities Getting Cleaner
MONDAY, Aug. 25, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- The air in American cities is getting safer to breathe, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reported Thursday.
U.S. to Tighten Access to Certain Narcotic Painkillers
FRIDAY, Aug. 22, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is going ahead with tough new controls on painkillers containing hydrocodone, which has been tied to a surge in dangerous addictions across the United States.
Organizations Can Help Docs Retain Their Independence
FRIDAY, Aug. 22, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Ways for physicians to remain in independent practice are highlighted in an article published Aug. 7 in Medical Economics.
Survival Advantage With Surgery in Advanced Laryngeal Cancer
FRIDAY, Aug. 22, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- For patients with advanced laryngeal cancer, there is a small but significant survival advantage with surgical treatment versus laryngeal conservation, according to a study published online Aug. 21 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Pre-, Postnatal Smoke Exposure Affects Later Allergic Disease
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 20, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) in utero or during infancy impacts the development of allergic disease up to adolescence, according to a study published online Aug. 18 in Pediatrics.
Organized Processes Help Practices Hire Well
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 20, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- A defined process is necessary to help physicians hire the right staff for their practice, according to an article published July 24 in Medical Economics.
Boxed Warnings Are Common in Novel Therapeutics
TUESDAY, Aug. 19, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Boxed warnings are common on recent drug approvals, and many occur years after approval, according to a research letter published online Aug. 15 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Extra Time Spent Counseling, Coordinating Care Billable
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 13, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Extra time spent counseling patients and coordinating care can be billed using evaluation and management (E/M) and prolonged service codes, according to an article published July 24 in Medical Economics.
Meta-Analysis Strategy Impacts Estimation of Tx Outcome
TUESDAY, Aug. 12, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Estimation of treatment outcome varies with the meta-analysis strategy, according to a study published in the Aug. 13 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Higher Caffeine Intake Tied to Lower Incidence of Tinnitus
MONDAY, Aug. 11, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Higher caffeine intake is tied to a lower risk of tinnitus in women, according to a study published in the August issue of The American Journal of Medicine.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
EHR Adoption Increasing, But Stage 2 Criteria Often Not Met
MONDAY, Aug. 11, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Most U.S. hospitals and office-based physicians have adopted electronic health records (EHR), according to two studies published in the August issue of Health Affairs.
Abstract - Adler-Milstein
Full Text
Abstract - Furukawa
Full Text
Issues to Consider With Integration of Telemedicine
FRIDAY, Aug. 8, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Integrating telemedicine raises various considerations, including operational and legal issues, according to an article published July 24 in Medical Economics.
VA Health Care Reform Bill Signed Into Law
THURSDAY, Aug. 7, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- A bill signed into law Thursday by President Barack Obama is meant to provide veterans with easier access to government-paid health care.
Health Highlights: Aug. 7, 2014
Many Physicians Have Secondary Income
MONDAY, Aug. 4, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Many physicians report earning income from sources other than their primary practice/employer, according to an article published July 24 in Medical Economics.
CMS Recognizes Telehealth in New Physician Fee Schedule
FRIDAY, Aug. 1, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Earlier this month, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued proposed rules for updates to the Physician Fee Schedule and will accept comments until Sept. 2, according to an article published July 7 in Medical Economics.
Guidelines Issued for Cardiac Management of Noncardiac Sx
FRIDAY, Aug. 1, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Recommendations have been developed for perioperative cardiovascular management of patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. These revised guidelines were published online Aug. 1 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
More Than Half of General Surgery Residents Want to Quit
FRIDAY, Aug. 1, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- A majority of categorical general surgery residents seriously consider leaving residency, according to a study published online July 30 in JAMA Surgery.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)