There is a new project underway to test whether it is helpful or hurtful if patients can read their doctors’ notes. In addition to technical information, records include observations about the patient’s mood, worries or other personal information. The question is whether the cost of transparency is a loss of it. Doctors could start putting less in the record, making it less valuable to other care-givers. The fear of litigation also could make doctors more guarded about their notes. This is not an easy call, even for people who believe patients should know the truth.

Topics: How To Speak Doctor

The Washington Post
“For the first time a vaginal gel that a woman can use during sexual intercourse has been shown to markedly cut the risk of becoming infected with the virus that causes AIDS.”
Source: Washington Post, July 19,2010

Topics: In Brief

“Hundreds of state agencies nationwide have never told the federal government about health professionals they disciplined, undermining a central database meant to weed out dangerous caregivers,” says Pro Publica.

Topics: News

Although legitimate institutions worry about Medicare billing accuracy every day, there are other providers who work to milk the payment system.
These providers or services often have been small enough to fly under Medicare’s radar.
That just changed. It is safe to expect this to be the beginning of more busts.
AP
…”Authorities said busts carried out this week [...]

Topics: In Brief

When the diagnosis is Alzheimer’s, all stories about it should be read with caution. No one understands the disease yet, despite research efforts. Many lifestyle recommendations have been made to help people stay sharp. The latest research shows that, while there are benefits to those activities, staving on Alzheimer’s is not one of them.
However, this [...]

Topics: News

CNN
Source: CNN, July 15, 2010

Topics: In Brief

Although this story says this a second FDA advisory panel’s endorsement of the diabetes drug, Avandia, it remains one which is controversial among doctors. Avandia is associated with a higher heart disease risk.
Seventeen of 20 panel members wanted tougher labeling, warnings, for the drug.
Assess your risks with your doctor based on this latest discussion and [...]

Topics: You, the Patient

This Q and A feature from The Los Angeles Times explains how the new health care law’s free preventive care program will work.
Can you like free? Read all about it.
Can you like bipartisan support? Yes, it actually happened.
The Los Angeles Times
“Clarifying a much-anticipated new benefit in the new healthcare law, the Obama administration on [...]

Topics: In Brief

If it can be measured, this newspaper will measure it.
Britain leads the way with its emphasis on hospice and related end-of-life care practices. It rates almost a perfect 8.
The U.S. is second.It is not even close to Britain, however, with a score better than 6-plus.
Check out the chart with the link below.
The Economist
“CUSTOMER-satisfaction surveys are, [...]

Topics: In Brief

(Ed. Note: Read about Dengue Fever at Mayo Clinic.com)
Medpage Today
“An estimated 5% of residents in Key West, Fla. — more than 1,000 people — show evidence of infection with dengue fever, according to a report from the CDC and the Florida Department of Health.”
…”We’re concerned that if dengue gains [...]

Topics: In Brief