Using the Law in Patient Care
By Frank Griffin, MD, JD* Does it take more that health care to cure Americans’ ailments? One area often overlooked in diagnostic and treatment plans are the many social determinants that can affect a patient’s health. For example, poverty can lead to malnutrition, which can lead to immunocompromise and…
Sens. Collins, Cassidy unveil ACA replacement proposal
The New York Times (1/23, Pear, Subscription Publication) reports that on Monday, Sen. Susan Collins (R-MA) and Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) unveiled “a partial replacement for the Affordable Care Act” which “would allow states to continue operating under the law if they choose.” The article says it is…
WRMC Participating in Global Study
AMS Board Member, Seth Barnes, MD and member Deborah A. Johnson, MD, are part of the team conducting this worldwide clinical study governed by the National Institute of Health (NIH). Article from www.whiteriverhealthsystem.com, January 11, 2017. White River Medical Center (WRMC) is currently the only hospital in the…
ACA Update from Washington
CBO says repealing ACA would result in 18 million losing coverage in first year The New York Times (1/17, A1, Pear, Subscription Publication) reports on its front page that according to the Congressional Budget Office, some 18 million Americans would lose healthcare coverage in the first year if…
CDC: This year’s flu season worse than last
The NBC Nightly News (1/6, story 11, 0:20, Holt) briefly reported that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “says this [flu] season is worse than last,” with “more than 10,000 cases reported nationwide.” Physicians are saying, however, that the “flu shot is a good match for this…
In Close Vote, Senate Takes First Step Towards ACA Repeal
The Washington Times (1/4, Dinan) reports the Senate voted 51-48 Wednesday to “begin debate on fast-track procedures that would allow them to kill the 2010 health law without having to face a Democratic filibuster in the Senate.” The only Republican in opposition was Sen. Rand Paul, “who has…
Medical Marijuana Amendment
AMS has received numerous calls from physicians asking about the recently passed medical marijuana amendment. While AMS was and remains opposed to the amendment, AMS members should be aware of the implications and responsibilities associated with the law. There are numerous regulatory hurdles that must be completed prior…
Texas reports first locally transmitted Zika case
The AP (11/28, Stengle) reports that “Texas on Monday reported its first case of Zika virus that likely came from a mosquito bite within the state.” The AP points out that Florida is the only other state with locally spread Zika. Meanwhile, “health officials say that the woman…
Tom Price reportedly selected to head HHS
The New York Times (11/28, A1, Pear, Subscription Publication) reports on its front page that according to President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team, he has chosen Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) to be the next HHS Secretary. Price, who is “an orthopedic surgeon, has been a severe critic of the…
New Study Suggests Retail Clinics Do Not Reduce Non-Emergency ED Visits
According to a study published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine, retail clinics are addressing the issue of increased patient demand, but have not been associated with a meaningful reduction in low-acuity ED visits. The article reported that people “are just as likely to go to the emergency…
WHO: Zika no longer an international public health emergency
The Washington Post (11/18, Sun) reported that the World Health Organization declared that the Zika virus is no longer an international public health emergency. However, experts with the WHO clarified that this designation does not indicate that addressing Zika is less important, but that it requires a sustained…