The long term care insurance industry is not the only one that will feel the aging baby boomer surge. Geriatric physicians are in short supply, an imbalance that will become more obvious as baby boomers retire and require specialized treatment. (New York Times - free registration required) Geriatrics is not a popular specialty in medical schools, and the fact that geriatric medicine doesn’t pay as well as other specialties means there’s no economic incentive to choose to focus on … [Read more...] about Geriatric Doctors In Short Supply
New Policy Changes for Dual Eligibles; Physician Groups to Lobby Congress
The Long Term Care Partnership Program (which encourages people to buy private long term care insurance) will be extended from five states to 50, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). That is one example of CMS's new policy changes for Medicaid coverage of dual eligible beneficiaries. Apparently, some recipients who wouldn't ordinarily qualify for Medicaid (created for people with low incomes) hide assets in order to qualify for the federal insurance program. … [Read more...] about New Policy Changes for Dual Eligibles; Physician Groups to Lobby Congress
Texas Medical Board Disciplines Doctors
The Texas Medical Board has disciplined 36 doctors for various violations, including those based on quality of care, drug and alcohol impairment, inappropriate conduct in the physician-patient relationship, and unprofessional conduct. One doctor is alleged to have prescribed drugs to her husband and children, and to herself under aliases. Another doctor took a call and arrived at the hospital allegedly intoxicated. The Board regulates physicians, physician assistants, surgical assistants … [Read more...] about Texas Medical Board Disciplines Doctors
The 2005 CPR Guidelines And Treating Hyperkalemia
The nephrologist at KidneyNotes takes issue with some of the 2005 CPR guidelines for treating hyperkalemia. The good doctor says: Given a lack of standardization, it's not surprising that different doctors treat hyperkalemia in different ways. The new 2005 CPR guidelines from the American Heart Association provide recommendations for the treatment of hyperkalemia. Unfortunately, while these new guidelines are easy to follow, there are many potential problems, and I offer some … [Read more...] about The 2005 CPR Guidelines And Treating Hyperkalemia
2006 Budget Negotiations Continue
Budget negotiations are getting a lot of press, and for good reason. At issue this week is a 1 percent increase in Medicare reimbursement for doctors, and lawmakers are still trying to reach an agreement on Medicare cuts. Meanwhile, doctors and beneficiaries have expressed confusion over Medicare's new prescription drug program, and patients' rights groups have threatened to sue the federal government. President George Bush, however, says the program is a "good deal." From USA … [Read more...] about 2006 Budget Negotiations Continue