Skin & Allergy News articles from June 2003

Skin & Allergy News archives from June 2003

Laser procedures tied to eye injuries. (Avoid Use Within Orbital Rim).
June 1, 2003... ANAHEIM, CALIF. -- Laser and intense pulsed light procedures are causing rare but serious eye injuries, and physicians should focus more closely on the problem, members of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery said at the...

Amevive payment strategy spurs coverage concerns: most psoriasis patients are relying on physicians to acquire the drug for them. (Too High a Price?).
June 1, 2003... Dermatologists are thinking twice about prescribing an expensive new biologic agent for psoriasis that requires them to pay for the drug up front-and wait for the insurer to reimburse them. Alefacept was approved by the Food and Drug...

Asthma care may be best model for atopic dermatitis: expect consensus treatment guidelines. (Multistage Treatment).
June 1, 2003... MAUI, HAWAII -- Look for atopic dermatitis therapy to increasingly evolve in a direction parallel to asthma therapy's path since the early 1990s, Dr. Lawrence F. Fichenfield predicted at the annual Hawaii dermatology seminar sponsored by the...

Are fewer pediatric infections tied to rise in allergic, autoimmune disease? (Hygiene Hypothesis).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... MAUI, HAWAII -- The hygiene hypothesis as an explanation for the ongoing pandemic of atopic and autoimmune diseases in the United States and other developed nations has recently received new life. The hypothesis holds that the marked...

Vital Signs.
June 1, 2003... VITAL SIGNS Top 10 Diagnoses in Dermatology Office Visits in 2002 % of Office Visits Acne NEC 13.0 Actinic Keratosis 9.8...

Infliximab improved psoriasis by 75% in nearly 90% of patients. (Study of 249 Patients).
June 1, 2003... SAN FRANCISCO -- Almost 90% of psoriasis patients receiving three doses of infliximab achieved a 75% improvement in the extent and severity of their psoriasis in the largest-scale study of the intravenous biologic therapy to date, it was...

HHS Inspector General faults drug review process. (Attention to Workload Problems).
June 1, 2003... WASHINGTON -- The Food and Drug Administration's process for approving new drugs needs to be changed, according to a report from the Health and Human Services Department's Office of Inspector General. The report, issued in late March, drew...

Survey: states' nail industry regs fall short as litigation increases. (State Requirements Vary Widely).
June 1, 2003... SAN FRANCISCO -- Disinfection requirements for nail instruments and pedicure baths remain inconsistent and inadequate, according to a nationwide survey of state cosmetology board regulations of the nail industry. In a presentation at the...

U.S. sun exposure behavior worsened during 1996-2003. (More Tanning, Less Sunscreen).
June 1, 2003... SEVILLE, SPAIN -- Sun exposure behavior among Americans took a turn for the worse during the period 1996-2003, based on a recent survey commissioned by the American Academy of Dermatology. For example, in 2003, 40% of those surveyed said...

Smallpox vaccine given to 103 pregnant women. (Fetal Vaccinia Extremely Rare).
June 1, 2003... In recent months 103 women in the United States either received the smallpox vaccine before they knew they were pregnant or conceived within 4 weeks after being vaccinated, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report. ...

First vancomycin-resistant S. aureus case confirmed. (Diabetic Neuropathy).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... The first case of Staphylococcus aureus resistant to vancomycin, which is considered the most reliable drug for treating infections caused by the bacterium, has been confirmed. The affected patient had undergone multiple metatarsal...

Think [CO.sub.2] laser for dermabrasion of psoriasis. (Vs. Pulsed Dye Laser).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... ANAHEIM, CALIF. -- Laser dermabrasion of psoriasis may be best when a [CO.sub.2] laser is used, according to an investigation by Dr. Peter Bjerring comparing a 585-nm pulsed dye laser with a [CO.sub.2] laser. Of 22 patients with stable...

The death of common sense. (Guest Editorial).
June 1, 2003... The legal tort system of America is corroding the fabric of our society, and we need a radical overhaul of the underlying philosophy. The harm to society of our tort system is not the occasional crazy verdict, but the fear and distrust of...

Letters.
June 1, 2003... The Economics of Waiting I have seen several misleading articles presenting surveys that assume that long wait times are an indication of a dermatologist shortage. Such an article in SKIN & ALLERGY NEWS failed to stratify the data based on...

Seeing red. (Under My Skin).
June 1, 2003... The sight of red makes bulls angry and humans alarmed. Consider Elmer, a fortyish fellow with a chief complaint of facial redness. He had no rosacea or discrete relangiectasia--just an overall reddish cast to his face exaggerated by the...

Limiting resident work hours. (Guest Editorial).(Editorial)
June 1, 2003... I strongly believe in the limits on resident work hours set forth in the new guidelines from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, which take effect this July, but I strongly oppose micromanagement of resident work hours....

Cosmeceutical critique: allantoin. (Dermatologic Therapy).
June 1, 2003... Allantoin is an extract of comfrey plant, which is native to Europe and temperate areas of Asia. This keratolytic agent is recognized for its potent healing and soothing properties and has been a popular ingredient in many folk remedies....

Dietary Supplements: Sales and Market Share in 2000. (Data Watch).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... DATA WATCH Dietary Supplements: Sales and Market Share in 2000 Sales % of (in billions) Market Vitamins $5.9 35 Herbals and...

Topical retinoids restore luminosity, reduce follicle size. (Treatment Tips).
June 1, 2003... NEW ORLEANS -- The most important compounds in dermatology are topical retinoids, Dr. Nia Terezakis said at a dermatology update meeting sponsored by Tulane University. There will never be anything to replace retinoids, although there may...

New & approved: Albumin Cobalt Binding Test, Somavert. (Dermatologic Therapy).
June 1, 2003... Albumin Cobalt Binding (ACB) Test (Isohemia Technologies, Inc.) A biochemical test for use as an adjunct to the electrocardiogram and troponin blood test, to rule out an MI in patients presenting to the emergency department with chest...

Biologics for psoriasis focus of study roundup. (AAD Annual Meeting).
June 1, 2003... SAN FRANCISCO -- The big news in biologics from the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology was Dr. Alice B. Gottlieb's announcement of infliximab's unprecedented efficacy in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. But...

Calcipotriol reduced need for methotrexate in psoriasis Tx. (Study of 97 Patients).
June 1, 2003... Adding topical calcipotriol to a methotrexate regimen for psoriasis treatment significantly reduced the amount of methotrexate needed for maintenance dosing and can provide periods of methotrexate-free disease control, reported Dr. E.M. de Jong...

Antibiotics, tonsillectomy often ineffective for childhood psoriasis. (Not Enough Proof).
June 1, 2003... Antibiotics and tonsillectomy can't be strongly recommended as treatments for childhood psoriasis, reported Jill K. Wilson of Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, N.C., and her colleagues. However, both therapies are relatively benign,...

Partial, full HIV therapy interruptions considered. (For Partially Resistant Patients).
June 1, 2003... BOSTON -- Partial interruption of antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection can help patients who have developed resistance to some, but not all, HIV-fighting drugs in a combination regimen, but the jury is still out on whether full treatment...

Marijuana increases weight, CD8 cell counts in HIV-positive patients. (Randomized Clinical Trial).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... SAN FRANCISCO -- A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of smoked marijuana and dronabinol in HIV-positive patients revealed significant weight gain in both experimental groups and significant increases in CD8 cell counts in the marijuana...

DNA repair enzyme lotion may cut malignancies. (Actinic Keratosis, Basal Cell Carcinoma).
June 1, 2003... ST. JULIAN'S, MALTA - An investigational skin lotion containing a DNA repair enzyme decreases the incidence of actinic keratoses and basal cell carcinomas during use and appears to confer protection against premalignant and malignant skin...

Advanced antifungal safer than amphotericin B. (Reduce Fungus Among Us).
June 1, 2003... Caspofungin is as effective as the tried and true--but potentially toxic--amphotericin B for treating invasive candidiasis, said Dr. Jorge Mora-Duarte of Neeman-Instituto Costarricense de Investigaciones Clinicas and Hospital Mexico, Caja...

Terbinafine has greater utility for onychomycosis than itraconazole. (No Significant Drug Interactions).
June 1, 2003... SAN FRANCISCO -- Terbinafine appears to have greater utility than itraconazole in the management of onychomycosis, Dr. Boni Elewski said in a presentation at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology. Dr. Elewski based her...

Thalidomide: save for severe skin lupus. (Monitor Closely).
June 1, 2003... MANCHESTER, ENGLAND -- Thalidomide remains an effective last-resort therapy for patients with severe cutaneous lupus, but even at low doses it can cause irreversible peripheral neuropathy, Dr. Maria J. Cuadrado said at the annual meeting of the...

Retin-A Micro 0.04% finds niche in acne care. (Minimally Irritating Gel).
June 1, 2003... MAUI, HAWAII -- Tretinoin microsphere gel 0.04% is a new option for treating acne that provides welcome added prescribing flexibility, Dr. Hilary E. Baldwin said at the annual Hawaii dermatology seminar sponsored by the Skin Disease Education...

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria rife in acne patients. (From Six European Countries).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Bacteria isolated from the acne of patients from six European countries have a high prevalence of resistance to erythromycin, clindamycin, and tetracycline antibiotics, reported Dr. J.I. Ross of the University of Leeds (England), and...

Immune-based therapies slow HIV replication. (Experimental Treatments).
June 1, 2003... BOSTON -- An interferon-[alpha] agent and a recombinant canarypox vaccine are among the latest experimental therapies to control HIV replication in clinical studies by boosting the immune systems of early-stage and chronically infected HIV...

Aggressive treatment warranted for anal warts in HIV-positive patients. (Tricky to Treat).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... SAN FRANCISCO -- Patients with HIV often have anal warts that can he tough to treat, Dr. Toby A. Maurer said at a meeting on HIV management sponsored by the University of California, San Francisco. Aggressive treatment is indicated,...

Thermage raises eyebrows at laser meeting. (Treatment of Brows, Nasolabial Folds).
June 1, 2003... ANAHEIM, CALIF. -- Treatment with a radiofrequency device tightened patients' skin tissue enough to measurably lift the eyebrows, although skin tightening may take several months to develop, according to studies presented at the annual meeting...

Chemical peels still pack a therapeutic punch. (Tips and Techniques).
June 1, 2003... NEW ORLEANS -- Want to improve patients' looks without buying a laser? Don't forget chemical peels, Dr. Ricardo Martinez said. Speaking at a dermatology update sponsored by Tulane University, Dr. Martinez offered the following advice for...

Blue light Tx could help quell acne quickly. (More Rapid Effect Than Standard Therapies).
June 1, 2003... SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, NEV. -- Acne patients can expect a 50%-75% improvement in their acne with blue light treatment, according to one of the original U.S. investigators of the technology. "There are patients who will have a better result than...

Lasers, photodynamics investigated for acne Tx. (Modest Results So Far).
June 1, 2003... ANAHEIM, CALIF. -- With the success of blue light therapy for acne, researchers are exploring whether other light-based approaches, such as laser treatment or photodynamic therapy, could be even more effective. Such treatments might not...

Top Turnover Rates Reported by Medical Staff in 2002. (Data Watch).
June 1, 2003... DATA WATCH Top Turnover Rates Reported by Medical Staff in 2002 Position * Turnover Ultrasound Technician (164) 25% File Clerk (896) 25% Receptionist (3,271) 20% Medical Assistant...

Evidence-based approach best for eyelid tumors. (Literature Review).
June 1, 2003... STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLO. -- An evidence-based approach is always best for managing and treating skin cancers, and eyelid tumors are no exception, Dr. Harry Sharata said at the annual meeting of the American Society for Mobs Surgery. The...

Photodynamic Tx improving for nonmelanoma skin ca. (Becoming More Reliable).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... SAN FRANCISCO -- Photodynamic therapy may become a reliable weapon in the arsenal against nonmelanoma skin cancers. The therapy uses 20% aminolevulinic acid (ALA), which is applied to the skin. Over several hours, ALA is converted to...

Melanoma survival rates tied to lesion thickness, not excisional margin. (Small Margins Make Repair Easier).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... ST. JULIAN'S, MALTA -- Survival and disease recurrence rates in patients with melanoma are more related to the thickness of the lesion than to its excisional width, so it makes sense to excise as small an area as possible, Dr. Giorgio Landi...

Botulinum toxin effective after repeated cycles. (Mean 7-month Duration Between Visits).
June 1, 2003... SAN FRANCISCO -- No neutralizing antibodies developed in patients receiving repeated injections of botulinum toxin type A in a 16-month, multicenter European trial, it was announced at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology....

Keep Myobloc around to fix Botox complications. (Sole Use?).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, NEV. -- There is a reason for the cosmetic dermatologist to keep Myobloc in the refrigerator: to revise bad Botox treatments, Dr. Corey S. Maas said at a meeting sponsored by the Foundation for Facial Plastic Surgery and the...

Laser hair removal may backfire. (Can Stimulate Growth).
June 1, 2003... ANAHEIM, CALIF. -- Some individuals having a laser procedure for hair removal are getting the opposite of what they desire: new terminal hair growth adjacent to treated areas. "This is real, and it's out there," Dr. Ranella J. Hirsch said...

Liquid wound-closure agents gain respect. (Dermabond).
June 1, 2003... SAN FRANCISCO -- Liquid wound-closure agents are gaining respect in dermatology, as more studies show that they work quickly, are safe, and produce cosmetically acceptable results. In a presentation at the annual meeting of the American...

Follow seven steps to better botulinum toxin Tx. (Expert Opinion).
June 1, 2003... PHOENIX, ARIZ. -- There's an important difference between patients who want a cosmetic procedure, such as injections of botulinum toxin, and those coming in for a clinical problem, according to Dr. Seth Matarasso. "The cosmetic patients...

Get the most out of permanent facial fillers. (Foster Reasonable Expectations).
June 1, 2003... MAUI, HAWAII -- Fostering reasonable patient expectations is the key to successful use of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene permanent facial fillers, Dr. Anthony Benedetto said at the annual Hawaii dermatology seminar sponsored by the Skin...

Try ALA-PDT/cryotherapy combo for AK. (Aggressive Approach).(aminolevulinic acid)(photodynamic therapy)(actinic keratoses)
June 1, 2003... SAN FRANCISCO -- Broad application of 20% aminolevulinic acid in conjunction with photodynamic therapy can be followed by "mop-up" spot cryotherapy in a novel combination approach to widespread actinic keratoses. Dr. Don A. Anderson and...

Rub out tattoos with dermabrasion therapy. (Special Technique).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... NEW ORLEANS -- There are times when a tattoo seems like a good idea, but when those times are over, dermabrasion may be the solution. "Tattoos have been particularly responsive to a special technique of dermabrasion," Dr. John Yarborough...

Epidermasanding stands up to cryosurgery for actinic keratoses. (Study of 39 Patients).
June 1, 2003... SAN FRANCISCO -- Epidermasanding is a viable way to rid the face and anterior scalp of actinic keratoses and severe actinic dysplasia. The technique, which abrades the epidermis with 220-grit silicon carbide drywall sanding mesh, was found...

Database programs: HanDBase v3.0. (Digital Assistance).
June 1, 2003... Overview: HanDBase is a highly customizable database program for Palm and Pocket PC handheld devices. Intuitive configuration allows easy creation, use, and sharing of databases for virtually any type of information. The wide variety of free...

Tricyclics, education key to vulvodynia care. (It's Not All in Their Heads).(diagnosing and caring for vaginal diseases)
June 1, 2003... HOUSTON -- There are no fast or easy cures for vulvodynia, but most patients improve with appropriate management and emotional support, Dr. Elizabeth Edwards said at a conference on vulvovaginal diseases sponsored by Baylor College of Medicine....

Is indoor mold making your patients sick? (No Clear-Cut Relationships Established).
June 1, 2003... LOS ANGELES -- We're a long way from understanding the effects of indoor molds on patients' health, Sandra McNeel, D.V.M., reported at the annual meeting of the California Academy of Family Physicians. While many epidemiologic studies have...

Exposures to paint thinners, removers tied to scleroderma. (Case-Control Study).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Women who have been exposed to paint thinners or removers in the workplace or through hobbies appear to have a higher likelihood of developing scleroderma than women who are not in contact with the substances, reported Dr. David H. Garabrant of...

Primary nodular amyloidosis seldom progresses. (Mayo Clinic Series).
June 1, 2003... MAUI, HAWAII -- Patients with primary nodular cutaneous amyloidosis can be reassured that progression to systemic amyloidosis is uncommon, Dr. John S. Walsh said at the annual Hawaii dermatology seminar sponsored by the Skin Disease Education...

Patients fear discrimination based on genetic tests. (Breast Cancer History).
June 1, 2003... BALTIMORE -- About 44% of U.S. adults are aware that genetic tests exist that can identify people with inherited cancer susceptibility, based on a survey of more than 27,000 people. But many women with a personal or family history of breast...

MRA reveals peripheral aneurysms in Kawasaki. (Allows More Aggressive Therapy).(magnetic resonance angiography)(Kawasaki syndrome)
June 1, 2003... SNOWMASS, COLO. -- In children with Kawasaki disease, whole-body magnetic resonance angiography identifies peripheral aneurysms that may be missed on physical exam and echocardiography, Dr. Barry L. Myones said at an international conference on...

Monitor fatigue in cancer patients. (Updated Guidelines).
June 1, 2003... HOLLYWOOD, FLA. - Fatigue should be evaluated as a vital sign at every encounter with cancer patients, according to updated treatment guidelines issued at the annual conference of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Many studies...

Consider less common causes of vulvar pain. (Differential Diagnosis).(diagnosing vaginal diseases)
June 1, 2003... KEY LARGO, FLA. -- The differential diagnosis for a patient with vulvar pain should go beyond common causes such as bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, or trichomonas infections. Clinicians should also consider lichen planus, genital human...

Teach patients to share medical issues with family. (Secrets vs. Privacy).
June 1, 2003... KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. -- Societal pressures that blur the distinction between privacy and secrecy can serve to deny patients the support they need, Evan Imber-Black, Ph.D., said at a meeting sponsored by the Society of Teachers of Family...

Drug toxicity often avoidable in elderly patients. (Dangers of Common Medications).
June 1, 2003... Many hospital admissions for drug-drug interactions in elderly patients are predictable and avoidable, according to Dr. David N. Juurlink of Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre, Toronto. On the basis of what they called...

Delayed asthma reaction to outdoor allergens. (Three-Day Lag Time).
June 1, 2003... The role of pollen in provoking asthma attacks may have both an immediate and time-delayed effect, according to a study of the relationship between asthma and outdoor allergens. In a separate study that looked inside school buildings, the...

Drug update: oral agents for type 2 diabetes. (Clinical Rounds).
June 1, 2003... Treatment of type 2 diabetes has come a long way in a few years. Until 1994, the only drug options in the United States were sulfonylureas and insulin. Today there are four additional classes of glucose-lowering drugs. Diet and exercise...

Clues can elicit when lesions are sex abuse. (Good Detective Work Needed).
June 1, 2003... ASPEN, COLO. -- Often it takes a good medical detective to determine if anogenital lesions in children are the result of sexual abuse, according to Dr. Elaine C. Siegfried. Many cases lack absolute diagnostic signs of abuse, so the...

Patients with two resistant bugs at risk for VRSA. (Burn Unit).(vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... ARLINGTON, VA. -- A study documenting patient-to-patient transmission allowing cocolonization with two antibiotic-resistant organisms with potential for gene transfer raises the specter of the sudden emergence of vancomycin-resistant...

Psoriasis clinical manual. (Products).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... The National Psoriasis Foundation's clinical manual, "Therapy of Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis," was recently updated and is now available. The manual provides guidance on diagnosing the disease quickly and selecting safe and effective...

Brush-free surgical scrub. (Products).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... A new surgical scrub line features Triseptin Waterless, a scrub that can be used without the aid of water and a scrub brush. The alcohol-based scrub contains preservative and surfactant components. Two 90-second applications are required. For...

Laser approved for acne scars. (Products).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... The Medlite C6 skin-resurfacing laser has been approved for the treatment of acne scars and wrinkles. The laser was previously approved for epidermal and dermal pigmented lesion removal, advanced tattoo removal, laser-assisted hair removal, and...

Xanax XR. (Products).(antianxiety agent approved for panic disorder)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Xanax XR (alprazolam) is approved for the treatment of panic disorder. The extended-release tablets are contraindicated in patients with known sensitivity to benzodiazepines or with acute narrow-angle glaucoma. The drug is also contraindicated...

Germicidal hand wipes. (Products).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Hibistat germicidal hand rinse now comes in a towelette application. Users should rub hands vigorously with the towelette for 15 seconds to cleanse hands. For more information, contact Regent Medical, 800-843-8497, www.regentmedical.com.

Dipentum relaunched. (Products).(olsalazine sodium capsules)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Dipentum (olsalazine sodium capsules) is being relaunched in the United States. It is indicated for the maintenance of remission of ulcerative colitis in patients intolerant of sulfasalazine. The drug's mechanism of action is not dependent on...

New antivomiting medicine. (Products).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Emend (aprepitant) is approved for use in combination with other antivomiting medicines to help prevent the acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy. The drug--the...

Bacterial conjunctivitis Tx. (Products).(moxifloxacin ophthalmic solution)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Vigamox (moxifloxacin HC1 ophthalmic solution) is indicated for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis in adults and children aged 1 year and older. For more information, contact Alcon Inc., 800-757-9195, www.alconlabs.com

New indication for Rapamune. (Products).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Rapamune (sirolimus) oral solution and tablets are now indicated for use within an immunosuppressive regimen that allows for the withdrawal of cyclosporine 2-4 months after renal transplantation in patients considered at low to moderate...

Vitamin D injection approval. (Products).(Calcitriol liquid to treat calcium metabolism disorders)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Calcitriol liquid vitamin D injection is approved to treat chronic kidney dialysis patients with abnormally low levels of calcium in the circulating blood. For more information, contact aaiPharma Inc., 800-575-4224), www.aaipharma.com.

Hepatitis C assay. (Products).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Versant HCV RNA 3.0 (branched DNA) is approved for the quantitative detection of hepatitis C in serum or plasma. The predictive test directly measures the virus RNA levels, aiding physicians in making therapeutic decisions early in treatment....

HHS warns about suspect 'contractual joint ventures'. (Little Provider Input a Red Flag).(Health and Human Services)
June 1, 2003... WASHINGTON -- Physicians who have recently started joint ventures in their offices, beware: The Department of Health and Human Services may be taking a special interest in you. The department's Office of Inspector General (OIG) recently...

Teens, tanning parlors, and the law. (Policy & Practice).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... It's easier for most underage teenagers to get an indoor tan than a smoke, according to a study comparing U.S. state laws regulating minors' access to tobacco and to indoor tanning facilities (Arch. Dermatol. 139[4]:443-48, 2003). All 50 states...

Biologics: patiently unclear? (Policy & Practice).(patents on immunoadhesion technology )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... The competition to conquer the market for psoriasis biologic therapies could spill into a new, nonclinical realm: patent law In a quarterly financial statement recently filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, alefacept (Amevive)...

Teens trade teratogens. (Policy & Practice).(prescription drug sharing)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... One in five teenage girls may be borrowing or sharing prescription medications--including teratogenic acne medication, according to researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In a survey of 1,568 9- to 18-year-olds, 13.4% of...

New enrollment process. (Policy & Practice).(Medicare enrollment)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Medicare is proposing to simplify the enrollment policy for health providers and suppliers and to raise the bar on qualifications at the same time. Under the proposal, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) would consolidate...

Drug purchasing habits. (Policy & Practice).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Physicians would eventually like to get out of the drug sale business, a Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) researcher says. "Working with five insurers, each with a different designated vendor, physicians feel like they're losing...

Speedy appeal. (Policy & Practice).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Medicare Plus Choice patients under a new final rule get a speedy independent review when they disagree with their health plan's decision that services should end. According to CMS, the quick appeals process should minimize paperwork burdens on...

Office-based errors differ from hospital errors. (Nonpunitive Reporting System Needed).
June 1, 2003... ARLINGTON, VA. -- The outpatient primary care setting needs a system of reporting medical errors separate from those for hospital reporting, Dr. John W. Beasley said at a meeting sponsored by the American Academy of Family Physicians National...