Medscape Today Headlines

Individual-Mandate Foes Warn of Affordable 'Car' Act

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 19:34:01 EST

In a brief filed with the Supreme Court, state officials opposed to the Affordable Care Act said the individual mandate to obtain health insurance presages mandates to buy cars and other goods.

Do Glaucoma, Erectile Dysfunction Have a Common Cause?

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 16:20:39 EST

Men with erectile dysfunction have 3 times the risk for open-angle glaucoma as men without erectile dysfunction.

Drug Shortages for Infectious Diseases Are Increasing

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 11:12:28 EST

A new study shows a rising number of drugs for infectious diseases that are in short supply, with serious consequences.

Fitness and Fatness Independently Linked With CVD Risk

Mon, 6 Feb 2012 18:07:31 EST

Individuals should be aware that exercising can have positive health effects, even if the weight doesn't necessarily come off, as can losing weight alone, researchers say, although the ideal combination is to improve fitness and lose fat.

Self-Monitoring Not Helpful for Type 2 Diabetes

Mon, 6 Feb 2012 17:29:37 EST

In patients with non-insulin- dependent diabetes, self-monitoring of blood glucose had only a modest effect on HbA1c levels at six 6 months.

ACP Guideline Addresses Pharmacotherapy of Type 2 Diabetes

Mon, 6 Feb 2012 17:09:31 EST

The ACP recommends metformin as the initial drug for most patients with type 2 diabetes when lifestyle modifications are not enough to control blood sugar levels. A second drug can be added if needed.

US Central-Line Infections to Be Disclosed Online

Mon, 6 Feb 2012 14:36:22 EST

The Department of Health and Human Services has reported the incidence of hospital-associated infections for the first time.

Coffee Lowers Liver Fibrosis Risk in Certain Patients

Mon, 6 Feb 2012 14:21:42 EST

Researchers have found that increased coffee drinking reduces the risk for liver fibrosis in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Allergan Stops Lap-Band Sales to '1-800-Get-Thin' Surgeons

Sat, 4 Feb 2012 13:37:38 EST

The weight-loss surgery centers in Southern California are under intense scrutiny for their safety record, advertising, and billing practices.

Lyme Disease Ticks Endemic in Northeast, Northern Midwest

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 17:26:35 EST

Field researchers have generated a detailed map that they hope will guide appropriate diagnosis and more targeted treatment for patients suspected of having Lyme disease.

Guidelines Lead Femtosecond Laser Users to Billing Safe Harbors

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 17:19:08 EST

New guidelines aid femtosecond laser users in Medicare billing compliance.

FDA Approves Once-A-Day Drug for Type 2 Diabetes

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 16:49:40 EST

Merck's extended-release combination of sitaglipin and metformin has been approved as a once-daily tablet for type 2 diabetes.

Komen Reverses Move to Cut Planned Parenthood Funding

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 14:09:40 EST

The Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation backed down from its decision to cut funding for Planned Parenthood, which had thrust the world's largest breast cancer charity into a deeply politicized controversy.

Physician Groups Say 5010 Standards Hurt Cash Flow

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 12:55:34 EST

The president of the Medical Group Management Association is urging HHS to postpone enforcement of the new standard for electronic claims until June 30, lest some practices shut down.

EMR: Efficiency Mauled Repeatedly

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 09:56:10 EST

Dr. John Marshall says that his efficiency as a clinician is undermined as he spends more and more time entering data into the EMR with less and less administrative support. Is there a way out?

FDA Panel Raises Concerns Over ADHD Drug Labeling

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 13:55:42 EST

The FDA's Pediatric Advisory Committee has recommended labeling changes for an attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder drug and discussed adverse effects.

Oral Ulipristal Proves Highly Effective for Uterine Fibroids

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 13:02:11 EST

The selective progesterone receptor modulator ulipristal acetate reduced bleeding and fibroid size in 2 trials, offering gynecologists a new tool for treating uterine fibroids prior to surgery.

Tired of Being a Doctor? Choices for Opting Out of Medicine

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 10:03:32 EST

Some doctors want to move up into administrative jobs, while others want to leave the profession completely. But what to do? Here's how to decide.

Prevention Efforts Reduce Suicide Rates in Mentally Ill

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 18:30:27 EST

UK recommendations have successfully reduced suicide rates in the mentally ill, which are 10 times greater in this patient group than in the general population.

'Cardiovascular Health' Linked With Reductions in Mortality

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 17:24:39 EST

Individuals meeting five of seven cardiovascular health metrics outlined by the American Heart Association had a significantly lower risk of all-cause mortality and deaths from diseases of the circulatory system when compared with unhealthy individuals who met none of the cardiovascular health criteria.