American Medical News

Americans are living longer, but not necessarily healthier
Bad habits could begin to undermine many of the nation's strides in health care, physicians warn.

Doctors stew over personality tests as insurer ties results to rates
Researchers who have studied physician personality traits want to see their work used to help physicians, not penalize them.

"The decisions are arbitrary and capricious and not based on a standard of medical necessity," says Massachusetts psychiatrist George S. Sigel, MD, who is suing the state over its prior authorization requirements for some prescriptions he writes for Medicaid patients.

Fighting frivolous lawsuits
The malpractice lawsuit naming you was pointless. You want to fight back somehow. A few physicians have countersued, but even fewer have been successful. Here's why.
In Profession

Claims scene investigation
Health plans are watching you, making sure you're not costing them too much money. There are ways you can watch back.
In Businesss

American Medical News - Oct. 27, 2003 (vol. 46 no. 40)

GOVERNMENT & MEDICINE  Go to section
  Physician sues Massachusetts over prior authorization rule
  Dreams for National Health Museum are taking shape
  MedPAC mulls concept of bundling Medicare payments

PROFESSIONAL ISSUES  Go to section
  Fighting frivolous lawsuits: Doctors engage in an uphill battle
  Hospital apologizes for complying with racial request
  Pain specialists fear chilling effect after arrest

BUSINESS  Go to section
  Claims scene investigation: They're watching you
  Evidence still out on disease management as cost saver
  Blues to study its own "best practices"
  Vermont clinic gets 3rd lease on life
  Practice Management - Deck the office for a seasonal treat, but keep it tasteful
  Quick View - Computer crime in health care field

OPINION  Go to section
  CDC takes "Get Smart" message to consumers: Antibiotics won't cure flu
  Letters - Counseling is doctor's role, even if patient would rather not hear it and others

HEALTH & SCIENCE  Go to section
  FDA intensifies attack on fake drugs
  Antibiotic use may help slow Alzheimer's
  Doctors complete surgery despite hospital evacuation

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American Medical News is the newspaper for America's physicians. Published since 1958, it is one of the most widely read publications in the United States on news affecting the medical profession. From Medicare and managed care to public health and practice management, no other source covers the same range of current events affecting medical practice.

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American Medical News is published by the American Medical Association and is intended to serve as an impartial forum for information affecting physicians and their practices. The content of articles and the opinions expressed in AMNews are not necessarily endorsed by the AMA.