Computerized Practice
Physicians who have overcome the obstacles of integrating an EMR system into their practices see the benefits to their patients and their communities. Employers, insurers, technology companies and others are beginning to address some of thorniest obstacles that have deterred most doctors from implementing clinical information systems in their practices. The number of physicians using some form of electronic records ranges from 5% to 22%, according to several surveys. read more...

Diabetic Living
Living with Diabetes: Advances in Research and Care,” a special briefing held January 18 in New York City, featured new research and recommendations for type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes and type 2 (“adult onset”) diabetes in such diverse areas as immunotherapy, pediatrics, cardiovascular disease, nutrition and ophthalmology. An estimated 16 million Americans have diabetes, though more than one in three do not know that they have the disease. The good news is that through recent advances, many of which were presented at the briefing, people living with diabetes can look forward to better health and a brighter future. read more...

COLLABORATION PROGRESS
Recent media reports on patient safety, coupled with concerns regarding legislative mandates, continue to keep the subject of resident work hours in the spotlight — and high on the AMA’s priority list. To ensure residents have their say when it comes to work hours and work conditions, the AMA and the AMA Resident and Fellow Section (AMA-RFS) continue to bring people together to address the topic. read more...

The Patient's Patients
Depression. Sleeplessness. Anxiety. Lack of concentration. - These aren’t the symptoms of a patient, but of a patient’s exhausted caregiver. With people living longer but not necessarily better, the number of people caring for a chronically ill family member or friend is on the rise. Unfortunately, caregivers can be so focused on providing for their loved one’s needs that they completely neglect their own. “They don’t think of themselves as a resource that needs to be protected,” said Cheryl Woodson, MD, a Chicago geriatrician and internist. read more...

TACKLING DISPARITIES
While the United States boasts the most advanced health care system in the world, numerous health and access disparities still exist between many minority groups and the white, non-Hispanic population. The AMA is working to address those disparities, both on its own and together with outside organizations. Most recently, the AMA entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Henry J. Kaiser Foundation to partner on a nationwide initiative to increase medical professionals’ awareness about racial and ethnic disparities in cardiac care. read more...