News
>All
TAKEAWAY Best practices for managing nail fungal disorders
October 24th 2014Nail fungal disorders are one of the most common problems seen by dermatologists. Although treatments have been available for decades, the best we seem to achieve is about a 50 percent cure rate. Are there options now or in the near future that may improve these statistics? Dr. Boni Elewski sheds light on this subject in an interview with Dr. Norman Levine.
There’s a blind spot in every meaningful use attestation
October 22nd 2014The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) pulls no punches when it warns healthcare providers that meaningful use audits are happening, at random, and consequences for failing the audit are costly. If a provider cannot produce documentation that fully supports its electronic health record (EHR) attestation, the CMS could recoup incentive payments.
Early results encouraging in study of adalimumab for hidradenitis suppurativa
October 21st 2014New results from a phase-3 study demonstrating the effect of Humira (adalimumab, AbbVie) in treating moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) may lead to worldwide regulatory filings for expanded use of the drug.
Gene expression profile test IDs patients at high risk for melanoma
October 20th 2014Gene expression profiling with a commercially available test (DecisionDx-Melanoma, Castle Biosciences) provides useful prognostic information for patients with high-risk cutaneous melanoma who undergo sentinel lymph node biopsy, and particularly for those found to be node-negative, according to a recent study.
Patient sues over medical record copy fees
October 20th 2014A dermatology office being sued by a patient is asked by the patient's legal office for the patient's records. The dermatologists request a $3 per page fee for the 433-page document spanning 12 years of care and submit a bill for $1,299. The law firm sues the doctors for for excessive fees for copies of their medical records. What do the courts decide?
Nanotechnology accelerates wound healing
October 17th 2014Choosing the right nanotechnology agent to aid in wound healing requires matching its properties to the stage of the wound being treated, an expert says. Agents being used include nanoscale technology to deliver include curcumin, nitric oxide, growth factors and siRNA.
Combination therapy likely to improve metastatic melanoma response
October 17th 2014Evidence from ongoing trials will reveal the optimal approach to combining immune therapy and molecularly targeted therapy in the treatment of malignant melanoma, according to a presenter here at the 8th Canadian melanoma conference.
How high deductibles impact patients, practices
October 17th 2014There has been a major shift in the financial aspect of patient care and it’s affecting patients and those who provide their care in major ways. Perhaps you’ve noticed certain patients not coming in as often or a rising accounts receivable (A/R) that’s increasing in age and amount. The shift by third-party payers and government entities to have patients shoulder more of the cost of healthcare is creating a huge need for hospitals, clinics and private practices to change how they communicate about and collect patient payments.
Attract outstanding staff to your practice
October 17th 2014One of the biggest challenges facing a medical practice is procuring and developing exceptional staff members. A low turnover rate is usually a good sign and indicative of a happy, healthy, dynamic workplace. Excellent staff anticipates your needs, improves your clinic efficiency, supports your efforts, and makes the workday enjoyable. So how do you attract great employees, and more importantly, what keeps staff eager and motivated to stay?
Report examines links between breast-feeding, atopic dermatitis
October 14th 2014Over the past few decades, efforts to slow the increase in cases of pediatric atopic dermatitis (AD), combined with a focus on the health benefits of breast-feeding, have led to the question of whether breast-feeding can reduce the risk of AD.
Skin anti-aging guidelines: What’s right at what age?
October 14th 2014Although the photoaging process affects each individual differently, certain general strategies for the prevention and treatment of the condition are available based on the physiologic changes of the skin. Two expert dermatologists shared with us the strategies and methods they use to help fight off and ameliorate the signs of photoaging in their patients, taking into consideration genetics, age range, lifestyle, and skin care.
In search of supplements for skin aging
October 9th 2014True scientific evidence backing the use of supplements for the prevention of skin aging and sun damage is often shady, but bright spots sometimes shine through, for example, when the science and anecdotal evidence suggest swallowing a vitamin, extract or other ingredient does make a difference in patients’ skin.
