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Rx improving iPledge

Washington, D.C. - While dermatologists welcome proposed changes to FDA's iPLEDGE isotretinoin risk management program, they say iPLEDGE needs further tweaking in areas including physician and patient convenience, data security and drug access for low-income patients.

Results of a recently released study suggest that where quality of care is concerned-and despite the hype over recent years-physicians who use electronic medical records (EMR) have no significant edge over those who keep records the old-fashioned way: on paper.

Hayward, Calif. - Thermage®, based here, has won Aesthetic Trends & Technologies magazine’s “2006 Laser & Light Technology Choice Award” in the Best Device for Skin Laxity category for its ThermaCool™ system, PRNewswire reports.

Copenhagen, Denmark - Two Danish firms have teamed to produce and market a new, vendable hot chocolate drink that is high in antioxidants, the molecules associated with skin health and anti-aging, reports news source Cosmeticsdesign-europe.com.

Galveston, Texas - A research team from Shriners Hospitals for Children here reports that burn-associated morbidity and mortality in children are driven by an increased hypermetabolic and inflammatory reaction and impaired cardiac function related to burn size, according to news source Medpagetoday.com.

Paris - A team of French researchers has completed a study showing that women who take antioxidant supplements, which include vitamins C and E and beta carotene, may increase their risk of skin cancer by as much as 68 percent, according to an ABC News report.

As we age, our noses tend to look bigger because the ligaments loosen. Cosmetic surgeons can help create a more harmonious feature.

Vitamins for skin health

Vitamins are being talked about for their ability to help repair and reverse the signs of aging. Some vitamins are better for this than others, read on to find out which are best.

Nail services review

I receive many questions about how to bill for various nail services.

Preparation is crucial to patient flow. Poor preparation wastes time - and your time, after all, is your dermatology practice's most valuable asset.

Reviewing radiofrequency

Though this column typically focuses on lights and lasers, mentioning radiofrequency (RF) is clearly indicated for many reasons.

Given consumers' desire to look younger-and the recent resultant increase in the number of medical spas, for example-it would appear that dermatologists looking to expand their practice have an instant, built-in business solution: growth via aesthetics.

William D. James, MD, presented the Everett C. Fox, MD, Lectureship at the Summer Academy Meeting 2007. He discussed a series of interesting cases to illustrate the impact his interactions with patients and colleagues has had on teaching important practical lessons.

Fickle formulations

National report - Slight changes in the biologic manufacturing process can significantly alter efficacy and safety, manufacturers say.

Regardless of the fate of a committee-approved Senate bill outlining a regulatory pathway for approval of follow-on biologics, sources agree that it's just a matter of time before such drugs become reality.

National report - Results of a recently released study charting the startling increase in incidence of both community- and hospital-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are no surprise to many dermatologists, who advise more thorough testing of patients for the presence of the potentially dangerous bacteria - and more care in prescribing antibiotics.

Little did June K. Robinson, M.D., know - when she was in charge of layout for her high school yearbook - that she would one day oversee the content of the oldest and, arguably, most powerful peer-reviewed journal in dermatology.