LocumLife - July 2008 - (Page 5)

INSIGHTS Stat! News locum tenens physicians can use IN BRIEF… Healthcare providers favor comprehensive coverage Last month, marketing research provider Medimix International conducted an online survey of U.S. physicians and pharmacists to determine their views on universal healthcare and the presidential candidates’ agendas.Among the 336 respondents, representing various medical specialties and political party affiliations, 93% indicated their agreement with the assertion that the country is in need of a reformed healthcare program. Many physicians lack funds to utilize electronic records D Medicare cuts down physicians’ pay A 10.6% reduction in Medicare physician fee payments was scheduled to take effect at the start of this month. In response, healthcare professionals are arguing that this will exacerbate already increasing costs, causing them to turn away new patients, do without needed technology, or retire altogether. Plus, they say it will further reduce healthcare options for elderly and disabled patients. At press time, bills (HR 5445 and S 2785) that would substantially reduce the cut in payments for the remainder of the year were referred to congressional committees. espite a collective agreement that electronic health records (EHRs) help in making accurate clinical judgments, preventing medication mistakes, and fostering other important benefits, a recent national survey has revealed that digital files are utilized in less than 9% of small practices containing one to three physicians. Correspondingly, as the practice size increased (four to five, six to 10, 11 to 50, and more than 50 doctors), the usage of the electronic system increased (14.5%, 22.6%, 29.3%, and 50.5%, respectively). Funded by the Department of Health and Human Services and published online in the New England Journal of Medicine, the survey—completed by more than 2,600 doctors throughout the U.S.—found that many private practice physicians are without the financial resources to make the switch to electronic records, a change that would require thousands of dollars in technological upgrades. In an effort to assist physicians in transferring from paper to computers, Medicare launched a 5-year, $150 million pilot program last month that will include 12 sites and over 1,000 clinicians. Survey respondents who have already converted to electronic records in their offices noted their satisfaction with them, particularly records that provide reminder instructions for care, based on patients’ medical history, age, and gender. In particular, 82% of the medical professionals utilizing electronic records claimed they improved the quality of clinical decisions, 86% noted they helped prevent medication errors, and 85% said they improved the delivery of preventative care. Some even have remarked that EHRs “almost force you to be a better doctor.” If you have had the opportunity to provide locum tenens services in offices with electronic health records, offer your impressions to those practices that have not yet made the leap or compare your experiences at offices with different software packages. Chances are, permanent staff will appreciate your observations and make note of any suggestions you may have for increasing positive outcomes. DID YOU KNOW… BEST AND WORST CITIES FOR ROAD RAGE Best BOOKSHELF Field Guide to Wilderness Medicine by Paul S. Auerbach, MD, MS, FACEP, FAWM; Howard J. Donner, MD; Eric A. Weiss, MD (2008/944 pages/$42.95/paperback/ISBN: 9781416046981/Mosby, third edition) 1. Pittsburgh, PA 2. Portland, OR 3. Seattle, WA 4. Minneapolis, MN 5. Cleveland, OH Worst 1. Miami, FL 2. Boston, MA 3. New York, NY 4. Baltimore, MD 5. Washington, DC Source: AutoVantage. (2008, May 13). PR Newswire. AutoVantage road rage survey reveals best, worst cities. Retrieved May 14, 2008, from http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT =104&STORY=/www/story/05-13-2008/0004812755&EDATE= This handy, updated guide presents all the need-to-know information on handling medical care in outdoor settings. Among its many features are illustrations that help in identifying skin rashes, snakes, and plants; tips on managing emergent situations, such as animal attacks; and lists of necessary medicines and supplies. Also in this new edition: sections on forest fires, bandaging and taping methods, jungle travel, hydration and dehydration, plus much more. Purchase your copy at www.elsevier.com. JULY 2008 www.LocumLife.com LocumLife 5 http://www.elsevier.com http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/05-13-2008/0004812755&EDATE= http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/05-13-2008/0004812755&EDATE= http://www.LocumLife.com

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LocumLife - July 2008 Editorial From Nalto Stat! Survey Says Last-Minute Luxury Dynamics Caring For the Older Generation Enjoying the Rewards of a Locum Tenens Lifestyle Advertisers' Index Opportunities Direct Going Mobile Contest Rules Anyone's Guess La Vita Locum

LocumLife - July 2008

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