LocumLife - December 2008 - (Page 5)

INSIGHTS Stat! News locum tenens physicians can use IN BRIEF… Use of imaging dramatically increases A recent study published in Health Affairs questions the cost/benefit of using MRIs and CT scans. These procedures have doubled over the last 13 years but not significantly improved healthcare or lowered death rates. By analyzing past Medicare claims, researchers determined that with each new CT scanner and MRI unit, an additional 2,224 and 733 procedures, respectively, were performed each year. Correspondingly, CT scans added $685,000 to annual U.S. Medicare costs, and MRIs contributed $550,000 to the bill. National survey foresees escalating primary care physician shortage recent survey, conducted by The Physicians’ Foundation, found that nearly half (49%) of the primary care respondents would consider leaving medicine or reducing their patient load within the next 3 years. And over three-quarters believe the country currently faces a shortage of primary care physicians. In fact, the American Medical Association announced at its annual meeting that the number of primary care practitioners could decrease as much as 35,000 to 40,000 by 2025. Adding to this gloomy forecast is the recent report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association that notes only 2% of current medical students intend to go into primary care. According to the foundation’s October report, The Physicians’ Perspective: Medical Practice in 2008, the main reasons for discontent among medical practitioners were increased time dealing with non-clinical paperwork, difficulty receiving reimbursement, and burdensome government regulations. “Tens of thousands of primary care doctors face the same problems as millions A AMA supports bans on trans fats In an effort to improve the nation’s health, the American Medical Association (AMA) has joined the campaign to prohibit the use of trans fats in restaurants and bakeries. Presently, New York City and California have banned their use. Philadelphia is set to phase out trans fats by September 2009. of ordinary citizens: frustrations in dealing with HMOs and government red tape,” said Sandra Johnson, board member of The Physicians’ Foundation. “The thing we heard over and over again from the physicians was that they’re unhappy they can’t spend more time with their patients, which is why they went into primary care in the first place.” Daunting economic factors also influenced the doctors’ responses. Only 17.5% of the physicians state that their practices are “healthy and profitable,” while 45% note that they would retire immediately if they had the financial means. To cope with cuts in government reimbursements, 33% of those surveyed have closed their practices to Medicaid patients and 12% have closed their practices to Medicare patients. Many physicians turn to careers in locum tenens because it allows them to practice pure medicine. With the looming shortage of primary care physicians, demand for temporary coverage will increase, offering a variety of interesting opportunities nationwide. To view the complete survey, visit www.physicians foundation.org. DID YOU KNOW… Some of Zagat’s 2009 U.S. Winners: Favorite Destination: New York City Top Newcomer: Palazzo Resort, Las Vegas Top Chain: Four Seasons Top Small Hotel: Twin Farms, VT Best Value: Homewood Suites, Disney’s Fort Wilderness, and Timberline Lodge Source: PRNewswire. (n.d.). Zagat’s 2009 U.S. hotels, resorts & spas survey finds more options available for cost-conscious travelers. Retrieved November 12, 2008, from http://www.prnews wire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/ www/story/11-12-2008/0004923475&EDATE= BOOKSHELF The Sports Medicine Resource Manual Peter Seidenberg, MD, CAQ Sports Medicine; Anthony Beutler, MD, CAQ Sports Medicine (2008/672 pages/$116.10/Hardcover/ ISBN: 10:1416031979/Saunders) Written by family practice physicians certified in sports medicine, this practical text features chapters on physical examination and diagnosis along with sections on rehabilitation and management. In this easy-toreference resource, emphasis is placed on rehabilitation of soft tissue injury, fracture management, and musculoskeletal procedures. Plus, appendices provide exercise regimens for a range of patient populations. The manual is available through www.amazon.com. www.LocumLife.com DECEMBER 2008 LocumLife 5 http://www.physiciansfoundation.org http://www.physiciansfoundation.org http://www.amazon.com http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/11-12-2008/0004923475&DATE= http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/11-12-2008/0004923475&DATE= http://www.LocumLife.com

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LocumLife - December 2008 Editorial Contents From Nalto Stat! The Basics Last-Minute Luxury Mixing Business &�Pleasure Med Ec-cerpts Neonatology Advertiser Index Opportunities Direct On Location Contest Rules Anyone's Guess La Vita Locum

LocumLife - December 2008

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