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Do oncologists have enough knowledge to prescribe medical marijuana?
Dorothy L. Tengler Medical & Allied HealthcareAlthough 30 states and the District of Columbia now allow marijuana use for medical purposes, physicians are expected to guide patients through areas where most have little or no training. A recent study revealed that although most oncologists do not feel informed enough about medical marijuana’s use to make clinical recommendations, at least half still recommend the drug to their patients.
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Study shows many unaware that racial disparities exist on kidney transplant…
Lynn Hetzler Medical & Allied HealthcareRacial disparity in waitlisting prevents many Americans from getting the kidney transplants they need. Healthcare providers at dialysis facilities play an important role in kidney transplant waitlisting, but very little is known about their level of awareness of these racial disparities. Results from a new study suggest that many providers are unaware of racial disparities in kidney transplant waitlisting. Specifically, they found that awareness was low among white providers and nurse managers.
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How to respond to a patient’s thank you
Lisa Mulcahy Medical & Allied HealthcareReceiving a letter of appreciation or a card from a patient expressing gratitude after a doctor's treatment is a rare and generous gesture. The benefits of expressing your gratitude in turn for this kind of acknowledgement are many — a study from the National Communication Association points out that the emotional act of saying thanks can even reduce job stress and burnout. Still, for some doctors, it can be tricky to know exactly how to respond to such a message — they may feel a bit awkward, and unsure of what to say.
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What are copay accumulator programs?
Jason Poquette PharmaceuticalRetail pharmacists and specialty pharmacists working in the trenches may have heard whispers about something called "copay accumulator programs." But with long lines at the register, phones ringing off the hook, 30 more flu shots to give and a jammed printer…I can understand why you haven’t had time to read up on them. I’m a front-line pharmacist myself, and I understand your dilemma. Let me take a moment to explain this issue.
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New Ebola outbreak spreads to large urban area in DRC
Joan Spitrey Healthcare AdministrationOn May 8, the Ministry of Health and Population of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) announced a new Ebola outbreak had begun after two cases were confirmed by laboratory test. By May 13, there were already 41 cases, including 20 deaths and three healthcare workers affected. Despite earlier identification and attempts at containment, one new case of Ebola has been confirmed in Wangata, one of the three health zones of Mbandaka, a city of nearly 1.2 million people on a major river.
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How to retain the indefatigable nurse
Keith Carlson Healthcare AdministrationWhen we use the word "indefatigable" in conjunction with the word "nurse," it is an almost perfect pairing of noun and adjective. Indefatigable can be defined as industrious, tireless or unflagging, and that is a powerfully accurate description of the majority of hard-working nurses who serve as the very mitochondria of healthcare. If healthcare employers want these nurse mitochondria to be their most effective, they need to double down on their nurses and put some skin in the game when it comes to retention.
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Physicians want integrated EHR data for better patient care
Scott E. Rupp Healthcare AdministrationThe seemingly never-ending debate about the benefits of electronic health records and their use in practice is heating up again after a new report suggested that more than half of 300 recently interviewed U.S. physicians are "very or extremely satisfied" with their access to patient information. Per the Surescripts’ Physician Perspectives on Access to Patient Data report, physicians said they feel the best part of EHR use is accessibility.
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Free webinar gives guidance on coordination of benefits for dental professionals
Tammy Hinojos Oral & Dental HealthcareEven in a very polarized political climate, there is at least one thing most Americans can easily agree on. Health insurance is frustrating. Whether you’re a provider or a benefit recipient, navigating health insurance, with all its complexities and constant changes, is a challenge. The American Dental Association is taking a proactive position in helping its members understand key areas; namely benefits.
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How to reassure your patients about practice cleanliness
Lisa Mulcahy Healthcare AdministrationPatients are becoming more and more informed about the important issue of cleanliness when they visit the doctor's office. This is a good thing, because your patients' concern about germs in the treatment environment should be your concern, and your staff's responsibility. According to the Centers for Disease Control, a surprising 48 percent of healthcare workers don't wash their hands between patients.
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As hospital profits fall, outpatient pharmacies should help
Jason Poquette PharmaceuticalThe Wall Street Journal recently published a somber-sounding article sure to send shivers down the spines of hospital investors. It reported a margin decline to 8.1 percent last year, from 9.5 percent the year before. This is grim news for health systems which are already struggling to maintain their market share amid growing competition from clinics and outpatient services. Since this week is National Hospital Week, and I care deeply about the services and financial stability of the hospital systems in our country, I wanted to share some thoughts from the perspective of a pharmacist.
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