Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Otolaryngology for June 2017. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.
Poll Finds Seniors Struggling With Drug Costs Don’t Seek Help
FRIDAY, June 30, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Many older Americans who have difficulty paying for their medications don’t seek help in finding more economical options, according to the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging.
Health of the Nation Presented in 40th Annual CDC Report
THURSDAY, June 29, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The health of the United States is summarized in the 40th annual report published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Doctors Urged to Take Care With Electronic Communications
THURSDAY, June 29, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Care should be taken when conveying electronic messages to patients, according to a report published by the American Medical Association (AMA).
Most Cutaneous Procedures Seem Safe During Isotretinoin Rx
THURSDAY, June 29, 2017 (HealthDay News) — There is insufficient evidence to support delaying several cutaneous surgical procedures in the setting of systemic isotretinoin therapy, although mechanical dermabrasion and fully ablative laser are not recommended, according to a review published online June 28 in JAMA Dermatology.
FDA Seeks to Increase Number of Generic Drugs on Market
WEDNESDAY, June 28, 2017 (HealthDay News) — New measures to increase the number of generic prescription drugs available to Americans have been taken by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Reduced Cancer-Independent Life Expectancy in Head, Neck Cancer
TUESDAY, June 27, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Patients with head and neck cancer have reduced life expectancy, independent of cancer, according to a study published online June 22 in Head & Neck.
1991-2014 Saw Minimal Change in Health Spending Per State
THURSDAY, June 22, 2017 (HealthDay News) — From 1991 to 2014 there was minimal change in health spending by state, according to a study published online June 14 in Health Affairs.
Nearly 60 Percent With Conjunctivitis Fill Antibiotic Rx
THURSDAY, June 22, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Antibiotic prescriptions are filled by nearly 60 percent of patients newly diagnosed with acute conjunctivitis, according to a study published online June 14 in Ophthalmology.
Support for Financial Penalties Up With Emphasis on Patient Harms
TUESDAY, June 20, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Physicians who receive information about patient harms are more likely to support financial penalties targeting inappropriate antibiotic prescribing, according to a research letter published online June 20 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Health Insurers Recruiting Former Pharma Reps to Cut Costs
FRIDAY, June 16, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Health insurers are recruiting former pharmaceutical company representatives to educate doctors and help save money on prescription medications, according to a report published June 8 in Kaiser Health News.
Recreational Activity-Linked Facial Fractures Up in Seniors
FRIDAY, June 16, 2017 (HealthDay News) — From 2011 to 2015 there was an increase in facial fractures sustained from recreational activity among older adults, according to a study published online June 15 in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery.
Comprehensive Audiologic Care Feasible in Free Clinic Model
FRIDAY, June 16, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Comprehensive audiology care can be provided in a free clinic model, allowing patients to be fitted with free hearing aids, according to research published online June 15 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
AMA Endeavors to Increase Transparency of Rx Pricing
THURSDAY, June 15, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association (AMA) is calling for more transparency in drug pricing amid rising costs that are putting some lifesaving medications out of reach for patients and communities.
Risk of HPV-Linked Second Cancers Up After Anal Cancer
THURSDAY, June 15, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Survivors of squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA) have an elevated risk of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related second primary malignancies (SPMs), according to a study published online June 13 in Cancer.
Sleep Apnea Linked to Diabetic Retinopathy in Type 2 Diabetes
WEDNESDAY, June 14, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients with type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy (STDR) and with progression to pre-/proliferative DR, according to a study published online June 8 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
Medical Students Lacking Proficiency in BP Measurements
MONDAY, June 12, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Medical students frequently do not achieve mastery of the skills necessary for accurate measurement of blood pressure (BP), according to a study published online April 28 in the Journal of Clinical Hypertension.
New Bill With Tort Reforms Will Protect Iowa Physicians
FRIDAY, June 9, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A new bill with tort reforms to protect Iowa physicians will take effect July 1, according to a report published by the American Medical Association (AMA).
Global Climate Change Could Cause Rise in Airway Irritation
FRIDAY, June 9, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Climate change may increase people’s exposure to an outdoor fungus that can damage airway cells, leading to a rise in asthma and allergy symptoms, according to a study published online recently in the American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology.
U.S. Leads in Income-Based Health Care Inequalities
THURSDAY, June 8, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The United States has larger income-related differences in perceptions of health and health care than other middle- and high-income countries, according to a report published in the June issue of Health Affairs.
Health System Sees Success With E-Visits Via Patient Portal
WEDNESDAY, June 7, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Patient portals can successfully offer access to physicians without office visits, according to a report published online May 30 by the American Medical Association.
CDC: High-Deductible Health Plan Use Rising Among Employers
WEDNESDAY, June 7, 2017 (HealthDay News) — High-deductible health plans are becoming more common among U.S. adults with employer-sponsored health insurance coverage, according to a report issued June 6 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).
Positive Clinical Effects Seen for Placebos Without Deception
TUESDAY, June 6, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Open-label placebos are associated with a positive effect compared with no treatment in a variety of clinical conditions, according to a review and meta-analysis published online May 30 in the Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine.
Grass Pollen SLIT Slows Course of Allergic Rhinitis, Asthma
MONDAY, June 5, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients with allergic rhinitis (AR), sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is associated with slower AR progression and less frequent asthma onset, according to research published online May 31 in Allergy.
Cool Water Works As Well As Hot for Ridding Hands of Germs
FRIDAY, June 2, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For effective hand hygiene, water temperature matters less than time, according to a study published in the June issue of the Journal of Food Protection.
Recreational Cannabis Negatively Affects Gums When Used Often
THURSDAY, June 1, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Recreational cannabis users are at increased risk of periodontal disease, according to a study published recently in the Journal of Periodontology.
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