Blogs

Why Is Methadone So Hard to Prescribe for Opioid Use Disorder?

Jim Anderson, MPAS, PA-C, wonders if SAMHSA will make the methadone take-home flexibility program permanent.

Prescription Literacy: Educating Patients on Medication Instructions

The simple act of writing down the indication for a medication can boost patient adherence.

Managing Controlled Substances in Everyday Prescribing

The landscape of prescribing practices is constantly evolving, and clinicians must stay informed to ensure responsible prescribing of controlled substances.

Overcoming Aftershock: Six Ways You Can Prepare to Return to Work After a Long Absence

As with any profession, returning to work after long-term absence because of illness or injury can be daunting for healthcare providers.

Honoring Women in Medicine: Reader Responses

Medical Bag is sharing your stories about the women behind the white coats.

IDSA/SHEA Publish Updated C difficile Infection Clinical Guidelines

The updated guideline provides recommendations for the treatment of recurrent Clostridium difficile infections.

When Body Language Says What Words Cannot: Interpreting Patients’ Unspoken Messages

Sometimes what someone says with body language is clear, but sometimes it’s not — and physicians need to do a little exploring.

Prior Authorization Equals Current Frustration: Challenges in Practice

Insurance companies believe that if there are enough hurdles to jump over — and if the hurdles are high enough — patients and physicians might stop running.

Medical Malpractice: A Closer Look at Payout Redistribution

A recent bill passed in the US House of Representatives proposes a number of changes to malpractice liability rules, including a $250,000 cap on non-economic damages.

Electronic Health Records: Is It Time to Uncouple Billing and Documentation Requirements?

In the age of the EHR, physicians enjoy improved access to patient information and data, but additional regulatory and documentation requirements have impaired how physicians practice medicine.

The CVS/Aetna Merger: What It Means for the Future of Primary Care

In the new partnership, Aetna will have access to data on pharmaceutical usage patterns that will allow the company to carefully parse the insurance risks it takes on.

The Effects of Wearable Fitness Trackers on Obesity and Inactivity

Fitness trackers may not be not as effective at inducing positive shifts in diet and exercise habits as traditional methods.

Are Clinicians Too Reliant on Computerized Decision Support Systems?

Some might argue that using decision support systems might compromise the organic decision-making process.

Overdiagnosis in Medicine: What We Owe Our Patients

Physicians need to think about ethical problems in a way that allows a balance of competing priorities and also leaves room for personalized decision-making.

Pain Management in Primary Care: An FNP’s Perspective

Clinicians should talk to patients about why they are taking pain medication, how long they have been taking it, and how they feel about being prescribed opioids.

Using Conscious vs Unconscious Thinking to Solve Problems in Medicine

A physician shares his thoughts on the differences between conscious and unconscious thinking and how both apply to solving problems in medicine.

The Streetlight Effect: Statistical vs Clinical Significance in Medical Research

Evidence of the streetlight effect can be found across several fields, including medical research, where investigators draw suspect conclusions from analysis of irrelevant data.

The Fight Against Obesity: Helping Patients Lose Weight

With rates of obesity increasing in the United States, it can be a challenge to help patients successfully lose weight.

Health Care Costs in the United States: Are Physician Salaries Really the Problem?

Decreasing physicians’ salaries will not improve the cost of health care in the United States, but it may discourage individuals from entering the healthcare field.

Treating Hepatitis C in Primary Care: The Nurse Practitioner’s Role

Modern treatments for hepatitis C have improved outcomes and experiences for patients.