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Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Nephrology for July 2018. 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.<\/p>\n
Learning to Change Important for Improving Practice<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Although physicians typically struggle with change, relying on habits created in their practice, learning to change is important in order to improve practices and better deal with the changes sweeping through medicine, according to an article published in Medical Economics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Weak Recommendation to Screen for Bacteriuria in Pregnancy <\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Very low-quality evidence supports screening for elevated bacteria levels in urine during the first trimester for non-symptomatic pregnant women, according to a clinical guideline published in the July 9 issue of CMAJ<\/i>, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Front Desk Staff Can Set Up a Practice for Successful Billing<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Allowing front desk staff adequate time and an uninterrupted environment to focus on billing can prevent problems later on, according to an article published in Physicians Practice<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Few Published Programs Address Medical Trainee Mistreatment<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There are very few published descriptions of programs that address the mistreatment of medical trainees, according to a review published online July 27 in JAMA Network Open<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial<\/a><\/p>\n Medical Boards May Contribute to Mental Health Stigma for Doctors<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Existing policy has been amended to encourage licensing boards to require disclosure of physical or mental health conditions only when these would negatively impact a physicians’ ability to practice medicine, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire<\/i>.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Four Strategies Help Doctors Make Personal, Professional Gains<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In an article published in Physicians Practice<\/i>, four strategies are presented to help physicians make personal and professional gains.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Assessing, Improving Patient Satisfaction Cuts Malpractice Risk<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Assessing and improving patient satisfaction can help physicians avoid being sued for malpractice, according to an article published in Physicians Practice<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Use of 2017 ACC\/AHA Guidelines Would Increase HTN Prevalence<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Adoption of the 2017 American College of Cardiology (ACC)\/American Heart Association (AHA) hypertension guidelines would increase the proportion of 45- to 75-year-olds labeled as having hypertension in the United States and China, according to a study published online July 11 in The BMJ<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Insurers May Be Underpaying Doctors<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Insurance companies sometimes underpay doctors the contracted amount for a service or procedure, according to an article published in Medical Economics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Tools, Methods of RCTs Can Be Adapted to Real-World Settings<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Use of appropriate statistical methodology can allow for the synthesis of data collected as part of traditional clinical trials with real-world data, according to an Ideas and Opinions piece published online July 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Physicians and Practices Should Prepare for Emergencies<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Practices and physicians should prepare for emergency situations, such as natural disasters, network communications failures, and active shooter situations, according to an article published in Medical Economics<\/i>.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n VA MISSION Act May Up Costs, Lower Vet Health Care Quality<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Veterans Affairs Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks (VA MISSION) Act may increase costs and reduce quality of health care for veterans, according to an Ideas and Opinions piece published online July 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Walmart Generic Drug Discounts Often Offer More Patient Savings<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 23 2018 (HealthDay News) — Walmart’s Generic Drug Discount Program (GDDP), which sells many commonly used generic medications for $4 per 30-day supply, offers savings over Medicare for some generic cardiovascular medications, according to a research letter published online July 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Medical Organizations Must Address Sexual Harassment<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Medical institutions and organizations need to ensure there are proactive interventions to transform the workplace in order to address sexual harassment and discrimination, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire<\/i>.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Embezzlement Not Uncommon in Medical Practices<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Embezzlement occurs frequently in medical practices and steps should be taken to prevent it, according to an article published in Medical Economics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Increased Coverage in States With Medicaid Expansion<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Coverage rates and access to care are significantly higher in states with Medicaid expansion, compared with non-expansion states, according to a study published in the July issue of Health Affairs<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Patient Social Support Influential Factor for Transplant Providers <\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For transplant providers, the second most influential factor determining a patient’s suitability for transplantation is social support, according to a report published online June 28 in the Journal of Medical Ethics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Same-Day Appointment System Implemented in Health Network<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A same-day appointment system can feasibly be introduced, according to the experiences of one health network presented in an article published in Managed Healthcare Executive<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Patients Care About the Clothes Doctors Wear<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patients do in fact care what doctors wear, according to a study recently published in BMJ Open<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Seven Strategies Can Help Practices Manage Staff Time Off<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, July 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Several strategies can be implemented to help address management of staff time off, allowing mutual respect for the employee and employer requests, according to an article published in Medical Economics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Overall Cancer Mortality Rates Decreasing for Men and Women<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, July 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Cancer incidence rates have decreased among men but remained stable among women, while cancer death rates are decreasing for both men and women, according to a report published in the July 1 issue of Cancer<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Basal Insulin Analogues Similar for Glucose Lowering<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, July 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Basal insulin analogues for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) do not substantially differ in their glucose-lowering effect, according to a review published online July 10 in the Annals of Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Alternative Payment Models Should Include Precision Medicine<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association has committed to working to integrate precision medicine into alternative payment models (APMs), according to an article published in the association’s AMA Wire<\/i>.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Trials Supporting FDA Approval of Breakthrough Drugs Examined<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Pivotal trials supporting U.S. Food and Drug Administration approvals granted Breakthrough Therapy designation often lack randomization, double-blinding, and control groups, according to a research letter published in the July 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n FDA Establishes New Task Force on Drug Shortages<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In a recent statement, U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., announced the formation of a new drug shortages task force to thoroughly explore the reasons why drug shortages remain a persistent challenge.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Adoption of EHR Linked to Reduction in Mortality Rates<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is associated with a reduction in mortality rates in U.S. hospitals, according to a study published in the July issue of Health Affairs<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n eCare Plan Set to Improve Doctor\/Pharmacist Relationship<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Pharmacist eCare Plan is designed to improve communication between pharmacists and physicians by allowing documentation to be available via electronic health records (EHRs), according to an article published online in Drug Topics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Physician Burnout Tied to Higher Risk of Medical Errors<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Physician burnout, fatigue, and work-unit safety grades are independently associated with medical errors, according to a study published online July 9 in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Virtual Assistants Not HIPAA Compliant<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Virtual assistant programs like Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa are not yet in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), warns an article published in Medical Economics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Gender Bias in Medicine Has Far-Reaching Consequences<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Overlooking women in medicine can have far-reaching consequences, according to a perspective piece published in the June 14 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n AMA Aims to Boost Affordability of ACA Marketplace Plans<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates has adopted policy to increase the number of people who obtain coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by making marketplace plans more affordable.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n 2001 to 2015 Saw Decline in Self-Employment in Health Care<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — From 2001 to 2015 there was a decrease in the percentage of health care professionals who are self-employed and a decrease in the earning gap between self-employed and employed health care professionals, according to a study published online July 12 in JAMA Network Open<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Patient Experience Officers Can Play Key Role in Medical Offices<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A patient experience officer is an increasingly important new role in physician practices, according to an article recently published in Physicians Practice<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Peer-Led Education Helps Physicians Save Time With EHRs<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A peer-based education program can improve the efficiency of electronic health record (EHR) use, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire<\/i>.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Metformin Tied to Acidosis Risk at eGFR <30mL\/min\/1.73 m\u00b2<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, July 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Metformin use is associated with an increased risk of acidosis at estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <30mL\/min\/1.73 m\u00b2, according to a study published in the July issue of JAMA Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n International Group Develops Best Practices for Drug Packaging<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Nine new drug labeling and packaging guidelines have been developed with an aim of reducing medication errors, according to a report published in Drug Topics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n AMA Calls for Inclusive Family, Medical Leave Policies<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association (AMA) calls for inclusive family and medical leave policies to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) workers who care for relatives, spouses, and partners.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Error Rate 7.4 Percent in Speech Recognition-Assisted Notes<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The error rate in speech recognition (SR)-assisted documentation is 7.4 percent, according to a study published online July 6 in JAMA Network Open<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n HCV-Infected Kidney Transplant More Efficient in HCV-Infected<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with end-stage renal disease, transplant of an HCV-infected kidney followed by treatment is more cost-effective than transplant of an HCV-uninfected kidney, according to a study published online July 10 in the Annals of Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n High-Risk APOL1<\/i> Not Tied to CVD, Stroke in Older Black Women<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For postmenopausal African-American women, high-risk APOL1<\/i> genotype seems not to be associated with coronary heart disease, stroke, or mortality, according to a study published online July 3 in JAMA Cardiology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Higher Visceral Fat Ratio Seen With Recurring Urolithiasis<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Recurrent stone-forming patients have high visceral fat ratios compared to first-time stone-forming patients, according to a study published in the June issue of the International Journal of Urology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n IT Solutions for Easier EHRs Save Physicians Time, Burnout<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, July 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Yale Medicine is effectively targeting electronic health record (EHR) use and functionality as a way to improve physician job satisfaction and reduce burnout, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire<\/i>.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Hospitals Face $218B in Federal Payment Cuts From 2010 to 2028<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Cumulative reductions in federal payments to hospitals from 2010 to 2028 are estimated to reach $218.2 billion, according to a study commissioned by the Federation of American Hospitals and the American Hospital Association (AHA).<\/p>\n News Release<\/a><\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Patient Complaints Mainly About Rudeness, Rushing, Reproach<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Understanding patients’ complaints about practice can be instructive for physicians, according to an article published June 6 in Physicians Practice<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Patients Comfortable With Doctors Having Tattoos, Piercings<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patients do not appear to mind if doctors have tattoos or piercings, according to a study published online July 2 in the Emergency Medicine Journal<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n FDA Permits Marketing of Devices to Create Arteriovenous Fistula<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has permitted marketing of two catheter-based devices designed to create an arteriovenous (AV) fistula in patients with chronic kidney disease in need of hemodialysis.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Intensive Management Program Benefits High-Risk Patients<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For high-risk patients, use of an intensive management program is associated with greater receipt of outpatient care with no increase in total costs, according to a study published in the June 19 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n <\/i><\/p>\n