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Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Pulmonology for August 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
Medical Bills in Collections Decrease With Patient Age<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, Aug. 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Medical collections decrease substantially with age, possibly because of increased health insurance coverage and incomes, according to a study published in the August issue of Health Affairs<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n 14.6 Percent of U.S. Adults Used Marijuana in Past Year<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, Aug. 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Overall, 14.6 percent of U.S. adults report marijuana use in the past year, according to a research letter published online Aug. 28 in the Annals of Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n No Meaningful Increase in Physician Compensation Last Year<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, Aug. 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There was no meaningful increase in physician compensation in 2017, and a decline in productivity was noted, according to the results of a survey conducted by AMGA Consulting.<\/p>\n Press Release<\/a><\/p>\n Survey (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n MICs of Isoniazid, Rifampin May Predict Tuberculosis Relapse<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, Aug. 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In pretreatment isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis<\/i>, higher minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of isoniazid and rifampin below the standard resistance breakpoint are associated with increased risk of relapse, according to a study published in the Aug. 30 issue of the New England Journal of 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 Marketplace Premiums Increase More With Monopolist Insurers<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, Aug. 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Affordable Care Act Marketplace premiums increase more in areas with monopolist insurers, according to a study published in the August issue of Health Affairs<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Chronic Vaping Exerts Biological Effects on Lungs<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, Aug. 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Chronic vaping exerts biological effects on the lung, some of which may be mediated by the propylene glycol\/vegetable glycerin (PG\/VG) base, according to a study published in the July 1 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Medical Practices Should Address Negative Online Reviews<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Aug. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Medical practice staff can effectively handle negative online reviews by staying calm and positive, looking for solutions, apologizing, and thanking the reviewers, according to an article published in Physicians Practice<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Poor Shared Decision-Making for Lung Cancer Screening<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Aug. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The quality of shared decision-making (SDM) about the initiation of lung cancer screening (LCS) is poor, according to a study published online Aug. 13 in 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 Invited Commentary (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Artificial Intelligence Holds Promise in Medicine<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Aug. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Artificial intelligence (AI) in health care offers opportunities for early detection and triage, diagnostics and personalized medicine, and medical decision-making, according to an article published in Managed Healthcare Executive<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Alcohol Is Leading Risk Factor for Global Disease Burden<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Aug. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Globally, alcohol use is a leading risk factor for disease burden, according to research published online Aug. 23 in The Lancet<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial<\/a><\/p>\n Experts Address Loss of the National Guideline Clearinghouse<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Aug. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The demise of the National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC) in July 2018 is likely to impact evidence-based health care around the world, according to an Ideas and Opinions piece published online Aug. 28 in the Annals of Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Prevalence of E-Cigarette Use 4.5 Percent in U.S. Adults<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, Aug. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The prevalence of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use among U.S. adults is 4.5 percent, with higher prevalence among those aged 18 to 24 years, according to a study published online Aug. 28 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 Most Research Participants Not Concerned About Data Sharing<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, Aug. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Few participants in clinical trials have strong concerns about the risks of data sharing, according to a special article recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Care Coordination Strategies Aid in Multiple Chronic Diseases<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, Aug. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Care coordination strategies can be beneficial for older patients with multiple chronic diseases, according to a review published in the Aug. 27 issue of CMAJ<\/i>, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial<\/a><\/p>\n AMA Adopts Policy Promoting Health Equity As a Goal<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, Aug. 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates has adopted a policy that sets health equity as a goal for the U.S. health care system, according to a report published in the organization’s AMA Wire<\/i>.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Frailty in Middle-Aged With Multimorbidity Tied to Mortality<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, Aug. 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For middle-aged individuals with multimorbidity, frailty is significantly associated with mortality, according to a study published in the July issue of The Lancet Public Health<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial<\/a><\/p>\n Most Surgical Residents Want Financial Education<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, Aug. 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Surgical residents feel strongly that personal financial education should be offered during medical training, according to a study published in the August issue of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Long-Term PPI Use Linked to Pneumonia Risk in Older Adults<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, Aug. 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Among older adults in primary care, use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is associated with greater risk of pneumonia in the second year of treatment, according to a study published in the July issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Small Practices Also at Risk for Data Breaches<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, Aug. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Data breaches can happen to small medical practices, but staff can take steps to prevent them, according to an article published in Medical Economics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Strategy Outlined for Shooter Incident in Health Care Facility<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, Aug. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Adhering to a “secure, preserve, fight” strategy is recommended for health care professionals working with a vulnerable patient population, according to a Medicine and Society piece published in the Aug. 9 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Teen Smoke Exposure Tied to Increase in Related Symptoms<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, Aug. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Non-smoking adolescents with tobacco smoke exposure (TSE) have increased risk of TSE-related symptoms, according to a study published online Aug. 6 in Pediatrics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n National Provider Identifiers Are Vulnerable to Theft<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, Aug. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — National Provider Identifiers (NPIs) are vulnerable to identity theft, according to an article published in Physicians Practice<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Advantages for HDHP Enrollees in Large Versus Small Firms<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, Aug. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Workers in small firms are more likely to have higher deductible levels and lack employer contributions to help pay for out-of-pocket expenses compared to workers in larger firms, according to a study published in the August issue of Health Affairs<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Similar Outcomes for Rural, Urban Cancer Patients in SWOG Trials<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, Aug. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Rural and urban cancer patients with uniform care access through participation in a SWOG (formerly the Southwest Oncology Group) treatment trial have similar outcomes, according to a study published online Aug. 17 in JAMA Network Open<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial<\/a><\/p>\n Doctors Often Not Discussing Risk Factors With Patients<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Aug. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patients report that doctors are routinely not discussing known risk factors for common causes of death, according to a survey conducted by ImagineMD.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Plan to Relax Coal-Fired Power Plant Rules Could Up Mortality<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Aug. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Trump administration’s plan to relax pollution rules for coal-fired power plants will increase carbon emissions and cause up to 1,400 premature deaths a year, according to details released Tuesday.<\/p>\n The New York Times<\/i> Article<\/a><\/p>\n EPA News Release<\/a><\/p>\n Pennsylvania Case Could Affect Evidence for Malpractice Defense<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Aug. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case that could affect what evidence physicians may present in defense during medical malpractice suits, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire<\/i>.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Wildfire Smoke Causing Poor Air Quality in U.S. Pacific Northwest<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, Aug. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Smoke from wildfires will cause poor air quality in parts of the U.S. Pacific Northwest this week, officials warn.<\/p>\n AP News<\/i> Article<\/a><\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n NYU Becomes First Medical School to Cover All Tuition<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, Aug. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The NYU School of Medicine has announced that it is offering full-tuition scholarships to all current and future students in its M.D. degree program, regardless of need or merit.<\/p>\n Press Release<\/a><\/p>\n Experts Offer Tips for Provider Appeal of Denied Medical Claims<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, Aug.20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Knowing payer policies and regulatory requirements is critical to appealing denials, according to an article published in Medical Economics<\/i>.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Little Global Development Assistance for Adolescent Health<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, Aug. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Development assistance for adolescent health (DAAH) makes up a small proportion of total development assistance for health, according to a study published online Aug. 10 in JAMA Network Open<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Heat-Driven Air Conditioning May Contribute to Additional Deaths<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, Aug. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In what can be described as a vicious catch-22, approximately 5 to 9 percent of exacerbated air-pollution-related deaths will be due to increases in power sector emissions from the extra air conditioning use resulting from climate change, according to a study published online July 3 in PLOS Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Many Children With Asthma Do Not Have Medications Ready<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, Aug. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Many low-income urban preschool-aged children with asthma do not meet the criteria for home medication readiness, according to a study published online Aug. 7 in Pediatrics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Declines in Life Expectancy in Many High-Income Countries<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, Aug. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Life expectancy has declined in recent years in some high-income countries, and in the United States, midlife mortality has increased due to several causes, according to two studies published online Aug. 15 in The BMJ<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text – Ho and Hendi<\/a><\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text – Woolf<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial <\/a><\/p>\n Tobacco Content Still Common on U.K. Prime-Time Television<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, Aug. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Audiovisual tobacco content remains common in prime-time U.K. television programs and is virtually unchanged from 2010, according to a study published online Aug. 13 in Tobacco Control<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Comments Open on End of NIH Review for Gene Therapy Studies<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, Aug. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A U.S. National Institutes of Health oversight panel will no longer review all applications for gene therapy experiments. Instead, the panel will assume an advisory role, while the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will assess gene therapy experiments and products as it does with other treatments and drugs. The proposed change will take effect after a public comment period which runs through Oct. 16.<\/p>\n AP News<\/i> Article<\/a><\/p>\n NIH Statement<\/a><\/p>\n Comment on Regulations<\/a><\/p>\n Residents’ Sleep Deteriorates During Training<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, Aug. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — First-year residents experience worsening sleep duration and quality as well as daytime sleepiness, according to a study published in the June issue of the Journal of General 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 E-Cigarette Vapor Condensate Toxic to Alveolar Macrophages<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, Aug. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) vapor condensate (ECVC) is significantly more toxic to alveolar macrophages than e-cigarette liquid (ECL), according to a study published online Aug. 13 in Thorax<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n QI Program Can Up Outcomes for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, Aug. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Significant improvements in neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) outcomes can result from a comprehensive quality improvement (QI) program, according to a study published in the August issue of the Journal of Perinatology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Practice Names, Logos Should Be Carefully Designed<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, Aug. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Practice names and logos should be carefully designed to emphasize what is unique about a practice, according to a blog post published in Physicians Practice<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n NIH Panel Will No Longer Review Gene Therapy Experiments<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, Aug. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A U.S. National Institutes of Health oversight panel will no longer review all applications for gene therapy experiments, according to a perspective piece published online Aug. 15 in the New England Journal of Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n NIH Statement<\/a><\/p>\n ACA Coverage Gains Include Workers Without Insurance<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, Aug. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — After the expanded coverage provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) were implemented in 2014, self-employed individuals and wage earners without employer-sponsored health coverage offers had coverage gains equal to or greater than those of people not employed, according to a report published in the August issue of Health Affairs<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Steps Provided for Discharging Patient From Practice<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, Aug. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Certain steps should be taken when discharging a patient for failure or inability to meet financial obligations, according to an article published in Physicians Practice<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Patient Portals Don’t Appear to Have Much Traction<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, Aug. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patient portals have not taken off as expected, according to an article published in Medical Economics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Rate of Pediatric Emergencies in Ambulatory Practices Identified<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, Aug. 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The rate of pediatric emergency medical services (EMS) transports from ambulatory practices is 42 per 100,000 children per year, according to a study published in the August issue of Pediatrics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Broad Genetic Testing for NSCLC May Not Improve Survival<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, Aug. 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Broad-based genomic sequencing does not improve survival compared to routine genetic testing among patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), according to a study published in the Aug. 7 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association<\/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 Labetalol Use Up for Patients With Preeclampsia and Asthma<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, Aug. 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Higher rates of \u03b2-blocker use are seen among women with preeclampsia and asthma, according to a study published in the July issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n E-Cigarette Smoking Tied to Later Marijuana Use in Teens<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Aug. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Teenagers’ use of any tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), is associated with subsequent marijuana use, according to a study published in the August issue of Pediatrics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n 6 Factors Related to Inclusion in Health Care Workplace ID’d<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Aug. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There are six broad factors that can affect inclusion within health care organizations, according to a study published online Aug. 3 in JAMA Network Open<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial<\/a><\/p>\n Physicians With Medicine\/Psych Training Can Help Complex Cases<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Aug. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Physicians boarded in both medicine and psychiatry can offer a way to address some of the challenges associated with caring for medical patients with psychiatric comorbidities, according to an article published in Psychiatric Times<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Four Pros to Integrating EHR, Practice Management Software<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, Aug. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Consolidating electronic health records and practice management software allows practices to save time and money, make fewer mistakes, and reduce the risk of privacy breaches, according to an article published in Physicians Practice<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full text<\/a><\/p>\n C. difficile<\/i> Tied to Increased Graft Loss in Solid Organ Recipients<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, Aug. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, Clostridium difficile<\/i> infection (CDI) is associated with increased graft loss, according to a study published in the July issue of the American Journal of Transplantation<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n FDA Warns Against Long-Term Azithromycin Use for Some<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, Aug. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning patients with cancers of the blood or lymph nodes who undergo a donor stem cell transplant not to take azithromycin, as long-term use of the antibiotic has been associated with increased risk of cancer relapse.<\/p>\n