AMA Opens ePrescribing Center
The American Medical Association has launched its online ePrescribing Learning Center to provide physicians with the tools that they need to make informed decisions about the use of electronic prescribing. For more information and to access the learning center, contact the AMA at
www.ama-assn.org/go/eprescribing
Report Issued on Pain Drug Misuse
The proportion of adults aged 18-25 years who currently use pain relievers for nonmedical reasons rose from 4.1% in 2002 to 4.6% in 2007, but such use declined among teens aged 12-17, from 3.2% to 2.7%, according to a report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The full report is available online at
http://oas.samhsa.gov/2k9/painRelievers/nonmedicalTrends.cfm
AMA Issues Contracts Guide
The American Medical Association and the American Association of Preferred Provider Organizations have partnered to develop the “Provider Contracting Toolkit” to help physicians, preferred provider networks, and payers better understand contractual agreements. The guide can be accessed online at
Communicating With Older Patients
The National Institute on Aging has released a new booklet about communicating with elderly patients. “Talking with Your Older Patient: A Clinician's Handbook” offers practical techniques for diagnosing, promoting treatment adherence, and making effective use of a clinician's time. To download the booklet, visit