Mixed Topics
Feature
Major insurers running billions of dollars behind on payments to hospitals and doctors
Substantial payment delays can be seen on Anthem’s books. On June 30, 2019, before the pandemic, 43% of the insurer’s medical bills for that...
Livin' on the MDedge
Web of antimicrobials doesn’t hold water
Mushrooms go better with music, chickens get their stripes, and one study gets two opposing press releases.
From the Journals
Study finds paying people to participate in clinical trials is not unethical
Researchers examine how varying cash incentives affect clinical trial recruitment, assessment of risk, and perception of coercion.
Livin' on the MDedge
Cook your amphibians before you eat them
Diet drinks may be tricking your brain.
Guidelines
Guideline gives weak support to trying oral medical cannabis for chronic pain
Does oral medical cannabis work in chronic pain? Here’s what the evidence says.
Livin' on the MDedge
Elderly mice receive the gift of warmth
Plus subliminal veggies, TikTok tics, and the obesity paradox.
Conference Coverage
Emerging data point to underlying autoimmunity in ME/CFS
Findings suggest that potential treatments targeting autoantibodies may alleviate symptoms.
Guidelines
New recommendations address ME/CFS diagnosis and management
Document is based on expert clinician experience in illness that has long been overlooked and inappropriately managed.
Commentary
It’s time for all physicians to have a national medical license
Because physicians’ training requirements don’t vary from state to state, it makes sense. We must take national standardized exams to qualify.
Opinion
What is the real risk of smart phones in medicine?
Advancements in technology can present unforeseen challenges and even compromise safety.
From the Journals
FDA’s fast-track approval process exposed as lax, in need of reform
Once drugs are approved through this pathway, they are rarely taken off the market, a new study finds.