Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Urology for December 2019. 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.

Machine Learning System Makes More Alerts for Med Errors

TUESDAY, Dec. 31, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A machine learning system can generate clinically valid alerts for medication errors that might be missed with existing clinical decision support (CDS) systems, according to a study published in the January issue of The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety.

Abstract/Full Text
Editorial

Risk-Based Approach Could Help Target Prostate Cancer Screening

FRIDAY, Dec. 27, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Risk-tailored screening could potentially reduce overdiagnosis and improve the cost-effectiveness of a prostate cancer screening program, according to a study published online Dec. 20 in PLOS Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text

Many Hospitals Fail to Provide Instructions for Patient Portals

THURSDAY, Dec. 26, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Many hospital patient portals fail to educate patients fully and set expectations for secure messaging, according to a study recently published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Patient Share of Out-of-Network Costs Rising

TUESDAY, Dec. 24, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The out-of-pocket costs for out-of-network (OON) care grew rapidly for privately insured Americans from 2012 to 2017, according to a study published in the December issue of the American Journal of Managed Care.

Abstract/Full Text

Enrollment in Affordable Care Act Holds Steady for Third Straight Year

MONDAY, Dec. 23, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Enrollment in Affordable Care Act coverage for next year has surpassed 8 million, a sign that many Americans still turn to the government health insurance program to help pay for their medical care.

More Information

Infertility Risk Increased for Men Born Small for Gestational Age

MONDAY, Dec. 23, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Men born small for gestational age (SGA) may have an increased risk for infertility in adulthood, according to a study published online Dec. 13 in Human Reproduction.

Abstract/Full Text

Private Care Program for U.S. Vets Gets $8.9 Billion in Budget Deal

THURSDAY, Dec. 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A controversial program meant to get more U.S. veterans to use private health care received $8.9 billion as part of a government spending bill approved by the House.

AP News Article

FDA to Allow States to Import Prescription Drugs From Other Countries

WEDNESDAY, Dec. 18, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Federal health officials have unveiled plans to allow prescription drug imports from Canada and other foreign nations.

More Information

Hospital-Level Home Acute Care Can Cut Costs, Health Care Use

TUESDAY, Dec. 17, 2019 (HealthDay News) — For acutely ill adults, hospital-level care at home is associated with reduced costs, health care use, and readmissions compared with usual hospital care, according to a study published online Dec. 17 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

Outcomes Worse for Rural Residents With Chronic Conditions

MONDAY, Dec. 16, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Rural Medicare beneficiaries with complex chronic conditions have higher preventable hospitalization and mortality rates than their urban peers, which is partially explained by reduced access to specialists, according to a report published in the December issue of Health Affairs, a theme issue on rural health.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Hahn Confirmed as New FDA Chief

FRIDAY, Dec. 13, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Stephen Hahn, M.D., was confirmed as commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in a 72-18 Senate vote on Thursday.

The New York Times Article

Organ Transplant Does Not Worsen Prostate Cancer Outcome

FRIDAY, Dec. 13, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Among older men with prostate cancer, an organ transplant is associated with higher overall mortality, but not prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM), according to a study published online Nov. 15 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Antibiotics Often Prescribed Without Documented Indication

THURSDAY, Dec. 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A considerable proportion of antibiotics are prescribed without a documented indication, according to a study published online Dec. 11 in The BMJ.

Abstract/Full Text
Editorial

U.S. Primary Care Doctors Face Challenges in Coordinating Care

TUESDAY, Dec. 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Physicians from the United States and other high-income countries report difficulties with care coordination, with a substantial proportion of U.S. physicians not receiving timely notification or the information needed from specialists or other sites of care, according to a study published online Dec. 10 in Health Affairs.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

U.S. Health Care Spending Up 4.6 Percent in 2018

TUESDAY, Dec. 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — In 2018, U.S. health care spending increased 4.6 percent, a faster rate than that seen in 2017, according to a report published online Dec. 5 in Health Affairs.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

2016 to 2019 Saw Increase in Medical Students With Disabilities

MONDAY, Dec. 9, 2019 (HealthDay News) — From 2016 to 2019, there was an increase in the proportion of medical students reporting disabilities, according to a research letter published in the Nov. 26 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Rural Population Underrepresented Among Medical Students

FRIDAY, Dec. 6, 2019 (HealthDay News) — In 2017, less than 5 percent of all incoming medical students were rural students, according to a study published in the December issue of Health Affairs, a theme issue on rural health.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Retail Prescription Drug Prices Fall for First Time in 45 Years

FRIDAY, Dec. 6, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Retail prescription drug prices in the United States fell by 1 percent last year, a new government report shows.

AP News Article

Services Affected by Rural Hospitals Joining Health Systems

WEDNESDAY, Dec. 4, 2019 (HealthDay News) — While affiliating with health systems may boost a rural hospital’s financial viability, the affiliation is often associated with reductions in critical services, according to a study published in the December issue of Health Affairs, a theme issue on rural health.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Adults Not Living in Metro Areas Have Reduced Access to Care

WEDNESDAY, Dec. 4, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Adults not living in metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) are more likely to have reduced access to or use of health care services, according to a study published online Dec. 4 in the National Health Statistics Reports, a publication from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Abstract/Full Text

Physician Depressive Symptoms Tied to Higher Risk for Medical Errors

WEDNESDAY, Dec. 4, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Physicians showing depressive symptoms are at higher risk for medical errors, according to a review published Nov. 27 in JAMA Network Open.

Abstract/Full Text

Current Statin Use May Lower Risk for Lethal Prostate Cancer

MONDAY, Dec. 2, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Current statin use is inversely associated with the risk for lethal prostate cancer, according to a study published online Nov. 21 in Clinical Cancer Research.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Copyright © 2020 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.
healthday

Author