AMA's Council on Scientific Affairs takes a fresh look at thermography
Article Abstract:
The American Medical Association's (AMA) Council on Scientific Affairs is rewriting its position paper on thermography. Thermography is a test to measure skin temperature, but its use is controversial. In Aug 1991, the New Jersey Supreme Court ordered insurance companies to pay for thermography. Many physicians who use thermography have overcharged patients for its use. The New Jersey Supreme Court found that the rates charged by the plaintiffs in the Aug 1991 case may have been too high. Some researchers believe that the test is necessary to help diagnose certain diseases. But some physicians use thermography to diagnose diseases for which it may have no diagnostic value. Few studies that have investigated the use of thermography have generated controlled data. But those that have indicate that the test may not have any value for diagnosis of cancer, neurological diseases or musculoskeletal conditions. Advocates of thermography believe that many studies in the medical literature support the use of thermography. New data is expected in 1993 on the use of thermography to diagnose a musculoskeletal condition.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1992
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Women's health initiative leads way as research begins to fill gender gaps
Article Abstract:
The Women's Health Initiative will be a 10-year, $500 million study of diet, exercise, hormone therapy and smoking and their relation to cardiovascular disease, cancer and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It will involve five of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and up to 140,000 women. But critics think the study is too complex and too large. The study may begin with a group one-third the size of the original plan. The General Accounting Office (GAO) is investigating the inclusion of women in research sponsored by drug companies. A survey of pharmaceutical companies by the Pharmaceutical Manufacturer's Association found that 263 drugs are being developed to treat diseases that affect women only. And the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is planning a conference on drug metabolism in women and how it may vary throughout the menstrual cycle.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1992
User Contributions:
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