The role of the emergency department

Article Abstract:

Shifting costs away from the emergency department should not compromise good patient care. Following a general trend to control medical costs, health insurance policy tends to restrict the use of emergency services by imposing additional charges on the patient. Two 1996 studies looked at the utilization of emergency service related to either an additional copayment or in terms of cost analysis. Since treating a patient with nonurgent symptoms in the emergency unit costs very little, discouraging such visits may not translate into substantial savings. Similarly, it is worrisome that a small copayment requirement among employed HMO members would discourage 15% of the people with potentially serious symptoms to seek emergency medical treatment. Standard evaluation of such symptoms, including asthma, head trauma, pregnancy complications, and chest pain, should not be jeopardized.

Health aspects, Prices and rates, Insurance industry, Emergency medical services, Medical care, Cost of, Health care costs, Medical care utilization, Hospitals, Hospital emergency services

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Medical journals and medical reporting

Article Abstract:

A doctor who is a former medical writer for the Los Angeles Times gives his advice to science reporters who want to improve their stories. A study published in 2000 found that many news media outlets did not adequately inform consumers about the benefits, risks, and costs of medical treatments. It is often difficult to write a concise story that includes all pertinent data. Many reporters work under a deadline and even if they include such information, the editor may take it out.

Analysis, Journalism, Medical, Medical journalism

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HIV in India - The challenges ahead

Article Abstract:

India will launch the next phase of its National Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Control Program (NACP) on April 1, 2007, which aims to reduce the number of new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections and providing improved therapy to more patients. The HIV epidemic is only one of the country's numerous health problems and the challenges facing the government include reducing social stigma and discrimination, and training health care workers.

Financial management, India, Finance, Prevention, Development and progression, HIV infection, HIV infections, Company financing, AIDS treatment

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