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April 2009 — Healthcare and the Economy 
According to a recent Barron’s report, healthcare is one of a few industries that are the furthest removed from financial and economic turmoil. Healthcare is still expected to grow profits in 2009, even if only at a gain of 1%. With general unemployment rates at their highest in 25 years, it’s hard to believe that healthcare could continue turning a profit. More and more patients are out of work, struggling to pay their medical bills and skipping pills in an attempt to make their prescriptions last longer. How has the economy impacted you, your practice and your patients? Go to “Your Voice” below to give us your feedback on how you think healthcare is affected by this economy. Also in this issue: |
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Test your knowledge! Can you identify the disease in this image? Brought to you by Epocrates Online, featuring at-a-glance disease overviews, detailed diagnostic and treatment recommendations, and national medical society guidelines. |
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Editorial: Dr. Anne Meneghetti, Internist, Epocrates' senior medical editor What is the optimal treatment for a 70-year-old with clinically localized prostate cancer? Which antihypertensive agent would be most effective for an obese patient with type 2 diabetes? Which non-pharmacologic therapy is safest for refractory depression? Knowing exactly which treatment is likely to offer the most favorable profile of benefits, risks, acceptability and costs for a given patient may require more information than many of us have at our fingertips today. Comparative effectiveness research synthesizes evidence to support clinicians tailoring decisions for individuals as well as policymakers seeking to make informed decisions for populations. The field received a billion dollar boost this year. In addition to provisions on healthcare technology and coverage for the uninsured, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides $1.1 billion for comparative effectiveness research. $300 million will go to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to build on its existing collaborative Effective Health Care (EHC) program; the remainder will be split between the NIH and the Department of Health & Human Services. EHC has published reports comparing various aspects of treatment for osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension, depression, arthritis and other conditions; the program is currently inviting suggestions for new topics of clinical relevance. Comparative assessments are increasingly available in the literature. A recent Lancet report analyzed 117 trials (n=25,928) on 12 new-generation antidepressant drugs. Investigators cited clinically important differences between drugs in terms of efficacy and acceptability by patients; the researchers examined cost considerations as well. Epocrates DocAlert™ readers can expect to receive updates about comparative effectiveness research from EHC and other sources in the years ahead. Transdermal Drug Patches with Metallic Backings: Risk of Burns During MRI Scans |
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Asthma Management Tool This FREE educational tool assists the user in implementing the new NIH asthma guidelines published in the fall of 2007. These guidelines feature a stepwise approach to management based on 3 patient age categories. There are different algorithms for (1) classifying asthma severity and initiating therapy and (2) assessing asthma control and adjusting therapy.
*Available on Palm OS. Seattle Heart Failure Risk Calc The FREE calculator is based on the Seattle Heart Failure Model, which provides an
*Available on Windows Mobile (Pocket PC) and Palm OS. 
Are you on Facebook? Then play our new “Diagnose the Disease” Facebook game! Find out if you should be “hitting the books” or if you have what it takes to be “Chief Resident.” Race against the clock to diagnose the disease and challenge your friends.
Upcoming Meeting — Meet the Epocrates Team! American College of Physicians – April 23-25 – Philadelphia, PA Updates at a Glance
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We love to hear from our members about Epocrates products, or any other topics. This month, we’d love to know what you’re your thoughts on the healthcare and economy? Please let us know at youropinion@epocrates.com. We’ll select a few customer comments to feature in next month’s newsletter. All customers featured in the newsletter will receive a free one-year subscription to the premium product of your choice. |
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