August 2018 Briefing – Ophthalmology

Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Ophthalmology for August 2018. 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.

Medical Bills in Collections Decrease With Patient Age

FRIDAY, Aug. 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Medical collections decrease substantially with age, possibly because of increased health insurance coverage and incomes, according to a study published in the August issue of Health Affairs.

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No Meaningful Increase in Physician Compensation Last Year

THURSDAY, Aug. 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There was no meaningful increase in physician compensation in 2017, and a decline in productivity was noted, according to the results of a survey conducted by AMGA Consulting.

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Marketplace Premiums Increase More With Monopolist Insurers

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Affordable Care Act Marketplace premiums increase more in areas with monopolist insurers, according to a study published in the August issue of Health Affairs.

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Medical Practices Should Address Negative Online Reviews

TUESDAY, Aug. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Medical practice staff can effectively handle negative online reviews by staying calm and positive, looking for solutions, apologizing, and thanking the reviewers, according to an article published in Physicians Practice.

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Artificial Intelligence Holds Promise in Medicine

TUESDAY, Aug. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Artificial intelligence (AI) in health care offers opportunities for early detection and triage, diagnostics and personalized medicine, and medical decision-making, according to an article published in Managed Healthcare Executive.

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Retinal Abnormalities May Indicate Preclinical Alzheimer’s

TUESDAY, Aug. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Retinal microvascular abnormalities are identified in cognitively healthy individuals who have biomarkers positive for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), according to a study published online Aug. 23 in JAMA Ophthalmology.

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Alcohol Is Leading Risk Factor for Global Disease Burden

TUESDAY, Aug. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Globally, alcohol use is a leading risk factor for disease burden, according to research published online Aug. 23 in The Lancet.

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Experts Address Loss of the National Guideline Clearinghouse

TUESDAY, Aug. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The demise of the National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC) in July 2018 is likely to impact evidence-based health care around the world, according to an Ideas and Opinions piece published online Aug. 28 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.