Vol 47 No 11

"One of the common issues we have noted for urology practices in updating ICD-10 codes is not the electronic medical record or practice management system failing to load new codes; rather, it is a failure to update templates," write Ray Painter, MD, and Mark Painter.

Treatment for overactive bladder (OAB) improves OAB symptoms similarly in frail and nonfrail older patients with no difference in side effects, according to a multi-institutional study presented at the AUA annual meeting in Chicago.

A patient-reported outcomes survey that is widely used to determine whether men are experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED) fails to ask three critical questions that could uncover whether men truly have ED and the extent to which they face challenges, researchers say.

A randomized trial found no difference between single-use polyvinylchloride (PVC) catheters and reused PVC catheters for patients with neurogenic bladder due to spina bifida.

"Patient perception is an important aspect of developing an effective treatment plan, and we should be able to arm patients with accurate data to help them make an informed decision," write Whitney Renee Smith, MD, and Gopal H. Badlani, MD.

In this interview, Sandip Vasavada, MD, discusses the rationale behind the recent amendment to the AUA/SUFU guideline for overactive bladder, the role of OAB drugs in the treatment of nocturia, and treatment of refractory OAB.

"The plaintiff alleged that she notified the urologist of her continuing pain and was told there was nothing wrong," writes Brianne Goodwin, JD, RN.

A study presented at the AUA annual meeting in Chicago shows higher rates of emergency department (ED) visits when ureteral access sheaths are used during ureteroscopy to remove kidney stones.

Forgotten stents are one of the most common challenges urologists and their patients face, and they can cause significant complications and increase costs of care. Now, a program that tracks stent insertion and removal in the electronic medical record shows strong potential to help eliminate retained stents.

High rates of residual fragments after ureteroscopy point to the need to both improve selection of patients for this procedure and find ways to boost stone-free rates, according to researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas.

A new study by the Partnership for Health Analytic Research appears to bolster arguments by independent physicians and those who operate outpatient clinics that they are at a substantial financial disadvantage against hospitals when it comes retaining profits from the administration of injectable and infused drugs.

"This time of year presents the perfect opportunity to review and possibly adjust your financial planning strategies," writes Jeff Witz, CFP.