RP edges observation in young men with prostate cancer
March 6th 2014Radical prostatectomy is associated with a substantial long-term reduction in mortality in men with localized cancer, especially in younger patients, according to newly published data from one of the few randomized trials to directly address the surgery-versus-surveillance issue.
Study: Robotic RP yields fewer positive margins
March 3rd 2014Prostate cancer patients who undergo robot-assisted radical prostatectomy have fewer positive surgical margins and less need for additional cancer treatments such as hormone or radiation therapy than patients undergoing open surgery, an observational study from UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center has found.
Prostate cancer treatment type strongest predictor of complications
February 24th 2014The type of primary treatment received for prostate cancer-surgery or radiation therapy-is the strongest predictor of lesser-known complications such as the need for additional surgical procedures and development of secondary cancers, according to the authors of a recently published study from the University of Toronto.
Robotic nephrectomy on the rise, but why?
February 24th 2014The advantages that robotic technologies bring to prostate procedures, partial nephrectomies, and other surgeries that can involve complex reconstruction are not readily apparent in simple extirpative surgeries such as radical nephrectomy. This raises two questions: Are robots being used in radical nephrectomies and if so, why?
Anti-androgen shows benefit in pre-chemo setting
February 21st 2014The second-generation androgen receptor antagonist enzalutamide (XTANDI) significantly improved survival and delayed the time to chemotherapy in men with previously untreated metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer, according to a recent study.
Master fee schedule: How it can help your practice
February 13th 2014In an age where physician fees are primarily determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, insurers who negotiate a percentage of Medicare, or value-based reimbursement programs, it is reasonable to examine the purpose and method of creating and maintaining a master fee schedule, or “charge master.”
How to get paid for drugs administered in the office
February 13th 2014Medications that have to be injected or instilled are considered Medicare Part B drugs, and for many offices, these are a money-losing proposition. However, you have a few options that will allow you to provide the needed medications to your patients without loss of revenue.
Legal hurdles may stall telehealth’s role in work force crisis
February 12th 2014As thousands of baby boomers age into Medicare every day and millions of newly insured Americans seek health care, analysts point to expanded utilization of telehealth services as one way to alleviate physician shortages and ensure access to care.
How to talk to patients about prostate cancer screening
February 11th 2014In this article, I outline my patient discussion concerning prostate cancer screening, which includes defining what the PSA test is, why to screen or not to screen, the screening controversy, current guidelines, and decision aids.
ADT affects men’s mental, emotional well-being
February 10th 2014Prostate cancer patients treated with androgen deprivation therapy experienced changes in mental and emotional well-being during treatment, although there was no meaningful decline in emotional quality of life 2 years after treatment, a recent study found.