Patient sues after radiation therapy damages bladder
September 13th 2013In this case, the patient tried to keep the observing urologist in the case as another source of payment by claiming a physician-patient relationship existed, thus establishing he had a legal duty to ensure the care was within the accepted standard.
The clock is ticking for passing SGR reform
September 11th 2013For the first time since the Medicare fee schedule crisis began after the sustainable growth rate formula was included in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, there is realistic hope that Congress will reform the way Medicare physicians are paid for their services.
Robotic surgery complications may be under-reported
September 6th 2013The current system of reporting complications paints an unclear picture of the safety of robotic surgery, according to researchers from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, who suggest that robot-related complications may be under-reported.
New consensus: PSA cuts PCa deaths in men 50-69
September 3rd 2013For men aged 50–69 years, PSA testing reduces prostate cancer-specific mortality and the incidence of metastatic disease, according to a new multinational consensus statement on early detection of prostate cancer, which also calls for prostate cancer diagnosis to be unlinked from treatment for the disease.
Advances in TURP: Focus on the science
September 1st 2013Most urologists agree that surgical removal of the enlarged portion of the prostate is the most effective and durable way to manage lower urinary tract symptoms in men secondary to BPH. Where it gets interesting is deriving urologic consensus on the best way to achieve that goal.
Physician Quality Reporting System: There’s still time to avoid penalties in 2015
September 1st 2013All eligible providers who do not participate in PQRS in 2013 will be subjected to a 1.5% penalty in 2015 and 2% penalty in 2016 and beyond. As you may be aware, there are many ways to participate in PQRS to avoid the 2015 penalty.
Chronic pelvic pain syndrome patients prone to fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue
September 1st 2013The likelihood of developing fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome increases over time in patients with urologic chronic pelvic pain syndromes (UCPPS), but only men seem to experience worsening of their urologic symptoms the longer the symptoms exist, according to analyses of the baseline characteristics of the Multidisciplinary Approach to Pelvic Pain (MAPP) study cohort.
Genetic variants linked to lower urinary tract symptoms in African-Americans
September 1st 2013In a study of African-American men, researchers say they’ve linked two genetic variants to severity of lower urinary tract symptoms related to BPH, giving scientists insight into the higher risk facing African-Americans.
Testosterone doesn’t worsen lower urinary tract symptoms in men with BPH
September 1st 2013A new study has found that testosterone replacement doesn’t worsen lower urinary tract symptoms related to an enlarged prostate. In fact, many men saw their symptoms improve, apparently with little effect on their prostate gland.
Urology patient portals: Worthwhile and easier than you think
September 1st 2013We’re all too familiar with the frustrations that come with the implementation of an EHR. As it turns out, though, practices frequently neglect the part of the system that gives you a return on your investment almost immediately: the patient portal.