How the economy predicts PCa diagnosis, management
February 1st 2016Researchers hypothesized that during a time of resource scarcity, the incidence of PSA-detected prostate cancer would decrease and the use of noncurative management strategies would increase, reports Urology Times SUO internship program member Ryan Hutchinson, MD.
Smoking associated with greater risk of urolithiasis
February 1st 2016Two-thirds of patients attending a urology clinic for the management of urolithiasis failed to meet physical activity guidelines. In addition, patients with recent symptomatic urolithiasis were significantly more likely to be current smokers than those without recent symptomatic urolithiasis, according to a recent study.
Prognostic factors identified in patients taking PCa Tx
February 1st 2016Analyses of overall survival rates among subgroups of men who received radium-223 dichloride (Ra 223; Xofigo) as part of an expanded access program suggest factors that may have prognostic significance, including effects of prior and concomitant treatments.
Meaningful use: Pros and cons of attesting
February 1st 2016According to the AUA, CMS began applying penalties in 2015 for the 2013 reporting period for providers who did not attest or failed to achieve meaningful use. While the law allows for a hardship exemption for the 2015 reporting period/2017 adjustment year, it offers no protection for 2016/2018.
Meaningful use's directional shift
February 1st 2016The federal government’s aggressive timeline for full Stage 3 implementation of meaningful use in 2018 seemed to derail on Jan. 11 when Acting CMS Administrator Andy Slavitt declared that the program would come to an end this year. Now that the news has settled, urologists are among those who think meaningful use is very much alive, but evolving, and urologists and other physicians should not change EHR course, just yet.
Urology mentors: For many, the quest begins at home
January 8th 2016mentors may come in several disguises, including instructors from whom we have learned, clinicians whom we have observed, or researchers under whom we have worked. For many, however, the quest to find a role model begins at home. Learn more
AUA lobbies USPSTF on draft research plan
January 1st 2016The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which in 2012 recommended against PSA-based screening for prostate cancer, is developing a new research plan for updating recommendations that urology practices will be expected to follow once it is finalized.