Two-drug therapy fails to improve stent discomfort
December 19th 2014Adding an anticholinergic medication to an alpha-blocker does not appear to improve ureteral stent-related discomfort compared to monotherapy with an alpha-blocker alone, according to research presented by investigators from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
2014 Year in Review: Prostate Cancer
December 16th 2014With emergence of new biomarker and tests, high-profile approvals of treatments for new indication, and the ongoing controversy surrounding PSA screening, prostate cancer remained very much in the urology headlines for 2014. Here are some of the most-read Urology Times articles on the disease.
Multiple stone removal coding: ‘X’ marks the spot
December 15th 2014There is no specific limit to the number of times you can charge a –59 modifier. However, what and how you charge for multiple stones on the same side of the urinary tract is confusing, say Ray Painter, MD, and Mark Painter in their "Coding Q&A" column.
Robot linked with improved kidney Ca care
December 15th 2014Kidney cancer patients were more likely to undergo partial nephrectomy when treated in hospitals that were early adopters of robotic surgery, according to a recent report that one leading expert calls “some of the best evidence to date of a favorable impact of surgical robots in urologic care.”
How to reduce estate taxes on your home
December 15th 2014If your estate is substantial and you're concerned about the federal estate tax bill your heirs will pay, there's a way you might be able to use your house to remedy the situation. It may be as simple as giving away your home or as complex as knowing the mechanics of an estate-planning tool called a qualified personal residence trust.
Prostate Ca assays show economic, clinical benefits
December 5th 2014The Prolaris prostate cancer test could save the health care system $6 billion over 10 years, according to data from one of several new studies examining the economic and clinical benefits of newer biomarker-based prostate cancer assays.
‘Continued success’ seen with botulinum injections
December 1st 2014Repeated onabotulinumtoxinA 100 U (onabotA [Botox]) injections continue to provide benefit for patients with overactive bladder syndrome and urinary incontinence and without evidence of any new safety concerns, according to results of a pre-specified interim analysis in an open-label, 3-year extension study.
Fight or flight: Why voicing your concerns is not enough
December 1st 2014In Urology Times’ ninth annual State of the Specialty survey, an astounding 87% of respondents perceived “increasing government regulations” with trepidation. Unfortunately, while nearly nine in ten urologists identify the problem, far fewer take steps to address it.
Ultrasound stone repositioning found safe, effective
November 25th 2014Propulsion with low-intensity ultrasound is showing promise as a safe and effective method for noninvasive repositioning of kidney stones, according to the findings of a first human feasibility study being conducted by researchers at the University of Washington, Seattle.
Urologist self-referral increases likelihood of CT, ESWL
November 25th 2014A review of initial surgical management for patients with urolithiasis has identified an association between urologist self-referral and an increased likelihood of undergoing computed tomography imaging and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) compared with non-self-referring physicians.
European agencies follow FDA lead on T, CV risk
November 24th 2014The European Medicines Agency has issued new recommendations regarding testosterone replacement therapy after reviewing the cardiovascular risks of TRT. The recommendations were endorsed by a regulatory body that is responsible for the marketing authorization of drugs throughout Europe.