August 2020, Volume XXXIV, Number 5
Professional liability in a pandemic
Risk management concerns
This is not an easy time to be a doctor. To care for patients, we must wear N-95 masks, welder’s helmets, gowns, and several sets of gloves—and for the first few months of the pandemic, we didn’t have enough. As a result, surgeries, biopsies, mammograms, and other critical health care procedures and consults were delayed. Heart attacks, strokes, and cancer have persisted, but have fallen under the shadow of COVID-19.
August 2020, Volume XXXIV, Number 5
interview
Addressing the opportunity gap
Nathan Chomilo, MD, FAAP
Department of Human Services
Professional liability in a pandemic: Risk management concerns
By Carolyn McClain, MD
This is not an easy time to be a doctor. To care for patients, we must wear N-95 masks, welder’s helmets, gowns, and several sets of gloves—and for the first few months of the pandemic, we didn’t have enough. As a result, surgeries, biopsies, mammograms, and other critical health care procedures and consults were delayed. Heart attacks, strokes, and cancer have persisted, but have fallen under the shadow of COVID-19.
cover story two
Biosimilars vs. biologics: An expanding source of cost savings
By Jeremy Whalen, PharmD, BCOP
Rising drug costs are a big part of today’s health care crisis. Consumers, physicians, and health plans all strive to contain consumer prices, while manufacturers continue to develop innovative pharmaceuticals and steer them through development, testing, and approval. That process can be arduous for all categories of drugs—including biologics and generics—but some commentators now see promise in “biosimilar” medications, seeing them as the path to reduce costs while ensuring effective treatment.
Public Policy
Addressing a systemic problem: Why we need a “Patient’s Choice” law
By Charles E. Crutchfield III, MD
In a recent article, “Institutional racism in medicine: It’s time for changes,” published in the July 2020 edition of Minnesota Physician (http://mppub.com/mp-c1-0720.html), members of the Minnesota Association of Black Physicians offered a first-hand look at the experiences and challenges faced by Black and other physicians of color. Institutional racism in medicine, and in every part of society, is much deeper and more complex than what can be illustrated by individual experience. In health care it also has significant impact on issues such as access, policy, and reimbursement.
COVID-19 in Greater Minnesota: Addressing structural inequities
By Charlie Mandile
The brutal murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police reminds us of an ongoing reality: our society and culture does not value Black and Brown people. This tragedy is another violent symptom of underlying structural inequities and racism built into our power structures and society, and one that produces disparities in health.
Public Health
Education as health: A partnership that is changing lives
By Bruce Cantor, MD, MS
A high school diploma or GED (General Educational Development) certificate is required for many jobs, and can boost future earning potential—with incomes rising even higher for those who attend college. Individuals who have completed their education also experience lower rates of preventable conditions and better overall health. One Minnesota health plan is partnering with a national organization to pave the way on all of these fronts for its Medicaid and MinnesotaCare patients.
Menopause: A multidisciplinary approach
By Rachel S. Cady, MD, FACOG
Women over the age of 50 represent the nation’s fastest-growing population segment, according to recent Census Bureau data. This group—currently 64 million, or one-third of all American women—is expected to continue to rise rapidly as women live longer. The average woman lives one-third to one-half of her life in postmenopause, and 75% experience significant menopausal symptoms.
Refractive surgery: New options for patients
By Jessica Heckman, OD
Surgical correction of refractive error (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia) continues to evolve and advance. Expansions in both corneal and lens-based surgical technologies provide new refractive surgery options for more patients, including some who may not have been surgical candidates in the past. In addition, the technology for evaluating patients’ eyes for consideration of a refractive procedure has advanced to allow physicians more information to counsel patients on their candidacy for refractive surgery and to identify the most appropriate procedure.
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