The FDA has asked drug manufacturers to add new warnings to labeling of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists to alert patients and health care professionals to the potential risk of heart disease and diabetes in men treated with these medications for prostate cancer.
The American Board of Urology has adopted several new policies in areas such as expert witnesses in medical liability cases and expired/revoked certificates.
When it comes to medical practices, proper investment in the staffing and technology related to day-to-day operations can improve the impression your practice conveys and help insulate the business from economic downturns and other events beyond your control.
An experimental new device may be able to help clinicians in the surgical treatment of lower pole stones by using ultrasound to move stones through the kidney collecting system.
This free, customizable patient handout provides information on the causes, symptoms, and treatment of kidney stones.
Urologists are positive about growth and demand, but wary of reimbursement issues.
REITs are traded on major exchanges, and they offer a few major benefits over owning specific properties.
Thomas J. Rohner, Jr, MD, chairman of the AUA's Urology Work Force Task Force, explains the scope of the work force shortage and the goals of the non-physician provider initiative.
In treating patients with urolithiasis, shock wave lithotripsy is used more often than ureteroscopy, even though patients undergoing SWL are more likely to undergo a second procedure.
A recent study involving more than 2,000 stone patients appears to bolster the controversial association between shock wave lithotripsy and hypertension.
The debate over questions of self referral and inappropriate utilization of medical imaging services by physicians is continuing in Washington, with possibly restrictive recommendations looming from the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission and provisions of the health reform law being implemented.
While some urologists say the effect of the loss of consult codes has been minimal thus far, others report income losses of up to 20%, cuts in staff, and delays in purchasing new equipment.
Motivating staff members to give their best isn't always easy, but it's definitely worth the effort.
Findings from a study determining prevalence and concordance rates for urolithiasis in a large twin population point to a major role of genetic factors in determining the risk of stone disease.
Findings from a small observational study suggest a role of vitamin D deficiency in so-called "idiopathic" hypercalciuria and support the need for further research investigating an association between vitamin D deficiency and renal stone formation.
How do you increase the number of new patients you see? One way is to implement a same-day appointment policy in your practice.
Urinary calculi patients with abnormal imaging results following ureteroscopy should continue to be monitored with routine imaging.
Obesity not only increases the risk of nephrolithiasis but also increases the risk more in women than in men.
It is perhaps more important than ever that investigators evaluate cost and utilization with a critical eye to ensure that access to minimally invasive stone procedures is preserved.
Although both shock wave lithotripsy and semi-rigid ureteroscopy can be seen as safe and effective approaches to treating proximal ureteral stones, the size of the stone should be a substantive consideration when choosing a technology.
Even though there is a National Coverage Decision regarding biofeedback, each Medicare carrier may approach the payment for these services differently.
The newest urology products and services from Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc., Us TOO International Prostate Cancer Education and Support Network, Genentech, Inc., Mpathy Medical, eBridge Solutions, Covidien, and UrologyMatch.com
This article discusses the advantages of RARC versus open cystectomy, and outlines unanswered questions concerning the application of the robotic approach.
Coalition building and collaboration-with media outlets, patients, and legislators-can positively influence how the practice of urology is perceived by the general public.
Urologist Samuel B. Broaddus, MD, of South Portland, ME, has been named a recipient of the 2010 Surgical Volunteerism Award of the American College of Surgeons and Pfizer, Inc.
An organization that advocates responsible entertainment has launched an initiative to alert parents about broadcast television programs that contain advertisements for erectile dysfunction drugs.
The use of estrogen therapy by postmenopausal women might increase the risk of developing kidney stones, according to findings by researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas.
Insurance status is strongly associated with disease severity among prostate cancer patients, researchers from the American Cancer Society recently reported.
Patients treated with the investigational agent abiraterone acetate plus low-dose prednisone/prednisolone showed a significant improvement in overall survival compared with those treated with prednisone/prednisolone plus placebo, according to results from an interim analysis of a randomized, placebo-controlled phase III study.