All News

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.

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.

The AUA and the American Association of Clinical Urologists were among 65 physician groups that recently united to warn Congress that immediate action is needed to stop the 30% Medicare payment cuts looming at the end of this year to protect seniors' access to health care.

Manoj Monga, MD, has joined the staff of the Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute at Cleveland Clinic as director of the Steven Streem Center for Endourology & Stone Disease.

The percentage of visits to physicians with a medical or surgical specialty increased significantly?from 37% to 55%?between 1978 and 2008, recently published data indicate.

A new test could reliably detect early increases in PSA levels in men who have undergone prostate cancer surgery.

Ethicon, Inc., recently announced the availability of the Gynecare TVT Exact Continence System, a minimally invasive retropubic sling used in an outpatient setting for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence.

Patients with the most aggressive forms of prostate cancer who had radical prostatectomy procedures had a 10-year cancer-specific survival rate of 92% and an overall survival rate of 77%, researchers from two institutions recently reported.

The AUA has announced its support of H.R. 6389 (the Prostate Act), which, if passed, would require coordination and intensification of prostate cancer research by government departments.

Opposition to federal health reform approved by Congress and President Obama in March 2010 continues to find legal recognition in the states.

Urology Times wanted to learn more about urologists' current use of nonphysician providers and whether these providers' numbers and responsibilities are expanding, especially given growing concerns about a work force shortage in urology.