Procurement Requirements Drive Interoperability in Health Care IT
Steps outlined for health systems to establish comprehensive, ongoing procurement strategies
Sharp Drop in U.S. Life Expectancy Rankings by 2040
U.S. expected to fall from 43rd in 2016 to 64th by 2040, with an average life expectancy of 79.8
Gabapentin Beats Pregabalin for Chronic Sciatica
More frequent adverse events seen with pregabalin, especially when taken before gabapentin
Recreational Marijuana Now Legal in Canada
Canada is first major world economy to legalize recreational marijuana use
ASA: Patients Assume Post-Op Opioids Are Best for Pain Relief
Ninety-four percent of patients who believe they will receive opioids think they will be effective
Cannabinoids Mildly Effective for Treating MS Symptoms in Adults
Review shows limited effectiveness for aiding spasticity, pain, bladder dysfunction
Active Pharmaceuticals ID’d in >700 Dietary Supplements
More than 20 percent of the 776 adulterated products contained more than one unapproved ingredient
ASA: Review Links Opioids With Complications Post-Spine Surgery
Higher postoperative pain score, worse quality of life for post-op pain management with opioids
Without Medicaid Expansion, Poor Patients Forgo Medical Care
Seventeen states have not expanded Medicaid, and expansion is an election issue in several states
Payer Policies May Discourage Non-Pharma Tx for Low Back Pain
Physical therapy, psychological counseling, other alternatives not consistently covered
