The 2004 fixed performance areas that will be addressed in random unannounced surveys conducted by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Health Organizations will be organized by critical focus areas instead of performance categories as in the past.
Many therapeutic options now are available to prevent and treat osteoporosis, and consist of non-drug and drug or hormonal therapy. In just one decade, osteoporosis has been transformed from a disorder considered to be an inevitable and irreversible consequence of aging to a disorder in which there now is true therapeutic optimism. This article discusses the definition, epidemiology, and different causes of osteoporosis. Diagnostic studies, including bone densitometry, are reviewed as well as the various therapies.
O'Mathuna DP. Melatonin for jet lag. Altern Med Alert 2004;7(4):44-47.
Kiefer D. Echinacea: An update on the popular cold cure. Altern Med Alert 2004;7(4):41-44.
Data supporting associations of subclinical thyroid disease with symptoms or adverse clinical outcomes or benefits of treatment are few.
Graded activity can return a patient to full employment faster than usual care.
NHPCO to offer manager program; Hospital to pay $9.5M for Medicare billing issues; Two-page advance beneficiary notice gone; CMS describes HIPAA authorization form; Prescriptions blamed for dependencies.
