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Within a large series of colorectal cancer patients receiving initial chemotherapy, a prompt rise and then drop in CEA level (flare) was observed in 11.6%. Compared with patients who had a continuous rise in CEA, those exhibiting a flare reaction had improved response to chemotherapy and progression-free and overall survival.
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A 67-year-old previously healthy man was referred from his primary care physician because of an abnormal CBC. Although he had noted gradually increasing fatigue over approximately six months, this had become noticeably worse and, for this reason, he went to the doctor. He had not experienced night sweats or weight loss and had no localizing symptoms.
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Hospital social workers using telephone follow-up of at-risk patients have made a positive impact on patient care and satisfaction outcomes, a pilot program shows.
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Hospitals will be hearing a great deal more about care transitions and reducing readmissions in coming years.
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The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590) puts considerable focus on reducing hospital readmissions.
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Hospitals will need to get used to the idea of reporting their 30-day readmission results as the new health care reform bill expands on this initiative of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
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A hospital discharge program that has social workers make follow-up calls to patients is designed to address patients' psychosocial needs and issues, as well as their medical ones.
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A new care transition partnership might one day be an important model for hospitals as the new health care legislation nudges providers in the direction of reducing hospital readmissions.