In addition, Dr. Anderson reported that 60 million Americans suffer multiple chronic illnesses, a number expected to reach 81 million by 2020 as the population ages. Dr. Anderson also pointed out that although preventative treatments such as weight management, disease screening, nutrition and exercise can stave off many chronic diseases, few insurers reimburse this care. He illustrated his point with a story about a Maryland physician treating a diabetic patient, an overweight farmer whose insurance pays for a 20-minute visit, just enough time to test his blood sugar and adjust medication. Although the doctor recognized that helping the man lose weight would do more good, the insurance company would not pay for this sort of care. The American Medical Association is losing money and members, according to a Modern Healthcare report.
Membership is apparently on the decline, too.
Over the past year, membership figures have dropped by almost 4,000, bringing the AMA's current membership to approximately 290,000, the lowest it's been in 5 years. More Whistleblower Protections Are Coming If your organization receives federal funds through public health research projects, it better have procedures to ensure nonretaliation against whistleblowers, according to Compliance Monitor . The proposed regulation applies to any organization that applies for or receives grants, contracts or cooperative agreements under the Public Health Services Act for any project or program that involves biomedical or behavioral research, research training or research-related activities. DHHS will accept comments on the proposed rule through Jan. 29, 2001. Of course, health care professionals know that molds can cause allergies, trigger asthma attacks and increase susceptibility to colds and flus.