tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1250480 %ISSUE_DATE%T09:25:32-07:00 Elder treatment and care. TypePad tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55661 2011-12-16T12:00:32-07:00 2011-12-16T12:00:07-07:00

Medicare's increasingly criticized sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula has determined the latest physician fee cut, scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2012, and as usual, it's not pretty: a 27.4 percent reduction in fees for health care providers across all disciplines (which is actually an improvement from the 29.5 percent cut originally projected earlier this year). Rather than waiting until the proverbial 11th hour for Congress to stave off the fee cuts and preserve the current reimbursement rate (perhaps with a slight increase, as has been the case in the past), Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a statement calling for a long-term solution.

By Editorial Staff Medicare's increasingly criticized sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula has determined the latest physician fee cut, scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2012, and as usual, it's not pretty: a 27.4 percent reduction in fees for health care providers across all disciplines (which is actually an improvement from the 29.5 percent cut originally projected earlier this year). Rather than waiting until the proverbial 11th hour for Congress to stave off the fee cuts and preserve the current reimbursement rate (perhaps with a slight increase, as has been the case in the past), Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a statement calling for a long-term solution. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55640 2011-12-02T12:00:32-07:00 2011-12-02T12:00:07-07:00

A study published recently in The Lancet should be causing surgeons and hospital administrators some serious concerns. The study examined the percentage of Medicare beneficiaries who undergo surgery in their last year of life.

By Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher A study published recently in The Lancet should be causing surgeons and hospital administrators some serious concerns. The study examined the percentage of Medicare beneficiaries who undergo surgery in their last year of life. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55634 2011-12-02T12:00:32-07:00 2011-12-02T12:00:07-07:00

Are you ready to network with other health care providers across disciplines to coordinate and optimize the delivery of health care? If your response is that you're already doing so, then here's another question: Are you ready to do all that - and share in the cost savings?

By Peter W. Crownfield, Executive Editor Are you ready to network with other health care providers across disciplines to coordinate and optimize the delivery of health care? If your response is that you're already doing so, then here's another question: Are you ready to do all that - and share in the cost savings? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55554 2011-09-23T12:00:32-07:00 2011-09-23T12:00:07-07:00

Primary osteoarthritis of the hip appears to have a structural basis. It was hypothesized that acetabular retroversion could be associated with osteoarthritis of the hip by Murray and Stulberg in the mid '60s and early '70s. They were the first to describe this association between abnormal hip anatomy and its possible role in the development of osteoarthritis (OA).

By Deborah Pate, DC, DACBR Primary osteoarthritis of the hip appears to have a structural basis. It was hypothesized that acetabular retroversion could be associated with osteoarthritis of the hip by Murray and Stulberg in the mid '60s and early '70s. They were the first to describe this association between abnormal hip anatomy and its possible role in the development of osteoarthritis (OA). tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55468 2011-08-12T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-12T12:00:07-07:00

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, osteoarthritis of the knee is one of five leading causes of disability among elderly men and women, and the risk for disability from osteoarthritis of the knee is as great as that from cardiovascular disease. Currently, 21 million Americans are affected by osteoarthritis and an estimated 10 million suffer from knee osteoarthritis, making it one of the most common causes of disability in the U.S.

By Meridel I. Gatterman, MA, DC, MEd According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, osteoarthritis of the knee is one of five leading causes of disability among elderly men and women, and the risk for disability from osteoarthritis of the knee is as great as that from cardiovascular disease. Currently, 21 million Americans are affected by osteoarthritis and an estimated 10 million suffer from knee osteoarthritis, making it one of the most common causes of disability in the U.S. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55433 2011-07-15T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-15T12:00:07-07:00

In many cases of autoimmune disease, especially those affecting the joints (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), the patient is seldom provided with evidence-based nutrition and supplementation practices from their medical practitioner. Studies show, however, that specific dietary and supplementation measures can play a significant role in long-term management of these conditions with respect to preserving joint integrity, reducing pain and inflammation, improving quality of life and extending years of functional living.

By James P. Meschino, DC, MS In many cases of autoimmune disease, especially those affecting the joints (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), the patient is seldom provided with evidence-based nutrition and supplementation practices from their medical practitioner. Studies show, however, that specific dietary and supplementation measures can play a significant role in long-term management of these conditions with respect to preserving joint integrity, reducing pain and inflammation, improving quality of life and extending years of functional living. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55428 2011-07-15T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-15T12:00:07-07:00

If you treat Medicare beneficiaries, you will in all likelihood eventually meet one of Medicare's Recovery Audit Contractors, otherwise known as RACs Recovery Audit Contractors are Medicare third-party contractors engaged for the sole purpose of identifying services provided by doctors that do not meet the many documentation requirements now required by Medicare for reimbursement.

By Jennifer Kirschenbaum, Esq. and Rachel Weinrib, Esq. If you treat Medicare beneficiaries, you will in all likelihood eventually meet one of Medicare's Recovery Audit Contractors, otherwise known as RACs Recovery Audit Contractors are Medicare third-party contractors engaged for the sole purpose of identifying services provided by doctors that do not meet the many documentation requirements now required by Medicare for reimbursement. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55328 2011-05-20T12:00:32-07:00 2011-05-20T12:00:07-07:00

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting approximately 27 million Americans. Causative factors are thought to be overweight, aging, joint injury or stress, and muscle weakness, among others. Clearly there are many theories of causation, but still no definitive etiologies.

By Warren Hammer, MS, DC, DABCO Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting approximately 27 million Americans. Causative factors are thought to be overweight, aging, joint injury or stress, and muscle weakness, among others. Clearly there are many theories of causation, but still no definitive etiologies. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55312 2011-05-06T12:00:32-07:00 2011-05-06T12:00:07-07:00

Twelve percent of the U.S. population ages 25 to 75 years has symptoms and signs of osteoarthritis (OA). There are three major risk factors associated with the development of OA: body-mass index, trauma and heredity. We can't do much at this point about our genetic makeup, but the other two risk factors we can control.

By Deborah Pate, DC, DACBR Twelve percent of the U.S. population ages 25 to 75 years has symptoms and signs of osteoarthritis (OA). There are three major risk factors associated with the development of OA: body-mass index, trauma and heredity. We can't do much at this point about our genetic makeup, but the other two risk factors we can control. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55309 2011-05-06T12:00:32-07:00 2011-05-06T12:00:07-07:00

Falling down on your face is no longer just for the clumsy. Preventing falls, especially among the elderly, is now one of the hottest topics in public health. Chiropractic literature has begun to reflect the role that DCs can play in educating our patients and the public about preventing falling accidents.

By John Hanks, DC Falling down on your face is no longer just for the clumsy. Preventing falls, especially among the elderly, is now one of the hottest topics in public health. Chiropractic literature has begun to reflect the role that DCs can play in educating our patients and the public about preventing falling accidents. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55161 2011-02-12T12:00:32-07:00 2011-02-12T12:00:07-07:00

Falls are a common cause of morbidity and the leading cause of nonfatal injuries and trauma-related hospitalizations in the United States. In a recent study, fall-related injuries accounted for 6 percent of all medical expenditures for people age 65 and older in the U.S. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the year 2000, falls among older adults cost the U.S. health care system more than $19 billion. With the population aging, the number of falls and the costs to treat fall-related injuries are both expected to increase.

By Meridel I. Gatterman, MA, DC, MEd Falls are a common cause of morbidity and the leading cause of nonfatal injuries and trauma-related hospitalizations in the United States. In a recent study, fall-related injuries accounted for 6 percent of all medical expenditures for people age 65 and older in the U.S. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the year 2000, falls among older adults cost the U.S. health care system more than $19 billion. With the population aging, the number of falls and the costs to treat fall-related injuries are both expected to increase. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54924 2010-10-07T12:00:32-07:00 2010-10-07T12:00:07-07:00

In a paper first presented at the 2008 American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting in Chicago and subsequently published in the journal Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders researchers showed that Alzheimer's patients who supplemented their diet with 2,000 IU per day of vitamin E had a 26 percent lower mortality rate. As explained by lead researcher Dr Valory Pavlik, from the Baylor College of Medicine's Alzheimer's Disease and Memory Disorders Center, many previous studies have shown that vitamin E supplementation can slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

By James P. Meschino, DC, MS In a paper first presented at the 2008 American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting in Chicago and subsequently published in the journal Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders researchers showed that Alzheimer's patients who supplemented their diet with 2,000 IU per day of vitamin E had a 26 percent lower mortality rate. As explained by lead researcher Dr Valory Pavlik, from the Baylor College of Medicine's Alzheimer's Disease and Memory Disorders Center, many previous studies have shown that vitamin E supplementation can slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54900 2010-09-23T12:00:32-07:00 2010-09-23T12:00:07-07:00

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of inflammatory degenerative joint disease and the second most common cause of long-term disability among middle-aged and older adults in the United States. More than 40 percent of arthritis sufferers in the U.S. report using complementary and alternative medicine, including dietary supplements. The use of alternative remedies has increased since the FDA issued health warnings about anti-inflammatory drugs such as Celebrex.

By John Maher, DC, DCBCN, BCIM Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of inflammatory degenerative joint disease and the second most common cause of long-term disability among middle-aged and older adults in the United States. More than 40 percent of arthritis sufferers in the U.S. report using complementary and alternative medicine, including dietary supplements. The use of alternative remedies has increased since the FDA issued health warnings about anti-inflammatory drugs such as Celebrex. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54895 2010-09-23T12:00:32-07:00 2010-09-23T12:00:07-07:00

The radiographic diagnosis is a hip fracture. Many clinicians would assume that this fracture is due to postmenopausal osteoporosis because the patient is 48 years old and female. In this case, the patient is not presently menopausal, but she has been taking Prilosec for five years for "indigestion."

By Deborah Pate, DC, DACBR The radiographic diagnosis is a hip fracture. Many clinicians would assume that this fracture is due to postmenopausal osteoporosis because the patient is 48 years old and female. In this case, the patient is not presently menopausal, but she has been taking Prilosec for five years for "indigestion." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54841 2010-08-26T12:00:32-07:00 2010-08-26T12:00:07-07:00

Degenerative joint disease (osteoarthrosis) increases in frequency as we age. As society gets older, therefore, chiropractors will encounter more patients afflicted with painful joint conditions. Whenever degenerative changes affect weight-bearing joints, especially in the spine and lower extremities, methods to reduce the damaging effects of heel-strike shock on the musculoskeletal system should be implemented. The use of custom-made, flexible orthotics can help alleviate present symptoms in these patients while also reducing the potential for future injury.

By Mark Charrette, DC Degenerative joint disease (osteoarthrosis) increases in frequency as we age. As society gets older, therefore, chiropractors will encounter more patients afflicted with painful joint conditions. Whenever degenerative changes affect weight-bearing joints, especially in the spine and lower extremities, methods to reduce the damaging effects of heel-strike shock on the musculoskeletal system should be implemented. The use of custom-made, flexible orthotics can help alleviate present symptoms in these patients while also reducing the potential for future injury. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54748 2010-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

Osteoporosis vertebral fractures are a common cause of pain, disability and increased mortality. Approximately 750,000 new vertebral fractures occur in the United States each year. Among adults over the age of 50, up to a quarter will have at least one vertebral fracture in their lifetime. Every year, about 1.4 million vertebral compression fractures come to clinical attention worldwide.

By Nancy Martin-Molina, DC, QME, MBA Osteoporosis vertebral fractures are a common cause of pain, disability and increased mortality. Approximately 750,000 new vertebral fractures occur in the United States each year. Among adults over the age of 50, up to a quarter will have at least one vertebral fracture in their lifetime. Every year, about 1.4 million vertebral compression fractures come to clinical attention worldwide. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54717 2010-06-17T12:00:32-07:00 2010-06-17T12:00:07-07:00

There has been a flurry of reports recently on the association of atypical femoral fractures with long-term treatment with bisphosphonates. Several studies have reported the occurrence of specific and rare types of femur fractures in individuals (mostly women) who had been taking bisphosphonates, specifically alendronate (Fosamax), for approximately 4-8 years. It should be noted that the fractures occurred with no apparent trauma. These fractures were not from falls. In fact, in most cases, individuals were performing low-energy exercise, sometimes just walking down a flight of stairs.

By Deborah Pate, DC, DACBR There has been a flurry of reports recently on the association of atypical femoral fractures with long-term treatment with bisphosphonates. Several studies have reported the occurrence of specific and rare types of femur fractures in individuals (mostly women) who had been taking bisphosphonates, specifically alendronate (Fosamax), for approximately 4-8 years. It should be noted that the fractures occurred with no apparent trauma. These fractures were not from falls. In fact, in most cases, individuals were performing low-energy exercise, sometimes just walking down a flight of stairs. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54716 2010-06-17T12:00:32-07:00 2010-06-17T12:00:07-07:00

Recent evidence has shown that specific dosages of calcium, vitamin D and the icariin flavonoid (from the Epimedium herb) can not only prevent osteoporosis, but also reverse bone loss in individuals who already have osteoporosis. Quite conveniently, the supplemental dosages required to reverse osteoporosis are also the same dosages that are also shown to prevent this disease. This means that health practitioners should be providing the following recommendations to virtually all adult patients, whether or not they have osteoporosis, and whether or not they are already taking bisphosphonate drugs to treat osteoporosis.

By James P. Meschino, DC, MS Recent evidence has shown that specific dosages of calcium, vitamin D and the icariin flavonoid (from the Epimedium herb) can not only prevent osteoporosis, but also reverse bone loss in individuals who already have osteoporosis. Quite conveniently, the supplemental dosages required to reverse osteoporosis are also the same dosages that are also shown to prevent this disease. This means that health practitioners should be providing the following recommendations to virtually all adult patients, whether or not they have osteoporosis, and whether or not they are already taking bisphosphonate drugs to treat osteoporosis. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54619 2010-04-22T12:00:32-07:00 2010-04-22T12:00:07-07:00

We have been relying on the theory that if we can prevent the rate of bone turnover and keep calcium available for absorption, osteoporosis can be avoided. This is the calcium theory of osteoporosis. However, maintaining healthy bone is not that simple; if it were, then populations that consumed the most amounts of dairy and calcium supplements would have lower rates of osteoporotic fractures than the populations that consumed less dairy and calcium supplements. This has not been demonstrated; in fact, the opposite appears to be the case.

By Deborah Pate, DC, DACBR We have been relying on the theory that if we can prevent the rate of bone turnover and keep calcium available for absorption, osteoporosis can be avoided. This is the calcium theory of osteoporosis. However, maintaining healthy bone is not that simple; if it were, then populations that consumed the most amounts of dairy and calcium supplements would have lower rates of osteoporotic fractures than the populations that consumed less dairy and calcium supplements. This has not been demonstrated; in fact, the opposite appears to be the case. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54455 2010-02-26T12:00:32-07:00 2010-02-26T12:00:07-07:00

In the largest, longest tral on ginkgo biloba and neurocognitive decline to date, the results were unimpressive to some and disappointing to others. That said, if you have a patient, family member or friend with Alzheimer's disease and ginkgo helps them, keep giving it. Hopefully more studies will be performed to confirm or refute the findings of this one.

By G. Douglas Andersen, DC, DACBSP, CCN In the largest, longest tral on ginkgo biloba and neurocognitive decline to date, the results were unimpressive to some and disappointing to others. That said, if you have a patient, family member or friend with Alzheimer's disease and ginkgo helps them, keep giving it. Hopefully more studies will be performed to confirm or refute the findings of this one. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54435 2010-02-12T12:00:32-07:00 2010-02-12T12:00:07-07:00

Logan College of Chiropractic is using a $1.2 million grant from the Health and Human Resources Administration - the largest grant the college has ever received - for a three-year investigation into how chiropractic care impacts low back pain and balance in the elderly. Researchers from Logan and Saint Louis University will assess LBP and balance in a study population of more than 400 older adults and then compare the effectiveness of manual therapy, stabilization exercises and conventional therapy.

By Editorial Staff Logan College of Chiropractic is using a $1.2 million grant from the Health and Human Resources Administration - the largest grant the college has ever received - for a three-year investigation into how chiropractic care impacts low back pain and balance in the elderly. Researchers from Logan and Saint Louis University will assess LBP and balance in a study population of more than 400 older adults and then compare the effectiveness of manual therapy, stabilization exercises and conventional therapy. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54312 2009-11-18T12:00:32-07:00 2009-11-18T12:00:07-07:00

Jeanne is a 67-year-old female, 5 feet 7 inches tall and 159 pounds. I first saw her for a second-opinion evaluation. An orthopedic surgeon had recommended bilateral hip replacement surgery and she wanted to know if there was anything else that could be done before undergoing surgery. She had heard that I use the warm laser and was "into rehab," so she was hoping it could help her avoid surgery. She reported right and left anteromedial and posterior hip pain that began after a lifetime of playing tennis, and had been experiencing progressively worse pain in her right groin for 3-4 months. She had received cortisone injections and tried various anti-inflammatory medications without relief.

By Jeffrey Tucker, DC, DACRB Jeanne is a 67-year-old female, 5 feet 7 inches tall and 159 pounds. I first saw her for a second-opinion evaluation. An orthopedic surgeon had recommended bilateral hip replacement surgery and she wanted to know if there was anything else that could be done before undergoing surgery. She had heard that I use the warm laser and was "into rehab," so she was hoping it could help her avoid surgery. She reported right and left anteromedial and posterior hip pain that began after a lifetime of playing tennis, and had been experiencing progressively worse pain in her right groin for 3-4 months. She had received cortisone injections and tried various anti-inflammatory medications without relief. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54308 2009-11-04T12:00:32-07:00 2009-11-04T12:00:07-07:00

It hasn't been that long since the arthritis drug Vioxx was taken off the shelves for producing adverse side effects. Merck stopped selling Vioxx in September 2004 after a clinical trial showed it increased the risk of strokes and heart attacks in some patients. In recent news, the drug Fosamax, used in the treatment or prevention of osteoporosis, is being put on trial in a class-action lawsuit. Approximately 800 cases have been brought into a mass lawsuit that alleges the drug causes osteonecrosis of the jaw.

By Jasper Sidhu, BSc, DC It hasn't been that long since the arthritis drug Vioxx was taken off the shelves for producing adverse side effects. Merck stopped selling Vioxx in September 2004 after a clinical trial showed it increased the risk of strokes and heart attacks in some patients. In recent news, the drug Fosamax, used in the treatment or prevention of osteoporosis, is being put on trial in a class-action lawsuit. Approximately 800 cases have been brought into a mass lawsuit that alleges the drug causes osteonecrosis of the jaw. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54292 2009-11-04T12:00:32-07:00 2009-11-04T12:00:07-07:00

Aging is an unavoidable fact of life, and our country as a whole is getting older as more and more baby boomers approach retirement age. How can we chiropractors reach out to the middle-aged population and explain how chiropractic care can help them continue to lead active, healthy lives as they get older? How can we create a nation of healthier older people?

By Mark Charrette, DC Aging is an unavoidable fact of life, and our country as a whole is getting older as more and more baby boomers approach retirement age. How can we chiropractors reach out to the middle-aged population and explain how chiropractic care can help them continue to lead active, healthy lives as they get older? How can we create a nation of healthier older people? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54106 2009-09-23T12:00:32-07:00 2009-09-23T12:00:07-07:00

The JMPT is the premiere scientific journal of the chiropractic profession, dedicated to the advancement of chiropractic health care. The National University of Health Sciences, owner of the journal, upholds the journal's compliance with the highest publication standards, which expressly support editorial freedom and best publication practices. The JMPT is an independent publication that strives to provide the best scientific information that improves health care practice and future research.

The JMPT is the premiere scientific journal of the chiropractic profession, dedicated to the advancement of chiropractic health care. The National University of Health Sciences, owner of the journal, upholds the journal's compliance with the highest publication standards, which expressly support editorial freedom and best publication practices. The JMPT is an independent publication that strives to provide the best scientific information that improves health care practice and future research.