Mary K. Caffrey

Peter Weiden, MD, says that psychiatrists have greater ability to address side effects from antipsychotics than they did 10 years ago. It's essential that clinicians take patient concerns seriously, because when they don't patients may react by stopping their medication.

Ten years of following patients who had a period of strong social supports after a first psychotic episode shows that the effects of that care wane over time once the help is removed. Joseph P. McEvoy, MD, of Georgia Regents University said the studies show the support should continue.

Michael E. Thase, MD, said that current antidepressants are "good, not great" but that there is interest in research into ketamine, even though researchers are not completely sure how it works.

As CMS pushes healthcare systems to move away from fee-for-service, the state's largest insurer makes a major move toward value-based payment.

Research shows that about 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise, such as walking, can have significant health benefits. Changes in American lifestyles in recent decades have made limited the amount of time spent walking, with unfortunate results.

Parents and advocates for a slower timetable pointed to existing issues within Medi-Cal as proof that the most vulnerable should not be rushed into managed care. But other states are moving ahead with plans.

Exercise is still recommended for those who are overweight, but the study suggests a vitamin C supplement can help those patients who can't or won't pursue activity.

Data in study show removal of tobacco from stores led to surge in purchase of nicotine patches.

The experiments are revealing the relationship between bacteria in the digestive tract and a genetic disposition toward diabetes or obesity.

Governor Tom Wolf had vowed to scrap the multi-tiered system put in place by his Republican predecessor. Advocates said the Corbett Administration's plan was too complex and hindered enrollment.

The difference between "heart age" and chronological age indicates risk of events like heart attacks and strokes, and could motivate younger patients to improve unhealthy lifestyles.

The peak year for avoiding medical care for costs reasons was 2009-2010, just after the recession hit and before the ACA took effect.

NYU researchers find most meals aimed at kids wouldn't meet restrictions on calories, fat, and salt.

Awareness of the ACA has brought out more recipients eligible for Medicaid than the state knew it had.

The ruling will most likely be appealed by the government. The ACA requires coverage for contraception as a preventive service.

Quality may be getting better, but the GAO was not pleased that the VA did not have a handle on the drop-off in evaluations.

The latest option combines empagliflozin and metformin hydrochloride.

Both ExpressScripts and CVS Health say the new class of cholesterol-fighting drugs will be generally unavailable until their P&T committees complete evaluations, and negotiations for discounts or exclusive deals occur.

The study sheds light on a potential way to reconfigure the school day to create opportunities for physical activity. More work would be needed, researchers say.

The approval of evolocumab (Repatha) creates competition in the new class of PCSK9 cholesterol-fighting therapies and managed care plans and pharmacy benefit managers are expected to take full advantage to hold down costs.

Both surveys and peer-reviewed research show patients like telehealth services. CVS' announcement comes after a successful pilot program showed a collaboration of telehealth and the retail clinics produced good results for patients.

The study is more evidence that obesity is not just linked to type 2 diabetes but may cause it to occur.

The results for 2014, which was Year 3 of the program, revealed winners and losers and showed that ACOs may not be the only solution to hold down the cost of healthcare.

Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus have been advocating for Medicare to cover CGM technology, which they say is more important as patients age and symptoms of dropping blood sugar become less noticeable.

A recent study found that residents' PTSD is affected by the lack of social supports that existed even before the hurricane devastated the city on August 29, 2005. Depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other ailments are common, but psychiatrists and in-patient facilities are not.

The study of Inuit adults found a correlation between cannabis use and lower BMI. The findings are consistent with other results reported this year.

Governor Asa Hutchinson seeks changes to Arkansas' first-of-its-kind Medicaid expansion waiver, which may include workforce training requirements and higher out-of-pocket costs for those newly insured.

In a study that will surely set off alarms, Kansas researcher Kyle Chapman found that those with a college degree gain more benefits from good diets and exercise than those without the same education.

Governor Robert Bentley is calling out fellow Republicans in Alabama's legislature and asking what they would cut if they fail to pass his $300 million tax proposal. His state has some of the nation's highest rates of diabetes and obesity.

Results for the cardiovascular outcomes trial on the SGLT2 inhibitor mark the first time one of the newer diabetes drugs has produced benefits since the FDA began looking closely at these effects. Full data will be presented next month at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes.