Now Part Of Med School — Studying The Health Care System
A study by the American Association of Medical Colleges concluded that nearly all medical schools in the country require coursework about the health system and how it is financed. Also in the news, a study by Rand the finds retail clinics haven't triggered a reduction in ER visits for low-acuity illnesses.
Georgia Health News:
Medical Profession Takes Closer Look At How Money Issues Affect Patients
According to a 2015 survey conducted by the Association of American Medical Colleges, 144 out of 145 U.S. medical schools now require students to study the health care system and health care financing in order to graduate. (Baggett, 11/14)
Modern Healthcare:
Rand Study: Retail Clinics Don't Reduce ER Use For Low-Acuity Conditions
Some researchers and policymakers had hoped the surge of retail clinics across the country would reduce visits to the emergency department. A new study finds that hasn't been the case. The report, published Monday in the Annals of Emergency Medicine, found ERs in close proximity to retail clinics didn't experience a reduction of visits from patients with low-acuity illnesses like influenza, urinary tract infections and ear aches. The study, conducted by researchers at Rand Corp., was the first to explore the association between the opening of retail clinics and admissions to the ER. About 13.7% of all emergency department visits are for low-acuity conditions, the study notes. (Castellucci, 11/14)
