Search

The article focuses on Sehar Minhas' journey to become a physician in the U.S., detailing her challenges and perseverance after moving from Pakistan. Topics include her initial struggles in securing a medical position despite passing the U.S. licensing exams, the obstacles faced by internationally trained physicians, and her determination to pursue her medical career in the face of adversity.

The article highlights the need for renewed strategies to improve patient safety in Minnesota, noting that progress has plateaued. Topics discussed include the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patient safety, the importance of addressing healthcare disparities among marginalized communities, and the necessity for proactive safety measures and collaboration in redesigning care systems.

The article reports on the challenges and rewards of independent medical practice in Minnesota. It highlights how some physicians, like John Bollins, decided to start their own surgical practices to regain control over their work and provide care in a way they believe is best. However, it also discusses the decline in physicians working independently, potential causes for this trend and the impact of private equity firms acquiring private practices.

The article focuses on the 8 present decrease in drug overdose deaths in Minnesota from 2022 to 2023, including the decline in synthetic opioid-related fatalities, the rise in nonfatal synthetic opioid overdoses, and the significant role of fentanyl in overdose deaths.

The article focuses on the acute healthcare labor shortage in Minnesota, U.S. It discusses the challenges faced by healthcare employers, workers, and patients statewide due to the shortage and emphasizes the need for innovative solutions to attract and retain healthcare professionals. It explores various facets of the problem, including the declining attractiveness of healthcare professions compared to other industries, especially in terms of salary.

The article focuses on the current political campaign season, particularly the Minnesota connection to the presidential race, and the ongoing debates surrounding healthcare issues. Topics include the national and local significance of healthcare in the election, the high cost of healthcare relative to its outcomes, and the U.S. ranking poorly in international comparisons of healthcare system performance.

The article focuses on an analysis by the Minnesota Hospital Association revealing that while hospitals are recovering staffing levels post-COVID, physician shortages remain a concern, with many nearing retirement and others considering career changes due to increasing workload.

The article highlights that adverse health events in Minnesota hospitals and health facilities have risen for the fourth consecutive year in 2023. Topics discussed include the increase in overall adverse events and severe injuries, factors contributing to longer patient stays, and the common types of adverse events such as falls and pressure ulcers.

The article reports that Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is leading a coalition of 32 states urging the U.S. Supreme Court to affirm states' authority to regulate pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Topics discussed include the challenge to federal preemption of state PBM regulations, Ellison's ongoing efforts to protect consumer access to affordable healthcare, and the coalition's previous actions in defending state PBM laws.

The article informs about the MMA's efforts to enhance Minnesota as the best place to practice medicine through legislative advocacy and programs in 2023. Topics include the enactment of CANDOR legislation to improve patient safety, the championing of laws to prohibit restrictive covenants in employment contracts, and participation in legal cases to uphold standards in medical malpractice litigation.

The article informs about the MMA's commitment to improving Minnesota's health, highlighting their achievements in 2023 through legislative advocacy and program development. Topics include firearm safety legislation, reproductive health rights, and the expansion of Medical Assistance coverage for recuperative care services to support patients' recovery following hospitalization.

The article focuses on a survey of medical students at the University of Minnesota Medical School regarding their support for a single-payer healthcare system revealing that most of respondents somewhat or strongly support a single-payer system but they also expressed concerns about cost.

The article presents interview with Ruth Martinez retiring head of the state Board of Medical Practice. Topics include the implementation of the Health Professional Services Program and the medical licensure compact, the challenges that physicians face in staying current with medical practices, and how the electronic medical records have affected documentation.

The article informs about the rise of Medicare Advantage plans in Minnesota, highlighting their popularity among beneficiaries for offering bundled coverage and extra benefits. Topic cinclude it warns of their increased costs to the government, exacerbated by risk coding practices, and the challenges faced by healthcare providers due to reimbursement cuts and burdensome prior authorizations imposed by insurance companies offering these plans.

The article informs about the burden of liver disease in the East African immigrant community in Minnesota. Topics include how influx of refugees from east Africa since the 1990s has resulted in new challenges to the medical field in Minnesota such as a language barrier, a different variety of diseases to be familiar with, and new presentations of well-known diseases; and how it is not unexpected that there is significant chronic liver disease in refugee arrivals.

The article offers information on the impact of indoor and outdoor environments on the Asthma and at-risk populations in Minnesota, U.S. It mentions that National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) guidelines, with particular attention to the populations most at-risk of exposure to triggers, essential to comprehensive asthma management and can minimize the overall impact of illness.

Americans spend a disproportionate amount of health care dollars during their last year of life, but much of this spending is incongruous with patients' goals and preferences. The Provider Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form was introduced in Minnesota in 2009 as a tool to convey patients' wishes during acute medical events. Little research has been done about the use of POLST forms in Minnesota since its introduction. This research surveyed physicians from the Minnesota Medical Association's membership. We found that most physicians were familiar with POLST. Among the providers most likely to interact with terminally ill patients, a high percentage were using POLST forms. Physicians in rural Minnesota and urban physicians were equally likely to use and sign POLST forms. Physicians felt that there was a need for more patient education about POLST forms, and that POLST forms would benefit from increased clarity about patients' wishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article report on the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) implemented statewide surveillance for laboratory-confirmed, hospitalized COVID-19 cases as a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Emerging Infections Program Network. It mentions that Minnesota Department of Health conducts surveillance for patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 as part of the CDC Emerging Infections Program COVID-19-Associated Hospitalization Surveillance Network.

Approximately 80 species of nori tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) that cause disease are found environmentally and in animal reservoirs. Typically, pulmonary NTM infections are sporadic; extrapulmonary NTM (ENTM) infections are commonly outbreak associated. Recentsources of ENTM outbreaks in Minnesota include contaminated heater-cooler units used during cardiac surgeryand contaminated hormone injections. We examined patientdemographics and characteristics of ENTM isolates characterized by four Minnesota reference laboratories during 2013-2017 to assess potential value of systematic laboratory-based ENTM surveillance in Minnesota. Laboratories characterized 490ENTM isolates, representing an estimated burden of 1.8/100,000 people/year in Minnesota. Thirty-one species or complexes were identified; most common were/Vf. avium complex (31%), At chelonae (22%), M fortuitum (11%), and M. abscessus (4%). Most common Specimen col lection sites included skin and soft tissue (38%), blood (15%), neck lymphnodeortissue(12%), sinus (8%), joint or bone (5%), device or implant (4%), and eye (3%). Median age of patients was 55 years (range; 2-98 years); 18% were from patients aged <18 years, 20% aged 18-44 years,28% aged 45-64years and 34% aged >65 years. Sex was documented for 238 (49%) patients; 127 (53%) were males. County information was available for 313 patients (64%); approximately half (49%) resided in metropolitan Minneapolis-Saint Paul. Laboratory data can be used for ENTM surveillance in Minnesota. Implementing laboratory-based surveillance can detect ENTM cases, provide a mechanism for obtaining clinical and epidemiological information, and enable earlier identification of potential health care transmission or com munity clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the data from Minnesota's health statistics with performances of health care organizations. Topics discussed include greatest inequities between whites and people of color; Indian Relocation Act of 1956 was an effort to move Native Americans from reservations into urban areas; and efforts to reduce health inequities in Minnesota and funded primary health promotion and direct services.

The article explores how Minnesota health organizations advocating for health equity and achieving top national rankings for health care quality with health care access and quality, including Open Cities Health Center; The Ladder; and the Phillips Neighborhood Clinic. Topics discussed include hormone therapy was available in some Minnesota clinics; changing societal attitudes and innovation in birth control technology; and how to work with newborns and school-aged children.

The article highlights the opinions of Minnesota physicians' on medical cannabis which established in 2014 by the Minnesota Legislature by the name of Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program. It mentions its aim to allows the legal use of medical cannabis by patients with a qualifying condition, as certified by their provider and also highlights that the medical use of cannabis and its derivatives continues to be a frequent topic in both legal policy and medical practice.

Non-English language (NEL) patients have been identified to have worse health outcomes and care utilization patterns compared to English-speaking patients. The objective of this study was to investigate if a patient's primary language impacts the stage of cancer at the time of diagnosis. A retrospective review of the Minnesota Cancer Surveillance System's database was conducted with incorporation of language data from an integrated health system's data repository. Adult patients with cancer of the breast, colon and rectum, female genital system, male genital system, or respiratory system were included, and cancer stage at diagnosis was grouped as early (stages 0-2) or advanced (stages 3-4). Statistical analysis involved two-sided chi square tests of independence and multiple logistic regression modeling. From a cohort of 13,245 cancer patients spanning the years 1991-2017, 311 (2.3%) were NEL. Thirty-six percent of NEL individuals were diagnosed at an advanced stage compared to 25.8% of English speakers (P < 0.001; OR 1.62 [95% CI 1.27-2.04]). Analysis by site of cancer revealed that NEL patients with a male genital system cancer were 2.58 times more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage (95% CI 1.03-5.60; P = 0.022). NEL, male gender, and more recent year of diagnosis were significant predictors of advanced stage diagnosis in the logistic regression model. NEL patients are at risk of being diagnosed with cancer at a more advanced stage compared to English speakers. The NEL population warrants unique attention when it comes to cancer detection initiatives, and further study is warranted to delineate associated factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the need for physicians to engage with both specialty societies and the collective efforts of medicine in Minnesota, as highlighted by the Minnesota Medical Association (MMA). It discusses various legislative issues shaping the future of healthcare, including telehealth, a public option, and the use of psychedelics in medicine.

The article discusses that as a novel coronavirus started making an appearance in Minnesota, M Health Fairview transformed its Bethesda Hospital into the state's first facility solely for people with COVID-19. It mentions about Ben Trappey, an internal medicine-pediatric hospitalist at M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center in Minneapolis. It also mentions he will help expand the Medical School's program for storytelling in medicine.

The article informs about Minnesota's considerable investment in tobacco control. Topics discussed include nonprofit organization with a mission to reduce the harm of commercial tobacco; engaging with communities, quit-smoking services, mass-media campaigns and advocacy efforts; and tool in reducing commercial tobacco prevalence rate.

The article examines 2016 cases of tularemia, a rare but serious infectious disease caused by Francisella tularensis bacterium, in Minnesota. Topics discussed include low infectious dose of the bacterium, transmission of the bacterium including arthropod bites, contact with infected animals and exposure to contaminated water, food and soil and potential tularemia in patients with acute fever and regional lymphadenopathy.

The article examines the national and state efforts involving the medical community in addressing the opioid epidemic. Topics discussed include the funding received by Minnesota following the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act, calls for increased involvement at the health system level and treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD).

The article offers information on the Minnesota Medical Association's 2016 Annual conference scheduled to be held on September 23-24, 2016.

The article comments on the decision of the Minnesota Commissioner of Health Edward Ehlinger of adding intractable pain to the list of qualifying conditions for Minnesota's medical cannabis program and looks at what the controversial decision could mean. Topics include the program stated to work for intractable pain as it does for other conditions and more medical conditions may be added to the list of eligible patients for medical cannabis use. INSETS: Certifying pain patients;New protocol for replacing opioids with medical cannabis.

The article focuses on the early survey results from the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program in 2016. Topics include qualifying conditions for the program which include cancer and glaucoma, most significant benefits experienced by patients, as reported by patients and health care practitioners (HCPS) and most significant harms experienced by patients which included physical and mental side effects.

Lead exposure is associated with a number of adverse health events including peripheral neuropathy, anemia, renal damage and cognitive impairment. The vast majority of adult lead exposures occur in the workplace. By statute, all results from blood lead level (BLL) tests performed in Minnesota are submitted to the Minnesota Department of Health for surveillance purposes. We analyzed that data to examine lead exposure trends from 2005 through 2012. We found that an average of 548 persons 16 years of age and older had a BLL greater than 10μg/dL each year during that period. Analysis of the prevalence rate of elevated BLLs among adults for the years 2005-2012 showed a modest, nonsignificant decline among those with BLLs greater than 10μg/dL. Much has been done to reduce exposures and BLLs among young children. However, the policies and standards that protect workers have not been similarly adjusted, and many workers remain at risk of exposure. Although OSHA is responsible for developing and implementing policies and standards to protect workers, health care providers can play a critical role in identifying cases of lead exposure by asking patients about their occupation and industry. Those working in high-risk industries should be tested to determine whether they have been exposed and intervention is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on various aspects related to living in rural Minnesota. Topics discussed include the effects of winter season for health of people and cancellation of school classes, the views of Richard A. Wehseler, medical director of staff development for Affiliated Community Medical Centers (ACMC), regarding the status of healthcare in the state, and the difficulties in hiring rural physicians to serve the community.

The article defines rat-bite fever as a zoonotic illness caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis in North America and Spirillum in Asia. It mentions that rat-bite infection is spread through contact with rodents or through polluted food or water. A staggering number of people suffer rat-bite fever in the United States and children are more vulnerable to this infection.

The article highlights a report from the e Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). that Minnesota public health officials reported a record number of overdose deaths in 2021, most of which can be attributed to fentanyl.

With much discussion about health disparities in Minnesota in recent years, there has been growing awareness about the inequities between rich and poor and between majority and minority groups. Attention also needs to be paid to the disparities between women who live in rural areas and those who live in urban parts of the state. Rural women are poorer, older and less likely to have adequate health insurance than their urban counterparts, which can compromise their health status. They also fare worse on a number of health indicators and face barriers to adequate health care that can exacerbate disparities. This article describes the root causes of health disparities between women living in rural and urban parts of the state and explores strategies to mitigate them that include increasing the rural physician workforce, improving access to primary and specialty care through telehealth services, and expanding health insurance options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past 10 years, Minnesota clinicians have noticed increased resistance to MMR vaccination among Somali Minnesotans. Misinformation about a discredited study asserting a link between the MMR vaccine and autism has permeated this community as parents have increasingly become concerned about the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among their children. As a result, MMR vaccination rates among U.S.-born children of Somali descent are declining. This article reports findings from an investigation by the Minnesota Department of Health, which was undertaken to better understand vaccine hesitancy among Somali Minnesotans. Based on these and other findings, we propose a multi-pronged approach for increasing vaccination rates in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the move of several physicians in Minnesota to confront the serious health disparity issue in the state. The effort of pediatric hematologist that specializes in sickle cell anemia Stephen Nelson of Minneapolis Children's Hospital to investigate the factors that caused the issue and his findings on it, is discussed. Ideas for clinicians on how to effectively address the problem by creating a more welcoming practice and listening more to patients of color is offered.

The article argues that high-deductible health insurance policies in the U.S. are causing financial headaches for clinics and hospitals. Topics include the view of doctors in Minnesota that such system is hurting patient health, as well as the Minnesota Healthcare Network (MHN) becoming a financial partner of the PrimaCare Direct of Multicare Associates in May 2014. Also mentioned are many doctors and patents in Minnesota wanting insurance firms to refine their plans so co-pays are reduced.

The article indicates that more physicians in Minnesota are considering single-payer health care and examines if it is a realistic option. Topics include the formation of the Minnesota chapter of Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP) in 2007, as well as a 2013 study of Minnesota Department of Health and State Health Access Data Assistance Center (SHADAC). Also mentioned is the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP) presenting a report on single payer to its House of Delegates. INSET: A lesson from Vermont.

Bronchoalveolar lavage samples (n=34) collected in February 2020 prior to the wide availability of molecular testing for SARS-CoV-2 were retrospectively assayed for presence of viral RNA. None of these patients qualified for SARS-CoV-2 testing based on Centers for Disease Control criteria at the time. None of the samples tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, suggesting that the virus was not yet widespread in Minnesota at the time these samples were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the Minnesota Department of Health's Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC), an immunization information system (ISS) that has improved immunization rates by informing providers about their patients. Topics discussed include the MIIC's enhancement of data-driven public health surveillance, assisting in clinical practice and conducting epidemiologic surveillance of vaccination rates in Minnesota.

The article provides an overview of the Minnesota Medical Association's (MMA) priorities in the legislative session for physicians which will conclude by May 22, 2017. Topics discussed include the reform of medication prior authorization, the repeal of the two percent provider tax on December 31, 2019 and addressing the opioid epidemic.

This section offers news briefs about physicians as of May 1, 2017. Physician appointments and reappointment to the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice (BMP) including Christopher Burkle, Kathryn Lombardo and William Parham III. The Minnesota Supreme Court overturning a rule in the case of Howard v. Svoboda which deals with informal conference statute. The Constellation Inc. and the Minnesota Medical Association's (MMA) settlement of a case on a trademark licensing agreement between the parties.

The article explores the relevance and roles of component medical societies in Minnesota. Topics discussed include several developments that negatively affected the state's component medical societies such as the acquisition of smaller groups and solo practices. Several actions taken by such societies to boost their relevance are also cited which include creating socially-relevant programs.