January 2008

Subscriptions

Features

News Analysis

The High Cost of Poor Vision

The United States spends more than $50 billion a year on vision problems—and the prevalence and the costs to care for these conditions are rising fast. What can be done?

Patient Communication

Role Playing: How to Break Bad News

How do you tell a patient about a vision-threatening diagnosis? Here are 10 tips to do so empathetically, effectively and honestly.

Practice Management

The Ins and Outs of Cash Flow

Here’s how to make sure that you understand precisely where your income is coming from—and where it’s going.

Departments

Chairside

Be Your Own Lie Detector

‘A lie can travel halfway around the world before the truth can get its pants on.’ What I want to know is: Why is the truth not wearing pants?

Clinical Quandaries

Vision Loss Can Be Skin Deep

What caused this patient’s unexplained reduction in visual acuity? Remember to always question the unexplained.

Coding Connection

Treat Right, Code Right

This new monthly column on medical coding will show you how to code properly, lower your risk, and get reimbursed appropriately.

Cornea and Contact Lens Q & A

Double-Check the Diagnosis

When a patient presents with dendriform and topical steroids aren’t having an effect, verify the patient’s symptoms and diagnosis.

Diagnostic Quiz

The Root of the Problem

Glaucoma Grand Rounds

Do We Monitor or Medicate?

When new patients may be at risk for glaucoma development, should you initially monitor them or immediately begin treatment?

Meetings and Conferences

Meetings + Conferences

News Review

Congress OKs Military Eye Trauma Legislation

Physics Clears Up Cataract Formation

In the News

In the Pipeline: Two Drugs Show Promise Against AMD

Medicare Fee Put on Hold

Avastin Still Available for AMD Treatment

After saying that it would limit availability, the company changed its stance.

Outlook

An Ounce of Prevention

Prevention is the key to mitigating and reducing vision problems, and it is a step in the right direction toward saving our economy.

Retina Quiz

Suspicion Prompts Examination

This young patient with decreased vision demonstrated unusual findings in her right eye. Can you see what they are?

Therapeutic Review

Sowka Down Under

Chloramphenicol is one of the most commonly prescribed topical antibiotics in New Zealand. But, why is it not used in the United States?