Poll finds 86% of Americans take vitamins or supplements yet only 21% have a confirmed nutritional deficiency
CHICAGO—January 16, 2019—More than 4 in 5 American adults (86 percent) take vitamins or supplements, according to a recent online survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Osteopathic Association. However, only about a quarter (24 percent) of those taking vitamins or supplements received test results indicating they have a nutritional deficiency. … Read More
Researchers say auditory testing can identify children for autism screening
CHICAGO—January 7, 2019—A noninvasive hearing test may assist with early detection and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders, according to research published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association. The authors note a strong connection between auditory dysfunction and autism, suggesting that hearing issues identified at birth can be a clue to monitor the child … Read More
Accreditation decisions for colleges of osteopathic medicine
CHICAGO, December 19, 2018–The American Osteopathic Association’s Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) today announced accreditation decisions made at its Nov. 30 – Dec. 2, 2018 meeting. Comprehensive site visits occur at the end of an accreditation cycle. The following comprehensive site visits occurred following a seven year accreditation cycle: Pacific Northwest University of Health … Read More
AOA statement on district court ruling the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional
CHICAGO—December 19, 2018–The American Osteopathic Association is deeply concerned about the potential impact that Friday’s ruling could have on the health care system and physicians’ ability to care for their patients. Should it withstands an appeal, this ruling would remove important patient and consumer protections, including those specific to people with pre-existing conditions. Medicaid expansion … Read More
Researchers find elderly firearm owners with dementia pose accidental shooting risk, with few laws to address growing issue
CHICAGO, November 26, 2018—Red flag laws allowing for the removal of firearms from people with mental illness need to be widely extended to patients suffering from dementia, according to an article in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association. The authors noted that the current lack of public policy could lead to an increase in … Read More
Study finds 45 minutes of patient education improves chronic disease management
CHICAGO—November 19, 2018—Just 45 minutes of patient education can improve outcomes for patients with chronic diseases, according to a study in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association. The study, titled The Other 45, assigned 47 patients who were diagnosed with a chronic disease, like hypertension, COPD, or diabetes, to visit with a second-year medical … Read More
CMS responds to physician concerns, delays payment changes until 2021
CHICAGO—November 2, 2018—Yesterday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released for public inspection the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule for calendar year (CY) 2019, announcing modifications to its proposals for office and outpatient Evaluation and Management (E/M) visits for new and established patients. The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) applauds CMS for adopting … Read More
Expanding independent practice rights for non-physicians means not all patients can see doctors
CHICAGO—October 30, 2018—The American Osteopathic Association warns that the continuing push to grant independent practice rights to non-physicians may force patients with complex health conditions to see less qualified health care providers instead of doctors in their communities. In response to the physician shortage, many states are carving doctors out of patient care, an AOA … Read More
Interventions to delay and prevent Type 2 diabetes are underused, researchers say
CHICAGO—October 29, 2018—Lifestyle interventions, medication and surgery for patients diagnosed with pre-diabetes is proven to delay or prevent Type 2 diabetes in the majority of patients, but limited access to the often expensive treatments is fueling rising rates of the disease, according to research in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association. Currently, one in … Read More