Tom Collins is a freelance writer in South Florida who has written about medical topics from nasty infections to ethical dilemmas, runaway tumors to tornado-chasing doctors. He travels the globe gathering conference health news and lives in West Palm Beach.
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Treat-to-target strategy with tapering proves effective in PsA and axSpA
A trial showed for the first time that disease activity–guided treat-to-target tapering strategies in both psoriatic arthritis and axial...
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Gaps in ulcerative colitis care expectations, perceptions
The results point to the ongoing need to foster a good relationship between physicians and patients, even as treatment methods become more...
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Ultra-processed: Doctors debate whether putting this label on foods is useful
Some experts say increased awareness and labeling of ultra-processed foods can only be a good thing. Others say that the classification system...
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New eosinophilic esophagitis severity score may guide treatment
The index, called I-SEE, includes symptoms, endoscopic findings, and histology and is meant to help steer clinicians to the best treatment...
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Medical ‘myths’ persist despite evidence, says professor of medicine
Dogma about shellfish allergies and contrast agents, “sinus headaches,” and other beliefs continue to affect patient care, even though the...
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Telehealth continues to loom large, say experts
Nine out of ten patients would recommend telemedicine to friends and family, and most physicians say they’re willing to devote significant time to...
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Surgery handoffs still a risky juncture in care – but increasing communication can help
Experts say understanding the full clinical picture of a surgery patient and ongoing communication between hospitalists and the surgery department...
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New research holds promise for fighting obesity, says expert
A growing understanding of adipose tissue as an endocrine organ responsible for weight control opens avenues for treatment, she says.
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How to communicate effectively with patients when tension is high
Calling to mind a couple of acronyms can help, said a moderator of a panel discussion at the annual meeting of the American College of Physicians...
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Homelessness seems to have greater link to death than common diseases, says physician
The health challenges facing those experiencing homelessness are straightforward, but the U.S. health system isn’t built to deal with them, an...
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How to address social determinants of health, according to expert panel
A panel of experts talked about policies to address social determinants of health at the annual meeting of the American College of Physicians.
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Drink up: Large study confirms coffee beneficial to liver health
“This is the closest we’re ever going to get to a linkage between what people are eating or drinking and the health of their liver.”
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Psoriatic arthritis health care costs continue to rise over time
In a database claims review, the average person with PsA had higher inpatient, outpatient, and pharmacy costs, compared with those with only...
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Experts debate merits of dual therapy for lupus nephritis
Brad Rovin, MD, and Richard Furie, MD, discussed the merits of dual therapy with voclosporin or belimumab in lupus nephritis but said response...