Karen Nash

Print and broadcast media medical reporter based in Sioux Falls, S.D.

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After the U.S. Supreme Court of the United States upheld the constitutionality of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), including the individual mandate requiring all Americans to purchase health insurance, a number of professional medical organizations reiterated concern about potential effects of the law.

Dermatologists weigh in on the Affordable Care Act

Recently, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine surveyed their third- and fourth-year residents and found that even though it is not on the official curriculum, the residents are learning defensive medicine. Whether it's an attending mentioning that a particular biopsy isn't necessary or deciding not to offer a patient a particular medication because it of a potential lawsuit, the residents are seeing defensive medicine in practice.

Dermatologists share views on practicing, teaching defensive medicine

It's summertime, and once again, people are looking for reasons to enjoy the sun. Assertions that sunscreens are detrimental to health are surfacing once more. This time, the question is whether sunscreens provide so much protection from sun exposure that they inhibit the body's natural production of vitamin D, leading to deficiencies.

Dermatologists discuss how to manage patient concerns over vitamin D deficiency

Three years after Roche pulled Accutane off the market, On Call wondered whether dermatologists were still using isotretinoin, whether they see problems from these portended side effects, and whether patients and their parents are as concerned about the medication as they used to be.

Three years after Accutane's withdrawal, derms discuss current prescribing practices

On Call talked to dermatologists across the country and asked them to explain when they believe Mohs surgery is appropriate, whether they consider the surgery overused, and whether they've run into issues with reimbursement.

Mohs surgery challenged by some insurance companies, docs say

Politics is a popular but touchy subject. We wondered whether dermatologists' patients are raising the issue of healthcare reform during visits, and, if so, how the derms are handling those questions.

When patients approach politics, responding carefully can be crucial

In healthcare reform discussions, there is an emphasis on primary care. We wondered what dermatologists think of this, and whether this could diminish specialty practices and/or impact patient care.

Reform's ramifications: Will Congress' current emphasis on primary care help, or hurt, specialists?

Older patients are encouraged to moisturize and avoid contributors to dry skin.

Managing dry skin: Cold weather, low humidity among causes of xerosis in elderly

Are dermatologists coming out of residencies prepared for dealing with the challenges of running a practice? We asked dermatologists around the country if they think young physicians are prepared to make business decisions.

Crash course: Seasoned derms offer 'newbies' advice on the business side of medicine

When psoriasis is restricted to the nails, it creates a dilemma for doctor and patient, an expert says.

Author | Karen Nash

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