Nearly all doctors believe it’s important to talk with patients about the care they want in their final days. But most physicians work in systems that provide little help, and often don’t know what to say or when to say it, according to a new survey. Ziad Obermeyer (Brigham and Women’s) is quoted.
Governor Charlie Baker’s administration has drafted plans for the biggest overhaul of the state’s Medicaid program in two decades, changing the way doctors and hospitals are paid in an effort to rein in soaring costs. Michael Chernew (HMS) is quoted.
As the U.S. government considers reclassifying cannabis, researchers say easing rules could lead to big advances. Lester Grinspoon (HMS, emeritus) is quoted.
Cancers can be genetically characterized by analyzing tumor DNA taken from a blood sample, thus bypassing the need to extract solid tumor tissue. But extensive testing is required before liquid biopsies can supersede surgical biopsies in the clinic. Geoffrey Oxnard (Dana-Farber) is quoted.
A runner in this year’s Boston marathon is running to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s, and has also been diagnosed with the disease. Brent Forester (McLean) is quoted.
A woman’s chances of giving birth via Cesarean section depends in part on the hospital in which she chooses to deliver, a Consumer Reports analysis suggests. Neel Shah (Beth Israel Deaconess) is quoted.
Tumors are subject to the same rules of natural selection as any other living thing. Clinicians are now putting that knowledge to use. Kornelia Polyak (Dana-Farber) is quoted.
