PAs Improve Care of Complex Cases
PAs don't have to be in a specialty to improve specialty care. According to a recent analysis, your peers working in primary care practices seem to facilitate physician management of complex cases, permitting PCPs to handle a greater number of such cases—and to do so effectively. The findings come from a study recently published in international Journal of Public Policy.
The study compared referral trends for primary care practices with PAs and NPs to those without PAs or NPs. Practices with PAs and NPS were less likely to make referrals, and were found to provide appropriate care to complex patients. “These findings indicate that NP-PA enable PCP to concentrate on patients with more complex conditions thus reducing the number of referrals,” Chung, et al. conclude. Practices with fewer referrals also had higher revenues from managed care contracts.

Rosacea Incidence Rises
Rosacea is more prevalent than previously thought: It affects about 16 million Americans, according to the most recent estimates from the National Rosacea Society (NRS, Rosacea.org). That represents an increase of two million people compared to previous estimates. Nonetheless, many Americans are unaware of sings and symptoms of the disease, and authorities suspect many patients may be undiagnosed and untreated. Recent NRS surveys of affected patients have linked the disorder to negative self-esteem, effects on work performance, and have even found unexpectedly high levels of pain among affected individuals. April is Rosacea Awareness Month.

Skin Cancer Resources Available
Fielding questions from patients about vitamin D, cancer risks, and the “need” for sun exposure. Consider directing them to the Skin Cancer Foundation (Skincacner.org), where they’ll find information about the latest vitamin D research, methods of supplementation, and the dangers of excessive UV exposure—including photoaging and skin cancer. The Foundation also hosts a page with information on UV safety for children and adolescents. "Fun in the Sun 101" even includes teacher resources to assist the development of school-base educational and safety programs.

FDA Cracking Down on "Lipodissolve"
Citing lack of substantiation for claims that they reduce fat and concerns about safety, FDA is challenging US centers that perform "lipodissolve" procedures. In a warning to six spas, FDA said, "credible scientific evidence that supports the effectiveness of any of these substances for fat elimination, and their safety when used alone or in combination is unknown.” According to the agency, some sites claimed superior results to liposuction. FDA says it has received reports of adverse events associated with the procedures, including permanent scarring, skin deformation, and deep painful knots under the skin at injection sites.