ICYMI: physician suicides, ER costs, physician shortages

There’s a lot happening in medicine and health care. Catch up on some of the top stories you might have missed. Interested in more news about the osteopathic profession? Check out our Newsbriefs.

1. What I’ve learned from my tally of 757 doctor suicides

Pamela Wible, MD, calls attention to the growing epidemic of physician suicides. She argues that ignoring the problem is making it worse and medical institutions need to step up and support the mental health of physicians, residents and students.

The forthcoming documentary, “Do No Harm,” brings this issue to light.  —The Washington Post

2. An ER visit, a $12,000 bill—and a health insurer that wouldn’t pay 

Anthem Health Insurance is drawing a line in the sand. Patients will be responsible for ER costs when it’s not an emergency. Some emergency medicine physicians believe this may discourage patients from using emergency services and getting necessary care.

Learn more about the changes insurance companies are implementing in emergency rooms. —Vox

3. Surge in DO students could help ease physician shortage

Osteopathic medical students are on the rise. About 1 in 4 medical students attend an osteopathic college. They are set to help aid the primary care provider shortage in the U.S.

Treating one patient at a time. —Crain’s Chicago Business