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MARRTC & The Missouri School of Journalism
STORY IDEAS FOR COVERING ARTHRITIS--Spring, 2005
The following is a list of story ideas that can serve as trampoline for more in-depth reporting.
Stories available for reprint can be accessed at www.marrtc.org/media/reprint.html
Shortage and Disproportionate Distribution of Pediatric Rheumatologists Around the Country
Specialists caring for children with rheumatologic disorders are not only in short supply, but they are disproportionately concentrated in large metropolitan areas. How does that affect access to health care for those who live in smaller towns or rural settings? Who absorbs the demand for care? What factors explain the shortage of pediatric rheumatologists? Are any other medical subspecialties affected?
Depression and Autoimmune Diseases, Depression and Disability
People with illnesses and disabilities might be just as happy as people without major medical problems, according to a recent study by the University of Michigan. Yet, a report presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology found that depression has high prevalence among people with scleroderma, yet many remain undiagnosed and untreated. If depression is under-diagnosed in the general population, could it remain under physiciansÕ radar when it comes to people with autoimmune diseases? Where do we draw the line between the normal stress of coping with a chronic disease and clinical depression? Should doctors treating patients with autoimmune diseases become more vigilant and adopt more aggressive screening strategies?
Heart Disease in People with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Two recent Mayo Clinic studies found that people with rheumatoid arthritis have an increased risk of suffering heart failure as well as developing silent heart disease or dying from sudden cardiac death. As researchers are scurrying to find the mechanism responsible for these phenomena, how should the 2 million Americans who have rheumatoid arthritis protect their hearts? Should everyone diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis pay a visit to the cardiologist? What tests, if any, should they undergo?
Medical Debt Rampant Among Americans
More and more Americans owe more and more money for their health care than ever. Both insured and uninsured people are amassing large amounts of medical debt. While catastrophic medical events are usually to blame for large amounts of debt, some chronic conditions, such as osteoporosis, can take a toll on your finances as well.
Can Technology Bridge Health-Care Gaps in America
Americans living in rural areas often have to travel miles and miles for specialized, as well as routine health care. But with the advent of the Internet, certain care can be delivered online. Telemedicine, medical services delivered via close-circuit TV from one point to another, is the latest trend in long-distance diagnostics and care. Is it too good to be true? What are some of the risks of using technology to treat and diagnose people? Why isnÕt the trend catching up faster?
Dangerous Drugs or Irresponsible Prescribing?
In the wake of the Vioxx recall, fingers are being pointed and blame shifted back and forth between the Food and Drug Administration and top drug makers, but should physicians--and patients--be asking some hard questions of themselves as well? Is it bad drugs or faulty system processes that are to blame? Can aggressive direct-to-consumer advertising by big pharma create artificial demand for drugs that are not medically necessary?
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