Bristol Stool Form Scale reliability and agreement decreases when determining Rome III stool form designations.

Background: Rater reproducibility of the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS), which categorizes stools into one of seven types, is unknown. We sought to determine reliability and agreement by individual stool type and when responses are categorized by Rome III clinical designation as normal or abnormal (constipation or diarrhea).

Methods: Thirty-four gastroenterology providers from three institutions rated 35 stool photographs using the BSFS.

Negotiating compensation packages. Bargaining to get the best offer.

You worked hard to search for a job--sending out resumes, networking with your peers and contacting recruiters. But when the offer finally comes, your work isn't done. Now it's time to negotiate the best salary and employment contract.

Health care futures. Part 2: The future of physician executives? Panel discussion.

What is the future of health care in America? This is Part 2 of The Physician Executive panel discussion that explores the future of health care in America. To narrow this ambitious focus somewhat, the future is defined as five to 10 years hence. In Part 1, which was published in the May/June issue, Russell C.