Billing Practices Among US Tobacco Use Treatment Providers.

Objectives: The US Affordable Care Act (ACA) now requires almost all health insurance plans to cover tobacco use treatment (TUT), but TUT remains underutilized.

Methods: We conducted an anonymous online survey of US TUT providers in 2016 regarding their billing practices.

Results: Participants (n = 131) provided services primarily in medical and behavioral health settings and were from a variety of professions.

Addressing the evidence for FDA nicotine replacement therapy label changes: a policy statement of the Association for the Treatment of Tobacco use and Dependence and the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco.

Cigarette smoking creates a substantial public health burden. Identifying new, effective smoking cessation interventions that optimize existing interventions and promoting effective use of approved medications is a priority. When used as directed, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) aids smoking cessation, but there is opportunity for improving its effectiveness.

"Tobacco Free With FDNY": the New York City Fire Department World Trade Center Tobacco Cessation Study.

Context: After the World Trade Center (WTC) collapse, 15% (1,767) of rescue workers from the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) considered themselves to be current cigarette smokers. Post-WTC collapse, 98% reported acute respiratory symptoms, and 81% reported health concerns. Nonetheless, 29% of current smokers increased tobacco use, and 23% of ex-smokers resumed cigarette smoking.

Effects of sustained-release bupropion among persons interested in reducing but not quitting smoking.

Purpose: To determine whether sustained-release bupropion promotes smoking reduction leading to smoking cessation among persons who wish to reduce their amount of smoking, but who are unwilling to quit or who perceive themselves as being unable to quit.

Methods: Current smokers were assigned randomly to receive either sustained-release bupropion (150 mg twice daily) or matching placebo. During an initial 6-month smoking reduction phase, those who were willing to quit entered a 7-week cessation phase, during which study medication was continued.