The use of anabolic agents in HIV disease.

Anabolic steroids are synthetic analogues of the natural androgenic 'male' hormone called testosterone that is produced primarily in the testes in males and in the ovaries in females. Anabolic steroids and other agents are fast becoming part of the standard of care for HIV disease, gaining acceptance in reversing loss of lean body mass, increasing muscle strength, improving sexual functioning and appetite and creating a general sense of well-being. This article will review commonly prescribed anabolic agents, discuss potential side effects and contraindications.

Transdermal fentanyl for chronic pain in AIDS: a pilot study.

This prospective, open-label, before-after trial was designed to compare the efficacy of oral opioids with that of transdermal fentanyl in severe AIDS-related chronic pain, as well as assess barriers, patient satisfaction, and side effects. Thirty-five sequentially selected male and female outpatients with AIDS who were at least 18 years old were enrolled. All had chronic pain requiring continuous treatment with > or = 45 mg/day oral morphine or an equivalent.

Giving receivables an 'outside' chance.

Because of a greater number of patient visits and transactions, outpatient care typically involves more clerical and administrative work for less revenue than inpatient accounts. One hospital turned to outsourcing its outpatient receivables-contracting with an outside company to handle outpatient receivables. An outside company first can help an organization tackle an outpatient billing backlog and increase cash flow from outpatient accounts.