WASHINGTON — Surgical errors have declined significantly at VA facilities nationwide, while the reporting of close calls has increased, according to a recent study. The study, conducted by VA researchers, credits agency-led quality improvement efforts with the decline in adverse events.

WASHINGTON — Military beneficiary groups and physician groups are watching closely how Medicare rates will fare under the deal on the debt ceiling that was agreed upon by Congress last month. Because TRICARE rates are generally set at those for Medicare, any changes to those rates could impact TRICARE reimbursement rates for civilian providers who treat beneficiaries.

WASHINGTON — An FDA process for approving some medical devices, in use for the past 35 years, lacks the ability to reliably screen new products for safety and effectiveness prior to their release.

WASHINGTON — Gentian violet (pronounced jen-shen) is not a compound familiar to most modern medical practitioners. Developed in the middle of the 19^th century, this combination of pararosanilines used as a component in dyes was eventually discovered to have antiseptic properties. Through the early part of the 20^th century, it was prescribed by physicians for simple infections and commonly used by mothers to treat thrush in infants.

WASHINGTON — Before Congress reached a debt ceiling deal last month, veterans and active-duty servicemembers were worried if they would receive their military paychecks, veterans’ benefits, or G.I. Bill benefits, should the United States be unable to borrow more to pay its bills.