November/December 2009
Experts debate pros, cons of vitamin D
An obscure nutrient is now being hailed as a link to prevention of diseases as disparate as diabetes, schizophrenia, cancer, strokes and heart attacks. Experts square off on how much vitamin D can be associated with illnesses, the proper amount that people should get, and how they can get it.
Work up the whole patient when treating IBS
With so many confounding factors to consider with irritable bowel syndrome, physicians can benefit their patients most with an important diagnostic tool—listening. Learn how to work up these patients from first steps to cognitive therapy options.
Psychotropic drug prescriptions by medical specialty
Prescribing of psychotropic medications by nonpsychiatrists improves access to treatment but raises questions about adherence to evidence-based guidelines, provision of psychotherapy, adequacy of medication monitoring, and appropriateness of treatment intensity.
A generalist and educator marks 20 years of ACP Fellowship
Linda S. Snell, FACP, was among ACP's first class of Fellows, inducted in 1989.
Warnings on power cords, asthma drugs, diabetes supplies
A summary of approvals, recalls, warnings and alerts digested by ACP Internist from the Food and Drug Administration's alerts.
Uncertain diagnosis for pain leads doctor to dig further
A 66-year-old woman presents with abdominal pain radiating to her back, and CT scans show multiple lesions worrisome for metastatic disease. But when the pain resolves and the lesions don't change, one internist reconsiders the diagnosis.
Alzheimer's, genomics and the personal utility of testing
As many as one in 10 doctors get asked for “the blood testâ€ï¿½ for Alzheimer's risk. A flurry of research will further drive patient interest, but also cause rethinking of clinical guidelines that discourage such testing.
The ‘truth’ about vitamin D
A round-up of this issue's articles on vitamin D, irritable bowel syndrome and the consequences of an uncertain diagnosis.
Physicians can help patients decide about end-of-life issues
The recent decrying of “government death panelsâ€ï¿½ undercuts patient welfare, patient autonomy and social justice, and physicians have a duty to take a leadership role in the debate over health care reform.
Affordable health care puts individuals, society at odds
The public would have more confidence in the cost-control measures that emerge from health care reform if physicians led the discussion.
Medicare, many insurers announce coding rules for H1N1
The federal government will pay for H1N1 vaccine, and most large insurers are planning to pay only for its administration. Find out which codes to use and with which insurers.
Improving paper charts to prep for EHRs
Practices should organize their paper charts to ease to conversion to electronic health records. To ease the transitions, ACP has assembled useful forms to download and customize.
Nominees named for College Officer and Regent positions
The Nominations Committee of ACP places in nomination candidates for the position of president-elect, treasurer and other regent nominees.
Obituaries
Obituaries for Jose A. Filos-Diaz, MACP, Allan L. Goulding, FACP, and Raymond H. Murray, MACP.
Chapter awardees noted
Chapters honor Members, Fellows, and Masters of ACP who have demonstrated by their example and conduct an abiding commitment to excellence in medical care, education, research, or service to their community, their chapter, and ACP.
MKSAP Quiz: recurrent, painful mouth sores
A 21-year-old man is evaluated for painful sores in his mouth. Episodes of these sores have occurred two to three times yearly since he was 16 years old, and he believes they are associated with stress.A 21-year-old man is evaluated for painful sores in his mouth. Episodes of these sores have occurred two to three times yearly since he was 16 years old, and he believes they are associated with stress.A 21-year-old man is evaluated for painful sores in his mouth. Episodes of these sores have occurred two to three times yearly since he was 16 years old, and he believes they are associated with stress.