April 2010
Array of symptoms can point to celiac
Celiac incidence has risen since the 1950s to today, so alert internists listen to the symptoms, get to the basis, and make accurate attributions to make the right diagnosis. A constellation of symptoms can point to a common underlying condition.
EHR era ushers in stricter privacy, security
Offices feeling confident about HIPAA compliance now face HITECH, an increased level of demands meant to secure confidential information in a digital age. The demands have increased, and so have the penalties.
Start-up practice uses ACP's marketing guides for quick growth
Leslie Saltzman, ACP Member, took advantage of some resources on hand and guidance from ACP's Running a Practice section to quickly grow her solo practice into a full-service resource for women's health.
Risks seen with anemia, asthma drugs; insulin syringes recalled
Warnings, recalls and updates from the Food and Drug Administration.
Seeing the whole diagnostic picture
For a year, one patient saw specialist after specialist and received a different diagnosis each time. Like the story of the blind men and the elephant, specialists often see the patient through only one component of training, as anchoring and availability sneak into their thinking.
Genomics will aid primary care, with primary care's help
Genomics expert W. Gregory Feero, MD, PhD, interviews Eric Green, MD, PhD, the new director of the National Human Genome Research Institute, about the changing interface between genomics and medicine.
Reflecting on a year of service, leadership, honor and privilege
ACP's president offers his final thoughts on a year of service to the College, the passage of health care reform, and the modern version of the Hippocratic Oath.
Learn where to look for celiac disease
Internists are more likely than ever to treat patients with celiac disease, but the diagnosis is still often missed.
Letters to the Editor
Readers respond to the ACP InternistWeekly item about lower pay driving physicians to cut their hours, and to the cover story that questioned the value of the annual physical exam.
Change fee for service to another method that reflects quality
Fee-for-service payments need to align incentives with value of services rendered.
Know the rules to avoid common errors, appeal unfair denials
Simple steps within the control of a practice's billing staff can reduce denied claims from private insurance companies. Knowing what types of errors are the most frequent can help staff avoid making them in the first place.
Hire NPs, PAs to boost revenue, accessibility
A dependent practitioner can increase a practice's accessibility, productivity and revenue while contributing to quality and patient satisfaction##mdash;and at half the cost of hiring a physician.
Chapter awardees for January-March 2010
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: Hypothyroidism
A 70-year-old woman with hypothyroidism fell and fractured her hip. During preoperative evaluation for hip fracture repair, she mentions recent mild fatigue, which has not significantly limited performance of her daily activities, and ongoing right upper-quadrant abdominal pain after eating. Following a physical exam and lab results, what management option is most appropriate?.