January 2014
Long-term view for chronic pancreatitis
Unlike acute cases of pancreatitis, chronic cases present with varying degrees and types of pain, and without other clinical indicators such as calcification or damage to pancreatic ducts. It's best to refer to a gastroenterologist early to clarify the diagnosis, so the internist can better manage the patient.
Taking team care from policy to practice
Medical practice is becoming increasingly team-based, which is leading to a renegotiation of the roles each clinician brings to patient care.
To prescribe exercise, start specific and small
Primary care physicians can offer more specific advice when they suggest exercise##mdash;frequency, intensity and type, for example##mdash;to increase their patients' likelihood of following through.
Tips on transforming practices to fit changing models of care
When transitioning a medical practice into a patient-centered model, one of the first steps involves focusing on high-risk patients and developing a plan for more intensive management.
Transparent charts and opening the problem list to patients
Doctors use the patient's medical chart as a notepad of sorts, to record clinical impressions and thinking. But the record's increasingly open nature requires physicians to reconsider how they document the patient's history and what they might be willing to share with the patient.
Health reform's winners and losers: by the numbers
Breaking down the numbers offers insight into who stands to gain the most from the reforms provided by the Affordable Care Act. But the broader coverage offered under the law means that the country as a whole is better off.
Letter to the Editor
Richard J. Baron, MD, MACP, president and CEO of the American Board of Internal Medicine, responds to a previous President's Message about the challenges facing Maintenance of Certification and the plans on how to improve it.
Cause of chronic pancreatitis can be hard to pinpoint
This issue includes stories on diagnosing chronic pancreatitis and on transitioning medical practices into care teams.
CMS revises rules for E/M documentation, hospital discharges
This year's Current Procedural Terminology code changes are significant for internal medicine. Learn how to code for E/M services, hospital discharges and interprofessional consultations.
Practice Tips: Explore ways to hire, credential new medical assistants
Computerized order entry requires a licensed or certified staffer. Learn how to fulfill this requirement with new hires or by training existing office staff.
Recommended: Move hydrocodone combo products to schedule II
This regulatory update covers a proposed reclassification of hydrocodone combination products from schedule III to schedule II, and approval of an extended-release version of hydrocodone bitartrate for pain management.
Governor-elect election results announced
The Governors' Subcommittee on Nominations is pleased to announce the Governor-elect Designees for several chapters. They will start their terms as the class of 2019 Governors-elect after the Annual Business Meeting in April 2014.
MKSAP Quiz: ED evaluation for acute onset of pain
A 37-year-old woman is evaluated in the emergency department for the acute onset of pain after 2 weeks of bloody diarrhea. The diarrhea has escalated to 15 times per day. She has ulcerative colitis that was diagnosed 2 years ago. She currently takes azathioprine. On physical examination, she appears ill. Following aggressive fluid resuscitation, temperature is 38.9° C (102.0° F), blood pressure is 70/40 mm Hg, pulse rate is 148/min, and respiration rate is 35/min. Abdominal examination discloses absent bowel sounds, distention, and diffuse marked tenderness with mild palpation. Following lab studies and the results of a radiograph, what is the most appropriate management?.
Crossed Words: Glued to the answer
ACP Internist's puzzle feature challenges readers to find clues placed horizontally in rows to reveal an answer written vertically.
Chapter awardees
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.