November/December 2014
Lupus presentation may be an ‘imitator’
Lupus can involve multiple organ systems and shares the same, sometimes nonspecific presentation as other conditions. But a diligent internist##mdash;an “excellent generalist” in the words of one expert##mdash;can pick up on the correct diagnosis.
Virtual visits pose real issues for physicians
There could be 1 million virtual health consultations done by phone or video by the end of 2014, with growth expected in 2015. Observers are weighing the benefits of access against the potential lack of an ongoing doctor-patient relationship.
Fecal transplant pills, other innovations in C. difficile treatment
Speakers at IDWeek 2014 discussed the latest developments in treating Clostridium difficile, including more patient-friendly forms of fecal transplantation.
Nominees named for College Officer and Regent positions
The Governance Committee of the American College of Physicians placed in nomination candidates for officers and Regents.
ACP's international presence reflects familiar domestic needs
Internists globally share many of the same problems and concerns as those in the U.S., so ACP plays an immensely important role in influencing the growth, practice, and sustainability of internal medicine in many other countries.
Putting patients before paperwork, and playing Whack-a-Mole
ACP has decided to once again take on the problem of excessive paperwork and other administrative burdens, including those imposed by the advent of electronic health records.
Nonspecific symptoms may have a very specific cause
This issue covers topics including management of lupus, the effect of telemedicine on primary care practice, and new approaches to treating Clostridium difficile.
There's more to Medicare's Annual Wellness Visit
Clinicians and office staff can benefit from a refresher course about how to code claims correctly for prompt payment.
Practice Tips: The 3 Ps of physician compensation
Performance, productivity, and profitability are the 3 components of getting paid. These elements all affect one another, so balancing them is key.
MKSAP Quiz: 5-day history of asymptomatic rash
A 68-year-old man is evaluated in the emergency department for a 5-day history of an asymptomatic rash on the upper back and upper arms. The lesions grew suddenly and are neither pruritic nor painful. The patient has had associated fevers. He has a myelodysplastic syndrome and has received intermittent erythrocyte transfusions, and he takes azacitidine. Following a physical exam, lab studies, and a skin biopsy, what is the most likely diagnosis?.
ACP lists chapter awardees
In recognition of their outstanding service, exceptional individuals received chapter awards in the fall of 2014.