January 2015
Hepatitis C drugs offer new options
The approval of multiple drugs in 2013 and 2014 that are able to cure hepatitis C without the use of interferon has dramatically changed the screening, treatment, and epidemiologic paradigms of the virus. Soon, internists will be involved in this rapidly changing area of health care.
New practice model evolves: ‘direct care’
Proponents of direct-pay practice models argue that such alternatives are a badly needed intervention for both doctors and patients frustrated by the limited care that can be provided in 15-minute intervals or less. Other physicians are concerned that such models could shut out lower-income patients, creating a 2-tiered health system and further straining an already overstretched primary care workforce.
Students and residents are also burning out
Burnout and the loss of joy in being a doctor have become an ever-expanding concern and a major part of our rhetoric these days. For many physicians, it begins in training.
What do we know about Obamacare's enrollees?
Based on Obamacare's year 1 enrollment numbers, the law has been very successful in bringing down the numbers and percentages of people without health insurance. But these data also show why it struggles to win support among the broader public.
Improving teamwork through the selection of students
Among the many efforts to improve teamwork and improve patient care, one potential area for significant improvement remains: the selection of medical trainees.
Hepatitis C diagnosis, treatment changing rapidly
This issue covers topics including management of hepatitis and the effect of new direct-pay practice models on primary care practice.
Chronic care management at last, and how to code for it
Understand how to bill and code for a final rule that updates payment policies and rates for services furnished under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, making it certain that Medicare will pay for chronic care management services.
Motivational interviewing tips for the whole practice
Try motivational interviewing as a method of communication in which the physician coaches##mdash;or rather coaxes##mdash;the patient toward lifestyle changes via his or her motivations.
MKSAP Quiz: 1 day of visual problems
A 55-year-old man is evaluated for a 1-day history of seeing flashing lights, “squiggly” lines, and floating objects in his left eye followed by loss of vision at the outer periphery of the eye shortly after having breakfast this morning. He now describes seeing what looks like a curtain coming down in that location. He has myopia requiring prescription glasses. Following a physical exam and an eye exam, what is the most likely diagnosis?.
ACP begins: College history from 1915 to 1924
This is the first in a series of articles about ACP's history that will be published in 2015 to mark the College's centennial year.
An internist with many interests
Jock Murray, MD, MACP, is like an 18th-century physician, not in the sense that he prescribes bloodletting or mercury, but in the wide range of his knowledge and interests.
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.