January 2018
What physicians can do about ransomware
Protecting a practice doesn't always require a large investment of money, just time and employee training.
Preventing burnout is essential medicine for physicians
ACP is working to identify and address the root causes of the problem that most affect the practice of internal medicine and creating a network of support for distressed internists.
What would a happy health care New Year look like?
There are five ways that lawmakers, Republicans and Democrats alike, and President Trump can work together on real solutions to the real problems in the American health care system.
Calculate ‘sum of the parts' to pinpoint CV risk in women
Women face a steep increase in cardiovascular risk after menopause, requiring internists to incorporate composite indicators into the annual exam at midlife.
Headaches that should flag further attention
Every patient with a headache needs to have secondary causes ruled out, and the acronym SNOOP4 is easy to adopt and use.
Problems and potential with probiotics
Probiotics are becoming more prevalent in both consumer and health care settings, but the excitement is tempered by problems, including how to define what is and what isn't one.
New CBC test, implant for apnea approved
This column reviews details on recent recalls, warnings, and approvals.
Clarifying issues for telehealth services
Beginning in January 2018, Medicare will pay for certain telehealth services for patients who are enrolled in Part B and live in a Health Professional Shortage Area or in a county that is not included in a metropolitan statistical area.
Many med students unprepared as PrEP prescribing increases
Limited knowledge, beliefs, and experiences regarding pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV have improved among current clinicians, but medical students haven't seen the same experience.
Helping patients handle information overload
Finding out why a patient is concerned about health care news can be an opening for a larger discussion about health goals.
MKSAP Quiz: 1-week history of headache
A 28-year-old woman is evaluated in the emergency department for a 1-week history of progressive headache associated with nausea and vomiting. Medical history is significant for HIV infection. She is nonadherent to her antiretroviral therapy regimen and takes no other medications. Following a physical exam, lab tests, and a CT scan of the head, what is the most appropriate next step in management?
Update on medicine in post-hurricane Puerto Rico
ACP's Governor for its Puerto Rico chapter describes his experiences during Hurricane Maria, the ongoing challenges facing the island, and the College's efforts to help the island's medical community.
‘Right-to-try’ laws spark debate
This issue covers the ethics of right-to-try laws in the United States, the potential of ransomware to disrupt a physician's office, and conference coverage from infectious disease and cardiology sessions.
Integrative medicine questioned
A reader weighs in on acupuncture for low back pain.