March 2018
Action, advocacy, partnering for falls
Partnering with patients can make a big difference in preventing falls, which can result in lingering disability.
New BP guideline seeks earlier intervention
Recategorized, lower thresholds might give physicians effective new weapons in the fight against hypertension, but some contend that it's premature to change clinical practice.
Tailoring anticoagulation more of a reality with DOACs
Direct oral anticoagulants have the potential to replace warfarin for the treatment of many patients with venous thromboembolism, but without a need for routine monitoring, good patient selection is key to their use.
Get jazzed up for Internal Medicine Meeting 2018
Internal Medicine Meeting 2018 offers a fresh perspective on creating happy and healthy internists, including a focus on physician well-being as part of the scientific program and a wellness-focused relaxation station.
Managing your online presence simply, economically
Social media takes time, a scarce and precious resource for physicians. But just a few hours a month can be enough to empower physicians in myriad ways.
Sunshine Act alone may not alter doctor-pharma relations
Some experts say the Physician Payments Sunshine Act has accomplished disclosure of gifts to physicians, but others say that the impact has fallen short of the hoped-for diminishment of inappropriate industry-physician relationships.
New resource offers guide to ‘Practical Office Orthopedics'
Internists can practice some orthopedics in their offices, such as managing common orthopedic conditions affecting the knees, shoulders, hips, feet, ankles, hands, wrists, elbows, and spine.
Boxed warning removed from asthma drugs
This column reviews details on recent recalls, warnings, and approvals.
MIPS scoring summary rules have changed for 2018
A full year of quality reporting data is required to participate in the Quality Payment Program's Merit-Based Incentive Payment System.
Doctors with borders
What parameters determine ACP's responsibility to speak out on what is right and wrong, set guidelines, offer guidance, and articulate policy on behalf of internal medicine?
Improving health of patients, practice environment
ACP's advocacy goals address improving payments to internists' services, reducing administrative tasks imposed on them, blocking insurance mergers, streamlining Medicare's Quality Payment Program, and much more.
MKSAP Quiz: 7-year history of plaques
A 50-year-old man is evaluated in the hospital for fatigue, joint pain, and skin lesions. His symptoms started 2 weeks ago with fever and sore throat, which subsided in 2 days. Fatigue and joint pain were noted 1 day after the onset of sore throat, which worsened over the subsequent days. Four days after the onset of symptoms, he noted dark red spots on his ankles and shins, which spread to involve his legs, thighs, and buttocks; the skin lesions were not painful or itchy. Following a physical exam and lab studies, what is the most likely diagnosis?
Falls common, but not always inevitable, in older primary care patients
This issue covers prevention of falls in the elderly, debate over hypertension guidelines, and social media marketing for physician practices.
Officer and Regents election results announced
The election of Officers and Regents has been completed, with terms beginning at the conclusion of the Annual Business Meeting at Internal Medicine Meeting 2018 in New Orleans.
Chapter awardees announced
In recognition of their outstanding service, these exceptional individuals received chapter awards in the spring of 2018.