Adults can be affected by ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, isn't just for kids. The condition, traditionally thought of as affecting primarily young boys, can affect adults as well, often going undiagnosed for years. If an older patient presents with symptoms of inattentiveness or hyperactivity, especially if they're of long standing or if there's a family history, primary care physicians may want to consider ADHD. However, experts cautioned that teasing out this diagnosis from comorbid conditions and prescribing stimulant medications safely can be complicated.

Hearing loss, another often misunderstood condition, is sometimes considered an expected consequence of age, but there are effective interventions. What's more, recent studies have found that improving hearing in older patients can affect risk of dementia and have other benefits for health. And access to treatment has just gotten a little easier: In late 2022, the FDA announced that certain categories of hearing aids would now be available over the counter, a move that is expected to lower costs and improve availability.

Do you review your Open Payments data annually? If not, you're not alone. Although this CMS program is turning nine this year, many clinicians aren't aware of how it works or how it applies to them. We talked to a CMS official to learn more about what types of payments are reported, what the dollar thresholds are, and how to report a mistake if you find one. 2022 data becomes available for review this month.

This issue, we're debuting a new regular feature, I.M. Ready, that's specifically for early-career physicians. I.M. Ready will cover the topics that most concern physicians who've completed training and are moving into the next phases of their careers. From workplace advice to financial information to CV building, we have you covered, and we'll share details about ACP resources along the way. Our first installment focuses on getting the most out of Internal Medicine Meeting 2023 as an early-career physician. Learn tips and tricks from Tracey L. Henry, MD, MPH, MS, FACP, Chair of the Council of Early Career Physicians, and ACP Resident/Fellow Member Romela Petrosyan, MD, Chair of the Council of Resident/Fellow Members, plus a customized listing of scientific sessions for those on the early-career track.

Speaking of Internal Medicine Meeting 2023, it takes place April 27-29 in sunny San Diego. Watch your email for updates, and contact us any time at immatters@acponline.org to let us know what meeting news you'd like to read about.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Kearney-Strouse
Executive Editor