In the News


Nonpharmacologic treatment first for low-back pain, ACP guideline recommends

Given that most patients with low back pain improve over time regardless of treatment, clinicians and patients should select nonpharmacologic options such as superficial heat, massage, acupuncture, or spinal manipulation, the guideline states.

Women with breast cancer at high mutation risk report barriers to genetic testing in recent survey

That only slightly more than half of high-risk patients were tested shows a missed opportunity to prevent ovarian and other cancer deaths, the study authors wrote.

MKSAP Quiz: Evaluation for primary hyperparathyroidism

A 67-year-old man is evaluated for a recent diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism after an elevated serum calcium level was incidentally detected on laboratory testing. Medical history is significant only for hypertension, and his only medication is ramipril. Following a physical exam and lab studies, what is the most appropriate management of this patient?

Vancomycin may have mortality benefit over metronidazole for patients with severe Clostridium difficile infection, study finds

There were no statistically or clinically significant differences in efficacy observed between patients receiving vancomycin and metronidazole across all severity groups, although patients who received vancomycin had a lower risk of mortality than those who received metronidazole due to a reduction in patients with severe infection.

Workplace wellness program requirements should reflect high-value recommendations

Yul Ejnes, MD, MACP, continues his monthly column at KevinMD.com in a post about the rationale of workplace wellness programs.

ACP Annual Business Meeting to be held at Internal Medicine Meeting 2017

Attendees of Internal Medicine Meeting 2017 are encouraged to attend ACP's Annual Business Meeting at the San Diego Convention Center from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, April 1.

Put words in our mouth

ACP Internist Weekly wants readers to create captions for our new cartoon and help choose the winner. Pen the winning caption and win a $50 gift certificate good toward any ACP product, program, or service.