March 2012


Susan B LeGrand MD FACP seated and Rafael Espinal Bloise MD ACP Associate Member collaborate on patient care at the Cleveland Clinic Incidental findings are sometimes the first signs of hype

Diagnosing a disorder with few symptoms

Hypercalcemia can have absent, few or nondifferential symptoms, but the condition can indicate the presence of major diseases such as breast cancer. Experts review how to quickly apply a high index of suspicion to make a diagnosis.

Open access requires an open mind by doctors

Patients have always been able to review their records, but making this a routine practice has most patients enthused and some physicians worried. Learn how some large health systems are applying open access to improve patient communication and compliance.

Many malaria prophylaxis options, but none perfect

Malaria research is turning from short-term prophylaxis for travelers to elimination and eradication. Drug costs and new ethics rules for research are key drivers of the new direction.

Trichomoniasis is unpopular, underdiagnosed, expert says

A neglected disease of poverty gets little attention, yet it's more common than better-known diseases and has serious consequences. Fortunately, once diagnosed, the treatment is simple and inexpensive.

Indian Health Service reaches across borders within the U.S.

A partnership allows staff at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston to collaborate with physicians who serve Navajo Nation, a medically underserved population in New Mexico.

College Fellow is Navy's new surgeon general

Matthew L. Nathan, MD, FACP, oversees medicine for the Navy. Yes, his personal heroes are Vice Admiral James Stockdale and Teddy Roosevelt, but to make his way through school, he was a magician and musician.

New pneumonia vaccine option for patients over 50

Recalls, warnings, approvals and other regulatory news.

Microscopic genes affected by macroeconomic events

Genes may express themselves differently, depending upon their environment. So, economic disparities and differences in access to health care could impact a person's health. In an era of personalized care, technology, biology and business intersect in novel ways.

Changes to a practice also provide personal transformation

The change to a patient-centered medical home model enabled one internist to practice medicine to his fullest extent. The extra income and relaxed atmosphere are added benefits.

What is the state of American health care in this election year?

ACP's annual report on the state of health care cites proposed budget cuts as the biggest threat to recent advances made by health care reform. And more advances could be affected by the outcome of the presidential elections.

Finding and treating a tricky disorder

Hypercalcemia's causes run the gamut from the benign to the serious. Its diagnosis is just the beginning for a physician.

Letters to the Editor

Readers submit their thoughts on bone mineral density testing and a better title for “internal medicine.”.

Four more screening, counseling services covered by Medicare

Alcohol, depression, sexually transmitted diseases and obesity therapy are now covered within the primary care setting. Learn how to incorporate these into a practice.

Medicare pays for annual depression screening

One in six seniors suffers from depression. That rises to one in four with comorbidities. Tools and screens are available to help internists integrate this new focus of care into a practice routine.

MKSAP Quiz: Skin lesion that grows and bleeds

A 64-year-old woman is evaluated for a 6-week history of dyspnea, dry cough, fever, chills, night sweats, and fatigue, which have not responded to treatment with azithromycin and levofloxacin; she has lost 2.2 kg (5 lb) during that time. Based upon the findings of a physical exam and chest radiograph, what is the most likely diagnosis?.

Officer and Regent election results announced

The election of Officers and Regents has been completed. Terms become effective at the conclusion of the Annual Business Meeting at Internal Medicine 2012 in New Orleans.

Address Maintenance of Certification at Internal Medicine 2012

Three new online Maintenance of Certification modules associated with this year's annual meeting will allow attendees to focus their learning on the most needed areas, with immediate feedback available.