July/August 2013


Illustration by David Cutler

Take time to ease the pain of elderly patients

Assessing and managing pain can be complicated in elderly patients. Learn which tools work, which tools don't, and how to optimize treatment.

Success in ACOs depends on collaboration

Physicians should consider culture, autonomy and resources before jumping in.

When negotiating contracts with ACOs, cover all the bases

Get specifics on access to data, and remember to plan for a possible exit strategy.

Spotlight cast on industry gifts, payouts to physicians

The Physician Payments Sunshine Act goes into effect Aug. 1. We detail what physicians need to know.

ACP's Washington office reviews its own ‘seven days in May’

A recent week provides a great example of how ACP's Washington office supports College advocacy.

Internship reflects how patient care guides medical education

Our columnist reflects on his just-completed intern year.

Being a patient partner means collaborating for better care

The third column in our series describes a patient partner's experience in working toward patient-centered care.

A doctor who embraces change, personally and politically

The new president of Physicians for a National Health Program, an ACP Fellow, shares his vision for health care reform.

Dig deeper when assessing pain in the elderly

This issue includes stories on assessing and managing pain in the elderly, the pros and cons of ACOs, and details on the Physician Payments Sunshine Act.

ACP members can influence policy on Medicare's fee schedule

Over the next six to 18 months, ACP will ask randomly chosen members to complete surveys to influence Medicare reimbursement. We outline what members can expect as part of the process.

Practice Tips: Documenting opioid management is as important as doing it

It's important to protect your practice by documenting opioid management in the medical record and adhering to extra regulatory requirements.

New COPD treatment, warnings on insomnia and migraine drugs

This regulatory update covers approval of a combined long-term maintenance treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, warnings against driving after taking insomnia drugs and on use of migraine drugs in pregnant women, and more.

ACP members take the Hill to tackle SGR and sequestration

Senators and representatives heard directly from ACP members about pressing priorities in health care.

Crossed Words: Bottoms up

ACP Internist's puzzle feature challenges readers to seek answers to clues placed horizontally in rows to reveal an answer written vertically.

MKSAP Quiz: Abrupt onset of chest pain

A 67-year-old woman is evaluated for the abrupt onset of right-sided pleuritic chest pain and moderate dyspnea seemingly triggered by an episode of vigorous coughing during symptoms typical of an upper respiratory infection. She smokes and has COPD. On physical examination, she appears uncomfortable but is not in respiratory distress. Pulmonary examination is significant for a prolonged expiratory phase but no wheeze; breath sounds are symmetrical bilaterally. In addition to hospital admission, what is the most appropriate next step in management?.

Chapter Awardees announced

Chapters honor Members, Fellows, and Masters of ACP who have demonstrated by their example and conduct an abiding commitment to excellence in medical care, education, research, or service to their community, their chapter, and ACP.

ACP honors outstanding chapter activities with John Tooker Evergreen Awards

ACP presented John Tooker Evergreen Awards to seven chapters at Internal Medicine 2013.

Obituaries

Edmund Pellegrino, MD, MACP.