October 2015


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Internists can help with alcohol misuse

New legislation in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandates that insurance plans cover alcohol treatment as an essential health care benefit, prompting internists to integrate care for alcohol use disorders into their practices.

Mind-body role may matter in heart disease

Research is increasingly indicating a relationship, if not a causal link, between depression and anxiety and heart disease.

Mandated flu vaccines may be ‘new norm’ in health care

Mandated influenza vaccinations for employees of health care facilities are improving safety for vulnerable patients. Properly implementing such rules is the key to a successful outcome.

Peer-led education requires strategy to be effective

Peer education, in which patients guide each other through the course of care, can be a cost-effective way of closing care gaps and encouraging patient empowerment.

Mobile apps no ‘magic pill’ for maintaining health

Health maintenance and lifestyle apps could reach a new generation of patients, but there are challenges that could limit their overall success.

Latest diabetes drugs have a learning curve

The onus is on internists to understand the newer classes of incretins such as sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. They hold promise for better treatments, but they are new and not as well understood as older treatments.

Custom comic strip helps residents hand off patients

The handoff to a new doctor is a risky time for patients, who may not return for care or see the right resident. A team at the University of Chicago developed a packet of information intended to smooth the transition and reduce gaps in care.

Firearm-related injuries, deaths in Charleston and beyond

A reflection on recent tragedies leads to embracement of initiatives meant to stem the tide of gun violence.

How do physicians really feel about health care today?

Despite grumblings on social media, physicians are upbeat on the topics of health information technology, value-based payments, and the Affordable Care Act.

General internists crucial to raising adult immunization rates

The single most important factor in promoting adult immunization is strong advocacy from a physician, and the recommendation of a general internist is a vital factor in whether patients receive needed vaccines.

Alcohol treatment may be shifting to primary care

This issue covers topics such as the uptick of alcohol misuse treatment in primary care, the mind-body connection between mental health and heart disease, and ways in which patients can educate each other more effectively about lifestyle maintenance.

Flexible plans for ICD-10 implementation

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will allow for flexibility in the claims auditing and quality reporting processes while the medical community gains experience using the new ICD-10 code set.

Warning on medication confusion, recalls due to sterility

This update covers possible confusion between an antidepressant and an anti-clotting drug, as well as 2 sterility warnings.

1995-2004: The big merger

After years of effort and negotiation, ACP and the American Society of Internal Medicine officially merged in 1998.

ACP issues telemedicine recommendations

ACP released a position paper on the use of telemedicine, offering more than a dozen policy statements and recommendations for practice and reimbursement.

MKSAP Quiz: Multiple areas of scaling

A 62-year-old woman is evaluated for multiple areas of scaling and rough skin on her forehead and cheeks, the backs of her hands, and forearms. These areas are painless but persist despite application of moisturizer. She is in good overall health and takes no medications. She has a history of multiple sunburns. On physical examination, vital signs are normal. Skin findings are shown. The remainder of the physical examination is unremarkable. What is the most likely diagnosis?.

Obituaries

ACP recognizes former College officials who have passed.