In the News


Few high-quality guidelines exist for prescribing opioids

Few high-quality guidelines exist for prescribing opioids to treat chronic pain, a review found, noting that there was at least consensus among guidelines on ways to mitigate opioid-related risks.

Gabapentin reduced drinking, cravings, sleep and mood problems in alcoholics

Treatment with gabapentin reduced alcohol consumption and relapse-related symptoms in patients with alcohol dependence, a recent single-center study found.

MKSAP Quiz: Pregnancy and a previous idiopathic pulmonary embolism

A 35-year-old woman undergoes evaluation after home pregnancy testing indicated that she is pregnant. Her medical history includes a previous idiopathic pulmonary embolism. Her only medication is a daily prenatal vitamin. Following a physical exam, what is the most appropriate venous thromboembolism prophylaxis for this patient?

Testosterone therapy may be associated with increased risk of mortality and cardiovascular events

Testosterone therapy was associated with increased risk of mortality, myocardial infarction (MI) or ischemic stroke among men in the Veterans Administration (VA) health care system, a study found.

Tailoring antihypertensive treatment to cardiovascular benefits may improve outcomes

Tailoring antihypertensive treatment to cardiovascular benefits rather than specific blood pressure targets may improve outcomes and result in less medication use, according to a new study using simulation models.

New recommendations on diagnosis and treatment of Bell's palsy

Recommendations on diagnosing and treating Bell's palsy were recently provided by a new clinical practice guideline from the American Academy of OtolaryngologyHead and Neck Surgery Foundation.

CMS confirms payment rules will be issued in November

The recent federal government shutdown had caused some concern that CMS would not be able to issue its year-end final rules in time.

2012 PQRS feedback reports available

Reports are now available for physicians who participated in the 2012 Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS).

ACP Internist's latest edition is online and coming to your mailbox

The November/December edition of ACP Internist features stories about patients self-diagnosing by using “Dr. Google,” effective low back pain care, and physicians trying to protect their online reputations.

ACP LEAD transition deadline reminder

College members currently pursuing an ACP Leadership Enhancement and Development (LEAD) Certificate must declare their intent to complete the requirements by emailing ACP at LEAD@acponline.org by Dec. 31, 2013. To earn a LEAD certificate, physicians must participate in 5 out of 7 LEAD activities and complete an application by June 30, 2014.

Put words in our mouth

ACP InternistWeekly 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.