In the News
Multivitamins ineffective, not justified, studies conclude
Most multivitamin supplements are ineffective and do not prevent chronic disease or death, and their use is not justified, concluded 3 studies and an editorial in the Dec. 16 Annals of Internal Medicine.
Diuretics, statins associated with diabetes onset in high-risk patients
Starting a diuretic or a statin in patients with impaired glucose tolerance significantly increased their risk of developing diabetes, a study found.
MKSAP Quiz: 3-month history of left knee pain
A 76-year-old woman is evaluated for a 3-month history of left knee pain of moderate intensity that worsens with ambulation. She reports minimal pain at rest and no nocturnal pain. There are no clicking or locking symptoms. She has tried naproxen and ibuprofen but developed dyspepsia; acetaminophen provides mild to moderate relief. Following a physical exam, lab results and a radiograph, what is the next best step in management?
Docetaxel may prolong prostate cancer survival in patients with metastasis
Docetaxel added to the start of hormone therapy for metastatic prostate cancer may prolong survival compared to patients who received hormone therapy alone, according to early results from a trial.
Anastrozole may be effective for primary prevention of breast cancer in high-risk, postmenopausal women
A new study partially funded by industry indicated that the aromatase inhibitor anastrozole may be effective for primary prevention of breast cancer in high-risk, postmenopausal women, although an accompanying commentary did not agree.
Discuss options with patients to increase colorectal cancer screening rates
Yul Ejnes, MD, MACP, continues his monthly column at KevinMD.com, discussing how physicians can increase screening rates for the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S.
Long-term use of acid-suppressive drugs associated with vitamin B12 deficiency
Long-term use of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine-2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs) may be associated with vitamin B12 deficiency, according to a new study.
CMS announces ICD-10 testing week
ICD-9 code sets used to report medical diagnoses and inpatient procedures will be replaced by ICD-10 code sets on Oct. 1, 2014. CMS has announced a national ICD-10 testing week to help direct submitters (clinicians and clearinghouses) with the transition to the new codes.
Deadline for eRx incentive approaching
Physicians and other eligible professionals have until Dec. 31, 2013, to report at least 25 successful electronic prescribing (eRx) transactions to earn a 0.5% bonus on total allowed charges for professional services covered by the Medicare Part B Physician Fee Schedule during 2013.
ACP LEAD transition deadline reminder
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.
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.