September Observer Contents
Features
From minor annoyances to treatment delays, physicians feeling fallout of HIPAA privacy law
Physicians, patients and hospitals experience missteps in the brave new world of HIPAA compliance.
Sep '03
Another source of HIPAA confusion: attorneys
Why requests for patient records from attorneys are giving some physicians pause.
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Clinical Medicine
New drugs—and some respect—for IBS
Revised guidelines and targeted therapies are leading to a new view of the condition.
Sep '03
Does diet affect IBS?
While many patients suspect that what they eat is a factor, physicians aren't so sure.
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Alzheimer's or age? Some tips to make the right diagnosis
Tips to recognize dementia—and strategies to avoid mistaking common conditions for Alzheimer's.
Sep '03
Your Practice
The new ICD-9 codes that every internist should know
Most insurers will give you until Jan. 1 to start using new codes to report your services.
Sep '03
Last-second strategies for the HIPAA transactions rule
With the Oct. 16 deadline looming, you need to make sure your cash flow is protected if claims are rejected.
Sep '03
For Residents
Steering clear of malpractice problems in residency
While housestaff aren't generally included in lawsuits, there strategies to help you play it safe.
Sep '03
Don't get slammed by tail coverage
One physician discovered that not reading an insurance contract carefully could cost him thousands.
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College Watch
President's Column
To revitalize internal medicine, look back to its roots
A look at the issues behind the specialty's problems with identity and career satisfaction.
Sep '03
Regents discuss revitalizing internal medicine, more
ACP leaders look at action on practice hassles, medical student debt and reimbursement for telephone care.
Sep '03
A look at ACP's summit to rejuvenate the specialty
Board of Regents Chair Mary T. Herald talks about what internal medicine must do to save itself.
Sep '03
New Fellows
Candidates elected to Fellowship in July 2003.
Sep '03
College Briefs
Free patient videos target minority groups
Give patients advice on common health issues among various racial and ethnic groups in America.
Sep '03
Washington Perspective
E-prescribing: the next 'unfunded' mandate for doctors?
Why the College doesn't support legislation to force electronic prescribing technology on physicians.
Sep '03
Medicare bill must address physician pay, other issues
ACP has been urging Congress to make sure that Medicare reform legislation does not hurt access to care.
Sep '03
Policy Briefs
ACP objects to onerous Medicare billing privileges proposal.
Sep '03
College supports bill to create health care workforce commission.
Sep '03
College to Senate: Help fund technology to improve patient safety.
Sep '03
Physicians must file claim form for Aetna settlement by Sept. 30.
Sep '03
Commentary
Letters
Readers discuss the future of internal medicine and physician assistants.
Sep '03
Quiz
The MKSAP Challenge
A 43-year-old man comes to the emergency room for evaluation of severe chest pain that awoke him from sleep.
Sep '03
CME
Chapter Meetings
Internist Archives Quick Links
ACP Career Connection
Looking for a new internal medicine or subspecialty position?
ACP Career Connection can help you find your next job in internal medicine. Search internist and subspecialist positions nationwide that suit your criteria and preferences. Jobs are posted about two weeks before print publication of Annals of Internal Medicine, ACP Internist, and ACP Hospitalist. Exclusive “Online Direct” opportunities are updated weekly. Check us out online.
Register Now For Your ACP Fall Chapter Meeting
Attend your fall chapter meeting, earn CME credit, and find out what your local ACP Chapter has to offer! See the Chapter calendar or find out more, including the answers to frequently asked questions about ACP Chapters and regions.
Test Your Medical Knowledge on Your Mobile Device with ACP’s Doctor's Dilemma™ Game!
This new online game is based on the popular ACP Doctor's Dilemma™ Competition from ACP’s annual Internal Medicine meetings. The game is simple to play but challenging to master. Start now!