September Observer Contents

Computers & Medicine

Vista EHR: right product, right price?
The CMS' offer sounds exciting—but important service questions remain.
Sept. '05

A small practice juggles EHR's costs and big payoffs
High-tech tools give physicians more time with their patients—and better reimbursements from their insurers.
Sept. '05

Clinical Medicine

Managing patients in the critical month after heart attack
A recent study underscores the need for aggressive management to avoid sudden death.
Sept. '05

Tips for heading off harmful drug interactions
The list of drugs that can trigger interactions includes antibiotics and statins.
Sept. '05

Special focus

Lipid disorders
Usually treatable and arguably preventable, lipid disorders are rarely isolated medical conditions.
Sept. '05

Measuring performance

This month, ACP Observer kicks off a new series with how-tos on launching quality improvement initiatives and participating in pay-for-performance programs. See "Patient registries: a key step to quality improvement."
Sept. '05

Hospital Medicine

Working smarter and safer for quality improvement
To spearhead successful QI efforts, hospitalists say you need the right project—and a versatile team.
Sept. '05

For Residents

Focusing on near misses can bring major improvements
When it comes to patient safety, residents have a big role in detecting close calls and suggesting solutions.
Sept. '05

Your Practice

The new ICD-9 codes that every internist should know
Changes to the International Classification of Diseases take effect next month.
Sept. '05

College Watch

President's Column
Keeping pace with emerging health care innovations
ACP's main objective is to make sure any coming changes enhance quality improvement.
Sept. '05

Candidates elected to ACP Fellowship in July 2005.
Sept. '05

Regents endorse new performance measures, more
ACP leaders also agree to redefine internists' role and find ways to ensure that EHRs are cost-effective.
Sept. '05

College Briefs

New online editorial targets information technology.
Sept. '05

ACP Foundation offers free patient "HEALTH TiPS" cards.
Sept. '05

College releases video of "Internal Medicine Report" highlights.
Sept. '05

Washington Perspective

Pay for performance: moving from concept to legislation
Two recently introduced bills advocate different approaches to pay for performance and physician updates.
Sept. '05

Policy Briefs

ACP President gives Congress pay-for-performance recommendations.
Sept. '05

College urges payment reform to protect patient access.
Sept. '05

ACP backs benzodiazepines as part of drug benefit.
Sept. '05

Quiz

The MKSAP Challenge
A 37-year-old man is evaluated in the office for a first episode of syncope.
Sept. '05

CME

September

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