February 2008


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Investing in EHRs pays off in paperless perks

Second in a six-part series on small practice issues.

One intervention, many ways to explain risks

How can doctors inform patients about potential outcomes without unduly influencing their choices?.

The ethics of end-of-life care erupt in the ICU

A Harvard expert moderates a new column on ethical case studies and suggests some practical strategies for handling and preventing conflicts. Case study: The ethics of end-of-life care erupt in the ICU.

It's a numbers game: How should physicians inform patients about risk?

A recent Annals of Internal Medicine article on risk communication highlighted the critical role of the physician in influencing patients' treatment decisions.

Companies may bring genetic scans direct to consumers

The American consumer seems to be growing weary of TV ads for erectile dysfunction drugs.

Letters

Readers respond to Mindful Medicine, Ethics columns.

Will baby boomers' clout lead to better care for the elderly?

Geriatrician and author Robert Butler, MD, has long been involved in activities that have changed the way the U.S. medical establishment and the public view aging.

Adding cosmetic procedures lifts internists' sagging incomes

Stagnating incomes encourage some primary care physicians to add botulinum toxin injections and chemical peels to their menu of services.

Workflow analysis a critical but hidden step to EHRs

Despite the information-sharing benefits of an EHR, many physicians are reluctant to invest in this technology.

Interacting with the computer screen instead of the patient

Computer screen can be barrier between doctor and patient.

Put patients in the driver's seat to steer toward better health

Engaging patients in managing their own chronic diseases can be the key to helping them achieve their goals and improve outcomes.

Practice management experts urge docs to use the Web

Susan R. Miller, RN, suspected that business was being lost during the office's peak calling periods. So she did a study.

Virtual lounge connects far-flung physicians seeking advice

It wasn't cancer or a broken bone, but it was a nagging problem that wouldn't go away: The Case of the Burning Lips.

Health insurance coverage varies regionally

A map of the United States shows that health care coverage varies by region.

Rapid blood test to detect MRSA

The latest drug alerts and approvals.

When ACP talks, what do the presidential candidates hear?

Which White House hopefuls are listening to ACP's options.

Democrats overplay their hand on health care policy

The newly elected Democratic majority that took charge of Congress last January promised an ambitious health care agenda.

ACP chapter meetings are great for CME and for collegiality too

Chapter meetings have underlying similarities and distinctive features, too.