September 2017


Illustration by David Cutler

To lie down, perchance to sleep

Internists are good at picking up on obstructive sleep apnea, but chronic insomnia is underdiagnosed among a sleepy patient population.

Abdominal wall pain as its own diagnosis

Internists can diagnose chronic abdominal wall pain with a simple physical exam and some savvy history taking, experts said, and reassure patients that their condition is not serious and may respond to treatment.

An individual effort to smooth transitions

A multicomponent intervention to smooth hospital discharges back into primary care involved a personal visit to every hospitalized patient.

Caring for ex-prisoners presents management challenges

When caring for patients who have been released from prison, internists must consider the economic and social obstacles that can impact the plan of care, as well as the difficulty of coordinating with jails and prisons and obtaining patients' medical records.

Internist involvement crucial to easing early menopause

Assessments for the potential symptoms of menopause should begin when women are in their 40s and may be entering perimenopause.

Who needs a screening pelvic exam anyway?

Incongruous reviews, recommendations, and guidelines about the necessity of an annual pelvic screening have led internists to have discussions with female patients about their preferences.

Insulin cartridge holders recalled, HCV drug approved

This column reviews details on recent recalls, warnings, and approvals.

Discussing death, dying, and advance care planning

Clinicians and their teams may want to identify which patients and families to prioritize for advance care planning initiatives.

Intended consequences

ACP's awards, though not always instrumental in propelling a recipient's career, can inspire, validate, and assure the recipients that their hard work will not go unnoticed, and that they are on the right track.

9-lives Obamacare survives zombie repeal

An attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act failed, but continued vigilance is required, since zombies don't easily die, and Congress could try again.

MKSAP Quiz: 6-week history of blisters

A 55-year-old man is evaluated for a 6-week history of blisters on his hands. The blisters are tender, break easily after they develop, and occur in different regions on the backs of his hands. Medical history is notable for alcoholic liver disease. The patient does not use tobacco but drinks 6 beers daily. He takes no medications. Following a physical exam, what is the most likely diagnosis?

Readers weigh in on bedside skills, health care costs

Readers weigh in on the physician-patient relationship and difficulties of health insurance.

Candidates announced for Board of Governors Chair-elect

ACP's Board of Governors will be casting ballots for Chair-elect Designee, and the results will be announced in late October.

Beyond counting sheep, helping patients sleep

This issue covers sleep hygiene, abdominal pain, and women's health.