March 2015


Convincing patients to wear CPAP devices nightly for the recommended 5 to 6 hours remains challenging said David Claman MD Photo by iStock

Sussing out sleep apnea disorders

Given the prevalence of poor sleep habits, determining sleep apnea can be difficult during a time-pressed visit. Asking the rights questions is key.

Current challenges in prescribing generics

The price of some generic drug classes has skyrocketed in the past year, making this once simple option more difficult to offer to patients.

Improved BP control requires patients to change behavior

Physicians are working with patients on behavioral changes that might stave off the worst consequences of high blood pressure that occur later in life.

Intertwining patients in their care management

Patient autonomy is the key to an app that puts patients in control of meeting their goals to reduce high blood pressure.

Smallest practices successfully preventing readmissions

More doctors in a practice can lead to higher hospital readmission rates, a study found. Small practices can take big steps in keeping their patients healthy after discharge.

Is it time to forgo the handshake?

With hand hygiene compliance rates so low in health care facilities, some are advocating for physicians to avoid shaking hands and considering other ways of greeting patients. Not everyone agrees.

Quality and cost of care at the end of life

Success in end-of-life care begins with how effectively physicians communicate with patients and their loved ones.

Does ACA coverage really make a difference?

Patients with health insurance have better outcomes and enjoy better quality of life. The Affordable Care Act is offering more people access, even though cost-sharing may still put better care out of reach.

‘Digitally native’ learners will change medical education

How much a resident knows is no longer the most accurate way to assess the person in an era of students who grew up getting their information in a digital world.

Letters to the Editor

Readers respond to ACP Internist coverage of issues surround the time spent with patients, ICD-10 coding changes, and physician burnout.

When is it sleep apnea?

This issue covers topics including sleep apnea, prescribing generics, and hypertension.

Details define requirements for chronic care management

Billing for chronic care management requires new capabilities for electronic health records and access to the information that they contain.

Taking the fear out of converting to ICD-10

Knowing that many small practices need help, ACP has put together a host of resources to help small practices understand and implement ICD-10.

New heart disease test, drugs for flu, weight management

This update covers a new test to predict risk of future coronary heart disease events, the first neuraminidase inhibitor for influenza, and a new GLP-1 agonist for obese people.

Founding ABIM, fighting World War II: ACP from 1935-1945

ACP's third decade began with the founding of a certifying body for internal medicine, with written and clinical exams starting in 1936. The protests began soon thereafter. It wasn't the only war fought within the next 10 years.

Internal Medicine Meeting 2015 heads to Boston

With ACP's centennial this year, several session at the organization's annual meeting will celebrate the past 100 years of membership.

MKSAP Quiz: Progressive fatigue, dyspnea

A 28-year-old previously healthy woman is evaluated in the hospital for a 3-week history of progressive fatigue, dyspnea with exertion, and easy bruisability. Following a physical exam, lab studies, and peripheral blood smear, what is the most appropriate treatment?.

Officers and Regents election results announced

The election of Officers and Regents has been completed.