May 2022


Long-acting reversible contraceptive placement and counseling are important in primary care because patients most often feel comfortable discussing contraception with a clinician they know Image by FatCamera

Providing long-term contraception

As the popularity of long-acting reversible contraceptives continues to increase, so does the need for incorporation of placement procedures and contraceptive counseling into primary care and resident education.

Factoring drug costs into diabetes decisions

A sizable number of patients with diabetes do not consistently fill their prescriptions or take less than the prescribed amount due to costs, but there are ways to make it easier on a patient's pocketbook.

Staying connected: Touch over tech

ACP's new President addressed the physician-patient connection in his first column.

Celebrate mental health awareness every day

Recognizing mental health entails the individual acknowledging it and seeking help, society not stigmatizing those suffering from mental and behavioral disorders, and the nation providing adequate resources and personnel to address the problem.

Basal insulin for beginners

It can be tough to start and titrate basal insulin in a patient with type 2 diabetes because of the many options available, but a key number can measure the difference between a patient's bedtime and morning blood glucose values to ease the way.

An app for delirium

Delirium screening using the app took about a minute and was almost 90% effective among elderly inpatients.

Finances can offer clues to cognitive problems

A study found that patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias were more likely to miss payments on credit accounts as early as six years before diagnosis and to develop subprime credit scores 2.5 years before diagnosis.

Rethinking advance care planning

While more physicians are reporting having conversations about advance care planning with their patients, it's still far from common.

Why medicine should be a laughing matter

Laughter offers health benefits and can be creatively incorporated into clinical practice.

Perioperative medicine changed in the pandemic

In the face of a lack of guidance on perioperative medicine during the COVID-19 pandemic, many hospitals are developing their own guidelines on timing of surgery after infection in vaccinated patients.

Details on second mRNA COVID-19 vaccine boosters

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

MKSAP Quiz: 1-month history of progressive rash

A 22-year-old woman is evaluated for a 1-month history of progressive rash on the face, chest, and arms following sun exposure. She also has experienced wrist arthralgia and malaise for the past 2 weeks. Following a physical exam, what is the most likely diagnosis?

Latest updates on ACP's priorities, initiatives

ACP Spotlight offers readers a look at ACP's current top priorities and initiatives, as well as highlights from our e-newsletter, ACP Internist Weekly.

Looking at LARCs in primary care

This issue includes stories on long-acting reversible contraceptives, medications for type 2 diabetes, and issues affecting the elderly.

Letters to the Editor

A reader responds to ACP Internist coverage about USPSTF recommendations on annual screening for lung cancer with CT.

Upcoming Chapter meetings announced

The following are scheduled for spring and fall 2022.