The February issue is online and coming to your mailbox

February's issue of ACP Internist looks at clinical and practice management issues.

Scribes: A write way and a wrong way. Should doctors delegate their dictation, or is taking one's own notes during an exam an integral part of the practice of medicine? Be sure to voice your opinion in our poll.

Sleep disorder may be overlooked on exams. Experts want the surgeon general to consider sleep habits as another vital sign. They say sleep has that much impact on chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and atrial fibrillation.

Lessen the burdens of Medicare's home health requirements. Patients now need face-to-face exams to qualify for home health care, but the paperwork required can be a stumbling block. Simple tips can help physicians overcome the hurdles.

Don't miss a story on how to build an inexpensive thoracentesis simulator from pork ribs and the latest MKSAP Quiz on managing new-onset atrial fibrillation.