In the News
Task Force advises against vitamin D, calcium for primary prevention of fractures in postmenopausal women
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended against taking daily supplementation of 400 IU or less of vitamin D3 and 1,000 mg or less of calcium for the primary prevention of fractures in community-dwelling postmenopausal women.
Specialty organizations highlight lists of common tests and interventions that should be questioned
Several medical organizations released lists of tests or procedures that might be overused in clinical practice, as part of the Choosing Wisely initiative of the American Board of Internal Medicine Foundation.
MKSAP Quiz: lack of interest in sexual intercourse
A 54-year-old woman is evaluated during a routine examination. She is very concerned by her lack of interest in sexual intercourse. She used to enjoy intercourse and does not know why she feels this way now. She has been menopausal for the past 2 years. Following a normal physical examination, what is the most likely diagnosis?
Opioids implicated in the majority of pharmaceutical overdose deaths
Opioids are a major contributor to drug overdose deaths, either when taken alone or in combination with other drugs, a new research letter said.
Dabigatran noninferior to warfarin for preventing VTE recurrence
In patients who had a previous venous thromboembolism (VTE), dabigatran prevented recurrence about as well as warfarin and caused fewer bleeding events, according to two new manufacturer-sponsored trials of extended treatment.
The latest issue of ACP Hospitalist is online
The February issue of ACP Hospitalist is online, featuring stories on determining who belongs in the ICU, grooming residents to lead, and caring for cancer patients.
NCQA offers specialty practices early adopter opportunity
The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) is releasing in March the Patient Centered Specialty Recognition Program to recognize those non-primary care practices that engage in processes that promote high-quality, patient-centered, integrated care.
PCORI now accepting applications
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is accepting applications for its current advisory panels until Monday, March 4.
CMS issues final physician sunshine rule
CMS has issued a final rule requiring manufacturers of drugs, devices, and biological and medical supplies to report payments or gifts of $10 or more made to physicians, hospitals and other health care professionals. The rule also requires reporting of physician ownership and investment activities in applicable manufacturers and group purchasing organizations.
Deadline approaching for new PQRS requirements
The Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) reporting regulations are changing.
Medicine up in the air inflates patient expectations
Yul Ejnes, MD, MACP, immediate past chair of ACP's Board of Regents, a practicing internist in Cranston, R.I., and a member of ACP Internist's editorial board, continues his column at KevinMD.com, about how advertising and marketing for benign conditions can contribute to unrealistic patient expectations.
Put words in our mouth
ACP InternistWeekly wants readers to create captions for our new cartoon and help choose the winner. Pen the winning caption and win a $50 gift certificate good toward any ACP product, program or service.