In the News
Fish oil not associated with cardiovascular benefits
Patients with cardiovascular risk factors who took n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids daily appeared to have no reduction in cardiovascular mortality or morbidity, according to a new study.
Task Force recommends screening all adults for alcohol misuse
Clinicians should screen all adults 18 and over, including pregnant women, for alcohol misuse and should provide brief behavioral counseling interventions to patients engaged in risky or hazardous drinking, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently announced.
MKSAP Quiz: nursing home evaluation for incontinence
A 78-year-old woman living in a nursing home is evaluated for incontinence. Over the past year, she has had progressive decline in her cognitive status and now spends most of the day in bed. She requires coaxing to join the other residents in their communal meals and requires assistance for eating and bathing. Medical history is significant for dementia and depression treated with citalopram. What is the most appropriate management of this patient?
ACCP recommends screening for lung cancer in high-risk patients
The American College of Chest Physicians recommends screening high-risk patients for lung cancer, according to an updated clinical practice guideline released last week.
More follow-up testing needed for positive hepatitis C antibody tests
Clinicians should perform an RNA hepatitis C virus test to more definitively diagnose patients after a positive antibody test, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended.
Valproate contraindicated for migraines in pregnant women
Valproate sodium and related products, valproic acid and divalproex sodium, are now contraindicated for prevention of migraine headaches in pregnant women, the FDA announced last week.
Problems with the CMS ACO exclusivity provision
ACP has been working to address a problem with the “exclusivity provision” of the Medicare Shared Saving Accountable Care Organization Program.
Palmetto GBA reminds physicians to send redetermination requests to Appeals Department
Last week, a Medicare contractor noted an increasing trend of clinicians sending redetermination requests to its Medical Review Department after their additional development requests resulted in a denied claim.
Deadline approaching to avoid eRx penalty
Under the 2013 Electronic Prescribing (eRx) Incentive Program, physicians must successfully report as an electronic prescriber by June 30 to avoid a 2% penalty on Medicare payments in 2014.
CMS call on open payments
CMS has scheduled a call for physicians and other health care professionals about the National Physician Payment Transparency Program.
Vote for your favorite entry
ACP InternistWeekly's cartoon caption contest continues. Readers can vote for their favorite caption to determine the winner.