In the News
Epinephrine use in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest associated with greater mortality
Patients who received epinephrine for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest were more likely to die or have debilitating brain damage, a new study found.
Slow growth in health spending continues in 2013, CMS reports
Health spending in 2013 continued to grow slowly, at 3.6%, compared with 4.1% in 2012, according to a report issued last week by the Office of the Actuary (OACT) at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Total national health expenditures in the United States were $2.9 trillion, or $9,255 per person.
MKSAP Quiz: evaluation for headache, eye pain, other visual problems
A 76-year-old woman is evaluated for a 1-day history of headache, left eye pain, nausea and vomiting, seeing halos around lights, and decreased visual acuity of the left eye. She has type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation. Medications are metformin, digoxin, metoprolol, hydrochlorothiazide, and warfarin. Following a physical exam and eye exam, what is the most likely diagnosis?
Bisphosphonate use low in men on androgen deprivation therapy despite guidelines
Bisphosphonate prescriptions remain low for men on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), even for those at high risk of subsequent fractures, a study found.
Most elderly women with early-stage breast cancer still undergo radiation after surgery
Nearly two-thirds of women 70 years or older with early-stage breast cancer continue to receive radiation treatment, even though a large, randomized clinical trial from 2004 showed that it did not reduce recurrence or prolong survival, a study found.
Vitamin K antagonists provide benefit in elderly patients with afib, study finds
Patients older than age 75 who have atrial fibrillation benefited from vitamin K antagonist therapy, although their risks for stroke and bleeding were higher than in younger patients, a recent study found.
Meaningful use data collection ending for 2014
To avoid a Medicare payment penalty in 2016, eligible professionals must complete attestation to the “meaningful use” of an electronic health record system. Successful attesters may also qualify for a bonus. This year's attestation will not affect 2015 payments.
New ACP adult immunization initiative to teach residents
A new, free program from ACP's Quality Connect will teach residents about the science of adult immunizations and provide evidence-based strategies for increasing vaccination rates.
Reminder: ACP art exhibition, call for submissions
ACP is now accepting submissions for the 100th Year Anniversary Celebration Council of Resident/Fellow Members Art Competition: “The Past, Present, and Future of Medicine.” Submissions are open to all members of the College from Student Members through Masters.
ACP Masters, Fellow elected Alpha Omega Alpha officers
Douglas S. Paauw, MD, MACP, has been elected president of Alpha Omega Alpha, the national medical honor society, for 2014/2015. John Tooker, MD, MBA, MACP, is the immediate past president.
And the winner is …
ACP Internist Weekly has tallied the voting from its latest cartoon contest, where readers are invited to match wits against their peers to provide the most original and amusing caption.