Articles tagged with Internal Medicine
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that five-star hospitals offer fewer services compared to non-five star hospitals. Five-star hospitals are less likely to have emergency departments, intensive care units, and other specialized services.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that women who were denied an abortion due to gestational age limit reported worse health 5 years later compared to those who underwent an abortion. The study also found similar physical health outcomes between women who had abortions in the first or second trimester and those who ...
The American College of Physicians has released a new paper outlining its methods for developing high-quality, evidence-based clinical policy papers. The methodology ensures that recommendations are based on the best available scientific evidence, considering clinical benefits, harms, costs, and patient values. ACP's approach includes ...
Researchers found that nearly half of callers with Medicaid coverage were denied appointments due to lack of available clinicians. However, wait times were generally less than two weeks, indicating opportunities to improve access to buprenorphine treatment.
The American College of Physicians has released a position paper outlining professional duties and principles for responding to physician impairment. The guidelines emphasize the importance of rehabilitation and reintegrating impaired physicians into medical practice while ensuring patient safety.
A new essay published in Annals of Internal Medicine argues that physicians often have to make difficult decisions when faced with extreme political pressures. The author shares a personal story about caring for a pregnant woman who was forced to carry a baby without a brain, highlighting the need for compassion over 'choice' in patien...
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that older women who took 4,400 steps per day had significantly lower mortality rates compared to those taking 2,700 steps per day. Risk of death continued to decrease with more steps taken, leveling off at around 7,500 steps per day.
A mathematical model found that physician burnout costs the US healthcare system approximately $4.6 billion per year, with potential economic value for reducing burnout through policy and organizational efforts. Accessing patient notes may also improve medication adherence and patient comfort.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that physicians in ambulatory surgery centers and physician offices were more likely to schedule different-day procedures, resulting in higher costs. The study suggests that financial incentives may be a contributing factor to this trend.
A new survey of over 200 internal medicine residents suggests that better training is needed to increase the prescribing of PrEP, a proven tool to prevent HIV transmission among high-risk individuals. The study's findings highlight the importance of improving residency training programs nationwide.
The American College of Physicians recommends strengthening the Affordable Care Act to address gaps in coverage and ensure universal access. ACP calls for bolstering the insurance market, expanding Medicaid, and increasing competition to provide quality care for all Americans.
A new RAND Corporation study finds that primary care services account for only 2.12% to 4.88% of total medical and prescription spending among Medicare beneficiaries. This estimate is lower than previous studies, and highlights the importance of investing in primary care for better outcomes and lower costs.
A new study finds that hospitals serving richer patient populations will face increased financial penalties under the revised system, while those with poorer patients will see reduced penalties. The changes aim to address concerns about the original program unfairly penalizing safety-net hospitals.
Researchers found that uninsured and Medicaid patients are more likely to be transferred from emergency departments, discharged without admission, or admitted to hospitals with limited critical care services. Financial incentives for hospitals may contribute to these disparities in access to acute hospital care.
Dr. Lauren Ferrante's research identifies promising markers of poor functional recovery in ICU survivors, which could help target older adults for interventions to improve function after ICU care. Her work aims to aid recovery, prevent disability, and reduce deaths following serious hospitalization.
A study of 9,048 individuals in Sweden found that respiratory, skin, and urogenital infections significantly increase the risk of developing Sjögren's syndrome. The findings support the hypothesis that environmental triggers play a crucial role in its development.
A new study from Duke University found that patients shed more weight when doctors give specific instructions, such as tailored behavioral goals and educational material, compared to generic advice. Patients who received empathetic care also lost more weight on average.
A Massachusetts General Hospital study found that international medical graduates care for Medicare patients with more complex medical needs than those cared for by domestic graduates. The report's findings have implications for immigration policies and access to primary care for the sickest Americans.
Research at UT Southwestern Medical Center found exercise reduces visceral fat more significantly than medication per pound of body weight lost. Exercise can melt visceral fat, lowering risk of heart disease and diabetes.
A new study by Michigan Medicine found that nearly half of people covered by expanded Medicaid felt their physical health improved, while more than a third reported improvements in mental or dental health. Enrollees who were employed also reported better job performance and had easier times looking for jobs.
A single workout can activate neurons influencing metabolism for up to two days, according to a mouse study from UT Southwestern Medical Center. The finding provides an avenue to explore potential treatments to improve glucose metabolism in diabetes patients.
One in four patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes have reported using less insulin than prescribed due to high costs. This underuse of insulin is often accompanied by poor glycemic control and difficulty affording other diabetes management equipment.
The American College of Physicians has released a set of principles to guide patient partnership in healthcare, aiming to improve health outcomes, practice efficiency, and patient satisfaction. The principles emphasize the importance of patients and families being active partners in their care, contributing to system development and ed...
A new study found that only 21% of health surrogates actually know what an older adult would want in the event of a serious illness, despite 75% feeling confident in their knowledge. The researchers emphasize the need for improved advance care planning and communication between patients and their health surrogates.
Genetic analysis of African ancestry found a correlation with increased risk factors for heart failure, including thicker left ventricles and higher ECG voltages. This study suggests that African ancestry may be associated with an increased risk of heart failure in young adults.
A survey of primary care clinicians found that most are willing to provide routine care for transgender patients, with a decrease in willingness among older clinicians. Factors such as personal exposure and transphobia levels influenced clinicians' willingness to provide Pap tests to transgender men.
A new computer tool has been developed to identify patients with chronic pulmonary embolism (PE) who can be safely treated at home. The tool uses a sensitive cardiac injury marker, troponin, to measure the severity of PE and predict patient outcomes.
Researchers developed a new marker that can accurately detect cardiac injury, reducing the need for costly and invasive stress tests. The test uses high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) assays to measure troponin concentrations lower than conventional assays.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) has updated its policy recommendations for reducing gun-related injuries and death in the United States. The new guidelines build on existing policies, focusing on a public health approach to address this epidemic of gun violence.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered high levels of antiphospholipid antibodies in patients who suffered a heart attack without any autoimmune conditions. The study involved 800 patients and found that 11% had elevated IgG antibody levels, which is associated with blood clots.
A recent national survey of internal medicine doctors found that three-quarters reported financial ties to industry, with drug samples and food/beverage being the most common benefits. The study also revealed significant reductions in certain types of payments compared to a previous survey in 2009.
Alcohol consumption is common among patients with liver disease, associated with poor outcomes. The authors advocate for expanded treatment of alcohol use disorder in everyday clinical practice, including patients with advanced liver disease.
A new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that nearly 25% of genetic test results were reclassified due to evolving scientific knowledge. This reclassification can significantly impact patients' understanding of their cancer risk and treatment options.
Residents in certain specialties, such as urology and neurology, were more likely to report burnout symptoms. High levels of anxiety during medical school were associated with burnout symptoms during residency across all specialties.
A recent study published in Journal of Internal Medicine found that adhering to an anti-inflammatory diet was associated with lower risks of dying from any cause, cardiovascular causes, and cancer. Participants who closely followed the diet had an 18% lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to those who followed it to a lesser degree.
Two research letters examine the impact of Medicaid work requirements on recipients, estimating the number at risk of losing coverage and calculating associated spending. State-level estimates also provide insight into those meeting proposed work requirements.
A study found that modest reductions in age-adjusted, county-level death rates could have swung key US states to Secretary Clinton. Counties with higher Republican votes had higher age-adjusted death rates and increased deaths of despair.
Experts recommend states guide doctors in certifying patients who cannot work due to illness, and connect Medicaid enrollees with job training and support services. States should also consider fluctuating work patterns when implementing reporting requirements.
A study found that patients are given little time to explain their concerns before being interrupted by doctors. Primary care doctors tend to interrupt less than specialists, who may skip the introductory step due to familiarity with the condition. The pressure to rush consultations affects patient-centered care.
A recent study found that only 2% of trials assessing the safety or efficacy of probiotics, prebiotics, or synbiotics adequately reported key safety components. The researchers concluded that the lack of safety data makes it challenging to accurately determine their safety profile and make informed decisions for patients.
A web-based health behavior change support system improved weight loss and waist circumference reduction for up to 2 years. HBCSS, combined with cognitive behavioral group therapy or as a standalone treatment, offers a personalized approach to obesity treatment.
A recent patient study found that more than half of hospital patients who had a urinary catheter experienced complications, with non-infectious problems being five times more common than UTIs. The study highlights the importance of avoiding indwelling catheters and removing them as soon as possible to prevent these issues.
A recent clinical trial has shown that tamsulosin is not effective in promoting the passage of ureteral stones, contradicting previous small studies. The study's findings suggest that the medication may be beneficial for specific subgroups of patients with larger or distal stones.
Primary care providers report that the Healthy Michigan Plan has helped patients manage their health, detect problems early, and improve their ability to work and live independently. The plan's coverage has also led to better adherence to prescribed medicines and improved emotional well-being among patients.
In patients with congenital heart disease, atrial arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation occur at younger ages due to degenerative and progressive changes. Advanced imaging and individualized therapeutic plans using pharmacologic therapy, catheter-based ablation, and surgical therapies can help manage these conditions.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that financial strain is the primary factor influencing health care decisions for low-income patients. The researchers recommended that physicians take a proactive approach to recognize and address financial strain in their patients, rather than misinterpreting it as noncompliance.
Dr. Jeffrey H. Samet, an internationally recognized expert in addiction medicine care and research, has been awarded the American College of Physicians' Richard and Hinda Rosenthal Award #1. He is being recognized for his innovative work in developing theory-based behavioral interventions to address substance use disorders.
The American College of Physicians is calling for a revised approach to performance measurement, citing 32 valid and 30 invalid measures in Medicare's MIPS program. The ACP analyzed 86 performance measures and found that many were inadequately specified, leading to misclassification of high-quality care as low-quality care.
The USPSTF recommends against daily supplementation with vitamin D and calcium to prevent fractures in men and premenopausal women. However, they suggest these supplements may be beneficial for postmenopausal women, as current scientific evidence is insufficient for the general population.
Researchers found that organs from overdose deaths have noninferior outcomes to those from trauma or natural death, but may carry higher risks of HIV and hepatitis transmission. Optimizing their use could help address the organ shortage, but caution is needed due to small potential risks.
Researchers found that oral sirolimus treatment significantly improved pulmonary function and reduced carcinoid tumor volume in three patients with DIPNECH syndrome. The study provides promising evidence for sirolimus as a viable treatment option for this rare condition.
Kurt Kroenke, MD, has received the Robert J. Glaser award for his significant impact on modern primary care through his research on symptom management, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. His work has led to the development of reliable measurement tools and innovative approaches to optimize pain care effectiveness.
The American College of Physicians releases a new position paper advising physicians on ethical obligations when participating in short-term global health experiences. Key findings include the importance of partnering with local leaders and minimizing potential burdens on local communities.
A recent study found that e-cigarette users were less likely to abstain from tobacco at 6 months compared to non-users. However, this finding may not be representative of the general population, and more research is needed to determine the efficacy of e-cigarettes in smoking cessation.
A new study reveals that U.S. South Asians with Type 2 diabetes consumed fewer beneficial nutrients than healthy South Asians, including dietary fiber and essential vitamins. The research highlights the need for improved dietary habits to manage blood cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
A new special issue of the European Journal of Internal Medicine presents a comprehensive overview of current evidence for medical cannabis and derived products. The studies highlight its effectiveness in pain relief and potential benefits for elderly patients, calling for further research to improve the evidence base.
The new guidelines provide updated clinical recommendations for treating strangles in horses, including a shift away from bacterial culture as the gold standard and new methods for determining disease-free status. The consensus statement also outlines best practices for quarantine, examination, and biosecurity protocols to prevent dise...
The American College of Physicians recommends reinforcing formal curricula with hidden cultural lessons in medical education. This includes modeling empathy, encouraging reflection, and promoting learner and clinician wellness. The goal is to align positive hidden curricula with formal curricula and foster respect, inquiry, and honesty.
A study by UT Southwestern researchers found that only half of older adults are transferred to long-term acute care (LTAC) facilities due to illness severity or complexity. Many others are sent based on hospital preferences and regional trends, potentially leaving them eligible for less expensive post-acute care settings.
A UTSW study found that inhibiting glucagon action has potent anti-diabetic effects, reducing negative fat tissue impacts and improving cardiac function. The research may advance understanding of diabetes drugs' benefits for heart health.