Articles tagged with Internal Medicine
A study of emergency medicine doctors found that adult patients are charged 340% more than Medicare pays for services. The largest hospital markups disproportionately affect minorities and uninsured patients, highlighting a need for fairer and more transparent healthcare pricing.
A new study found that hospital-acquired anemia affects nearly a third of hospitalized patients, increasing the risk of death or readmission. The severity of anemia was independently associated with a 39% increase in readmission or death within 30 days after discharge.
A new study found that nearly half of seniors in Ontario who visited a family doctor for a non-bacterial infection received an unnecessary antibiotic prescription. The majority of prescriptions were for broad-spectrum antibiotics, which are associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes and antibiotic resistance.
A survey of physician moms found nearly 4 out of 5 respondents experienced discrimination, with gender and maternal discrimination prevalent. Women who reported maternal discrimination were more likely to value changes like longer paid maternity leave and breastfeeding support.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that patients are more likely to disclose their sexual orientation than previously thought, with nearly 78% of clinicians believing patients would refuse. Nonverbal self-report is the preferred method for collecting sexual orientation data, according to both patients and clinicians.
Recent guideline changes have led to disagreement among professional societies on best practices for mammography. Physician screening recommendations vary, with some recommending annual exams and others prioritizing biennial screenings.
The journal highlights several notable research findings, including the benefits of quitting smoking abruptly, low-dose aspirin for cardiovascular prevention, and statins in rheumatoid arthritis. These updates aim to promote excellence in medicine and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that combining five simple tests provides a broader and more accurate assessment of heart-disease risk. The tests, including an EKG, blood tests, and imaging, better predict who will develop heart disease compared to standard strategies.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) issues recommendations for preventing and treating substance use disorders involving illicit and prescription drugs. Key findings include limited access to care, with only 18% of those needing treatment receiving it, and the need for expanded public health initiatives and improved prescribing pr...
A special issue of the Journal of General Internal Medicine reviews primary care innovation and suggests new models that prioritize population health and cost control. Experts highlight the importance of preserving trusting relationships between patients and primary care physicians to achieve better outcomes.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that higher healthcare spending by physicians was not associated with better patient outcomes for hospitalized Medicare beneficiaries. The study suggests that policies targeting individual physicians within hospitals may be more effective in reducing wasteful spending.
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial found that anakinra did not reduce fatigue severity in women with chronic fatigue syndrome. The study's findings suggest that interleukin-1 inhibition may not play a role in CFS, contradicting previous studies.
A Yale-led study found racial disparities in Alpha Omega Alpha (AA) membership selection, with black and Asian medical school students less likely to be chosen than white students. The disparity suggests bias in the AA membership process, which could limit opportunities for minority medical students.
A single-payer health reform would provide comprehensive first-dollar coverage to all Americans, abolishing copayments and deductibles, while saving an estimated $504 billion annually in administrative costs. The proposal, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, also includes hard bargaining with drug companies over prices.
The American College of Physicians issues a guideline for treating nonradicular low back pain, recommending non-drug therapies such as superficial heat, massage, and acupuncture. For chronic low back pain, the ACP suggests exercise, multidisciplinary rehabilitation, and mindfulness-based stress reduction as initial treatment options.
A study found that seniors taking three or more brain-affecting medications increased by over 100% between 2004 and 2013, with falls and driving problems being major concerns. The combination of opioids, antidepressants, tranquilizers, and antipsychotics carries special risks for older adults.
A study by University of California San Francisco researchers found that installing a bedside interpreter-phone system improved understanding of healthcare procedures among patients with limited English. The system reduced errors and disparities in care, especially for Chinese- and Spanish-speaking patients.
A study found that online ratings and comments significantly increase doctor job stress, with 78% of physicians feeling the impact. Patients also use online reviews to make informed choices, but may be hesitant to share their own experiences due to concerns about bias.
The UT Southwestern Medical Center review article proposes an evidence-based medicine approach to prevent overtreatment of type 2 diabetes. It suggests balancing absolute benefits and harms with the physician's judgment and patient values, recommending more modest blood-sugar goals for frail and older individuals.
A recent study by the American College of Physicians found that physicians spend significantly more time on computer activities than direct patient interaction, taking up about half their workday. This has led to concerns over physician satisfaction, patient education, and increased malpractice risks.
A study published in Journal of General Internal Medicine found that fixed-dose combination pills work best to encourage patients with high blood pressure to stick to their prescribed anti-hypertensive medications. Patients on these combined pills were 9% more likely to be persistent in taking their medication, compared to those on sin...
The publication features original investigations, research letters and a commentary addressing financial conflicts of interest in various healthcare settings. The studies highlight the need for transparency and explicit adoption of COI frameworks to ensure trust in clinical guidelines.
A study found that US physicians charge significantly more than Medicare pays, with median charges 2.5 times higher. Regional variations were also significant, with some specialties and states facing much higher excess charges.
Medical students in Colorado express strong support for marijuana legalization, but hesitate to prescribe it due to limited data and training. Most believe further research is needed on its physical and mental health benefits.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that men and women who engage in physical activity on just one or two occasions per week have a lower risk of death from all causes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The 'weekend warriors' spent an average of 300 minutes per week doing moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity.
A population-based cohort study found that primary care physicians with higher ambulatory volumes deliver lower-quality diabetes care, while those with higher diabetes-specific volumes provide better care. The study's results suggest a clear association between physician volume and quality of diabetes management.
Patients enrolled in a program to address unmet socioeconomic needs saw significant improvements in blood pressure and cholesterol levels, according to a study by Massachusetts General Hospital. The Health Leads intervention helped patients with hypertension and elevated LDL cholesterol levels, but not diabetes.
A study of internal medicine residency program directors found that while most were satisfied with their current handoff strategies, implementation varied widely, ranging from 6 to 67 percent
A national cohort study found that patients using more than one health system had significantly higher rates of potentially unsafe medication prescribing compared to those using the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) only. The prevalence of such prescribing was particularly high among dual users, suggesting a need for improved coordin...
The American College of Physicians survey found that internists frequently prescribe high-cost treatments with little benefit to patients. Despite guidelines recommending against these practices, many physicians continue to use them, reflecting a desire to err on the side of treatment.
A new research letter published online by JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that walking fewer than 900 steps per day is associated with hospitalization-associated functional decline in older hospitalized patients. The study included 177 older patients who walked less than 900 steps per day, with 55.4% experiencing functional decline.
A systematic review found that achieving brain-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and pro-brain-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) predischarge thresholds is associated with reduced mortality and readmission in patients hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure. The evidence was low-strength, but the studies consistently showed ...
A recent survey found that Asian Americans are the least likely racial or ethnic group in the US to receive type 2 diabetes screening, despite having a high risk of developing the disease. Only 47.1% of eligible Asian Americans received screening tests between 2012 and 2014.
Dr. Michael E. Charness has made significant contributions to understanding the effects of alcohol on the nervous system and has developed drugs that block alcohol toxicity. He is a leading expert in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and has cared for patients with neurological disorders throughout his career.
The American College of Physicians recommends using corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or colchicine to treat patients with acute gout. The guideline also advises against long-term uric acid-lowering therapy in most patients after a first gout attack.
A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that frequent participation in multiple types of leisure activities reduces heart-related deaths among seniors. Engaging in low-intensity daily physical activity can provide cardiovascular protection.
A new study published in Journal of General Internal Medicine found that most elderly individuals who suffer a hip fracture will not regain their pre-injury level of physical activity or independence. The likelihood of recovery was particularly low for those over 85, with dementia, or multiple comorbid conditions.
A recent study analyzing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2009-2014 found that celiac disease prevalence remained stable at 0.70%, while adherence to a gluten-free diet increased from 1.08% in 2009-2010 to 1.69% in 2013-2014.
A recent study reveals that many adults who screen positive for depression do not receive treatment, highlighting disparities in mental health care. The study found that only 28.7% of those screened positive for depression received any treatment, with certain groups facing lower rates of access to care.
A recent study published in Journal of General Internal Medicine found that hospitals with adequate staffing levels, particularly registered nurses, experience reduced restraint use. The research suggests that the type of nursing staff rather than just total staffing is a crucial factor in preventing restraints from being used.
A US study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that prescribing short-acting opioids with no refills to opioid-naive patients significantly reduces the risk of long-term dependency. The study analyzed data from Oregon, which has the highest rate of non-medical opioid use in the US.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that consuming more plant-based protein was associated with a lower risk of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease. The researchers observed significant health benefits when substituting animal protein with plant protein, particularly from processed red meat.
Researchers at Yale University found that only a small percentage of Olympic athletes, spectators, and visitors will bring the Zika virus back to their home countries.
A survey of medical students found that nearly all reported tracking former patients in electronic health records to confirm diagnoses and follow up on progress. However, many expressed ethical concerns about accessing patient records without institutional direction.
A national survey found that over half of US physicians have withheld medical interventions due to cost concerns. Solo practitioners and those with conservative leanings were less likely to ration treatment options. The study highlights the complexities of resource utilization for healthcare providers in the US.
A systematic review of 69 studies found that VA facilities offer similar or superior quality care in some areas, such as mortality rates and preventive services. The study suggests that the VA healthcare system compares favorably with other health care settings.
Female academic physicians at public medical schools received lower average salaries compared to their male peers, with a $51,315 difference in unadjusted analyses. Adjusting for factors like faculty rank, age, and specialty narrowed the gap, but a $19,878 difference remained.
A national study found lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults experience significant health disparities, particularly in mental health and substance use. The study suggests that minority stress, including exposure to interpersonal and structural discrimination, contributes to these health outcomes.
Long-term statin therapy reduces cardiovascular events in patients with ischemic heart disease who have moderate low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, but not those with high LDL-C levels. The study suggests that a blanket principle of lower LDL-C being better for all patients may not apply.
A recent study from the University of Vermont found that a simple IVR system can encourage primary care doctors to discuss patients' drinking habits. Over half of participants reported having the discussion, and those who did were more likely to receive an alcohol-related recommendation from their provider.
A study found that Army personnel were most at risk for violent suicide among active duty enlisted service members. Firearms accounted for 62% of suicides with a known cause of death. The results suggest that infantry and special operations job classifications may be more likely to use firearms to commit suicide.
UT Southwestern researchers challenge long-held beliefs on acid reflux damage, finding that inflammatory response and cytokine secretion are the main causes of esophageal damage. The study could lead to novel GERD treatments targeting these proteins.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that frequent attendance at religious services was associated with a lower risk of death for women from all causes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Women who attended services more than once a week had a 33% lower risk of death compared to those who never attended.
A study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found that long-term participation in a national weight-loss program led to significant weight loss and improved health outcomes. The researchers followed over 65,000 participants who joined the Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) program between 2005 to 2010.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is recommended as first-line treatment for adults with chronic insomnia, according to the American College of Physicians. The new guideline also suggests a shared-decision making approach if therapy alone is unsuccessful, and notes that medication may have fewer harms than sleep medications.
The American College of Physicians calls for immediate global action to combat the health impacts of climate change, including heat-related illnesses and malnutrition. A new policy paper highlights the need for physicians to educate themselves and their patients about climate change's effects on human health.
Climate change will have devastating consequences for public and individual health unless aggressive, global action is taken to curb greenhouse gas emissions. ACP recommends that medical schools incorporate climate change-related coursework into curricula.
A study of nonurgent ED visits found that diagnostic services and procedures were provided in a significant percentage of cases, suggesting potential overuse or uncertainty among patients and healthcare professionals. The findings also highlighted similarities between nonurgent and urgent visit symptoms and diagnoses.
A recent study discovered a genetic mutation linked to X-linked reticulate pigmentary disorder (XLPDR), a rare systemic disorder affecting 14 known families worldwide. The mutation affects the POLA1 gene, involved in DNA replication, and alters cellular mechanisms leading to aberrant splicing and immune responses.
A study by Mitesh Patel found that combining individual and team incentives led to a significant increase in physical activity. Participants who received rewards for both individual and team performance averaged more steps per day than those with individual-only rewards.