Pollution, smoking, and stress may work in concert to increase a child's risk of asthma or chronic cough, according to a combination of new studies. More »
Should COPD or bronchitis be treated with antibiotics? Procalcitonin-guided antibiotic therapy has passed muster in a large international trial in real clinical settings, not planned randomized protocols. More »
CT screening for lung cancer proves as cost effective as screening for other common cancers. Listen as the head of the study speaks about the new implications for primary care. More »
Among the information of interest to primary care: Asymptomatic smokers may show signs of COPD, and what to do about it. How to treat obstructive sleep apnea as effectively as a sleep center. And things you may not know about inhalers. More »
The American Lung Association recently released new guidelines for lung cancer screening, recommending low-dose computed tomography screening in high-risk smokers. More »
A panel of physiological markers of respiratory function adds significantly to the predictive value of clinical prognostic factors such as forced expiratory volume and age. More »
Despite widespread concern about the use of these drugs for patients with asthma and allergies, a review of the evidence shows that (used as recommended) there is very little risk from introducing a steroid into the upper respiratory system on a fairly regular basis, even for a child. More »
As one of 17 medical organizations collaborating in the nationwide "Choosing Wisely" campaign to help doctors and patients work together to reduce unwarranted testing, the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology has made five suggested topics for discussion. Your patients with asthma and... More »
The test can improve outcomes for COPD, but a new review outlines revised standards that call for going beyond spirometry to assess the status of patients with the condition. More »
A 47-year-old man with a 45-pack-year tobacco history presented to his primary care physician with a 50-lb unintentional weight loss over 3 months, a cough productive of white phlegm, and mouth ulcers. His vital signs were remarkable for the absence of both fever and tachypnea. Physical examination findings were significant for mild cachexia and oral aphthous ulcers.
A 74-year-old woman with a history of breast cancer and cutaneous sarcoidosis was admitted after a fall from bed that resulted in a left hip fracture. In addition to left hip pain, she complained of chronic dyspnea on exertion, right-sided chest pain, and a recent onset of subjective fevers and cough productive of whitish sputum.
Five Steps to Improving Patient Access Judy Capko, May 21, 2013 Patient access is getting increased attention through reform initiatives. Here are five steps you can take to make sure patients get appropriate access to care in your office.
Growing HIPAA Threat – Ignore Windows XP at Your Own Peril Marion K. Jenkins, May 21, 2013 Chances are good that you have some major ticking software time bombs lurking in your medical practice's computer environment, namely Windows XP and Server 2003.
Three Areas to Reduce Costs at Your Medical Practice Greg Mertz, May 19, 2013 By taking a hard look at reducing costs for staffing, overhead, and technology at your medical practice, you may see increased physician compensation.
Dos and Don’ts for Starting a Physician Blog Michael Woo-Ming, MD, May 18, 2013 Starting a physician blog can provide your medical practice with marketing benefits, but it's important to do it right.
