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.
Key Differences between FQHCs and RHCs Chastity Werner, RHIT, June 13, 2013 FQHCs and RHCs take up a unique niche among physician practices. And that affects compensation and billing.
Improving Care Coordination in Your Practice Susanne Madden, June 12, 2013 Practices are feverishly working to control the rising costs of healthcare - effective care coordination can help.
Refunding Overpayments: Two Options for Medical Practices Ericka L. Adler, June 12, 2013 Medicare and Medicaid providers must return overpayments once identified. Here are two different refund approaches for practices to consider when necessary.
iPad Alternatives for Mobile Physicians Marisa Torrieri, June 11, 2013 As more physicians are seeing the merits of media tablets, the market is expanding, too.
