Co-infection with a respiratory virus was not associated with worse outcomes among patients infected during the H1N1 influenza A virus pandemic of 2009. Still, a population-based prospective study shows that non-influenza viruses can help to shape a flu outbreak. More »
Improving the selection criteria for lung cancer screening, which remains controversial, can improve the sensitivity of screening without losing specificity, and could help avoid additional deaths from lung cancer. More »
A conundrum in lung cancer screening: Redefiniing "positive" will reduce the number of false-positives but will delay diagnosis in some cases. Is there a need for a better prediction model? More »
CT lung cancer screening could save up to 12,000 lives per year in the United States — and even more could be saved if the criteria were expanded. More »
Lower respiratory tract infections are endemic among otherwise healthy, young American children. Effective management requires timely, accurate clinical diagnosis. More »
Lung cancer screening guidelines should be expanded, according to a multispecialty task force established by the American Association for Thoracic Surgery. More »
COPD exacerbations severe enough to require hospitalization are a red flag for mortality. Preventing or delaying the second after a patient is discharged, and each successive exacerbation, is crucial to extending lifespan. 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.
