Primary Care/Hospitalist Topics Relias Media - Continuing Medical Education Publishing https://www.reliasmedia.com/ The most award winning healthcare information source, trusted for four decades by physicians and nurses for CME / CE covering medical topics from emergency medicine to case management en-US Fri, 29 Mar 2024 07:34:38 -0700 Fri, 29 Mar 2024 07:34:38 -0700 false Sweeping Senate Healthcare Legislation Heads to Markup Healthcare Risk Management https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/sweeping-senate-healthcare-legislation-heads-to-markup Mon, 18 Sep 2023 02:00:00 -0700 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/sweeping-senate-healthcare-legislation-heads-to-markup The HELP Committee has reached a bipartisan agreement on a crucial bill to expand primary care services and the healthcare workforce.

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Supine Blood Pressure Readings May Reveal Hidden Health Risks Clinical Cardiology Alert https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/supine-blood-pressure-readings-may-reveal-hidden-health-risks Wed, 13 Sep 2023 02:00:00 -0700 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/supine-blood-pressure-readings-may-reveal-hidden-health-risks Measuring a patient’s blood pressure while he or she is lying down could help clinicians learn more about possible underlying heart problems.

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Social Determinants Play Outsized Role in Black/White Cardiovascular Health Gap Clinical Cardiology Alert https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/social-determinants-play-outsized-role-in-black-white-cardiovascular-health-gap Wed, 30 Aug 2023 02:00:00 -0700 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/social-determinants-play-outsized-role-in-black-white-cardiovascular-health-gap Lower income levels, less education, tighter insurance access raise risk for cardiovascular disease mortality.

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Physician Group Says to Start Colon Cancer Screening at Age 50 Years Internal Medicine Alert https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/physician-group-says-to-start-colon-cancer-screening-at-age-50-years Sat, 05 Aug 2023 02:00:00 -0700 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/physician-group-says-to-start-colon-cancer-screening-at-age-50-years Patient advocates push back, standing by other recommendations that set the age at 45 years.

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Cardiologists Consolidate, Update Guidance for Chronic Coronary Disease Management Clinical Cardiology Alert https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/cardiologists-consolidate-update-guidance-for-chronic-coronary-disease-management Thu, 03 Aug 2023 02:00:00 -0700 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/cardiologists-consolidate-update-guidance-for-chronic-coronary-disease-management Researchers incorporated shared decision-making, social determinants of health, and team-based care principles.

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Feds Propose to Strengthen Mental Health, Substance Use Treatment Access Healthcare Risk Management https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/feds-propose-to-strengthen-mental-health-substance-use-treatment-access Mon, 31 Jul 2023 02:00:00 -0700 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/feds-propose-to-strengthen-mental-health-substance-use-treatment-access The Biden administration wants better enforcement of a law that was designed to remove administrative barriers to receiving proper insurance coverage.

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Anesthesiologists Call on Patients to Stop Taking Trendy Drug Before Surgery Internal Medicine Alert https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/anesthesiologists-call-on-patients-to-stop-taking-trendy-drug-before-surgery Mon, 03 Jul 2023 02:00:00 -0700 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/anesthesiologists-call-on-patients-to-stop-taking-trendy-drug-before-surgery Patients using a popular type 2 diabetes medication to lose weight might experience complications during elective procedures.

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USPSTF Recommends Screening for Anxiety Primary Care Reports https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/uspstf-recommends-screening-for-anxiety Sun, 02 Jul 2023 02:00:00 -0700 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/uspstf-recommends-screening-for-anxiety The group suggests including all patients younger than age 65 years, calls for more study of screening older patients.

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CMS to Test Innovative Primary Care Model Hospital Case Management https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/cms-to-test-innovative-primary-care-model Thu, 15 Jun 2023 02:00:00 -0700 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/cms-to-test-innovative-primary-care-model The focus is on better management of chronic health conditions by streamlining access to integrated services.

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Feds Greenlight Expanded Naloxone Availability ED Management https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/feds-greenlight-expanded-naloxone-availability Thu, 30 Mar 2023 02:00:00 -0700 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/feds-greenlight-expanded-naloxone-availability The FDA has approved the nasal spray version of the opioid overdose reversal agent for over-the-counter sales.

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Tool Identifies Patients in Need of Serious Illness Conversations Medical Ethics Advisor https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/tool-identifies-patients-in-need-of-serious-illness-conversations Mon, 27 Mar 2023 02:00:00 -0700 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/tool-identifies-patients-in-need-of-serious-illness-conversations Text messages generated by a machine-learning tool resulted in clinicians engaging in more serious illness conversations with high-risk patients.

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Bias and Stigma Hinder Effective Obesity Treatment Medical Ethics Advisor https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/bias-and-stigma-hinder-effective-obesity-treatment Mon, 27 Mar 2023 02:00:00 -0700 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/bias-and-stigma-hinder-effective-obesity-treatment The industry is moving away from a hierarchy of care where a primary provider tells the patient what they ought to do. Instead, the model is moving toward shared decision-making.

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Financial Coaching Boosts Follow-Up Visit, Vaccination Rates for Babies Hospital Case Management https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/financial-coaching-boosts-follow-up-visit-vaccination-rates-for-babies Tue, 28 Feb 2023 02:00:00 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/financial-coaching-boosts-follow-up-visit-vaccination-rates-for-babies Assisting low-income new parents can lead to better outcomes.

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Long-Term Air Pollution Exposure Could Raise Risk for Depression, Anxiety Internal Medicine Alert https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/long-term-air-pollution-exposure-could-raise-risk-for-depression-anxiety Tue, 14 Feb 2023 02:00:00 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/long-term-air-pollution-exposure-could-raise-risk-for-depression-anxiety Two research groups reported on breathing dirty air and how that affects mental health.

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Healthcare on 2022 Midterm Ballots Integrative Medicine Alert https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/healthcare-on-2022-midterm-ballots Thu, 10 Nov 2022 02:00:00 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/healthcare-on-2022-midterm-ballots Reproductive rights, healthcare business, integrative medicine top of mind for voters in several states.

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CDC: U.S. Adult Obesity Rate Up Sharply Primary Care Reports https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/cdc-u-s-adult-obesity-rate-up-sharply Wed, 28 Sep 2022 02:00:00 -0700 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/cdc-u-s-adult-obesity-rate-up-sharply At least 35% of adults are obese in 19 states and two territories.

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Clear Masks Improve Patient Communication, But Surgeons Hesitant - Hospital Peer Review – June 1, 2021 Hospital Peer Review https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/148031-clear-masks-improve-patient-communication-but-surgeons-hesitant Fri, 30 Apr 2021 08:33:41 -0700 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/148031-clear-masks-improve-patient-communication-but-surgeons-hesitant AstraZeneca Reports 79% Efficacy for U.S. COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate - No Issue https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147816-astrazeneca-reports-79-efficacy-for-us-covid-19-vaccine-candidate Tue, 23 Mar 2021 09:12:37 -0700 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147816-astrazeneca-reports-79-efficacy-for-us-covid-19-vaccine-candidate But NIH raises questions the about data.

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Religion and Spirituality in Primary Care - Primary Care Reports – April 1, 2021 Primary Care Reports https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147812-religion-and-spirituality-in-primary-care Fri, 19 Mar 2021 11:03:51 -0700 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147812-religion-and-spirituality-in-primary-care Religious commitment is intrinsically connected to cultural, mental, spiritual, and societal aspects of wellness, and, thus, should be better recognized by the medical community, whose goal is to provide culturally competent, relationship-centered healthcare. As physicians strive to provide care that is culturally competent and patient-centered, they must be careful to take into account their patients’ deepest human commitments.

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The Growing List of Long-Haul COVID-19 Symptoms - No Issue https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147810-the-growing-list-of-long-haul-covid-19-symptoms Thu, 18 Mar 2021 07:38:50 -0700 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147810-the-growing-list-of-long-haul-covid-19-symptoms Swedish researchers observe rapid heart rate, dizziness in patients months after viral infection.

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Modest Improvements in Mortality Rate Disparities in Rural Areas - No Issue https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147809-modest-improvements-in-mortality-rate-disparities-in-rural-areas Wed, 17 Mar 2021 12:53:26 -0700 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147809-modest-improvements-in-mortality-rate-disparities-in-rural-areas Black adults living in rural areas in the United States still are more likely to die from diabetes, high blood pressure compared to white adults.

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Measles Outbreak Cost Public Millions of Dollars - No Issue https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147790-measles-outbreak-cost-public-millions-of-dollars Tue, 16 Mar 2021 09:15:23 -0700 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147790-measles-outbreak-cost-public-millions-of-dollars The 2019 re-emergence of this vaccine-preventable disease cost a single U.S. county more than $3 million.

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Early Convalescent Plasma to Treat COVID-19 in Elderly Patients with Mild Symptoms - Internal Medicine Alert – March 30, 2021 Internal Medicine Alert https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147762-early-convalescent-plasma-to-treat-covid-19-in-elderly-patients-with-mild-symptoms Thu, 11 Mar 2021 07:34:06 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147762-early-convalescent-plasma-to-treat-covid-19-in-elderly-patients-with-mild-symptoms Administering convalescent plasma obtained from survivors of COVID-19 within 72 hours of onset of mild symptoms in elderly patients with the virus was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of development of severe respiratory disease.

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THC-Related Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Older Adults - Internal Medicine Alert – March 30, 2021 Internal Medicine Alert https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147759-thc-related-neuropsychiatric-symptoms-in-older-adults Thu, 11 Mar 2021 07:09:29 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147759-thc-related-neuropsychiatric-symptoms-in-older-adults Using cannabis-based medicine often exposes patients to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is associated with psychotic symptoms. THC also can cause lightheadedness, dizziness, and thinking or perception disorder in older adults.

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Low BNP Levels in Up to 16% of Heart Failure Patients - Clinical Cardiology Alert – April 1, 2021 Clinical Cardiology Alert https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147758-low-bnp-levels-in-up-to-16-of-heart-failure-patients Thu, 11 Mar 2021 06:33:05 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147758-low-bnp-levels-in-up-to-16-of-heart-failure-patients In patients with clinical heart failure and low B-type natriuretic peptide levels, the authors found these patients usually are young and obese, with higher ejection fraction and better renal function.

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Lawsuits May Allege Failure to Obtain Dermatology Consults - ED Legal Letter – April 1, 2021 ED Legal Letter https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147748-lawsuits-may-allege-failure-to-obtain-dermatology-consults Tue, 09 Mar 2021 12:22:18 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147748-lawsuits-may-allege-failure-to-obtain-dermatology-consults Shutting out dermatologists can leave a gap in specialty care. This might lead to other specialists consulting and managing conditions outside their scope, or they might transfer patients to a different, distant center.

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Shortness of Breath in Older Adults Is Challenging Diagnosis in ED - ED Legal Letter – April 1, 2021 ED Legal Letter https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147739-shortness-of-breath-in-older-adults-is-challenging-diagnosis-in-ed Tue, 09 Mar 2021 11:30:16 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147739-shortness-of-breath-in-older-adults-is-challenging-diagnosis-in-ed Older adults might present with atypical symptoms, such as “just not feeling right.” Some experience a decreased sensation of dyspnea itself, so they do not even report feeling short of breath. Older patients also may present with various comorbid conditions that are causing shortness of breath, such as congestive heart failure or COPD. This can lead to misdiagnosis.

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Safety Protocol Can Prevent Self-Harm Incidents - ED Management – April 1, 2021 ED Management https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147703-safety-protocol-can-prevent-self-harm-incidents Thu, 25 Feb 2021 10:41:47 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147703-safety-protocol-can-prevent-self-harm-incidents Precautions include a focus on creating safe bathrooms, increasing the number of trained observers to monitor patients at risk, and managing access to belongings and clothing.

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Tailoring Opioid Prescriptions to Patients’ Perception of Pain - No Issue https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147696-tailoring-opioid-prescriptions-to-patients-perception-of-pain Thu, 25 Feb 2021 09:07:46 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147696-tailoring-opioid-prescriptions-to-patients-perception-of-pain Customized approach led to better pain management and less waste after surgery.

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COVID-19 Affected U.S. Life Expectancy: How Bad Is It? - No Issue https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147671-covid-19-affected-us-life-expectancy-how-bad-is-it Fri, 19 Feb 2021 09:48:26 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147671-covid-19-affected-us-life-expectancy-how-bad-is-it The pandemic dinged the average, but the latest data do not tell the whole story.

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U.K. Approves First COVID-19 Human Challenge Trial - No Issue https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147668-uk-approves-first-covid-19-human-challenge-trial Thu, 18 Feb 2021 10:18:25 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147668-uk-approves-first-covid-19-human-challenge-trial Volunteers will be infected with virus so researchers can learn more about pathology, speed effective vaccine development.

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Obesity Connected to Up to Half of All U.S. Diabetes Cases - No Issue https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147652-obesity-connected-to-up-to-half-of-all-us-diabetes-cases Wed, 17 Feb 2021 08:45:50 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147652-obesity-connected-to-up-to-half-of-all-us-diabetes-cases Recent analysis reveals strong connection between body weight and type 2 diabetes.

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Surrogates’ Authority Varies on Mental Health Treatment Decision-Making - Medical Ethics Advisor – March 1, 2021 Medical Ethics Advisor https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147629-surrogates-authority-varies-on-mental-health-treatment-decision-making Thu, 11 Feb 2021 08:09:52 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147629-surrogates-authority-varies-on-mental-health-treatment-decision-making Ethicists should be familiar with their respective jurisdictions’ statutes and case law, especially those whose health systems cross state borders.

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Frail Older Patients Receiving Higher-Intensity End-of-Life Care - Medical Ethics Advisor – March 1, 2021 Medical Ethics Advisor https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147627-frail-older-patients-receiving-higher-intensity-end-of-life-care Thu, 11 Feb 2021 07:53:16 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147627-frail-older-patients-receiving-higher-intensity-end-of-life-care There is an opportunity for targeted interventions for all older patients, especially frail older adults, undergoing emergency general surgery to establish better prognostic understanding and discuss advance care planning before hospital discharge.

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Prior Metformin Use in Patients with Diabetes Hospitalized for COVID-19 - Internal Medicine Alert – February 28, 2021 Internal Medicine Alert https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147617-prior-metformin-use-in-patients-with-diabetes-hospitalized-for-covid-19 Wed, 10 Feb 2021 09:23:18 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147617-prior-metformin-use-in-patients-with-diabetes-hospitalized-for-covid-19 Investigators found metformin use before COVID-19 hospitalization for patients with diabetes was associated with a lower risk of death.

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Elderly Patients with Esophageal Cancers Might Tolerate Multimodal Therapy Well - No Issue https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147616-elderly-patients-with-esophageal-cancers-might-tolerate-multimodal-therapy-well Tue, 09 Feb 2021 11:16:56 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147616-elderly-patients-with-esophageal-cancers-might-tolerate-multimodal-therapy-well Some clinicians shy away from complete therapy courses for these patients over concerns about frailty, quality of life.

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Insulin Pen Project Improves Patient Safety with EMR Modification - Hospital Peer Review – March 1, 2021 Hospital Peer Review https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147591-insulin-pen-project-improves-patient-safety-with-emr-modification Thu, 04 Feb 2021 10:32:07 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147591-insulin-pen-project-improves-patient-safety-with-emr-modification Staff at a Maryland hospital discovered a patient safety issue with insulin pens that was traced to the electronic medical record’s (EMR) inability to generate patient-specific labels efficiently. A root cause analysis revealed the process gaps, and staff developed a solution that ensures patients receive insulin doses only from their own pens.

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Feds Redefine Who Can Handle COVID-19 Vaccine - No Issue https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147562-feds-redefine-who-can-handle-covid-19-vaccine Thu, 28 Jan 2021 13:07:32 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147562-feds-redefine-who-can-handle-covid-19-vaccine HHS expands list of who can prescribe, dispense, and administer shots.

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Biden Boosts ACA, Women’s Health - No Issue https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147560-biden-boosts-aca-womens-health Thu, 28 Jan 2021 12:00:10 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147560-biden-boosts-aca-womens-health Executive actions aim to re-expand Obamacare access, protect reproductive health.

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Multimodal Pain Control Strategy Shows Promise in Trauma Patients - No Issue https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147536-multimodal-pain-control-strategy-shows-promise-in-trauma-patients Tue, 26 Jan 2021 08:14:47 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147536-multimodal-pain-control-strategy-shows-promise-in-trauma-patients Researchers continue searching for ways to minimize opioid exposure.

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Tirbanibulin Ointment (Klisyri) - Internal Medicine Alert – January 30, 2021 Internal Medicine Alert https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147465-tirbanibulin-ointment-klisyri Wed, 13 Jan 2021 12:00:38 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147465-tirbanibulin-ointment-klisyri Tirbanibulin is indicated for the topical treatment of actinic keratosis on the face and scalp.

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Papers Detail Hazards of Surgical Smoke - No Issue https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147452-papers-detail-hazards-of-surgical-smoke Wed, 13 Jan 2021 07:26:28 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147452-papers-detail-hazards-of-surgical-smoke Researchers provide more detailed definitions, offer possible solutions to minimize risk.

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Some Psychiatric Patients Can Bypass ED Altogether - ED Legal Letter – February 1, 2021 ED Legal Letter https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147444-some-psychiatric-patients-can-bypass-ed-altogether Tue, 12 Jan 2021 09:52:06 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147444-some-psychiatric-patients-can-bypass-ed-altogether Researchers considered protocols that bypass the ED by allowing EMS to directly transport patients to a specialized regional center for evaluation of psychiatric emergencies. The protocols are somewhat controversial.

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Discharge of Psychiatric Patients Is Legal Landmine for EDs - ED Legal Letter – February 1, 2021 ED Legal Letter https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147443-discharge-of-psychiatric-patients-is-legal-landmine-for-eds Tue, 12 Jan 2021 09:44:49 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147443-discharge-of-psychiatric-patients-is-legal-landmine-for-eds If a patient with psychiatric symptoms experiences a poor outcome shortly after discharge from an ED, allegations of inadequate medical screening are possible. Good documentation is the best protection against these allegations.

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AAP, PIDS Tailor Antibiotic Recommendations for Children - No Issue https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147409-aap-pids-tailor-antibiotic-recommendations-for-children Wed, 30 Dec 2020 09:49:28 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147409-aap-pids-tailor-antibiotic-recommendations-for-children Policy statement underscores importance of creating stewardship programs.

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Physicians, Patients Rarely Discuss Cost: Registrars Can Help - Hospital Access Management – February 1, 2021 Hospital Access Management https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147400-physicians-patients-rarely-discuss-cost-registrars-can-help Wed, 30 Dec 2020 06:29:34 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147400-physicians-patients-rarely-discuss-cost-registrars-can-help A lack of knowledge and a discomfort discussing money leads everyone to steer conversations in other directions.

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Virtual Visits and Antibiotic Prescribing - Internal Medicine Alert – January 15, 2021 Internal Medicine Alert https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147396-virtual-visits-and-antibiotic-prescribing Tue, 29 Dec 2020 05:49:15 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147396-virtual-visits-and-antibiotic-prescribing Compared to in-person visits, virtual visits were associated with improved antibiotic prescribing practices for women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections.

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Vegan Diets May Cause More Fractures - Internal Medicine Alert – January 15, 2021 Internal Medicine Alert https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147395-vegan-diets-may-cause-more-fractures Tue, 29 Dec 2020 05:41:48 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147395-vegan-diets-may-cause-more-fractures Living as a vegan or vegetarian is a choice and can benefit one’s health. However, clinicians should educate patients about potential risks, including bone fractures. Appropriate supplementation might prevent these complications.

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AAFP, CDC Promote Immunizations Among Minority Populations - No Issue https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147375-aafp-cdc-promote-immunizations-among-minority-populations Fri, 18 Dec 2020 10:28:56 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147375-aafp-cdc-promote-immunizations-among-minority-populations Groups recruiting family medicine practices for two initiatives.

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Delayed Screenings Correlate with More Severe Lung Cancer Malignancies - No Issue https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147356-delayed-screenings-correlate-with-more-severe-lung-cancer-malignancies Thu, 17 Dec 2020 09:44:51 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147356-delayed-screenings-correlate-with-more-severe-lung-cancer-malignancies COVID-19 led to canceled or delayed care in 2020 — with consequences.

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Excessive Urine Testing Drives Unnecessary Antibiotic Use, Elongates Length of Stay - ED Management – February 1, 2021 ED Management https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147351-excessive-urine-testing-drives-unnecessary-antibiotic-use-elongates-length-of-stay Thu, 17 Dec 2020 06:51:42 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147351-excessive-urine-testing-drives-unnecessary-antibiotic-use-elongates-length-of-stay Investigators suspect this pattern may be related to the desire to establish an explanation for whatever symptoms have prompted patients to seek care. Clinicians and patients alike want clear diagnoses and definitive solutions to fix problems.

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Managing Appendicitis Medically - Internal Medicine Alert – December 30, 2020 Internal Medicine Alert https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147333-managing-appendicitis-medically Mon, 14 Dec 2020 05:52:32 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147333-managing-appendicitis-medically A multicenter, randomized trial showed that 10 days of antibiotics results in comparable outcomes as surgery. Three in 10 patients treated with antibiotics required surgery within 90 days.

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Tips for Successfully Implementing a Flu Vaccination Program - ED Management – January 1, 2021 ED Management https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147219-tips-for-successfully-implementing-a-flu-vaccination-program Mon, 23 Nov 2020 06:25:34 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147219-tips-for-successfully-implementing-a-flu-vaccination-program Pediatric ED leaders interested in implementing a screening protocol to boost flu vaccination rates in children should rely on quality improvement principles.

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Nurse-Driven Screening Protocol Seeks Flu Vaccine for Every Eligible Child in ED - ED Management – January 1, 2021 ED Management https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147218-nurse-driven-screening-protocol-seeks-flu-vaccine-for-every-eligible-child-in-ed Mon, 23 Nov 2020 06:21:26 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147218-nurse-driven-screening-protocol-seeks-flu-vaccine-for-every-eligible-child-in-ed Frustrated with low vaccination rates, the ED at Children’s Wisconsin in Milwaukee implemented a screening protocol to offer the flu vaccine to every eligible child who presents for care. Now in its third year, the nurse-driven intervention has proven successful, with leaders working to expand the approach ahead of an expected COVID-19 vaccine.

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State Support Could Improve HPV Vaccination Rates - No Issue https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147210-state-support-could-improve-hpv-vaccination-rates Fri, 20 Nov 2020 07:15:39 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147210-state-support-could-improve-hpv-vaccination-rates Investigators researched three possible state-level programs to guide lawmakers on this public health issue.

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USPSTF Refrains from Definitive Blood Pressure Screening Recommendation - No Issue https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147209-uspstf-refrains-from-definitive-blood-pressure-screening-recommendation Thu, 19 Nov 2020 10:58:50 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147209-uspstf-refrains-from-definitive-blood-pressure-screening-recommendation Panel says more research needed before clear judgments for or against screening children, adolescents can be made.

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Revised Policy on Organ Transplants for Children with Disabilities Targets Discrimination - Medical Ethics Advisor – December 1, 2020 Medical Ethics Advisor https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147182-revised-policy-on-organ-transplants-for-children-with-disabilities-targets-discrimination Fri, 13 Nov 2020 11:07:52 -0800 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147182-revised-policy-on-organ-transplants-for-children-with-disabilities-targets-discrimination Children with disabilities can be organ donors, contributing to the supply. Excluding these patients as organ recipients would not be fair. A new policy statement does not consider intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) completely irrelevant, but the authors do not consider IDD to be dispositive for listing decisions either.

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HHS Releases Latest Iteration of Antibiotic Resistance Action Plan - Same-Day Surgery – December 1, 2020 Same-Day Surgery https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147103-hhs-releases-latest-iteration-of-antibiotic-resistance-action-plan Wed, 28 Oct 2020 11:20:40 -0700 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147103-hhs-releases-latest-iteration-of-antibiotic-resistance-action-plan The five-point strategy crafted in previous years remains the same, but the tactics have improved to help execute the goals. The new plan includes details about stronger and more evidence-based activities that have reduced antibiotic resistance that public health officials can lean on to drive progress.

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Early Trial Results Suggest Many Acute Appendicitis Patients Could Safely Delay or Avoid Surgery - ED Management – December 1, 2020 ED Management https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147086-early-trial-results-suggest-many-acute-appendicitis-patients-could-safely-delay-or-avoid-surgery Tue, 27 Oct 2020 11:36:41 -0700 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147086-early-trial-results-suggest-many-acute-appendicitis-patients-could-safely-delay-or-avoid-surgery In a study, 70% of patients with appendicitis who were treated with antibiotics avoided surgery at 90 days. This creates possibilities for patients and providers for a common diagnosis in the ED.

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Study of Epidural Analgesia Stirs Controversy - No Issue https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147057-study-of-epidural-analgesia-and-autism-stirs-controversy Tue, 20 Oct 2020 09:33:40 -0700 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147057-study-of-epidural-analgesia-and-autism-stirs-controversy Several groups stand in strong opposition to a group of researchers’ recent conclusion about possible connection to autism risk.

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Medical Groups Pool Resources to Promote Behavioral, Mental Health - No Issue https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147033-medical-groups-pool-resources-to-promote-behavioral-mental-health Tue, 13 Oct 2020 11:44:47 -0700 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147033-medical-groups-pool-resources-to-promote-behavioral-mental-health Collaborative supports physicians trying to overcome barriers to integrating these services into primary practice.

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Ticagrelor in the Elderly: More Potent Platelet Inhibition Not Always Better - Clinical Cardiology Alert – November 1, 2020 Clinical Cardiology Alert https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147014-ticagrelor-in-the-elderly-more-potent-platelet-inhibition-not-always-better Mon, 12 Oct 2020 09:57:44 -0700 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147014-ticagrelor-in-the-elderly-more-potent-platelet-inhibition-not-always-better In a study of 14,000 elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction, treatment with ticagrelor was associated with higher risks of bleeding and all-cause death vs. clopidogrel.

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Pralsetinib Capsules (Gavreto) - Internal Medicine Alert – October 30, 2020 Internal Medicine Alert https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147012-pralsetinib-capsules-gavreto Mon, 12 Oct 2020 08:09:22 -0700 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/147012-pralsetinib-capsules-gavreto Pralsetinib should be prescribed to treat adults with metastatic RET, fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer.

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U.S. Obesity Rates on the Rise - No Issue https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/146950-us-obesity-rates-on-the-rise Fri, 25 Sep 2020 11:39:49 -0700 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/146950-us-obesity-rates-on-the-rise News arrives on the heels of several recently published papers that indicate obesity can exacerbate COVID-19.

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Plasma Biomarker May Indicate When Athletes Can Return to Play After Concussion - No Issue https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/146807-plasma-biomarker-may-indicate-when-athletes-can-return-to-play-after-concussion Mon, 31 Aug 2020 07:16:05 -0700 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/146807-plasma-biomarker-may-indicate-when-athletes-can-return-to-play-after-concussion A better understanding of these biomarkers may help improve health and safety of athletes.

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We’d Love to Hear from You! - Primary Care Reports – August 1, 2020 Primary Care Reports https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/146608-wed-love-to-hear-from-you Fri, 17 Jul 2020 10:56:12 -0700 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/146608-wed-love-to-hear-from-you Please complete our annual reader survey (https://bit.ly/2XYHWdM).

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The ABCs of CBD: The Fundamentals of Cannabidiol - Primary Care Reports – August 1, 2020 Primary Care Reports https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/146607-the-abcs-of-cbd-the-fundamentals-of-cannabidiol Fri, 17 Jul 2020 10:36:56 -0700 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/146607-the-abcs-of-cbd-the-fundamentals-of-cannabidiol Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of two major constituents of marijuana and is the non-psychoactive component of cannabis. As its popularity has grown, questions about CBD from patients to their primary care clinicians have increased dramatically. As a patient advocate interpreting the available evidence, the primary care clinician needs to recognize how CBD differs from marijuana, what its clinical utility might be, and what its risks are.

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Managing Complications of New-Age Cancer Therapy - No Issue Primary Care Reports https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/144837-managing-complications-of-new-age-cancer-therapy Fri, 19 Jul 2019 13:05:28 -0700 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/144837-managing-complications-of-new-age-cancer-therapy Cancer patients undergoing treatment are immunocompromised and at high risk for developing early complications leading to critical illness. Compared to complications encountered with conventional chemotherapy, new-generation immunotherapies pose unique diagnostic challenges because their presentation can be vague and nonspecific or can mimic autoimmune diseases.

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Value-based Payments and Primary Care - No Issue Primary Care Reports https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/141334-value-based-payments-and-primary-care Mon, 21 Aug 2017 12:40:41 -0700 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/141334-value-based-payments-and-primary-care Over the past two decades, Medicare and commercial payers have increasing linked healthcare payments to quality. These new payment models are broadly referred to as value-based, as payers primarily focus on clinical and financial outcomes of patients rather than simply paying for services in an unsustainable fee-for-service model. This shift provides a unique opportunity for primary care to recapture its place in healthcare delivery as the original advocate for patient-centered care and the center of value. Primary care clinicians can be rewarded with additional revenue for creating efficient care delivery by developing the skill sets to manage value-based care.

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Improving Blood Pressure Through Enhanced Sleep - Integrative Medicine Alert – July 1, 2016 Integrative Medicine Alert https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/138123-improving-blood-pressure-through-enhanced-sleep Fri, 17 Jun 2016 12:37:27 -0700 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/138123-improving-blood-pressure-through-enhanced-sleep The use of a benzodiazepine hypnotic among hypertensive patients was associated with improvements in both sleep scores and blood pressure.

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Combination of Simvastatin Plus Vitamin D Offers New Hope for Migraine Prevention - Integrative Medicine Alert – July 1, 2016 Integrative Medicine Alert https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/138122-combination-of-simvastatin-plus-vitamin-d-offers-new-hope-for-migraine-prevention Fri, 17 Jun 2016 12:26:01 -0700 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/138122-combination-of-simvastatin-plus-vitamin-d-offers-new-hope-for-migraine-prevention A well-conducted, randomized, placebo-controlled trial has shown that the combination of simvastatin (20 mg twice daily) plus vitamin D3 (1,000 international units twice daily) is effective in the prevention of headaches in adults with episodic migraine.

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Urinary Tract Infection - No Issue Primary Care Reports https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/135361-urinary-tract-infection Tue, 21 Apr 2015 11:59:50 -0700 https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/135361-urinary-tract-infection MONOGRAPH: More than 8 million medical visits per year are for the chief complaint of UTI and the diagnosis accounts for 100,000 admissions annually.

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