November/December 2020


Physicians attempting to reconnect with patients can take advantage of prescription refill requests or telemedicine visits to explain the practices coronavirus-related safety protocols and encourage

Preventive care still on during COVID-19

COVID-19 may foster innovation in primary care as physicians describe various strategies to reconnect with patients, such as leveraging telemedicine visits to also explain the practice's coronavirus-related safety protocols, or systematically reviewing their panels to flag at-risk patients.

‘Gold standard’ underused for substance misuse

While effective medications to treat opioid addiction are available in primary care, few physicians prescribe buprenorphine or naltrexone, and few would obtain the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) waiver to prescribe buprenorphine.

The pain of 2020 and the hope for 2021

We have lost so much this past year, but loss also reminds us of our abundant blessings, so many we take for granted daily.

The Supreme Court, the ACA, and the fate of health care

A case regarding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is scheduled for oral arguments on Nov. 10.

Daylight saving time may be linked to medical errors

The economic benefits of changing the clocks twice a year are miniscule and need to be weighed against increased motor vehicle accidents and the increased rate of myocardial infarction following the time change.

New modalities may extend treatment for insomnia

While cognitive behavioral therapy has been proven effective for insomnia, and there are new delivery models to accommodate patients, comparative efficacy of online versus therapist-led treatment is uncertain.

The push toward a COVID-19 vaccine

As America closes in on a vaccine for COVID-19, experts focus on which ones will work best, if at all, how to ramp up production, and how to fairly administer millions of doses.

New warnings on benzodiazepines

This column reviews details on recent recalls, warnings, and approvals.

Home BP monitoring works, but not as well alone

Home blood pressure monitoring needs to be combined with other interventions and the data collected must be used to engage the patient in some way to have the greatest effect.

Physicians as caregivers balance professional, personal roles

Physicians face choices as they find themselves caring for a family member or friend: coordinator, interpreter, and advocate.

Positioning patient portals for success

Recent growth in use of patient portals has been spurred by increases in virtual visits due to COVID-19. But are the systems designed for patients and doctors, or for smoother administrative and billing functions?

MKSAP Quiz: 12-hour history of fever

A 51-year-old man is evaluated in the emergency department for a 12-hour history of fever, chills, headache, and weakness. He works on his farm in Maine and spends a considerable part of most days outside, but he is not aware of any tick or mosquito bites. Following a physical exam and lab studies, a blood smear from this patient is most likely to show which of the following abnormalities?

Nominees named for College Officer and Regent positions

The Governance Committee of the American College of Physicians places in nomination candidates for College governance.

Latest updates on ACP's priorities, initiatives

ACP Spotlight offers readers a look at ACP's current top priorities and initiatives, as well as highlights from our e-newsletter, ACP Internist Weekly.

Providing preventive care in a pandemic

This issue also covers medication for opioid use disorders, physicians as caregivers, and home blood pressure monitoring.

Obituary

Joel S. Levine, MD, MACP, died on Oct. 2 at the age of 73.