Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston presented results from the PROTECT (ProBNP Outpatient Tailored Chronic Heart Failure) study. NT-proBNP (b-type natriuretic peptide) is a biomarker released from myocardial tissue in response to high levels of wall stretch and has been studied as a marker for decompensated systolic heart failure.

Are persons with asthma at risk for other proinflammatory disorders? Yes, say researchers from the Mayo Clinic and Olmsted Medical Center in Rochester, Minn, who found that asthma is associated with the development of diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease. However, there was no association between asthma and rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease.

In the next few minutes, nationally recognized expert, Dr Robert Schoen, will discuss the latest findings on Lyme disease.

You could argue that medicine was never meant to become a for-profit business the way selling cars, cosmetics, and fast food are businesses. And yet, in the United States, health care has become a for-profit business. The story of how this happened is complex, but decisive elements include the advent of Medicaid and Medicare in 1966 and the widespread availability of employer-sponsored health insurance.

In this podcast, Dr Katz will discuss one of his recent studies that looked at risk factors for revision surgery after total hip replacement.

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A 53-year-old woman presented with sudden onset of left upper quadrant abdominal pain. She had a history of atrial fibrillation, hypertension, and congestive heart failure.

A 48-year-old woman was hospitalized for acute-onset abdominal pain. She had a history of adult-onset Still disease and severe osteoarthritis. She had been taking 650 mg of aspirin every 4 hours to relieve her arthritis pain and fevers.

Two skin carcinomas that are in close proximity can be removed in a single excision.

Based in Atlanta, Elizabeth Woodcock is a speaker and author with more than 20 years of experience in the practice management industry. Author of ten best-selling books, she holds an MBA from The Wharton School. Learn more at www.elizabethwoodcock.com. You can also reach her directly at elizabeth@elizabethwoodcock.com.

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Bacterial meningitis and herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) encephalitis are both associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Thus, hospitalization and prompt initiation of therapy are essential.

While currently receiving chemotherapy with mitoxantrone for Gleason grade 7 prostate cancer, a 64-year-old man presented with rectal bleeding.

For several months, a 28-year-old man has had these changes to his nails, which have also become more brittle. He denies any history of trauma to the nails.

Be creative with performance rewards. Give movie tickets to employees who go “above and beyond” the call of duty.

Here is a tip that can help you cover all the elements of the review of systems: Ask the question as you examine the relevant body part.

Maintain a “murmur log” to record compliments and complaints from your patients.

Assign one clinical staff member to check the expiration dates on all prescription samples once a month, and keep a log of these inspections.