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Since continuing technological advancements are going to add to rising costs (dialysis, for example, with more “baby boomers” coming of Medicare age), one has to wonder what the something is that “has to give” in the future.

MRI scans of the kidneys of an 83-year-old woman with history of myelodysplastic syndrome are shown. Normal MRI scans are shown for comparison. The patient had intermittent episodes of dark-colored urine for years. Findings from repeated cystoscopies were normal.

A 48-year-old woman sought medical attention after an episode of gross hematuria associated with mild right-sided loin discomfort. She did not have urinary frequency, urgency, or dysuria. Her history included 3 urinary tract infections; a Proteus species was cultured on each occasion. The family history was unremarkable. Other than mild loin tenderness, physical findings were normal.

Patients' descriptions of their medications can cause confusion-with potentially dangerous results.

I use ICE at each visit to help ensure that patients are satisfied with the care they receive.

Measure your volume by season and day.

Many patients with a viral upper respiratory tract infection still expect an antibiotic prescription when they come to the office.

A 69-year-old man presents with a cough of 3 months' duration. He has taken a variety of over-the-counter suppressants and received a course of antibiotics, without resolution. The cough is not position-related; it produces a small amount of sputum and recently flecks of blood as well.

To safely immobilize children for suturing of forehead lacerations, try the "Superman cape" technique.

Jan Henderson, PhD, is a graduate of Harvard College and Yale University. After receiving her degree in the History of Science and Medicine, she taught at the City University of New York (Queens College). She has been a fellow at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, NJ. Currently she writes on the history of the medical profession in the 20th century, as well as changing attitudes towards health. You can follow her on her blog, The Health Culture.

We live in a litigious society. Unfortunately, that statement may be most accurate in the setting of medical practice. Did you know that 40% and 34% of family practice and general internists, respectively, have been sued for malpractice? One in seven primary care practitioners have been sued at least twice. A recent "Business of Medicine Report" offered some very helpful advice that may keep practitioners out of court.