April 2009


Jane Ballard RN Ryan Genzink physician assistant and Carlos Merritt ACP Member of Hospitalists of West Michigan

When hiring midlevels, proceed with caution

The very first thing a service needs to do before hiring midlevels is sit down to determine its goals and scope, then figure out the best way to staff for those goals.

Making a good connection

Gaining the trust of new patients can be difficult for any physician, but for the hospitalist, it’s a daily challenge. Establishing the rapport necessary for an effective therapeutic relationship requires effort and finely honed interpersonal skills.

New job? Read the fine print

There are many factors to consider when weighing a job offer, but most physicians tend to focus on two: Will I be happy working at this practice, and how much money am I going to make?.

It isn't easy being green

Whether green and patient-friendly concepts actually do make for an ideal hospital room seems to be a matter of debate, depending on the priorities of the user.

Letter from the Editor

With the demand for hospitalists high and busy practices stretched to the breaking point, midlevel practitioners may seem like an easy solution to recruitment woes. But do some careful planning before you place that “Help Wantedâ€ï¿½ ad, experts say.

Colombia, the new kid on the hospital medicine block

Hospitalists continue to gain exposure and acceptance in the U.S. as well as in other parts of the world, including Australia, Europe and Brazil. We are very excited that now the vibrant Andean country of Colombia is jumping on board.

Coding Corner

Distinguishing between stroke and TIA requires taking into consideration various definitions, including cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, aborted stroke, impending stroke and TIA.

Measure of the month: Stroke and stroke rehabilitation

In accordance with a law passed by Congress late in 2006, physicians and other eligible professionals are able to receive bonus payments of a percentage (increased to 2%) of their total allowed Medicare charges, subject to a cap, by submitting information for defined quality measures.

Conference Coverage

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) was the star of the show at this year’s International Stroke Conference 2009 in San Diego, with much discussion of expanding its treatment window and several studies presented on gender differences in tPA treatment.

Help from afar

Stroke telemedicine has plenty of champions, but others think that a telephone system is better.

MKSAP: Ventricular tachycardia

The following cases and commentary, which address ventricular tachycardia, are excerpted from ACP’s Medical Knowledge Self-Assessment Program (MKSAP14).

In the News

Drug recalls, warnings, approvals.

FDA Update

New opioid therapy guidelines, and more.

Journal watch: Recent studies of note

Recent studies about norepinephrine use in septic shock, desmoteplase vs. placebo use in stroke, and other topics.

Cost, loss of insurance lead many to forgo needed medical care

Health insurance is a major factor when people balance health care with its cost.