In the News


High D-dimer level on admission for heart failure may indicate higher short-term stroke risk

The study found the optimal D-dimer cutoff value for the risk of ischemic stroke in the hospital or within 30 days was 3.5 µg/mL, and no patients with a D-dimer level under the reference limit of normal had a stroke during follow-up.

Infective endocarditis risk increased after many types of medical procedures

The findings could warrant reconsideration of prophylactic antibiotics for some patients, according to the study authors, who also called for assessment of the costs and benefits of elective procedures for patients at high risk of endocarditis.

ACA coverage expansion decreased frequent ED use among Medicaid, uninsured patients

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the share of all California ED patients covered by Medicaid increased from 21.5% to 37.6%, and the share of uninsured patients decreased from 26.9% to 13.2%, the study found.

Increased attending supervision on rounds didn't significantly reduce medical errors

Interns spoke significantly less and fewer of them reported feeling efficient and autonomous when an attending physician joined rounds for established patients, according to a study at one large academic center.

June issue online and in the mail

This month's issue of ACP Hospitalist covers news from Hospital Medicine 2018, including articles about physician burnout, opioids, COPD, pressure ulcers, and technological advances.

Put words in our mouth

ACP Hospitalist Weekly wants readers to create captions for our new cartoon and help choose the winner. Pen the winning caption and win a $50 gift certificate good toward any ACP product, program, or service.