News
ICD-10 Flexibility Helps Transition to New Coding Systems, Principles, Payer Policy Requirements
December 1, 2015
Effective October 1, providers submit claims with ICD-10-CM codes. As they adapt to this new system, physicians, clinical staff, and billers should be relying on feedback from each other to achieve a successful transition.
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News
Hospitalist Enjoys Mentoring Residents on Patient Care Practices
December 1, 2015
[caption id="attachment_12254" align="alignright" width="295"] Image Credit: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM[/caption] From 2003 to 2007, Joshua LaBrin, MD, FACP, SFHM, completed his residency in the University of Pittsburgh’s internal medicine/pediatrics program.
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Modified Valsalva Better than Standard Maneuver to Restore Sinus Rhythm
December 1, 2015
Clinical question: Does a postural modification to the Valsalva maneuver improve its effectiveness? Background: The Valsalva maneuver, often used to treat supraventricular tachycardia, is rarely successful.
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CHA2DS2-Vasc Score Modestly Predicts Stroke, Thromboembolism, Death
December 1, 2015
Clinical question: For patients with heart failure (HF), with and without concurrent Afib (AF), does the CHA2DS2-VASc score predict ischemic stroke, thromboembolism, and death? Background: Factors in the CHA2DS2-VASc score predict increased risk of stroke, thromboembolism, and death, regardless o
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Intraoperative Hypotension Predicts Postoperative Mortality
December 1, 2015
Clinical question: What blood pressure deviations during surgery are predictive of mortality? Background: Despite the widely assumed importance of blood pressure (BP) management on postoperative outcomes, there are no accepted thresholds requiring intervention. Study design: Retrospective coho
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Caprini Risk Assessment Tool Can Distinguish High Risk of VTE in Critically Ill Surgical Patients
December 1, 2015
Clinical question: Is the Caprini Risk Assessment Model for VTE risk valid in critically ill surgical patients? Background: Critically ill surgical patients are at increased risk of developing VTE. Chemoprophylaxis decreases VTE risk, but benefits must be balanced against bleeding risk.
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Adherence to Restrictive Red Blood Cell Transfusion Guidelines Improved with Peer Feedback
December 1, 2015
Clinical question: Can a multifaceted approach involving clinician education, peer email feedback, and monthly audit data improve adherence to restrictive red blood cell (RBC) transfusion guidelines? Background: Randomized controlled trials and professional society guidelines support adoption of
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Corticosteroids Improve Outcomes in Community- Acquired Pneumonia
December 1, 2015
Clinical question: Are adjunctive corticosteroids beneficial for patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)? Background: Numerous studies have tried to determine whether or not adjunctive corticosteroids for CAP treatment in hospitalized patients improve outcomes.
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Standard Triple Therapy for H. Pylori Lowest Ranked among 14 Treatment Regimens
December 1, 2015
Clinical question: How do current Helicobacter pylori treatments compare in efficacy and tolerance? Background: Efficacy of standard “triple therapy” for H.
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Social Isolation, Polypharmacy Predict Medication Noncompliance Post-Discharge in Cardiac Patients
December 1, 2015
Clinical question: What are predictors of primary medication nonadherence after discharge? Background: Primary nonadherence occurs when a patient receives a prescription at hospital discharge but does not fill it.
