JAAPA-Journal of the American Academy of Physicians Assistants articles from November 2005

JAAPA-Journal of the American Academy of Physicians Assistants archives from November 2005

Annual income for PAs continues to rise.(FROM THE AAPA: News of current interest)(physicians assistants)
November 1, 2005... The results of AAPA's 2005 Census Survey are in and, among all the details and facts collected, one thing is clear: the more things remain the same, the more they remain the same. Data collected for the 2005 survey indicate that there has not...

New provider practicum in migrant health.(Migrant Clinicians Network )(Brief article)
November 1, 2005... The Migrant Clinicians Network is seeking recent graduates from PA programs for its New Provider Practicum in Migrant Health. AAPA has been involved in this program since its beginning and is represented on the selection committee. The...

Non-HIPAA-compliant claims face rejection.(Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996)(Brief article)
November 1, 2005... The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it will no longer process non-HI PAA-compliant Medicare claims as of October 1. The good news is that the majority of claims filed by Medicare providers meet CMS standards. As...

A respected resource now available online.(American Academy of Physician Assistants, Selected Annotated Bibliography of the Physician Assistant Profession)(Brief article)
November 1, 2005... The Department of Government and Professional Affairs at AAPA has made available an online version of the Selected Annotated Bibliography of the Physician Assistant Profession (1993) and the subsequent Addendum (1993-1999). Previously, these...

Providing a forum for PA authors practicing in surgery.(physician assistants)(Column)
November 1, 2005... When I heard the news that JAAPA is now considering manuscripts on surgical topics and will include these articles in the Journal on a regular basis, it gave me pause. I thought, why is this such big news? Has being a PA in surgery for the past...

The AAPA and you.(American Academy of Physician Assistants)
November 1, 2005... Ensuring your ability to practice * NEW for 2006 AAPA encourages PAs and PA students to join forces in Washington, DC, for a day on Capitol Hill. This is an opportunity to let Congress hear your voice about issues concerning practice in...

A comprehensive approach to primary headaches: a systematic evaluation strategy that focuses on the impact headaches have on a patient's quality of life can lead to more accurate diagnosis and more effective treatment.(Medical condition overview)
November 1, 2005... Headache is a condition that affects 90% of the population at some point in their lives. The disorder is the seventh most common chief complaint in primary care offices and costs society more than $13 billion annually. (1,2) Much of the...

Evaluation and management of peripheral edema: edema can be treated systematically and comprehensively, based on an understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms involved. This approach encourages accurate diagnosis while ensuring safety and cost-effectiveness.(Recertification Refresher)(Disease/Disorder overview)
November 1, 2005... Edema is a palpable swelling produced by expansion of the interstitial fluid volume and is often nonspecific. When massive and generalized, the excess fluid accumulation is called anasarca. A variety of clinical conditions, ranging from the...

CME post-test.
November 1, 2005... Smoldt J. A comprehensive approach to primary headaches. JAAPA, 2005; 18(11): 16-22. Schroth BE. Evaluation and management of peripheral edema. JAAPA. 2005;18(11):29,34, Select the one correct answer to each question. Answer sheet, page...

Endoscopic vessel harvesting in coronary artery bypass graft surgery: since its inception in 1997, EVH has considerably reduced the morbidity associated with vessel conduit harvesting and has virtually eliminated patients' postoperative leg pain.
November 1, 2005... According to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons' National Database, Spring 2005 Executive Summary Report, 160,185 coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedures were performed in the United States in 2004. (1) The various techniques employed to...

Advances in treating early breast cancer: a new, alternative approach to breast conservation treatment involves accelerated partial breast irradiation utilizing a high-dose rate balloon catheter system.(Disease/Disorder overview)(Cover story)
November 1, 2005... Breast cancer continues to occupy a prominent role in the public consciousness, and the media heighten that interest with a regular influx of new information from multiple sources, often conflicting and confusing. Breast cancer touches most...

Acupuncture ineffective for fibromyalgia.(Patient-oriented evidence that matters)(Clinical report)
November 1, 2005... Clinical question Is standardized acupuncture effective in decreasing symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia? Bottom line A standardized acupuncture protocol was no better than sham acupuncture in relieving pair] or improving other symptoms...

Home glucose monitoring makes little difference in type 2 diabetes.(Patient-oriented evidence that matters)(Clinical report)
November 1, 2005... Clinical question In patients with type 2 diabetes who are not using insulin, does home glucose monitoring improve care? Bottom line Intensive monitoring of blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes not using insulin results in a small...

Guideline for chronic constipation management.(Patient-oriented evidence that matters)
November 1, 2005... Clinical question What is the best approach to evaluating and treating chronic constipation? Bottom line Diagnostic testing is not needed for most patients with chronic constipation. The evidence is strongest for the efficacy of psyllium,...

PAs in orthopedic surgery.(physician assistants)
November 1, 2005... PAs in orthopedic surgery have been confused with another health profession that began about the same time as the creation of the physician assistant. AAPA has online services that can help clarify the differences. * A good place to start...

PAs in urology.(physician assistants)
November 1, 2005... PAs in urology play an important role in the delivery of health care because they spend a significant amount of time both treating and educating patients. * Are you uncertain what PAs in urology are allowed to do under state law? AAPA...

Multiple "warts" on the lower legs of a 52-year-old woman.(DERMATOLOGY DIGEST: A derm photo quiz)(Disease/Disorder overview)(Brief article)
November 1, 2005... A 52-year-old woman presents with multiple lesions on her legs, which she calls warts. These have gradually appeared over the past 2 to 3 years. They have persisted despite the patient's use of a salicylic-acid-based OTC wart treatment and her...

CME calendar.(Calendar)
November 1, 2005... ALABAMA February 24-25, 2006 ASPA Annual CME Conference. Where: Birmingham. Provider: Alabama Society of PAs. Information: www. alabamapasociety.org. ARIZONA March 29-April 1, 2006 Spring Primary Care Conference. Where:...

Case of the month: diagnostic challenges from your case files.
November 1, 2005... CASE The patient is a middle-aged female PA student who developed a nonproductive cough during her surgical rotation. Her physician noted that she was wheezing and started her on an antibiotic, an antihistamine, and prednisone (10 mg twice...