Many of my patients ask, “Why do you have fortune cookies on your desk?” Then, I offer them one. I considered having other treats, but decided on fortune cookies because of

Comfort. The cookie is a small treat for those who want one.

Diet. You don’t have to eat the cookie to enjoy it; you can still read the fortune. For patients who have an eating disorder, the cookie allows us to naturally transition the conversation to issues they are experiencing.

Cultural competency. I treat patients of many backgrounds. Some have never seen a fortune cookie (remember to warn them there is a fortune inside!). Others know the fortune cookie is not a Chinese invention, as it is popu­larly thought to be.¹

Impulsivity. Do patients grab a cookie immediately, wait for one to be offered, or ask for one?

At this point, I ask patients to tell me their fortune. This allows me to assess:

Fine motor skills. Do they have a hand tremor or weakness, or a problem with involuntary movement? How well do they open the individually wrapped cookie?

Problem solving. On the slip of paper in the cookie, fortunes are printed on one side; on the other side are lucky numbers and a Chinese phrase. Some patients fail to turn the slip of paper over; they look it and say, “There are only numbers on this piece of paper.”

Eyesight. Can they see without glasses? Did they bring their glasses? (By extension, I can gauge whether they need, and use, glasses when reaching for a pill bottle in the medicine cabinet.)

Literacy. Can they read their fortune aloud?

Last, I ask what the fortune means and how it might apply to them. This helps me understand their:

Mindset. Having them explain how the fortune applies to them can be helpful to understanding their thinking.

Thought process. I am looking for how they think: Abstractly? Concretely? How well do they ar­ticulate and explain the meaning of the fortune?

Many of my patients ask, “Why do you have fortune cookies on your desk?” Then, I offer them one. I considered having other treats, but decided on fortune cookies because of

Comfort. The cookie is a small treat for those who want one.

Diet. You don’t have to eat the cookie to enjoy it; you can still read the fortune. For patients who have an eating disorder, the cookie allows us to naturally transition the conversation to issues they are experiencing.

Cultural competency. I treat patients of many backgrounds. Some have never seen a fortune cookie (remember to warn them there is a fortune inside!). Others know the fortune cookie is not a Chinese invention, as it is popu­larly thought to be.¹

Impulsivity. Do patients grab a cookie immediately, wait for one to be offered, or ask for one?

At this point, I ask patients to tell me their fortune. This allows me to assess:

Fine motor skills. Do they have a hand tremor or weakness, or a problem with involuntary movement? How well do they open the individually wrapped cookie?

Problem solving. On the slip of paper in the cookie, fortunes are printed on one side; on the other side are lucky numbers and a Chinese phrase. Some patients fail to turn the slip of paper over; they look it and say, “There are only numbers on this piece of paper.”

Eyesight. Can they see without glasses? Did they bring their glasses? (By extension, I can gauge whether they need, and use, glasses when reaching for a pill bottle in the medicine cabinet.)

Literacy. Can they read their fortune aloud?

Last, I ask what the fortune means and how it might apply to them. This helps me understand their:

Mindset. Having them explain how the fortune applies to them can be helpful to understanding their thinking.

Thought process. I am looking for how they think: Abstractly? Concretely? How well do they ar­ticulate and explain the meaning of the fortune?

Many of my patients ask, “Why do you have fortune cookies on your desk?” Then, I offer them one. I considered having other treats, but decided on fortune cookies because of

Comfort. The cookie is a small treat for those who want one.

Diet. You don’t have to eat the cookie to enjoy it; you can still read the fortune. For patients who have an eating disorder, the cookie allows us to naturally transition the conversation to issues they are experiencing.

Cultural competency. I treat patients of many backgrounds. Some have never seen a fortune cookie (remember to warn them there is a fortune inside!). Others know the fortune cookie is not a Chinese invention, as it is popu­larly thought to be.¹

Impulsivity. Do patients grab a cookie immediately, wait for one to be offered, or ask for one?

At this point, I ask patients to tell me their fortune. This allows me to assess:

Fine motor skills. Do they have a hand tremor or weakness, or a problem with involuntary movement? How well do they open the individually wrapped cookie?

Problem solving. On the slip of paper in the cookie, fortunes are printed on one side; on the other side are lucky numbers and a Chinese phrase. Some patients fail to turn the slip of paper over; they look it and say, “There are only numbers on this piece of paper.”

Eyesight. Can they see without glasses? Did they bring their glasses? (By extension, I can gauge whether they need, and use, glasses when reaching for a pill bottle in the medicine cabinet.)

Literacy. Can they read their fortune aloud?

Last, I ask what the fortune means and how it might apply to them. This helps me understand their:

Mindset. Having them explain how the fortune applies to them can be helpful to understanding their thinking.

Thought process. I am looking for how they think: Abstractly? Concretely? How well do they ar­ticulate and explain the meaning of the fortune?

The CHEST Foundation has announced Michael E. Nelson, MD, FCCP, as its new President, effective November 1. At CHEST 2016, the annual meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST), the CHEST board also confirmed the appointments of Lisa K. Moores, MD, FCCP, as President-Elect of the CHEST Foundation; Doreen J. Addrizzo-Harris, MD, FCCP, as CHEST Foundation President-Designate; and John A. Howington, MD, FCCP, as CHEST Foundation Immediate Past President.

Michael E. Nelson, MD, FCCP, is a private practice pulmonologist at Shawnee Mission Pulmonary Consultants, Kan., specializing in pulmonary diseases, critical care, and sleep medicine. A CHEST Foundation Trustee since 2012, Dr. Nelson has served the last 2 years as Foundation President-Elect, and has been affiliated with the American College of Chest Physicians for almost 22 years, holding a variety of roles. Dr. Nelson is board-certified in internal medicine, pulmonary disease, critical care medicine, and sleep medicine.

Lisa K. Moores, MD, FCCP, is the Associate Dean of Students and Professor of Medicine at F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Md. Currently, Dr. Moores is on active duty with the U.S. Army Medical Corps. She has been a member of the American College of Chest Physicians since 1994, and she has played a very active role in her time with the College, including serving as a CHEST Foundation Trustee-at-Large since 2011. Dr. Moores was awarded the Edward C. Rosenow III, Master FCCP/Master Teacher Honor Lecture Award at CHEST 2013. She is board-certified in critical care medicine, pulmonary disease, and internal medicine.

Doreen J. Addrizzo-Harris, MD, FCCP, is a graduate in medicine from New York University Medical Center, where she currently serves as a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care. A CHEST Foundation Trustee-at-Large since 2013, she has been a Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians for more than 20 years. Dr. Addrizzo-Harris was awarded Teacher of the Year in Pulmonary and Critical Care at NYU in 2000 and then again in 2013, showcasing her outstanding commitment and dedication to teaching.

John A. Howington, MD, FCCP, is a thoracic surgeon oncologist at St. Thomas Health, Nashville, Tenn., specializing in minimally invasive treatment options for thoracic cancer. He serves as the Chairman of Thoracic Surgery and is also the Co-Director of the Thoracic Oncology Program. A CHEST Foundation Trustee since 2012 and CHEST Foundation President for the last 2 years, he has been involved with the American College of Chest Physicians for nearly 20 years. In that time, he has held a variety of roles.
 

The CHEST Foundation has announced Michael E. Nelson, MD, FCCP, as its new President, effective November 1. At CHEST 2016, the annual meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST), the CHEST board also confirmed the appointments of Lisa K. Moores, MD, FCCP, as President-Elect of the CHEST Foundation; Doreen J. Addrizzo-Harris, MD, FCCP, as CHEST Foundation President-Designate; and John A. Howington, MD, FCCP, as CHEST Foundation Immediate Past President.

Michael E. Nelson, MD, FCCP, is a private practice pulmonologist at Shawnee Mission Pulmonary Consultants, Kan., specializing in pulmonary diseases, critical care, and sleep medicine. A CHEST Foundation Trustee since 2012, Dr. Nelson has served the last 2 years as Foundation President-Elect, and has been affiliated with the American College of Chest Physicians for almost 22 years, holding a variety of roles. Dr. Nelson is board-certified in internal medicine, pulmonary disease, critical care medicine, and sleep medicine.

Lisa K. Moores, MD, FCCP, is the Associate Dean of Students and Professor of Medicine at F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Md. Currently, Dr. Moores is on active duty with the U.S. Army Medical Corps. She has been a member of the American College of Chest Physicians since 1994, and she has played a very active role in her time with the College, including serving as a CHEST Foundation Trustee-at-Large since 2011. Dr. Moores was awarded the Edward C. Rosenow III, Master FCCP/Master Teacher Honor Lecture Award at CHEST 2013. She is board-certified in critical care medicine, pulmonary disease, and internal medicine.

Doreen J. Addrizzo-Harris, MD, FCCP, is a graduate in medicine from New York University Medical Center, where she currently serves as a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care. A CHEST Foundation Trustee-at-Large since 2013, she has been a Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians for more than 20 years. Dr. Addrizzo-Harris was awarded Teacher of the Year in Pulmonary and Critical Care at NYU in 2000 and then again in 2013, showcasing her outstanding commitment and dedication to teaching.

John A. Howington, MD, FCCP, is a thoracic surgeon oncologist at St. Thomas Health, Nashville, Tenn., specializing in minimally invasive treatment options for thoracic cancer. He serves as the Chairman of Thoracic Surgery and is also the Co-Director of the Thoracic Oncology Program. A CHEST Foundation Trustee since 2012 and CHEST Foundation President for the last 2 years, he has been involved with the American College of Chest Physicians for nearly 20 years. In that time, he has held a variety of roles.
 

The CHEST Foundation has announced Michael E. Nelson, MD, FCCP, as its new President, effective November 1. At CHEST 2016, the annual meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST), the CHEST board also confirmed the appointments of Lisa K. Moores, MD, FCCP, as President-Elect of the CHEST Foundation; Doreen J. Addrizzo-Harris, MD, FCCP, as CHEST Foundation President-Designate; and John A. Howington, MD, FCCP, as CHEST Foundation Immediate Past President.

Michael E. Nelson, MD, FCCP, is a private practice pulmonologist at Shawnee Mission Pulmonary Consultants, Kan., specializing in pulmonary diseases, critical care, and sleep medicine. A CHEST Foundation Trustee since 2012, Dr. Nelson has served the last 2 years as Foundation President-Elect, and has been affiliated with the American College of Chest Physicians for almost 22 years, holding a variety of roles. Dr. Nelson is board-certified in internal medicine, pulmonary disease, critical care medicine, and sleep medicine.

Lisa K. Moores, MD, FCCP, is the Associate Dean of Students and Professor of Medicine at F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Md. Currently, Dr. Moores is on active duty with the U.S. Army Medical Corps. She has been a member of the American College of Chest Physicians since 1994, and she has played a very active role in her time with the College, including serving as a CHEST Foundation Trustee-at-Large since 2011. Dr. Moores was awarded the Edward C. Rosenow III, Master FCCP/Master Teacher Honor Lecture Award at CHEST 2013. She is board-certified in critical care medicine, pulmonary disease, and internal medicine.

Doreen J. Addrizzo-Harris, MD, FCCP, is a graduate in medicine from New York University Medical Center, where she currently serves as a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care. A CHEST Foundation Trustee-at-Large since 2013, she has been a Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians for more than 20 years. Dr. Addrizzo-Harris was awarded Teacher of the Year in Pulmonary and Critical Care at NYU in 2000 and then again in 2013, showcasing her outstanding commitment and dedication to teaching.

John A. Howington, MD, FCCP, is a thoracic surgeon oncologist at St. Thomas Health, Nashville, Tenn., specializing in minimally invasive treatment options for thoracic cancer. He serves as the Chairman of Thoracic Surgery and is also the Co-Director of the Thoracic Oncology Program. A CHEST Foundation Trustee since 2012 and CHEST Foundation President for the last 2 years, he has been involved with the American College of Chest Physicians for nearly 20 years. In that time, he has held a variety of roles.
 

CHEST Physician Editorial Board Member

Confusion in EBUS Coding

There has been some confusion about appropriate coding using the new endobronchial ultrasound codes with some of the other bronchoscopy codes. Notably, when CPT code 31629 bronchoscopy with transbronchial needle aspiration biopsy(s), trachea, main stem and/or lobar bronchus(i) is appropriate to use with code 31652 with endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) guided transtracheal and/or transbronchial sampling (e.g., aspiration[s]/biopsy[ies]), one or two mediastinal and/or hilar lymph node stations or structures and code 31653 with endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) guided transtracheal and/or transbronchial sampling (e.g., aspiration[s]/biopsy[ies]), 3 or more mediastinal and/or hilar lymph node stations or structures. Both 31652 and 31653 include needle sampling as a part of the work and therefore, if the bronchoscopy involves only one these procedures, it would be inappropriate to include 31629.

However, mediastinal sampling is often done in conjunction with evaluation of a more peripheral lesion. If a bronchoscopy is performed with needle biopsy(ies) of a peripheral lesion and subsequently an EBUS scope is used to sample mediastinal or hilar lymph node stations, one could utilize 31629 and either 31652 or 31653. As an illustrative example, a 75-year-old man is found to have a 2-cm peripheral nodule in the anterior segment of the right-upper lobe with enlarged right hilar and subcarinal lymph nodes on CT scan. Bronchoscopy is performed, and, initially, the patient has a survey bronchoscopy using a non-EBUS scope, and no lesion is visible. A radial ultrasound probe is used to help identify the peripheral lesion, and multiple needle biopsies are performed as are brushings and washings. Subsequently, an EBUS scope is introduced, and right hilar, right paratracheal, and subcarinal needle biopsies were performed. The appropriate codes to utilize to describe the work done in this procedure include 31623, 31629, 31653, and 31654. Had no peripheral needle biopsies been performed, then code 31629 would NOT be used. Hopefully, this clarifies the issue further.

CMS Ceases Use of HCPCS G Codes for Smoking Cessation

Effective on or after October 1, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will no longer allow use of Healthcare Common Procedural Coding System (HCPCS) codes G0436 (Smoking and tobacco cessation counseling visit for the asymptomatic patient; intermediate, greater than 3 minutes, up to 10 minutes) and G0437 (Smoking and tobacco cessation counseling visit for the asymptomatic patient; intensive, greater than 10 minutes). Instead, CMS will utilize the new codes developed for the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code set.

CMS has advised its Medicare contractors to replace code G0436 with CPT code 99406 (Smoking and tobacco use cessation counseling visit; intermediate, greater than 3 minutes up to 10 minutes) and code G0437 with CPT code 99407 (Smoking and tobacco use cessation counseling visit; intensive, greater than 10 minutes). According to the Medicare National Coverage Determination Manual, tobacco cessation counseling is covered both for symptomatic and asymptomatic smokers. CMS will allow health-care providers two attempts per 12 months to encourage Medicare patients to cease tobacco use but does not define an attempt. Rather, either of the codes may be used up to four times per attempt; so 99406 and 99407 or a combination of these codes may be used up to 8 times in a 12-month period. These codes may be used either as a stand-alone or with an evaluation and management (E&M) service with appropriate documentation. Remember, however, if one uses these codes during an E&M visit, a 25 modifier will need to be appended to the E&M code.
 

CHEST Physician Editorial Board Member

Confusion in EBUS Coding

There has been some confusion about appropriate coding using the new endobronchial ultrasound codes with some of the other bronchoscopy codes. Notably, when CPT code 31629 bronchoscopy with transbronchial needle aspiration biopsy(s), trachea, main stem and/or lobar bronchus(i) is appropriate to use with code 31652 with endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) guided transtracheal and/or transbronchial sampling (e.g., aspiration[s]/biopsy[ies]), one or two mediastinal and/or hilar lymph node stations or structures and code 31653 with endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) guided transtracheal and/or transbronchial sampling (e.g., aspiration[s]/biopsy[ies]), 3 or more mediastinal and/or hilar lymph node stations or structures. Both 31652 and 31653 include needle sampling as a part of the work and therefore, if the bronchoscopy involves only one these procedures, it would be inappropriate to include 31629.

However, mediastinal sampling is often done in conjunction with evaluation of a more peripheral lesion. If a bronchoscopy is performed with needle biopsy(ies) of a peripheral lesion and subsequently an EBUS scope is used to sample mediastinal or hilar lymph node stations, one could utilize 31629 and either 31652 or 31653. As an illustrative example, a 75-year-old man is found to have a 2-cm peripheral nodule in the anterior segment of the right-upper lobe with enlarged right hilar and subcarinal lymph nodes on CT scan. Bronchoscopy is performed, and, initially, the patient has a survey bronchoscopy using a non-EBUS scope, and no lesion is visible. A radial ultrasound probe is used to help identify the peripheral lesion, and multiple needle biopsies are performed as are brushings and washings. Subsequently, an EBUS scope is introduced, and right hilar, right paratracheal, and subcarinal needle biopsies were performed. The appropriate codes to utilize to describe the work done in this procedure include 31623, 31629, 31653, and 31654. Had no peripheral needle biopsies been performed, then code 31629 would NOT be used. Hopefully, this clarifies the issue further.

CMS Ceases Use of HCPCS G Codes for Smoking Cessation

Effective on or after October 1, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will no longer allow use of Healthcare Common Procedural Coding System (HCPCS) codes G0436 (Smoking and tobacco cessation counseling visit for the asymptomatic patient; intermediate, greater than 3 minutes, up to 10 minutes) and G0437 (Smoking and tobacco cessation counseling visit for the asymptomatic patient; intensive, greater than 10 minutes). Instead, CMS will utilize the new codes developed for the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code set.

CMS has advised its Medicare contractors to replace code G0436 with CPT code 99406 (Smoking and tobacco use cessation counseling visit; intermediate, greater than 3 minutes up to 10 minutes) and code G0437 with CPT code 99407 (Smoking and tobacco use cessation counseling visit; intensive, greater than 10 minutes). According to the Medicare National Coverage Determination Manual, tobacco cessation counseling is covered both for symptomatic and asymptomatic smokers. CMS will allow health-care providers two attempts per 12 months to encourage Medicare patients to cease tobacco use but does not define an attempt. Rather, either of the codes may be used up to four times per attempt; so 99406 and 99407 or a combination of these codes may be used up to 8 times in a 12-month period. These codes may be used either as a stand-alone or with an evaluation and management (E&M) service with appropriate documentation. Remember, however, if one uses these codes during an E&M visit, a 25 modifier will need to be appended to the E&M code.
 

CHEST Physician Editorial Board Member

Confusion in EBUS Coding

There has been some confusion about appropriate coding using the new endobronchial ultrasound codes with some of the other bronchoscopy codes. Notably, when CPT code 31629 bronchoscopy with transbronchial needle aspiration biopsy(s), trachea, main stem and/or lobar bronchus(i) is appropriate to use with code 31652 with endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) guided transtracheal and/or transbronchial sampling (e.g., aspiration[s]/biopsy[ies]), one or two mediastinal and/or hilar lymph node stations or structures and code 31653 with endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) guided transtracheal and/or transbronchial sampling (e.g., aspiration[s]/biopsy[ies]), 3 or more mediastinal and/or hilar lymph node stations or structures. Both 31652 and 31653 include needle sampling as a part of the work and therefore, if the bronchoscopy involves only one these procedures, it would be inappropriate to include 31629.

However, mediastinal sampling is often done in conjunction with evaluation of a more peripheral lesion. If a bronchoscopy is performed with needle biopsy(ies) of a peripheral lesion and subsequently an EBUS scope is used to sample mediastinal or hilar lymph node stations, one could utilize 31629 and either 31652 or 31653. As an illustrative example, a 75-year-old man is found to have a 2-cm peripheral nodule in the anterior segment of the right-upper lobe with enlarged right hilar and subcarinal lymph nodes on CT scan. Bronchoscopy is performed, and, initially, the patient has a survey bronchoscopy using a non-EBUS scope, and no lesion is visible. A radial ultrasound probe is used to help identify the peripheral lesion, and multiple needle biopsies are performed as are brushings and washings. Subsequently, an EBUS scope is introduced, and right hilar, right paratracheal, and subcarinal needle biopsies were performed. The appropriate codes to utilize to describe the work done in this procedure include 31623, 31629, 31653, and 31654. Had no peripheral needle biopsies been performed, then code 31629 would NOT be used. Hopefully, this clarifies the issue further.

CMS Ceases Use of HCPCS G Codes for Smoking Cessation

Effective on or after October 1, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will no longer allow use of Healthcare Common Procedural Coding System (HCPCS) codes G0436 (Smoking and tobacco cessation counseling visit for the asymptomatic patient; intermediate, greater than 3 minutes, up to 10 minutes) and G0437 (Smoking and tobacco cessation counseling visit for the asymptomatic patient; intensive, greater than 10 minutes). Instead, CMS will utilize the new codes developed for the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code set.

CMS has advised its Medicare contractors to replace code G0436 with CPT code 99406 (Smoking and tobacco use cessation counseling visit; intermediate, greater than 3 minutes up to 10 minutes) and code G0437 with CPT code 99407 (Smoking and tobacco use cessation counseling visit; intensive, greater than 10 minutes). According to the Medicare National Coverage Determination Manual, tobacco cessation counseling is covered both for symptomatic and asymptomatic smokers. CMS will allow health-care providers two attempts per 12 months to encourage Medicare patients to cease tobacco use but does not define an attempt. Rather, either of the codes may be used up to four times per attempt; so 99406 and 99407 or a combination of these codes may be used up to 8 times in a 12-month period. These codes may be used either as a stand-alone or with an evaluation and management (E&M) service with appropriate documentation. Remember, however, if one uses these codes during an E&M visit, a 25 modifier will need to be appended to the E&M code.
 

Where are they now? What have they been up to? CHEST’s Past Presidents each forged the way for the many successes of the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST), leading to enhanced patient care around the globe. Their outstanding leadership and vision are evidenced today in many of CHEST’s current initiatives, and now it is time to check in with these past leaders to give us a look at what’s new.

Paul Stein, MD, FCCP

President 1992-1993

It is now 24 years since I was president of the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST). Dr. Al Soffer had just retired, and it was Al Lever’s first year. Dr. Roger Bone preceded me as President and Dr. Ron George followed me.

Where are they now? What have they been up to? CHEST’s Past Presidents each forged the way for the many successes of the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST), leading to enhanced patient care around the globe. Their outstanding leadership and vision are evidenced today in many of CHEST’s current initiatives, and now it is time to check in with these past leaders to give us a look at what’s new.

Paul Stein, MD, FCCP

President 1992-1993

It is now 24 years since I was president of the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST). Dr. Al Soffer had just retired, and it was Al Lever’s first year. Dr. Roger Bone preceded me as President and Dr. Ron George followed me.

Where are they now? What have they been up to? CHEST’s Past Presidents each forged the way for the many successes of the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST), leading to enhanced patient care around the globe. Their outstanding leadership and vision are evidenced today in many of CHEST’s current initiatives, and now it is time to check in with these past leaders to give us a look at what’s new.

Paul Stein, MD, FCCP

President 1992-1993

It is now 24 years since I was president of the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST). Dr. Al Soffer had just retired, and it was Al Lever’s first year. Dr. Roger Bone preceded me as President and Dr. Ron George followed me.

The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) was awarded The Power of a Summit Award from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) in October for the China-CHEST Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine (PCCM) Fellowship Program (Fig 1). CHEST is one of only six associations chosen for this honor.

The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) was awarded The Power of a Summit Award from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) in October for the China-CHEST Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine (PCCM) Fellowship Program (Fig 1). CHEST is one of only six associations chosen for this honor.

The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) was awarded The Power of a Summit Award from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) in October for the China-CHEST Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine (PCCM) Fellowship Program (Fig 1). CHEST is one of only six associations chosen for this honor.

The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) announced in May 2016 it would be offering an alternate option to the 10-year MOC exam, beginning in January 2018. This announcement came in response to ongoing feedback from physicians and other stakeholders regarding the high-stakes recertification exam every 10 years.

The new option will include shorter, more-frequent assessments that can be completed from a physician’s office or home. These shorter assessments will identify knowledge gaps, so physicians can tailor their continuing education in order to stay current in knowledge and practice. Successful performance on the shorter assessments will allow physicians to opt out of the longer 10-year exam.

Prior to the launch of an alternative assessment model, ABIM has been soliciting input from diplomates through surveys and live conversations at society meetings.

The program will be piloted for internal medicine and select subspecialties, and based on feedback, will be extended to additional subspecialties at a later date. Physicians whose certifications expire prior to the new assessment option becoming available will need to pass the current exam in order to maintain certification, but then will not need to take another assessment for 10 years. Additional details regarding these alternative assessment options will be announced by the end of 2016 and can be tracked via ABIM’s blog. They also have an FAQ document online to address common questions regarding the alternative assessment pathway, as well as other topics related to MOC.
 

The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) announced in May 2016 it would be offering an alternate option to the 10-year MOC exam, beginning in January 2018. This announcement came in response to ongoing feedback from physicians and other stakeholders regarding the high-stakes recertification exam every 10 years.

The new option will include shorter, more-frequent assessments that can be completed from a physician’s office or home. These shorter assessments will identify knowledge gaps, so physicians can tailor their continuing education in order to stay current in knowledge and practice. Successful performance on the shorter assessments will allow physicians to opt out of the longer 10-year exam.

Prior to the launch of an alternative assessment model, ABIM has been soliciting input from diplomates through surveys and live conversations at society meetings.

The program will be piloted for internal medicine and select subspecialties, and based on feedback, will be extended to additional subspecialties at a later date. Physicians whose certifications expire prior to the new assessment option becoming available will need to pass the current exam in order to maintain certification, but then will not need to take another assessment for 10 years. Additional details regarding these alternative assessment options will be announced by the end of 2016 and can be tracked via ABIM’s blog. They also have an FAQ document online to address common questions regarding the alternative assessment pathway, as well as other topics related to MOC.
 

The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) announced in May 2016 it would be offering an alternate option to the 10-year MOC exam, beginning in January 2018. This announcement came in response to ongoing feedback from physicians and other stakeholders regarding the high-stakes recertification exam every 10 years.

The new option will include shorter, more-frequent assessments that can be completed from a physician’s office or home. These shorter assessments will identify knowledge gaps, so physicians can tailor their continuing education in order to stay current in knowledge and practice. Successful performance on the shorter assessments will allow physicians to opt out of the longer 10-year exam.

Prior to the launch of an alternative assessment model, ABIM has been soliciting input from diplomates through surveys and live conversations at society meetings.

The program will be piloted for internal medicine and select subspecialties, and based on feedback, will be extended to additional subspecialties at a later date. Physicians whose certifications expire prior to the new assessment option becoming available will need to pass the current exam in order to maintain certification, but then will not need to take another assessment for 10 years. Additional details regarding these alternative assessment options will be announced by the end of 2016 and can be tracked via ABIM’s blog. They also have an FAQ document online to address common questions regarding the alternative assessment pathway, as well as other topics related to MOC.
 

Editor’s Picks

Giants in Chest Medicine: Bartolome Celli, MD, FCCP. By Dr. G. J. Criner

Elevated Plasma Levels of sRAGE Are Associated With Nonfocal CT-Based Lung Imaging in Patients With ARDS: A Prospective Multicenter Study. By Dr. S. Mrozek, et al.

A Case-Control Study Assessing the Impact of Nonventilated Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia on Patient Outcomes. By Dr. S. T. Micek, et al.

Low Prevalence of High-Grade Lesions Detected With Autofluorescence Bronchoscopy in the Setting of Lung Cancer Screening in the Pan-Canadian Lung Cancer Screening Study. By Dr. A. Tremblay, et al.
 

Editor’s Picks

Giants in Chest Medicine: Bartolome Celli, MD, FCCP. By Dr. G. J. Criner

Elevated Plasma Levels of sRAGE Are Associated With Nonfocal CT-Based Lung Imaging in Patients With ARDS: A Prospective Multicenter Study. By Dr. S. Mrozek, et al.

A Case-Control Study Assessing the Impact of Nonventilated Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia on Patient Outcomes. By Dr. S. T. Micek, et al.

Low Prevalence of High-Grade Lesions Detected With Autofluorescence Bronchoscopy in the Setting of Lung Cancer Screening in the Pan-Canadian Lung Cancer Screening Study. By Dr. A. Tremblay, et al.
 

Editor’s Picks

Giants in Chest Medicine: Bartolome Celli, MD, FCCP. By Dr. G. J. Criner

Elevated Plasma Levels of sRAGE Are Associated With Nonfocal CT-Based Lung Imaging in Patients With ARDS: A Prospective Multicenter Study. By Dr. S. Mrozek, et al.

A Case-Control Study Assessing the Impact of Nonventilated Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia on Patient Outcomes. By Dr. S. T. Micek, et al.

Low Prevalence of High-Grade Lesions Detected With Autofluorescence Bronchoscopy in the Setting of Lung Cancer Screening in the Pan-Canadian Lung Cancer Screening Study. By Dr. A. Tremblay, et al.
 

Are you a clinical trials investigator with unused capacity? Would you like to refer patients to participate in groundbreaking clinical trials?

The CHEST Clinical Trials Registry is a free service that connects physicians to information about clinical trials in respiratory disease conducted by participating pharmaceutical companies.

Ongoing groundbreaking research could have a measurable impact on patient care, but a lack of clinical trial participants is significantly slowing research and threatening the development of new treatments. Recruiting and retaining trial participants are the greatest challenges to developing the next generation of treatment options.

Participation in clinical trials provides an opportunity to advance and accelerate medical research and contribute to an improved health outlook for future generations. Use our registry to get immediate information on how you can be involved in a clinical trial.

Access this site to learn more: www.chestnet.org/Guidelines-and-Resources/Clinical-Trials/Clinical-Trials-Registry.
 

Are you a clinical trials investigator with unused capacity? Would you like to refer patients to participate in groundbreaking clinical trials?

The CHEST Clinical Trials Registry is a free service that connects physicians to information about clinical trials in respiratory disease conducted by participating pharmaceutical companies.

Ongoing groundbreaking research could have a measurable impact on patient care, but a lack of clinical trial participants is significantly slowing research and threatening the development of new treatments. Recruiting and retaining trial participants are the greatest challenges to developing the next generation of treatment options.

Participation in clinical trials provides an opportunity to advance and accelerate medical research and contribute to an improved health outlook for future generations. Use our registry to get immediate information on how you can be involved in a clinical trial.

Access this site to learn more: www.chestnet.org/Guidelines-and-Resources/Clinical-Trials/Clinical-Trials-Registry.
 

Are you a clinical trials investigator with unused capacity? Would you like to refer patients to participate in groundbreaking clinical trials?

The CHEST Clinical Trials Registry is a free service that connects physicians to information about clinical trials in respiratory disease conducted by participating pharmaceutical companies.

Ongoing groundbreaking research could have a measurable impact on patient care, but a lack of clinical trial participants is significantly slowing research and threatening the development of new treatments. Recruiting and retaining trial participants are the greatest challenges to developing the next generation of treatment options.

Participation in clinical trials provides an opportunity to advance and accelerate medical research and contribute to an improved health outlook for future generations. Use our registry to get immediate information on how you can be involved in a clinical trial.

Access this site to learn more: www.chestnet.org/Guidelines-and-Resources/Clinical-Trials/Clinical-Trials-Registry.
 

ROME – Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with a significantly increased risk of hospitalization for heart failure, according to a nationwide Danish study, Usman Khalid, MD, reported at the annual congress of the European Society of Cardiology.

As a chronic systemic inflammatory disease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been associated with increased risk of a variety of comorbid conditions, including cardiovascular disease. But RA’s relationship specifically with heart failure hasn’t previously been looked at in the comprehensive way that’s possible in Denmark, where linked national registries enable researchers to follow health issues in the entire population from birth to death, noted Dr. Khalid of the University of Copenhagen.

ROME – Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with a significantly increased risk of hospitalization for heart failure, according to a nationwide Danish study, Usman Khalid, MD, reported at the annual congress of the European Society of Cardiology.

As a chronic systemic inflammatory disease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been associated with increased risk of a variety of comorbid conditions, including cardiovascular disease. But RA’s relationship specifically with heart failure hasn’t previously been looked at in the comprehensive way that’s possible in Denmark, where linked national registries enable researchers to follow health issues in the entire population from birth to death, noted Dr. Khalid of the University of Copenhagen.

ROME – Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with a significantly increased risk of hospitalization for heart failure, according to a nationwide Danish study, Usman Khalid, MD, reported at the annual congress of the European Society of Cardiology.

As a chronic systemic inflammatory disease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been associated with increased risk of a variety of comorbid conditions, including cardiovascular disease. But RA’s relationship specifically with heart failure hasn’t previously been looked at in the comprehensive way that’s possible in Denmark, where linked national registries enable researchers to follow health issues in the entire population from birth to death, noted Dr. Khalid of the University of Copenhagen.

It is amazing to see how many new drugs are being developed and approved for patients with cancer. In 2015 alone, the US Food and Drug Administration approved 45 new cancer drugs – a significant jump from the average 26 approvals annually from 2006 to 2014. This major shift in the number of approvals is due to many factors, including the intensified efforts by scientists and clinicians to develop new drugs, especially novel immunotherapies, and changes in the FDA’s drug approval process under the leadership of Dr Richard Pazdur.

Click on the PDF icon at the top of this introduction to read the full article. 

It is amazing to see how many new drugs are being developed and approved for patients with cancer. In 2015 alone, the US Food and Drug Administration approved 45 new cancer drugs – a significant jump from the average 26 approvals annually from 2006 to 2014. This major shift in the number of approvals is due to many factors, including the intensified efforts by scientists and clinicians to develop new drugs, especially novel immunotherapies, and changes in the FDA’s drug approval process under the leadership of Dr Richard Pazdur.

Click on the PDF icon at the top of this introduction to read the full article. 

It is amazing to see how many new drugs are being developed and approved for patients with cancer. In 2015 alone, the US Food and Drug Administration approved 45 new cancer drugs – a significant jump from the average 26 approvals annually from 2006 to 2014. This major shift in the number of approvals is due to many factors, including the intensified efforts by scientists and clinicians to develop new drugs, especially novel immunotherapies, and changes in the FDA’s drug approval process under the leadership of Dr Richard Pazdur.

Click on the PDF icon at the top of this introduction to read the full article.