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May 2008 — Allergies Issue 
According to the AAAAI, allergies affect more than 50 million people in the United States, making it the 5th leading chronic disease among all ages. Allergic rhinitis alone is responsible for approximately 16.7 million physician visits annually! Spring allergies are a common topic in the news at the moment. The media frequently reports a rise in allergies and asthma, with possible causes ranging from excessive hygiene, to dietary changes, to pollution. We’d like to hear YOUR thoughts on this topic. Are you seeing more patients with allergies? What do you think is the cause?
Also in this issue:
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Epocrates Coder There are hundreds of ICD-9 and CPT®* codes related to the diagnosis and treatment of allergies. With the Epocrates Coder reference at your fingertips, you don’t have to remember that V15.04 is for seafood, and V15.03 is for eggs.
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Save 10% on Epocrates® Essentials Deluxe this month!
Discount will be automatically applied in the shopping cart. If you don't see the discount, enter MAYPULSE. Offer ends 5/31/08. |
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If your waiting room sounds like a symphony of sneezes, it may be because increased precipitation in some regions has resulted in more abundant pollen production this season. Pollen is released into the air between 5 to 10 AM; patients may benefit from reducing exposure to outdoor air during this time, especially on hot windy days. An NIH guide provides useful strategies for aeroallergen avoidance.
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FDA MedWatch: Possible Association Between Use of Singulair and Behavior/Mood Changes FDA is investigating a possible association between use of Singulair and behavior/mood changes, suicidality (suicidal thinking and behavior) and suicide. Singulair is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used to treat asthma and the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, and to prevent exercise-induced asthma.
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Download messages like these when you AutoUpdate (sync) your handheld application. Learn More |
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Diabetes Mobile Resource Center — FREE! This convenient handheld resource provides an intelligent, editorially independent summary of the most important clinical news and research in diabetes. The content is selected and commented upon by Contributing Editor Richard Jackson, MD, Director of Medical Affairs, Healthcare Services, Joslin Diabetes Center.
Mobile Resource Centers are also available for ADHD, Fibromyalgia and Infection Management. Look out for more centers coming soon! Epocrates Dx Updated The Epocrates Dx disease reference has been significantly updated with new content from the 5-Minute Clinical Consult 2008. The latest version provides many new topics and updates to existing topics, including expanded coverage of complementary and alternative medicine. If you have Epocrates Dx, the update will be installed for free when you AutoUpdate. Don’t have Epocrates Dx? Upgrade to Epocrates® Essentials or Epocrates® Essentials Deluxe. Upcoming Meetings — Meet the Epocrates Team! American College of Physicians, Internal Medicine 2008: May 15-17 — Washington, D.C. Updates at a Glance
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Go Mobile! Are you thinking of buying your first mobile device, or ready for an upgrade? Or do you know colleagues who haven’t taken the plunge yet? With help from Epocrates members, we have created the “Go Mobile” resource - a healthcare professional’s guide to choosing and using a mobile device. You’ll find mobile technology statistics, tips on selecting and buying a device, recommended software, a selection of bedtime reading, and more.
PDA Book Giveaway Epocrates advocate Allan Platt, PA, recently published "Evidence-Based Medicine for PDAs," a guide to using mobile devices in medical practice. The book comes with a CD-Rom packed with case studies and examples of how to get the most out of your PDA. We’re giving away 5 copies to Epocrates Pulse readers. To enter please tell us one of the 3 ways to look up the ICD9 code for seafood allergy in Epocrates Coder.
Please note: The sweepstakes is only open to legal residents of the United States residing in the U.S. throughout the sweepstakes period. Sweepstakes ends June 2, 2008. One entry per person. |
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Eliminating CFC-Albuterol Dr. Ira Finegold, Epocrates advocate and writer of The Allergy Report, shares his editorial on the withdrawal of CFC-containing albuterol MDI’s.
Allergy Opinions – Do You Agree? People tend to overmedicate themselves with OTC med for Allergies prior to coming to the doctor’s office. I still think the Allergy medicines that were previously prescribed is a good thing because some people cannot afford the medications until they go OTC or become a generic brand. If insurance companies would cover the cost of prescribed Allergy medications in an affordable manner then I would prefer to keep that as prescriptions. I am allergic to almost everything that grows outside, including trees, grasses, ragweed, and molds. In the south, at this time of year, everything is covered with yellow pollen from the pine trees. The azaleas, dogwoods, and many flowers are in full bloom (look at the flowers at the Masters Golf Course). I think the OTC availability of Claritin and antihistamines has been beneficial, although I try to use them sparingly.
We love to hear from our members about Epocrates products, or any other topics. This month we’d especially like to hear your thoughts on healthy summer vacations and safe travel. All customers featured in the newsletter will receive a free subscription to Epocrates Essentials Deluxe.
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*CPT is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Epocrates, Inc., 1100 Park Place, Suite 300, San Mateo, CA 94403 | www.epocrates.com |