Commentary and Observations from
the Medical Front Lines
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Welcome to PCE's The Exchange—Stay Current on Issues That Matter Most to You and Your NP/PA Colleagues
PCE is excited to announce the launch of The Exchange, a collection of short commentaries from your NP/PA colleagues on a broad range of topics relevant to your practice. The Exchange will bring you reflections on trends in medicine, observations about new treatments and guidelines, and advice related to career decisions and practicing in today's changing healthcare environment.
Millennials and Healthcare
Posted By: 
Debra A. Danforth, DNP, APRN
January 17, 2020
Millennials, also known as Generation Y, are those born between 1981 and 1996. They currently comprise one-fourth of all Americans and seem to look at healthcare differently than previous generations. For example, millennials are more likely to research treatment costs online, ask for an estimate upfront, and investigate whether their insurance will cover the treatment/procedure prior to committing to it. In addition, they support telemedicine and would rather video chat, set up appointments,... Continue Reading
Filed under: Health Policy and Trends, Practice Management/Career
Loretta C. Ford Turns 99
Posted By: Debra A. Danforth, DNP, APRN
January 14, 2020
On December 28, 2019, Dr Loretta C. Ford, co-founder of the first nurse practitioner program, turned 99. Loretta is known to her friends as "Lee,... Continue Reading
Filed under: Miscellaneous, NPs & PAs
Better Sleep Linked to Reduced Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke Risk
Posted By: 
Ben Taylor, PA-C, PhD, DFAAPA
January 10, 2020
We all know that sleep is crucial for heart health. Research has shown that regardless of a person's age, weight, smoking habits, and exercise l... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic, Preventive Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine
Should We Accommodate Discriminatory Requests from Patients?
Posted By: Ben Taylor, PA-C, PhD, DFAAPA
January 07, 2020
As medical providers, we took an oath to provide the same quality of care to all our patients regardless of their race, gender, religion, sexual orientation,... Continue Reading
Filed under: Health Policy and Trends, NPs & PAs, Practice Management/Career
Influenza-like Illness Activity Has Been High for Weeks…and Continues to Increase
Posted By: 
Lawrence Herman, PA-C, MPA
January 03, 2020
The CDC reports that influenza-like illness activity has been high for weeks, and is continuing to increase. Combined with the fact that influenza B (Victori... Continue Reading
Filed under: Infectious Diseases, Public Health
Mistakes in the Ambulatory Care Setting
Posted By: Lawrence Herman, PA-C, MPA
December 31, 2019
A report published in late October entitled "Deep Dive: Safe Ambulatory Care, Strategies for Patient Safety and Risk Reduction" Continue Reading
Filed under: Health Policy and Trends, Practice Management/Career, Public Health
Raynaud’s Phenomenon: A Common Sense Approach to Diagnosis and Management
Posted By: 
Richard S. Pope, PA-C, MPAS
December 27, 2019
Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is all too common in New England during the colder months of the year. In October, we often see patients return who ha... Continue Reading
Filed under: Miscellaneous, Rheumatology
Can High-dose Vitamin D Prevent Functional Decline in Our Older Population?
Posted By: Richard S. Pope, PA-C, MPAS
December 24, 2019
Lower extremity functional decline in our elderly population is a major risk factor for falls, hip fracture, frailty, and loss of autonomy. As the baby boome... Continue Reading
Filed under: Miscellaneous, Orthopedics, Preventive Medicine
Intermittent Fasting
Posted By: 
Susan M. Tiso, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
December 20, 2019
If you think about how humans have been eating for centuries, it has likely included some "natural" intermittent fasting. For examp... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic, Miscellaneous, Preventive Medicine, Public Health
Circadian Rhythms and Metabolic Syndrome
Posted By: Susan M. Tiso, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
December 17, 2019
As researchers explore the complex relationship of circadian rhythm and metabolic syndrome, they are searching for root causes and best treatment approaches Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic, Miscellaneous, Preventive Medicine, Public Health