Developing current procedural terminology codes that describe the work performed by machines.

The "Taxonomy of Artificial Intelligence for Medical Services and Procedures" became part of the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code set effective January 1, 2022. It provides a framework for discrete and differentiable CPT codes which; are consistent with the features of the devices' output, characterize interaction between the device and the physician or other qualified health care professional, and foster appropriate payment. Descriptors include "Assistive", "Augmentative", and "Autonomous". As software increasingly augments the provision of medical services the taxonomy will foster consistent language in coding enabling patient, provider, and payer access to the benefits of innovation.

Anti-nucleocapsid antibody levels and pulmonary comorbid conditions are linked to post-COVID-19 syndrome.

BACKGROUNDProlonged symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection are well documented. However, which factors influence development of long-term symptoms, how symptoms vary across ethnic groups, and whether long-term symptoms correlate with biomarkers are points that remain elusive.METHODSAdult SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription PCR-positive (RT-PCR-positive) patients were recruited at Stanford from March 2020 to February 2021. Study participants were seen for in-person visits at diagnosis and every 1-3 months for up to 1 year after diagnosis; they completed symptom surveys and underwent blood draws and nasal swab collections at each visit.RESULTSOur cohort (n = 617) ranged from asymptomatic to critical COVID-19 infections. In total, 40% of participants reported at least 1 symptom associated with COVID-19 six months after diagnosis. Median time from diagnosis to first resolution of all symptoms was 44 days; median time from diagnosis to sustained symptom resolution with no recurring symptoms for 1 month or longer was 214 days. Anti-nucleocapsid IgG level in the first week after positive RT-PCR test and history of lung disease were associated with time to sustained symptom resolution. COVID-19 disease severity, ethnicity, age, sex, and remdesivir use did not affect time to sustained symptom resolution.CONCLUSIONWe found that all disease severities had a similar risk of developing post-COVID-19 syndrome in an ethnically diverse population. Comorbid lung disease and lower levels of initial IgG response to SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen were associated with longer symptom duration.TRIAL REGISTRATIONClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04373148.FUNDINGNIH UL1TR003142 CTSA grant, NIH U54CA260517 grant, NIEHS R21 ES03304901, Sean N Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University, Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Sunshine Foundation, Crown Foundation, and Parker Foundation.

Preparing Family Physicians to Care for Underserved Populations: A Historical Perspective.

BACKGROUND: Family physicians have been involved in the care of rural and urban underserved populations since the founding of the specialty. In the early 1970s family medicine training programs specifically focused on training residents to work with the underserved were established in both urban and rural settings. Key to the success of these programs has been a specific focus on improving access to care, understanding and eliminating health disparities, cultural competency and behavioral science training that recognizes the challenges often faced by patients and families living in poor rural and urban areas of the country. In keeping with a focus on the underserved, several urban underserved residencies also became national models for the provision of primary care to patients and families affected by HIV/AIDS. Family medicine training programs focused on the underserved have resulted in the development of a cohort of family physicians who care for those most in need in the United States. Despite these achievements, persistent challenges remain in providing adequate access to care for many living in rural and inner city settings. New strategies will need to be developed by family medicine programs and others to better meet these challenges.