August 1, 2008

Spontaneous vaginal delivery at term is considered the preferred outcome for pregnancy. Management guided by screening tests for group B streptococcus, herpes simplex virus, and human immunodeficiency virus, and knowledge of the normal labor process can increase the probability…

Hematuria is often associated with significant urinary tract pathology and is a common reason for urinary tract imaging. The American College of Radiology has developed an Appropriateness Criteria Scale to help physicians determine which imaging modalities are best suited for…

Improving the health of patients with mental illness includes pharmacologic treatment, management of comorbidities, and ensuring quality medical care. Patient care should be coordinated between primary care physicians and mental health professionals to prevent medication…

Skeletal muscle relaxants are often prescribed for musculoskeletal conditions. Adverse effects, such as dizziness or drowsiness, are reported with all skeletal muscle relaxants, and the potential for such effects should be communicated clearly to patients. Choice of agent…

In April, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) introduced a restricted access policy for American Family Physician and Family Practice Management content on its Web site. The policy grants exclusive access to the most recent year's worth of content to AAFP members…

Congress Passes Bill to Stop Medicare Cuts in 2008, Provide Small Increase in 2009 | High Costs and Access Difficulties Force Patients to Forgo, Delay Medical Care | Survey Reveals EHR Adoption Rates Among Physicians Are Lower than Expected | Aligning Forces for Quality Program…

Does augmentation with aripiprazole help patients with major depressive disorder who have not responded to initial therapy? Adding aripiprazole to SSRIs or SNRIs did not significantly improve depression in this study. However, this study did not compare the study drug with a…

In this issue of American Family Physician, Kiraly and colleagues highlight common medical comorbidities and potential medication interactions in patients with serious mental illness.1 Primary care physicians commonly care for patients with serious mental illness, who often…

Compared with other modalities of treatment such as sham surgery, joint lavage, and joint washout, arthroscopic debridement does not improve outcomes for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Over a 12-month period, cranberry products decrease the incidence of symptomatic urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially in women with recurrent UTIs. Optimal dosage and form of administration (juice, tablets, or capsules) is unclear. There are no studies comparing…

This statement summarizes the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations on counseling about the proper use of motor vehicle occupant restraints and avoidance of alcohol use while driving. It also summarizes the supporting scientific evidence, and updates the…

Photo Quiz presents readers with a clinical challenge based on a photograph or other image.

Routine monitoring of antiepileptic drug levels does not alter seizure or side effect rates.

Modern medicine has increasingly become infused with technology intended to extend a person's quantity and quality of life. More than 1 million persons in the United States have implantable pacemakers and the majority of this population is older than 65 years.

The American College of Physicians (ACP) has released a guideline providing recommendations on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

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Make plans and discuss them with your doctor. Make sure you know where to go when you are in labor. Many doctors work in groups; therefore, you may want to find out which doctors could deliver your baby.

If you have mental illness, you face special challenges in taking care of your health.