July 15, 2010

Diagnosis of acute pelvic pain in women can be challenging because history and physical examination findings are often nonspecific, and clinical presentation can vary widely. Transvaginal ultrasonography is the imaging modality of choice in the initial evaluation. A high index…

The main agents used to treat diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain include tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, opiates, and topical medications. Patients should expect only 30 to 50 percent reduction in pain with maximal…

Timing and duration of postexposure prophylaxis against human immunodeficiency virus are important. Although two-drug regimens for some lower-risk occupational exposures exist, three-drug regimens are recommended for nonoccupational exposures. Expert consultation is advised in…

Occupational illnesses and injuries may be caused by physical, chemical, or biologic exposures, as well as psychological stressors in the workplace. Basic screening questions about patients' employment can help identify possible work-related causes of symptoms. Follow-up with a…

Congress Passes Medicare Payment Patch, AAFP Urges SGR Payment Replacement | One Third of Family Physicians Failed to Follow Interim Vaccine Recommendations | CDC Survey Shows One in Five Teens Has Abused Prescription Medications | Federal Government to Invest in Training of…

Mammography reports use specific terminology from the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) to describe findings and to assign a final assessment category. This editorial addresses questions that commonly arise when primary care physicians interpret mammography…

Since the 1997 Balanced Budget Act capped funding for graduate medical education (GME) programs, overall growth in GME has continued (+7.8 percent), but primary care specialties have experienced a substantial decline in their number of programs and residency positions. This…

Does counseling to increase physical activity lead to increased physical activity in healthy persons without existing CVD? What are the health benefits of increasing physical activity in relation to cardiovascular outcomes in healthy persons without existing CVD?

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening adolescents (12 to 18 years of age) for major depressive disorder (MDD) when systems are in place to ensure accurate diagnosis, psychotherapy (i.e., cognitive behavioral or interpersonal), and follow-up.

Case study: A woman brings her two children, a 14-year-old boy and a nine-year-old girl, to your office for a routine checkup. She tells you that her husband has major depression, and she wants to know whether her children should be checked for early signs of depression.

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

Pneumonia remains a common source of morbidity and mortality in children. A key question in the diagnostic evaluation of children with acute respiratory illness is whether chest radiography should be performed to rule in or rule out the diagnosis of pneumonia. Radiologically…

The 2010 American Diabetes Association's (ADA) “Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes” includes revisions based on new evidence. Several sections have undergone major changes.

Pelvic pain is discomfort in the lower part of your abdomen or pelvis. It is acute if you have had it for less than three months. It is chronic if you have had it for three months or longer.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a common nerve problem in people with diabetes. It usually affects the feet and legs. It may cause a loss of feeling or pain.