July 15, 2011

Insulin therapy is recommended if the initial A1C level is greater than 9 percent, or if diabetes is uncontrolled despite optimal oral glycemic therapy. Insulin can be initiated as augmentation or replacement therapy. Titration is important in improving glycemic control and…

The initial approach to evaluating pruritus includes a patient history and physical examination to determine if it is caused by a dermatologic condition or systemic disease. Laboratory testing is needed if the diagnosis is unclear after the initial evaluation.

Most patients with hemorrhoids can be treated with stool softeners and nonprescription topical preparations to relieve swelling and symptoms. If medical therapy is inadequate, surgical intervention is warranted.

HHS Announces $42 Million Initiative for an Estimated 500 FQHCs | HIPAA Rule Change Could Mean Patients Can See Who Accesses Their Information | CMS Announces Changes to the Medicare E-Prescribing Incentive Program | Top Five Recommendations to Improve Quality and Lower Costs…

Despite significant advances in pharmacotherapy and counseling techniques, tobacco use remains the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for 443,000 premature deaths annually. Family physicians are in an ideal position to influence cessation rates because more…

Measurement of procalcitonin is being pushed as a way to determine the presence or absence of bacterial infection and, therefore, as a way to reduce antibiotic use. But, how well does it work in the patients family physicians see? Why are the results of this study not as…

What are the effects of interventions to prevent community-acquired pneumonia? What are the effects of treatments for community-acquired pneumonia in outpatient settings and in persons admitted to a hospital or receiving instensive care?

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends vision screening for all children at least once between the ages of three and five years to detect the presence of amblyopia or its risk factors.

Case study: A three-year-old girl presents for routine childhood immunizations and a routine evaluation. She does not have a history of vision screening and has no abnormal vision symptoms.

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

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among adults in the United States. Because coronary heart disease (CHD) has a long asymptomatic latent period, there is an opportunity for early preventive measures. The American College of Cardiology…

Antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent recurrent UTI may be considered in infants and children with or without vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) after a first UTI.

Pruritus (proo-RY-tis) is itchy skin or a feeling that you need to scratch. It can hurt and can cause sleep problems and depression if it becomes severe.

Hemorrhoids (HEM-uh-roids) are dilated veins around the rectum. Most people have discomfort or bleeding from hemorrhoids sometime during their life. Hemorrhoids usually go away on their own in about one to two weeks.