Articles
Common Tongue Conditions in Primary Care
Primary care clinicians should be prepared to evaluate, manage, and refer patients with common tongue conditions. Correct diagnosis requires a comprehensive history with assessment of risk factors for malignancy, including tobacco and alcohol use, and an examination of tongue…
Diabetic Ketoacidosis: Evaluation and Treatment
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a life-threatening complication of type 1 and type 2 diabetes resulting from an absolute or relative insulin deficiency. It can occur in patients of all ages. This article details the most common symptoms, methods of diagnosis, and treatment and…
Genital Herpes: Rapid Evidence Review
This article briefly summarizes and reviews the best available patient-oriented evidence for genital herpes, the most common cause of genital ulcers in the United States.
Prostate Cancer Screening: Common Questions and Answers
Shared decision-making is strongly recommended before initiation of prostate cancer screening, which has the primary intent of identifying patients with clinically significant cancer who may benefit from curative treatment.
Bleeding and Bruising: Primary Care Evaluation
Taking a comprehensive history, using a bleeding assessment tool, and performing a physical examination can help identify causes of abnormal bleeding and bruising. Consultation with hematology is recommended after initial testing.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis and Management for the Family Physician
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by polyarthritis and a range of extra-articular manifestations. Although rheumatologists provide advanced treatment, family physicians play an important role in high-quality care for patients with…
Editorials
Navigating Polygenic Risk Scores in Primary Care: Challenges and Considerations for Diverse Populations
Primary care physicians work on the front lines with patients from diverse backgrounds and they should prepare themselves with the knowledge and resources to discuss patient questions about direct-to-consumer genetic testing.
Financial Hardship Following a Cancer Diagnosis: A Family Matter
As a common point of access to health care, family physicians are well-positioned to identify medical financial hardship and ensure patients with cancer and their families get the support they need.
Medicine by the Numbers
Effect of Vitamin B12 Supplementation in Pregnancy on Perinatal Outcomes
Overall, there may be a benefit to vitamin B12 supplementation in addressing deficiency in the antepartum period, but no evidence suggests that treatment affects patient-oriented outcomes.
AFP Clinical Answers
Atrial Fibrillation, Acute Pericarditis, GBS Colonization During Labor, Rosacea, Carpal Tunnel, Pulmonary Hypertension
Key clinical questions and their evidence-based answers directly from the journal’s content, written by and for family physicians.
Cochrane for Clinicians
Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Men With Sexual Dysfunction
Testosterone replacement therapy provides little to no benefit in men with sexual dysfunction in whom testosterone levels are unknown.
Mindfulness-Enhanced Parenting Programs Improve the Psychosocial Outcomes of Children up to 18 Years and Their Parents
When compared with no treatment, mindfulness-enhanced parent training programs result in a small improvement in parenting skills and a moderate decrease in parental depression or anxiety. The addition of a mindfulness component to parent training programs decreases parenting…
Putting Prevention Into Practice
Screening for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
This PPIP quiz is based on the recommendations of the USPSTF.
Photo Quiz
Painful, Red, Swollen Ear
A 69-year-old man presented with a swollen left auricle.
Crusted Facial Lesions on a Child
A 5-year-old boy presented with lesions on his left cheek and temporal area.
FPIN's Clinical Inquiries
High Fruit and Vegetable Intake to Decrease Risk of Depression in Adults
A diet that includes high fruit and vegetable intake is associated with a decreased risk of depression by 9% to 15% in adults 45 years and older. In women, greater consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with a decreased risk of depression and depressive symptoms.
Diagnostic Tests
Using Artificial Intelligence in Screening Mammography
Current evidence does not support regular use of AI with breast cancer mammography screening, and family physicians cannot specifically request that it be added.
STEPS
Brexpiprazole (Rexulti) for the Treatment of Agitation Associated With Alzheimer Disease
Brexpiprazole reduces unwanted agitation behaviors in patients with Alzheimer disease, but its benefit over placebo is minimal and may not be clinically noticeable. With its potential for numerous adverse effects and high cost, its use should be reserved for after other more…
Curbside Consultation
Documenting US Citizenship Examination Exemption for Medically Qualified Refugees
For patients with medical conditions that impair their ability to learn English and civics, this certifying examination can be a barrier to naturalization; however, a pathway to citizenship is possible for qualified applicants through completion of a Medical Disability…
POEMs
Practice Guidelines
Anaphylaxis: Guidelines From the Joint Task Force on Allergy-Immunology Practice Parameters
A joint task force, including members of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, developed practice parameters focused on important elements of anaphylaxis diagnosis and treatment.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Assessment and Management Guidelines
An international group of professional organizations has developed an evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome.
Letters to the Editor
Alcohol Use Disorder and Expectation-Based Medicines
Reply: Elisabeth Poorman, Brianna M. McQuade, Sarah Messmer
Information from Your Family Doctor
Should I Get Screened for Prostate Cancer?
The prostate is a walnut-sized organ that sits behind your penis. Its purpose is to help make semen. It usually gets larger with age.