Where Do You Draw the Line With Patients, Animals?
Amid calls for stricter standards for emotional support animals, we asked our new physician bloggers how they handle letter-writing requests from patients regarding their animals. This Fresh Perspectives blog post includes their answers.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20190731fp-pets.html
Is moonlighting right for you? -- FPM
Moonlighting can help your pocketbook or your career. But follow these steps to make sure it doesn't cause new problems.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/moonlighting.html
Medicare releases proposed rule on 2020 physician fee schedule -- FPM
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has released its proposed physician fee schedule for 2020. Here are some of the highlights affecting family physicians.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/2020_physician_payment_fee_schedule.html
Pharyngitis (Sore Throat) - American Family Physician
Jul 29, 2019 - Advertisement AFP BY TOPIC Pharyngitis (Sore Throat) Editors' Choice of Best Available Content This collection features the best content from AFP, as identified by the AFP editors, on pharyngitis, sore throat, and strep throat. New research may affect the interpretation and...
American Family Physician : AFP By Topic
https://www.aafp.org/afp/topicModules/viewTopicModule.htm?topicModuleId=110
National Conference Helped Set Our Family Medicine Paths
In this video post from the event, Michelle Byrne, M.D., M.P.H., the resident member of the AAFP Board of Directors, and student Board member Chandler Stisher, M.D., discuss how the National Conference of Family Medicine Residents and Medical Students influenced their career paths.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20190726lv-nationalconfvideo.html
Three things to remember when choosing a code without a diagnosis -- FPM
Selecting the appropriate ICD-10 code depends on having a diagnosis. If you don't have a confirmed diagnosis, follow this advice to record your patient's signs and symptoms.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/coding_without_diagnosis.html
The first step to better patient visits and satisfaction -- FPM
There are many simple steps physicians can take to make their visits more successful and satisfying for the patient. The first is making sure to sit down.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/patient_communication_sitting.html
How to remind patients they're due for preventive care -- FPM
Patients can forget to schedule preventive care visits. Sending out reminders is a good approach, but you have to be careful not to get too much of a good thing.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/preventive_care_scheduling.html
Patients Facing Homelessness Need More Than Referrals
In this Fresh Perspectives blog post, Anita Ravi, M.D., M.P.H., M.S.H.P., explains why Refer to social work is not the natural conclusion of a physician's role in addressing social determinants of health among patients experiencing homelessness.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20190723fp-homeless.html
Academy Takes Aim at Rural Health Challenges
Rural Americans tend to be older, poorer and sicker than their urban counterparts. In his latest In the Trenches blog post, AAFP Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin looks at the issues the Academy's new rural health initiative aims to address.
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20190723itt-rural.html
Five ways to add some warmth and personality to your exam rooms -- FPM
Exam rooms don’t have to feel cold and boring. Here are five ideas for adding some personal touches that will make the space more inviting to patients and more comfortable for you and your staff.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/exam_room_decor.html
Three myths about patient access -- FPM
Research has shown that one of the most effective ways to improve outcomes and reduce costs is to improve patients’ access to primary care. But many practices are going about access improvement all wrong.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/patient_access_myths.html
Got a new colleague? Do these things on day one -- FPM
A well-organized orientation process can help maximize physician performance and retention. Here are three ways you can help.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/new_physician_orientation.html
Erythema Multiforme: Recognition and Management - American Family Physician
Jul 15, 2019 - Erythema multiforme is an immune-mediated reaction that involves the skin and sometimes the mucosa. Classically described as target-like, the erythema multiforme lesions can be isolated, recurrent, or persistent. Most commonly, the lesions of erythema multiforme present symmetrically on...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0715/p82.html
Hearing Loss in Adults: Differential Diagnosis and Treatment - American Family Physician
Jul 15, 2019 - More than 30 million U.S. adults have hearing loss. This condition is underrecognized, and hearing aids and other hearing enhancement technologies are underused. Hearing loss is categorized as conductive, sensorineural, or mixed. Age-related sensorineural hearing loss (i.e., ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0715/p98.html
Acupuncture for Pain - American Family Physician
Jul 15, 2019 - Acupuncture has been increasingly used as an integrative or complementary therapy for pain. It is well-tolerated with little risk of serious adverse effects. Traditional acupuncture and nontraditional techniques, such as electroacupuncture and dry needling, often result in reported pain...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0715/p89.html
Misoprostol Alone is Associated with High Rate of Successful First-Trimester Abortion -...
Jul 15, 2019 - Misoprostol alone was associated with a nearly 80% success rate in the first trimester of pregnancy on meta-analysis.
American Family Physician : POEMs
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0715/p119.html
Interventions to Prevent Child Maltreatment: Recommendation Statement - U.S. Preventive...
Jul 15, 2019 - The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of primary care interventions to prevent child maltreatment.
American Family Physician : U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0715/p110.html
Interpregnancy Care: Guidelines from ACOG and SMFM - Practice Guidelines - American ...
Jul 15, 2019 - The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine have published guidelines focusing on interpregnancy care to improve outcomes of future pregnancies and the overall health of women, regardless of their future pregnancy plans.
American Family Physician : Practice Guidelines
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0715/p121.html
Integrating Medical Acupuncture into Family Medicine Practice - Editorials - American ...
Jul 15, 2019 - Acupuncture is an evidence-based therapy to reduce pain that can meet patient demand for nonpharmacologic treatment. Now is the time to offer training in medical acupuncture to more family physicians.
American Family Physician : Editorials
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0715/p76.html
Semaglutide (Ozempic) for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus - STEPS - American Family Physician
Jul 15, 2019 - Semaglutide can be added to existing treatment to improve glycemic control and induce weight loss. It may also protect against cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.
American Family Physician : STEPS
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0715/p116.html
In Healthy Older Adults, Low-Dose Aspirin Increases All-Cause and Cancer-Specific ...
Jul 15, 2019 - The findings are completely unexpected. Although recent studies by this group and other groups of researchers have failed to find a cardiovascular benefit, likely because of better control of other cardiovascular risk factors, this study found increased all-cause mortality, primarily ...
American Family Physician : POEMs
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0715/p118a.html
Ankle Sprains, Counseling Strategies, Dysphonia, Acute Coronary Syndrome, Egg Allergy -...
Jul 15, 2019 - Key clinical questions and their evidence-based answers directly from the journal’s content, written by and for family physicians.
American Family Physician : AFP Clinical Answers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0715/p81.html
Omega-3 Oil Does Not Reduce Serious Cardiovascular Events for Patients with Diabetes ...
Jul 15, 2019 - In this study, there was no significant difference in the likelihood of a composite vascular outcome or all-cause mortality in patients given an omega-3 fatty acid supplement compared with those given an olive oil placebo.
American Family Physician : POEMs
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0715/p120.html
Vitamin D is Equal to Placebo for Preventing Cognitive Decline in African-American ...
Jul 15, 2019 - Is vitamin D more effective than placebo in preventing cognitive decline in African American women older than 65 years who have low serum vitamin D levels at baseline?
American Family Physician : POEMs
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0715/p118.html
Fasting vs. Nonfasting Lipid Profile for Assessing Cardiovascular Risk - Letters to the...
Jul 15, 2019 - Advertisement Jul 15, 2019 Issue Letters to the Editor Fasting vs. Nonfasting Lipid Profile for Assessing Cardiovascular Risk Am Fam Physician. 2019 Jul 15;100(2):72-73. Original Article: The Adult Well-Male Examination Issue Date: December 15, 2018 See additional reader comments at:...
American Family Physician : Letter
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0715/p72.html
Gradually Progressive Dysphagia, Reflux, Weight Loss, and Chest Discomfort - Photo Quiz...
Jul 15, 2019 - Advertisement << Previous article Next article >> Jul 15, 2019 Issue Photo Quiz Gradually Progressive Dysphagia, Reflux, Weight Loss, and Chest Discomfort JUDITH VOLCY, DO; TAIWO AJOSE, MD; and CHINEDU IVONYE, MD, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia Am Fam Physician. 2019...
American Family Physician : Photo Quiz
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0715/p113.html
Correction - Corrections - American Family Physician
Jul 15, 2019 - Advertisement << Previous article Next article >> Jul 15, 2019 Issue Reader Services Corrections Am Fam Physician. 2019 Jul 15;100(2):74. Incorrect FDA approval. The article, Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment (March 15, 2019, p. 362), contained an...
American Family Physician : Corrections
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0715/p74.html
When to Discuss Prostate Cancer Screening with Your Patients - Letters to the Editor - ...
Jul 15, 2019 - Advertisement << Previous article Next article >> Jul 15, 2019 Issue Letters to the Editor When to Discuss Prostate Cancer Screening with Your Patients Am Fam Physician. 2019 Jul 15;100(2):69-70. Original Article: Counseling Patients About Prostate Cancer Screening [Editorial] Issue...
American Family Physician : Letter
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0715/p69.html
Medical Screening and Care of Incarcerated Transgender Patients - Letters to the Editor...
Jul 15, 2019 - Advertisement Jul 15, 2019 Issue Letters to the Editor Medical Screening and Care of Incarcerated Transgender Patients Am Fam Physician. 2019 Jul 15;100(2):70-72. Original Article: Care of Incarcerated Patients Issue Date: November 15, 2018 See additional reader comments at:...
American Family Physician : Letter
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0715/p70.html
Personal Experience Is Not Always Consistent with Published Evidence - Letters to the ...
Jul 15, 2019 - Advertisement Jul 15, 2019 Issue Letters to the Editor Personal Experience Is Not Always Consistent with Published Evidence Am Fam Physician. 2019 Jul 15;100(2):73-74. Original Article: Why Are We So Slow to Adopt Some Evidence-Based Practices? Issue Date: December 15, 2018 See...
American Family Physician : Letter
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0715/p73.html
My Teen Patient Opened Up About Her Suicide Attempt
Teen suicide rates are on the rise. In this Fresh Perspectives blog post, Lalita Abhyankar, M.D., M.H.S., shares insights from a recent visit with a teenage patient who survived a suicide attempt.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20190715fp-teensuicide.html
Acupuncture for Pain Relief - American Family Physician
Jul 15, 2019 - Advertisement << Previous article Next article >> Jul 15, 2019 Issue Please note: This information was current at the time of publication. But medical information is always changing, and some information given here may be out of date. For regularly updated information on a variety of...
American Family Physician : Patient Handout
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0715/p89-s1.html
We Can't Leave Health Care Policies to Chance
In this Leader Voices Blog post, AAFP President-elect Gary LeRoy, M.D., reflects on a recent visit to the New Jersey AFP's annual meeting and the need for quality measures that make sense.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20190712lv-boardwalk.html
Three big benefits of small talk -- FPM
Making time for a few seconds of friendly conversation at the beginning and end of each patient visit may be more productive than you’d think. Here are three benefits of making small talk with your patients.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/small_talk.html
2019 qualifying APM participant data now available -- FPM
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has updated its online database to help physicians participating in alternative payment models to determine if they have to participate in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System this year.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/2019_qualifying_APM_participant.html
How to cultivate a warm handoff for patient referrals -- FPM
Both you and your patients can benefit when referrals are characterized by a warm handoff. Focus on these three key elements.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/warm_handoff.html
Meet FPM’s new medical editor -- FPM
FPM's new medical editor lays out her vision for the future of the journal and how it can help physicians make their patient care experience more productive and satisfying.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/FPM_medical_editor.html
Reaping Benefits (and Avoiding Pitfalls) of Social Media
After recent research showed the effect one negative social media post can have on a doctor's credibility, we asked our new physician bloggers how -- and why -- they use social media. This Fresh Perspectives blog post presents their responses.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20190710fp-socialmedia.html
New AAFP Initiative Addresses Rural Health Care Crisis
Rural America is suffering from a health care crisis, a product of inadequate funding, economic downturn and lack of an appropriate health care workforce. In response, the AAFP is launching an Academy-wide effort to improve health care in rural communities. In this Leader Voices Blog ...
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20190709lv-ruralhealthmatters.html
Why Do We Neglect Our Health System's Foundation?
In this In the Trenches blog post, AAFP Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin shares insights from The Hill's Future of Health Care Summit.
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20190709ittfuturesummit.html
MIPS feedback reports for 2018 now available -- FPM
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has released reports showing how physicians fared during the 2018 Quality Payment Program performance year.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/2018_QPP_Feedback_Reports.html
Health Spending Keeps Going Up; Why Are Outcomes Worse?
Natasha Bhuyan, M.D., writes in this Fresh Perspectives blog post that even as U.S. health care costs continue to climb, several key outcomes are in steep decline.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20190703fp-hcspendingup.html
Polypharmacy: Evaluating Risks and Deprescribing - American Family Physician
Jul 1, 2019 - Polypharmacy, defined as regular use of at least five medications, is common in older adults and younger at-risk populations and increases the risk of adverse medical outcomes. There are several risk factors that can lead to polypharmacy. Patient-related factors include having multiple ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0701/p32.html
Amenorrhea: A Systematic Approach to Diagnosis and Management - American Family Physician
Jul 1, 2019 - Menstrual patterns can be an indicator of overall health and self-perception of well-being. Primary amenorrhea, defined as the lifelong absence of menses, requires evaluation if menarche has not occurred by 15 years of age or three years post-thelarche. Secondary amenorrhea is ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0701/p39.html
Lead Poisoning in Children - American Family Physician
Jul 1, 2019 - Asymptomatic lead poisoning has become more common in children. Blood lead levels of less than 5 µg per dL are associated with impairments in neurocognitive and behavioral development that are irreversible. Risk factors for lead poisoning include age younger than five years, low ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0701/p24.html
Pharmacologic Therapy for Heart Failure - FPIN's Help Desk Answers - American Family ...
Jul 1, 2019 - Compared with monotherapy, the combination of an ACE inhibitor and an ARB has not been shown to improve cardiovascular or overall mortality in patients with symptomatic heart failure. The combination is associated with an increased number of adverse drug effects.
American Family Physician : FPIN's Help Desk Answers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0701/p49.html
Medication Management for Chronic Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction - ...
Jul 1, 2019 - Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists reduce hospitalizations for patients with HFpEF. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers have not been shown to change the morbidity or mortality in patients with HFpEF.
American Family Physician : Cochrane for Clinicians
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0701/p17.html
Noninvasive Diagnostic Tests for Helicobacter pylori Infection - Cochrane for ...
Jul 1, 2019 - When compared with serology or stool antigen tests, the urea breath test has the highest diagnostic accuracy to identify H. pylori infection in patients without a history of gastrectomy or recent use of antibiotics or proton pump inhibitors.
American Family Physician : Cochrane for Clinicians
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0701/p16.html
Helping Patients Cope with Grief - Curbside Consultation - American Family Physician
Jul 1, 2019 - The loss of a loved one, especially a spouse or a child, is perhaps one of the most difficult events a person will experience in a lifetime. The resulting grief can be overwhelming and incapacitating for a time. Family physicians can be sources of comfort to those who grieve the loss of...
American Family Physician : Curbside Consultation
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0701/p54.html
Physical Activity: Updated Recommendations from HHS - Practice Guidelines - American ...
Jul 1, 2019 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently published updated recommendations on physical activity based on a systematic review of the effect of physical activity on health. The committee addressed 38 questions and 104 subquestions and graded the evidence based on ...
American Family Physician : Practice Guidelines
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0701/p58.html
mSEPT9 (Epi proColon) Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer Screening - Diagnostic Tests: ...
Jul 1, 2019 - Epi proColon is a blood test used for the detection of the methylated septin 9 (mSEPT9) gene. It is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for colorectal cancer screening in people at average risk who have declined first-line screening tests.
American Family Physician : Diagnostic Tests: What Physicians Need to Know
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0701/p10.html
Preventing Spontaneous Abortion with Progestin Therapy - Medicine by the Numbers - ...
Jul 1, 2019 - The use of progestin therapy in women with recurrent pregnancy loss appears to reduce the incidence of spontaneous abortion, preterm labor, and stillbirth, and increase the rate of live birth. However, due to issues with the studies the authors were hesitant to give progestin their full...
American Family Physician : Medicine by the Numbers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0701/od1.html
Migraine Headache, Hypertension in Children, CVD Risk, Acupuncture, Incarcerated ...
Jul 1, 2019 - Key clinical questions and their evidence-based answers directly from the journal’s content, written by and for family physicians.
American Family Physician : AFP Clinical Answers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0701/p12.html
Evaluating Diagnostic Tests: Introducing a New Feature in AFP - Editorials - American ...
Jul 1, 2019 - This new feature cuts through the hype and provides independent, objective assessments of new diagnostic tests that readers are considering incorporating into their practices.
American Family Physician : Editorials
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0701/p8.html
Symmetrical Reticulated Lower Extremity Rash - Photo Quiz - American Family Physician
Jul 1, 2019 - Advertisement << Previous article Next article >> Jul 1, 2019 Issue Photo Quiz Symmetrical Reticulated Lower Extremity Rash NISRINE N. MAKAREM, MD, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon Am Fam Physician. 2019 Jul 1;100(1):51-52. A healthy 30-year-old woman...
American Family Physician : Photo Quiz
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0701/p51.html
Lyme Disease As Possible Contributing Factor for Knee Pain - Letters to the Editor - ...
Jul 1, 2019 - Advertisement << Previous article Next article >> Jul 1, 2019 Issue Letters to the Editor Lyme Disease As Possible Contributing Factor for Knee Pain Am Fam Physician. 2019 Jul 1;100(1):4. Original Article: Knee Pain in Adults and Adolescents: The Initial Evaluation Issue Date:...
American Family Physician : Letter
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0701/p4.html
Correction - Corrections - American Family Physician
Jul 1, 2019 - Advertisement << Previous article Next article >> Jul 1, 2019 Issue Reader Services Corrections Am Fam Physician. 2019 Jul 1;100(1):4. Incorrect evidence evaluation and study statistics. The FPIN's Help Desk Answers, Wearable Devices for Weight Loss (December 1, 2018, p. 670),...
American Family Physician : Corrections
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0701/p4a.html
Lead Poisoning in Children - American Family Physician
Jul 1, 2019 - Advertisement << Previous article Next article >> Jul 1, 2019 Issue Please note: This information was current at the time of publication. But medical information is always changing, and some information given here may be out of date. For regularly updated information on a variety of...
American Family Physician : Patient Handout
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0701/p24-s1.html
How to avoid burnout in a broken health care system -- FPM
The administrative barriers facing physicians who want to provide quality care keep growing. How do you avoid lose sight of what's important?
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/committed_to_medicine.html
Thirteen ways to reduce the burden of prior authorizations -- FPM
If you've spent any time on the phone with an insurer seeking approval for certain medications or procedures, you likely wished for an easier way. Here are a number of possible avenues to shorten the process.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/prior_authorization_tips.html
Global Health: FPs Care for Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere
Family physicians' broad training allows them to provide care for anyone, anytime, anywhere. That, writes Tochi Iroku-Malize, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., in this Leader Voices Blog post, is why family docs are ideally suited to offer global health care.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20190627lv-globalhealth.html
Treating migraines? There's an app for that -- FPM
Treating migraines is difficult because of the many factors that can trigger an attack. Suggest this mobile app to patients so they can be more engaged in their own care.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/Migraine_Buddy.html
Now's the Time: Speak Out to Support Primary Care
In this In the Trenches blog post, AAFP Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin highlights two primary care issues being debated by Congress and explains how you can help them advance.
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20190625itt-hcbills.html
Data in (Direct) Primary Care: Striking the Right Balance
In this Fresh Perspectives blog post, Allison Edwards, M.D., writes that the health care system has done a poor job of measuring quality overall, but says that direct primary care can start over with a blank slate.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20190624fp-dpcmeasures.html
A sample workflow to address medication nonadherence related to cost -- FPM
To quickly screen for and address prescription cost concerns, use this sample workflow.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/prescription_costs.html
Think 99214 if you see these problems or procedures -- FPM
The risk component of medical decision making is more subjective and can be difficult to identify, so here’s what to look for.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/99214_presenting_problems.html
Mentoring Is Key to Expanding Primary Care Pipeline
Reaching family medicine's ambitious workforce goals will take creativity and collaboration. Dennis Gingrich, M.D., offers an example that has made a difference in Pennsylvania.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20190619lv25x30.html
My Message to Students: Why Family Medicine Matters
Marking the sixth anniversary of his graduation from residency, Kurt Bravata, M.D., reflects on what he wishes every first-year medical student knew about family medicine.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20190619fpwhyfm.html
Add some fun to your practice -- FPM
Patients often come to your practice feeling anxious, hurt, or afraid. Adding some levity can help put them at ease, and it can help your stressed-out colleagues as well.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/workplace_fun.html
Summit Schedule -- AAFP Global Health Summit
View the schedule for the 2019 AAFP Global Health Summit.
Events : Global Health Summit
https://www.aafp.org/events/global-health/schedule.html
Bartholin Duct Cyst and Gland Abscess: Office Management - American Family Physician
Jun 15, 2019 - The Bartholin glands, located in the base of the labia minora, have a role in vaginal lubrication. Because of the presence of other glands, removal of a Bartholin gland does not affect lubrication. Ductal blockage of these typically pea-sized structures can result in enlargement of the ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0615/p760.html
Plantar Fasciitis - American Family Physician
Jun 15, 2019 - Plantar fasciitis is a common problem that one in 10 people will experience in their lifetime. Plantar fasciopathy is an appropriate descriptor because the condition is not inflammatory. Risk factors include limited ankle dorsiflexion, increased body mass index, and standing for ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0615/p744.html
Diabetic Kidney Disease: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention - American Family Physician
Jun 15, 2019 - Globally, approximately 20% of the 400 million individuals with diabetes mellitus have diabetic kidney disease (DKD). DKD is associated with higher cardiovascular and all-cause morbidity and mortality, so timely diagnosis and treatment are critical. Screening for early DKD is best done ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0615/p751.html
Identification of and Treatment for Unhealthy Alcohol Use in Primary Care Settings - ...
Jun 15, 2019 - We have identified the ways in which family physicians can implement the USPSTF screening recommendation for unhealthy alcohol use and then intervene when a patient has a positive screen.
American Family Physician : Editorials
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0615/p733.html
Screening and Behavioral Counseling Interventions to Reduce Unhealthy Alcohol Use in ...
Jun 15, 2019 - The USPSTF recommends screening for unhealthy alcohol use in primary care settings in adults 18 years or older, including pregnant women, and providing persons engaged in risky or hazardous drinking with brief behavioral counseling interventions to reduce unhealthy alcohol use.
American Family Physician : U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0615/od1.html
Lung Cancer Screening: Pros and Cons - Lown Right Care: Reducing Overuse and Underuse -...
Jun 15, 2019 - A collaboration between AFP and the Lown Institute promotes a vision of delivering heath care that is based on the evidence, balanced in its approach, and focused on the patient.
American Family Physician : Lown Right Care: Reducing Overuse and Underuse
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0615/p740.html
Community-Acquired Pneumonia: Determining Safe Treatment in the Outpatient Setting - ...
Jun 15, 2019 - When is it safe to treat a patient with community-acquired pneumonia a an outpatient?
American Family Physician : Point-of-Care Guides
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0615/p768.html
Erenumab (Aimovig) for Migraine Prophylaxis in Adults - STEPS - American Family Physician
Jun 15, 2019 - Erenumab is a safe option for migraine prophylaxis in adults. However, it is expensive and should be reserved for patients who have experienced intolerable adverse effects while taking oral migraine prophylaxis medication or who have poor adherence to daily preventive treatment.
American Family Physician : STEPS
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0615/p781.html
Depression Following Acute Coronary Syndrome Events: Screening and Treatment Guidelines...
Jun 15, 2019 - The purpose of this guideline is to provide recommendations that are relevant to primary care for the screening and treatment of depression in patients following an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) event.
American Family Physician : Practice Guidelines
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0615/od2.html
Painful Vesicular Eruption on the Index Finger of a Butcher - Photo Quiz - American ...
Jun 15, 2019 - A man who worked as a butcher presented with erythema, swelling, and painful lesions on his index finger that did not resolve with antibiotics. Plain radiography did not show bony abnormalities.
American Family Physician : Photo Quiz
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0615/p773.html
Screening and Behavioral Counseling Interventions to Reduce Unhealthy Alcohol Use in ...
Jun 15, 2019 - A 20-year-old male with a history of exercise-induced asthma presents to your office for his yearly physical. He is a student at the local university and is on the university fencing team. When asked about his classwork, he expresses that college is going okay but can be stressful ...
American Family Physician : Putting Prevention into Practice
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0615/p771.html
Depression After ACS Events: AAFP Releases Updated Guidelines - Practice Guidelines - ...
Jun 15, 2019 - The American Academy of Family Physicians has released a guideline focusing on depression in adults within three months of an ACS event (unstable angina or myocardial infarction). The guideline is based on a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and observational studies and...
American Family Physician : Practice Guidelines
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0615/p785.html
H. pylori Screening Before Initiation of Long-term NSAIDs - FPIN's Clinical Inquiries -...
Jun 15, 2019 - Physicians should perform laboratory screening for and eradicate H. pylori before initiating long-term NSAID therapy in NSAID-naive patients to reduce the risk of peptic ulcer disease.
American Family Physician : FPIN's Clinical Inquiries
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0615/p783.html
Ensuring Primary Care Access in States with an Aging Family Physician Workforce - ...
Jun 15, 2019 - In many states, at least 40% of family physicians are older than 55. Therefore, policymakers should support broad training models that produce enough primary care physicians to meet state population needs.
American Family Physician : Graham Center Policy One-Pagers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0615/p743.html
Coronary Syndrome, HPV Vaccination, Acute Sore Throat, Food Allergies, Breastfeeding - ...
Jun 15, 2019 - Key clinical questions and their evidence-based answers directly from the journal’s content, written by and for family physicians.
American Family Physician : AFP Clinical Answers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0615/p737.html
Use of More Specific Terminology May Assist in Better Diagnosis of Abdominal Wall ...
Jun 15, 2019 - Advertisement << Previous article Next article >> Jun 15, 2019 Issue Letters to the Editor Well-Child Visits Provide Physicians Opportunity to Deliver Interconception Care to Mothers Am Fam Physician. 2019 Jun 15;99(12):731. Original Article: Well-Child Visits for Infants and Young...
American Family Physician : Letter
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0615/p731.html
Use of More Specific Terminology May Assist in Better Diagnosis of Abdominal Wall ...
Jun 15, 2019 - Advertisement << Previous article Next article >> Jun 15, 2019 Issue Letters to the Editor Use of More Specific Terminology May Assist in Better Diagnosis of Abdominal Wall Injuries Am Fam Physician. 2019 Jun 15;99(12):731-732. Original Article: Abdominal Wall Pain: Clinical...
American Family Physician : Letter
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0615/p731a.html
Corrections - Jun 15, 2019 - American Family Physician
Jun 15, 2019 - Advertisement << Previous article Next article >> Jun 15, 2019 Issue Reader Services Corrections Am Fam Physician. 2019 Jun 15;99(12):732. Incorrect amount listed in table. The article Gastroenteritis in Children (February 1, 2019, p. 159) contained an error in the last column of row...
American Family Physician : Corrections
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0615/p732a.html
Corrections - Jun 15, 2019 - American Family Physician
Jun 15, 2019 - Advertisement << Previous article Next article >> Jun 15, 2019 Issue Reader Services Corrections Am Fam Physician. 2019 Jun 15;99(12):732. Anatomy clarification. The article Renal Cell Carcinoma: Diagnosis and Management (February 1, 2019, p. 179) incorrectly identified the right...
American Family Physician : Corrections
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0615/p732.html
Plantar Fasciitis - American Family Physician
Jun 15, 2019 - Advertisement << Previous article Next article >> Jun 15, 2019 Issue Please note: This information was current at the time of publication. But medical information is always changing, and some information given here may be out of date. For regularly updated information on a variety of...
American Family Physician : Patient Handout
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0615/p744-s1.html
Is your EHR slowing you down? -- FPM
No one got into medicine for the typing. Here are ways to speed up your use of electronic health record systems.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/ehr_tips.html
Got an idea to reduce physician burden? CMS wants to hear it -- FPM
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has opened a request for information, looking for ways to reduce paperwork and allow physicians to spend more time on patient care.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/reducing_physician_burden.html
Three tips for making a referral for counseling -- FPM
Some patients may still believe there is a stigma attached to seeking counseling. But if you believe it would benefit him or her, here are some suggestions to help make the process easier.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/counseling_referral.html
We Made It Through Residency. Here's How You Can, Too
As Astrud Villareal, M.D., D.I.M.P.H., wraps up her training, she and her mentors offer some tips for the new class of family medicine interns.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20190612fp-interntips.html
Test your E/M coding skills -- FPM
E/M coding for repeat patient visits during the same day can be tricky. How would you code this scenario?
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/coding_skills.html
Focusing on Single Issue Guarantees Inaction on Others
AAFP Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin writes that disagreement on a single issue shouldn't prevent collaboration on others.
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20190611itt-singleissue.html
FPs Should Lead: Thoughts on an Executive Career Path
James Ellzy, M.D., writes that health care could use more family physicians in executive roles. He offers tips for those interested in administration.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20190611lv-physicianexecs.html
Work after clinic: seven ideas for regaining control over your time -- FPM
Although changes are needed to address the underlying problem of administrative complexity in health care, individual physicians can take practical steps to improve efficiency and reduce the amount of time they spend working after hours.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/work_after_clinic.html
Medicare changing rules for modifiers to override claims edits -- FPM
Medicare and some private payers are set to make it easier to use modifiers to override claims edits.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/modifiers_override_claims.html