Search Results for direct primary care -- AAFP

ACIP Approves New Guidance on HPV, Pneumococcal Vaccines

During the June 26-27 meeting of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the group voted to update its recommendations for use of the nine-valent HPV and 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190703acipjunemtg.html

USPSTF Recommends Screening Older Men Who Smoked for AAA

On June 18, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted a draft recommendation statement on screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm in asymptomatic patients. Men ages 65-75 who smoke or used to smoke benefit most from screening; the task force recommends one-time screening with ...

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190708uspstf-aaascreen.html

USPSTF: Screen for HIV in Patients Ages 15-65

On June 11, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted final recommendation statements and evidence reports on screening for and preventing HIV infection.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190619uspstfhivfinal.html

AAFP Offers Guidance on Depression Care After ACS Events

The AAFP has released a clinical practice guideline on screening for and treating depression after acute coronary syndrome. The guideline updates and replaces the Academy's guideline on detecting and treating depression after myocardial infarction, which was published in 2009 and ...

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190625depressacsgdln.html

Webinar Will Cover Best Practices for Tapering Opioids

The National Academy of Medicine will host a free webinar from 3 to 4:30 p.m. EDT on July 22 to discuss best practices and evidence standards on tapering patients off opioids. NAM plans to publish a discussion paper that builds on the webinar early next year.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190710opioidtaper.html

Study Examines Causes of High-severity Malpractice Cases

New research indicates that more than one out of three cases of medical malpractice that result in death or permanent disability can be linked to inaccurate or delayed diagnosis.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190716diagnosisstudy.html

Offer Interventions to Prevent Tobacco Use in Kids, Teens

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently posted a draft recommendation statement examining how primary care interventions affect tobacco use prevention and cessation in children and adolescents.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190719uspstfyouthsmoking.html

CDC Urges Physicians to Rapidly Recognize, Report AFM Cases

As the late summer/early fall 'season' for acute flaccid myelitis nears, the CDC is reminding medical professionals what they should look for to quickly recognize AFM symptoms and report suspected cases to their health department.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190722mmwr-afm.html

ACOG, AAP Update Guidance on Group B Strep in Infants

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics recently coordinated to issue updated guidance on preventing and managing group B streptococcal infection in infants.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190724groupbstrep.html

Screen Pregnant Women for HBV at First Prenatal Visit

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has issued a final recommendation statement and evidence review on screening pregnant women for hepatitis B virus infection. Based on that review, the USPSTF recommended screening pregnant women for HBV at their first prenatal visit to help ...

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190729uspstfhbvfinal.html

AAFP Recruiting for Alcohol SBI Office Champions Project

The AAFP seeks to recruit as many as 25 family medicine practices to participate in its new Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention Office Champions Project. The deadline to apply for the project is Aug. 31.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190806alcoholsbiproject.html

USPSTF: Don't Routinely Screen Adults for Pancreatic Cancer

Based on current evidence, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has issued a final recommendation statement against routinely screening asymptomatic adults for pancreatic cancer. This guidance does not apply to patients who are at high risk for the disease.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190807uspstfpancreaticca.html

Truth Initiative Smoking Imagery Study Sparks Change

Truth Initiative, which focuses on dissuading youth and young adults from using tobacco, has released a report indicating that depictions of tobacco use in youth-rated broadcast/cable and streaming content rose by more than 379% in one year.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190717tobaccoimages.html

CDC Launches #HowIRecommend Vaccination Video Series

The CDC launched a new website for its #HowIRecommend videos series, featuring health care professionals talking about how they recommend vaccines to different types of patients.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190813reccvaccvideos.html

New Research Examines FPs' Prediabetes Knowledge, Practices

Researchers found that family physicians and other clinicians are highly skilled in screening for and managing prediabetes but are less aware of the National Diabetes Prevention Program and similar patient resources.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190816prediabetesstudy.html

USPSTF: Screen Adults 18-79 for Hepatitis C Infection

According to a recently issued draft recommendation, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening all adults ages 18-79 for hepatitis C virus infection.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190904uspstf-hepc.html

Screen At-risk Women for BRCA-related Cancer

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently posted a final recommendation statement on risk assessment, genetic counseling and genetic testing for BRCA-related cancer in women.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190826uspstfbrca.html

USPSTF Recommends Screening Adults for Illicit Drug Use

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force said in a draft recommendation statement that screening for illicit drug use is recommended in adults if services for diagnosis, treatment and care are available.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190827uspstfdrugscreening.html

CDC: Report Possible Vaping-associated Pulmonary Illness

The CDC is asking clinicians to report unexplained pulmonary illness that may be related to e-cigarette use after nearly 200 potential cases have been reported in 22 states.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190827vapingillness.html

CDC Underscores Need to Boost HPV Vaccination Coverage

A pair of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports the CDC recently released clearly demonstrate that the need to improve HPV vaccination coverage remains substantial.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190829hpvvacc.html

Study: Preterm Infants Less Likely to Be Fully Vaccinated

A recent study in Pediatrics found that more than half of all preterm infants had not received the full complement of vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices by age 19 months.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190904pretermvax.html

Many Patients Hide Life-threatening Issues From Clinicians

New research indicates that many patients who experience an imminent threat such as suicidality, abuse or sexual assault routinely withhold this information from their clinicians.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190910withhholdinfo.html

Offer to Prescribe Medication to Cut Breast Cancer Risk

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has issued a final statement recommending risk-reducing medications for women who have an increased risk for breast cancer and a low risk for adverse medication effects.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190909uspstf-breastcameds.html

CDC Provides Interim Guidance, Update on Vaping Illness

On Sept. 6, CDC officials hosted a telebriefing to provide an update on the agency's investigation into more than 450 cases of serious lung illness possibly associated with use of e-cigarette products.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190911vapingupdate.html

Surgeon General Issues Advisory on Risks of Marijuana Use

U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams, M.D., M.P.H., recently issued an advisory on the health risks associated with marijuana use in adolescents and pregnant women, warning that no amount of the drug has been deemed safe.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190912sg-marijuana.html

Newly Released Tools Support HHS Plan to End HIV Epidemic

On Sept. 3, the CDC released a suite of communication tools and resources to support efforts to prevent the spread of HIV infection and help keep those infected with HIV healthy.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190913stophiv.html

AAFP Hails White House Bid to Ban Flavored E-Cigarettes

The Academy has praised a recent announcement from the Trump administration that it will "take decisive action by severely curtailing access to flavored e-cigarette products." The FDA is expected to finalize guidance to pull the products from the U.S. market within weeks.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190927whecigban.html

CDC: THC Products Used in Most Vaping Illness Cases

The CDC said the latest findings from its investigation into lung injury associated with e-cigarette use, or vaping, indicate that three-fourths of those affected used tetrahydrocannabinol-containing products.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20191007thcvaping.html

Screen Pregnant Patients for Asymptomatic Bacteriuria

On Sept. 24, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted a final recommendation statement and final evidence summary on screening for asymptomatic bacteriuria in adults, recommending that all pregnant patients be screened.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20191007uspstf-asb.html

In Wake of Measles Outbreaks, CDC Updates 2019 Case Totals

The CDC is reporting details from this year's measles outbreaks after the New York State Department of Health declared that the state's nearly yearlong outbreak has ended. The good news: The United States has maintained its measles elimination status.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20191009measlesupdt.html

AAFP Tools Offer Pointers on Assessing Patients for STIs

Family physicians are ideally positioned to educate patients about the dangers of sexually transmitted infections, screen for these infections and provide appropriate care. New AAFP resources on STIs aim to help them do just that.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190918stismanual.html

AAFP Releases Marijuana, Cannabinoids Position Paper

The AAFP's new marijuana and cannabinoids position paper describes marijuana and related substance misuse as "complex issues impacting family medicine, patient health and public health."

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190920cannabispaper.html

Research Lacking on Screening for Cognitive Impairment

On Sept. 10, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted a draft recommendation statement and draft evidence review on screening for cognitive impairment in older adults, citing insufficient evidence to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for impairment in these ...

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190923uspstf-cognitive.html

Survey Examines Marijuana Use Among U.S. Adults

A survey of more than 169,000 American adults found that individuals with one or more documented medical conditions are far more likely to use marijuana than those without a medical condition.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20191016marijuanasurvey.html

Vaccination Gaps Leave Pregnant Moms, Infants Unprotected

According to recent research from the CDC, about 65% of mothers surveyed reported they had not received the seasonal influenza and tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis vaccines before or during pregnancy.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20191016vaccinpregnancy.html

More Study Needed on Illicit Drug Use Counseling in Youth

On Oct. 1, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted a draft recommendation statement and evidence review that addressed primary care-based prevention of illicit drug use among children, adolescents and young adults.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20191022uspstf-illicitdrugsyouth.html

JUUL Suspends U.S. Sales of Non-tobacco, Non-menthol Flavors

On Oct. 17, JUUL Labs Inc. announced that it was suspending U.S. sales of its non-tobacco, non-menthol-based flavors (mango, crème, fruit and cucumber), pending FDA review of the company's premarket tobacco product applications.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20191023juulannouncement.html

ACIP Updates Pertussis Vaccine Recommendation

During its Oct. 23-24 meeting, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices updated its recommendation for the pertussis vaccine and was briefed on this season's flu activity.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20191030acip.html

Study Finds No Link Between IIV, Miscarriage

A study published in the journal Vaccine on Oct. 16 found no association between administration of inactivated influenza vaccine to pregnant women and miscarriage.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20191030iiv-sab.html

ADA's Tiny Smiles Program Unveils New Physician Resources

The American Dental Association has released new resources as part of its Tiny Smiles dental program that family physicians and other medical professionals can use to educate parents and caregivers of young children.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20191104tinysmiles.html

Childhood Obesity Report Delivers Mixed Results

A Robert Wood Johnson Foundation report on childhood obesity found that although overall obesity rates remain high, they have begun to stabilize -- and even decrease -- in some populations.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20191105rwjfobesityrpt.html

Taking Hypertension Medication at Bedtime Improves CVD Risk

The Hygia Chronotherapy Trial found that bedtime hypertension therapy better reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease than taking blood pressure medication on awakening, as previous studies have suggested.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20191106bedtimehbpmeds.html

Survey: One in Five Young Americans Thinks Vaping Is Harmless

Results of an American Society of Clinical Oncology survey reveal that more than 20% of young Americans think that e-cigarettes are not only nonaddictive -- they're actually harmless.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20191023ascovapesurvey.html

Vaccine Coverage in Young Children Holding Steady

Two Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports issued last month offer a snapshot of vaccination coverage among young children in the United States. In particular, coverage rates for three vaccines children need to start school are holding steady at close to the desired 95% threshold.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20191106mmwrskidsvax.html

CDC: Preventing ACEs May Mitigate Chronic Health Issues

At least five of the 10 leading causes of death are associated with adverse childhood experiences, according to a recent Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report and an accompanying Vital Signs report from the CDC.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20191113mmwraces.html

Measles Infection Weakens Global Immune Defenses, Say Studies

Recently published research shows the degree to which measles infection can adversely affect a person's immune system, a condition that can last for months or even years.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20191119measlesimmunity.html

Cigarette Smoking Among U.S. Adults Hits All-time Low

Cigarette smoking among U.S. adults reached an all-time low of 13.7% in 2018, according to a new report from the CDC. Even so, says one FP expert, there's still "much to do."

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20191120mmwr-cigarettesmoking.html

CDC Reports Mixed Progress Fighting Antibiotic Resistance

According to a newly released CDC report, on average, someone in the United States develops an antibiotic-resistant infection every 11 seconds, and every 15 minutes, someone dies from such an infection.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20191126mmwr-antibx.html

Unhealthy Habits Start at Young Age With Added Sugars

About 61% of infants and 98% of toddlers consumed added sugars on any given day, according to a recent study published online in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20191127unhealthyhabits.html

Study: FM Residents Tops in Correctly Prescribing Antimicrobials

New research finds that family medicine residents with extra training in antimicrobial stewardship were more likely than residents in other specialties with only standard training to prescribe antibiotics appropriately.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20191202antibxstewardship.html

NY Physicians, Health Officials Create EVALI Assessment Tool

A diverse group of medical professionals and public health officials, including a team of physicians at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, N.Y., recently created a vaping-related lung illness assessment tool.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20191204evalitool.html

Discussing Medications for Patients With Cognitive Impairment

New research finds that family physicians and other primary care clinicians face numerous challenges -- and use a variety of approaches to overcome those challenges -- when treating older patients who have cognitive impairment.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20191206olderptmeduse.html

CDC: Time to Ramp Up HIV Testing, Treatment, Prevention

Too many Americans are unaware they have HIV infection, and when they know, they aren't treating it correctly, according to a new CDC report. A separate study found that distributing HIV self-tests increased awareness and prevented transmission.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20191211mmwrhiv.html

CDC Proposes Expanding Its HCV Testing Recommendations

The CDC intends to expand its current recommendations for hepatitis C virus screening and is seeking public comment on the proposed changes, which would include one-time screening for adults 18 and older.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20191217cdchcvtest.html

USPSTF Recommends Screening Older Men Who Smoked for AAA

On Dec. 10, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted a final recommendation statement on screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm in asymptomatic patients, with recommendations included in that statement varying based on sex, age, smoking status and family history.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20191211uspstf-aaascreen.html

USPSTF: Offer Behavioral Counseling to Prevent STIs

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently posted a draft recommendation statement and draft evidence review on the use of behavioral counseling interventions to prevent sexually transmitted infections.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20191218uspstf-stis.html

Despite Awareness of Outbreak, Many Vapers Misunderstand Risks

Results of a survey commissioned by the AAFP show that young people who vape are aware of an outbreak of vaping-related illnesses and deaths, but many still don't understand the risks.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20191220vapesurvey.html

Study: Misuse of Certain Nonopioid Analgesics on the Rise

Research suggests that as the number of prescriptions written for opioids has dropped, there has been a corresponding rise in the use of nonopioid medications such as gabapentin and baclofen to treat certain types of pain.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20200109nonopioidmeds.html

ACP Guideline Addresses Age-related Low Testosterone

The AAFP has endorsed the American College of Physicians' clinical practice guideline on treating adult men with age-related low testosterone, which recommends initiating testosterone treatment only for those experiencing sexual dysfunction.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20200113age-relatedtestosterone.html

Nonpharmacologic Therapies Can Improve Chronic Pain Outcomes

A review of military health records has found that veterans who received nonpharmacologic therapies to manage chronic pain are less likely than those who did not to experience long-term adverse outcomes.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20200115nonpharmtx.html

Survey Reveals Common Misconceptions About Flu, Vaccination

Millennials and African Americans are more likely than other groups to skip their annual flu vaccines, according to the results of a survey commissioned by the AAFP.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20200122flusurvey.html

CDC Issues Advisory on Elevated Influenza Activity

The CDC recently released a Health Alert Network advisory to notify physicians that influenza activity nationally remains high, primarily due to heightened circulation of influenza B/Victoria viruses.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20200116fluactivity.html

Folic Acid/Zinc Supplements Fail to Boost Fertility in Men

Dietary supplementation with folic acid and zinc does not improve fertility in men and may produce unwanted gastrointestinal symptoms, new research has found.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20200123zincfolicacid.html

AAFP President: Prepare Your Office for Novel Coronavirus

Two confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV that was first detected in Wuhan, China, have now been reported in the United States, with other suspected cases under investigation.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20200124novelcoronavirus.html

CDC Updates Interim Guidance for Novel Coronavirus

As the CDC continues to update its interim guidance for health care professionals on the novel coronavirus first detected in Wuhan, China, the AAFP will work to rapidly relay that information to members.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20200205coronavirusupdt.html

CDC, AAFP Release 2020 Immunization Schedules

The CDC and its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, together with the AAFP and other medical professional organizations, have released the 2020 adult and childhood immunization schedules.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20200207vaccskeds.html

Study Identifies Drugs of Concern for Patients With CKD

A team of Canadian researchers has developed a list of three dozen medications that must or could be dose-adjusted or avoided in patients with chronic kidney disease.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20200212ckdmeds.html

CDC Updates Treatment Guidelines for Latent TB Infection

The CDC recently updated guidelines for the treatment of latent tuberculosis infection, the first comprehensive guidelines on LTBI issued since 2000.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20200219ltbiguidelines.html

Smoking Cessation Report Examines New Quitting Strategies

A report from the surgeon general contains a wealth of new information on interventions and strategies for smoking cessation that family physicians can employ with their patients.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20200220sgcessationreport.html

Study: Many Young Women Receiving Unnecessary Pelvic Exams

More than half of all pelvic examinations performed in women younger than 21 may be unnecessary, new research suggests. And nearly three-fourths of Pap tests in these patients may not be needed.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20200225pelvicexams.html

CDC Releases Interim Flu Vaccine Effectiveness Report

According to a Feb. 21 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report from the CDC, the current influenza vaccine has been 45% effective overall against 2019-2020 seasonal influenza A and B viruses.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20200226interimfluve.html

Evidence Lacking on Cognitive Impairment Screening in Older Adults

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has concluded that there is insufficient evidence to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for cognitive impairment in older adults.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20200226uspstfcognitivescreen.html

ACIP Recommends Preexposure Ebola Virus Vaccine

During the Feb. 26-27 meeting of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the group voted to recommend a preexposure vaccine against Ebola virus for adults.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20200304acipmtg.html

AAFP Creates COVID-19 Member Community, Preparation Checklist

The AAFP continues to work with the CDC and state/local health departments to disseminate the latest coronavirus disease 2019 guidance to Academy members through one resource.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20200311coronavirus4.html

Cannabis Use in Older Adults Continues Upward Trend

A recent analysis of patient data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that cannabis use among older adults increased steadily between 2015 and 2018.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20200304cannabisuse.html

Worrisome Increase in Marijuana Vaping Seen Among Youth

Findings from two recently published research letters show that rates of marijuana use in e-cigarettes have increased significantly among U.S. middle and high school students since 2017.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20200310marijuanavape.html

USPSTF: Screen All Adults 18-79 for HCV Infection

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently issued a final recommendation statement that calls for screening all adults ages 18-79 for hepatitis C virus infection.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20200316uspstfhcvscreen.html

U.S. FP Shares COVID-19 Insights From Practice in China

As thousands of U.S. family physicians brace for COVID-19 in their communities, AAFP member Laura Jordhen, M.D., shares her insights after experiencing the outbreak at her practice in China.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20200318covidqa.html

Gallup Survey: Support for Childhood Vaccination Declining

Results of a recent Gallup survey indicate that overall support for childhood vaccinations has dropped 10% in the past two decades. The survey found that 84% of adults surveyed in 2019 said it was extremely or very important that parents vaccinate their children, down from 94% in 2001.

https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20200318gallupvax.html