We're Making Progress on the Issues That Matter to FPs
As his term comes to an end, Michael Munger, M.D., reflects in this Leader Voices Blog post on his year as AAFP president and ponders the challenges that remain for family medicine.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20181008lv-mungerfinale.html
New MBI to appear on remittance advices -- FPM
As part of the ongoing switch to the new Medicare Beneficiary Identifier, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is including the new MBI number on all Medicare remittances.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/New_Medicare_Remittance_Advices.html
Two quick questions to assess patients' readiness for change -- FPM
Do your patients need to make better health decisions? Use these questions to determine how ready they are to change.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/readiness_for_change.html
Three keys to motivate care teams -- FPM
Follow these steps to get team members' buy-in o quality improvement initiatives.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/motivating_care_teams.html
How to code for immunization refusal -- FPM
Uses these ICD-10 codes to document why a patient refuses an immunization.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/immunization_refusal.html
Three habits of top-performing medical groups -- FPM
A new report highlights the habits of better-performing medical practices and shows that they focus their time, effort, and resources on three key areas.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/habits_of_top_practices.html
Abdominal Wall Pain: Clinical Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, and Treatment - ...
Oct 1, 2018 - Abdominal wall pain is often mistaken for intra-abdominal visceral pain, resulting in expensive and unnecessary laboratory tests, imaging studies, consultations, and invasive procedures. Those evaluations generally are nondiagnostic, and lingering pain can become frustrating to the ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/1001/p429.html
Mechanical Low Back Pain - American Family Physician
Oct 1, 2018 - Low back pain is usually nonspecific or mechanical. Mechanical low back pain arises intrinsically from the spine, intervertebral disks, or surrounding soft tissues. Clinical clues, or red flags, may help identify cases of nonmechanical low back pain and prompt further evaluation or ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/1001/p421.html
Anemia - American Family Physician
Oct 1, 2018 - This collection features AFP content on anemia and related issues, including blood transfusions, iron deficiency and iron supplementation, macrocytosis, microcytosis, and thalassemia. This collection features AFP content on anemia and related issues, including blood transfusions, iron ...
American Family Physician : AFP By Topic
https://www.aafp.org/afp/topicModules/viewTopicModule.htm?topicModuleId=2
Anemia in Older Adults - American Family Physician
Oct 1, 2018 - Anemia is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in older adults. Diagnostic cutoff values for defining anemia vary with age, sex, and possibly race. Anemia is often asymptomatic and discovered incidentally on laboratory testing. Patients may present with symptoms related to ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/1001/p437.html
Fleshy Mass Passed Vaginally by a Young Woman - Photo Quiz - American Family Physician
Oct 1, 2018 - A women presented with worsening cramps and lower abdominal pain six weeks after starting medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera). The discomfort subsided after she vaginally passed a bloody fleshy mass.
American Family Physician : Photo Quiz
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/1001/p449.html
Four Evidence-Based Communication Strategies to Enhance Patient Care -- FPM
Oct 1, 2018 - These communication skills will increase patient engagement and satisfaction without slowing you down.
Family Practice Management : Articles
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2018/0900/p13.html
The Case for Medical Chaperones -- FPM
Oct 1, 2018 - It's time for more discussion about how best to incorporate chaperones in primary care.
Family Practice Management : Opinion
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2018/0900/p6.html
Depression in Adolescents: AAP Updates Guidelines on Diagnosis and Treatment - Practice...
Oct 1, 2018 - These updated recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics aim to address the identification and diagnosis of all forms of depression in adolescents, defined in this guideline as those 10 to 21 years of age.
American Family Physician : Practice Guidelines
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/1001/p462.html
Family Physicians Can Manage Adults with Hepatitis C - Editorials - American Family ...
Oct 1, 2018 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages family physicians to treat patients with hepatitis C. Outcomes when primary care physicians prescribe direct-acting antivirals to patients with uncomplicated hepatitis C are comparable to those of subspecialists.
American Family Physician : Editorials
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/1001/p413.html
10 Ways to Keep Your Quality Improvement Team Motivated -- FPM
Oct 1, 2018 - Assembling a dedicated QI team is only half the challenge. Here's how to build and sustain their momentum.
Family Practice Management : Articles
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2018/0900/p23.html
Hormone Therapy for Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Postmenopausal ...
Oct 1, 2018 - No benefit was observed in postmenopausal women receiving hormone therapy for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Find out more.
American Family Physician : Medicine by the Numbers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/1001/od1.html
Six Mobile Apps to Get Patients Started Exercising -- FPM
Oct 1, 2018 - Patients have many reasons for not being active. These apps can help push past some of those obstacles.
Family Practice Management : SPPACES: App Reviews
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2018/0900/oa1.html
How to Excel at Access -- and Why It Matters -- FPM
Oct 1, 2018 - Patients do better and cost less when they have ready access to primary care, but could your practice be thinking about access all wrong?
Family Practice Management : Articles
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2018/0900/p27.html
How Service Agreements Can Improve Referrals and Shrink the Medical Neighborhood -- FPM
Oct 1, 2018 - Defining expectations with consultants can make referrals easier for both you and your patients.
Family Practice Management : Articles
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2018/0900/p18.html
Therapist-Guided, Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Anxiety - FPIN's ...
Oct 1, 2018 - Therapist-guided, Internet-delivered CBT can be used as an effective treatment for anxiety in adults and is similar in effectiveness to face-to-face CBT.
American Family Physician : FPIN's Help Desk Answers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/1001/p459.html
How to Have a Good Goodbye -- FPM
Oct 1, 2018 - When it's time to move on because of a new job, retirement, or a life change, these six things can help you say goodbye well.
Family Practice Management : The Last Word
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2018/0900/p40.html
Interventions for Increasing Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Children Five Years and...
Oct 1, 2018 - Child feeding interventions are effective in the short term (i.e., less than 12 months) for increasing a child's intake of fruits and vegetables, but only by less than 5% of the recommended daily allowance. Conversely, parental nutrition education and multicomponent interventions, such ...
American Family Physician : Cochrane for Clinicians
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/1001/p419.html
Practice Pearls - Sep-Oct 2018 -- FPM
Oct 1, 2018 - Add a monitor to improve your productivity | Forget the feedback sandwich | Wipe your computer clean, literally | Track your time to look for efficiencies
Family Practice Management : Practice Pearls
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2018/0900/p35.html
Physician-Patient Communication: A Family Medicine Strength -- FPM
Oct 1, 2018 - But there is always room for improvement.
Family Practice Management : From the Editor
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2018/0900/p4.html
Aging Well: Poetry Can Help - Close-ups - American Family Physician
Oct 1, 2018 - Poems written by a 102-year-old living independently.
American Family Physician : Close-ups
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/1001/p451.html
Coding & Documentation - Sep-Oct 2018 -- FPM
Oct 1, 2018 - Initiating visits for chronic care management | Flu vaccine coding | Fish hook removal
Family Practice Management : Coding & Documentation
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2018/0900/p34.html
Consider Muscle Strengthening for Plantar Fasciitis - Letters to the Editor - American ...
Oct 1, 2018 - Advertisement << Previous article Next article >> Oct 1, 2018 Issue Letters to the Editor Consider Muscle Strengthening for Plantar Fasciitis Am Fam Physician. 2018 Oct 1;98(7):407. Original Article: Heel Pain: Diagnosis and Management Issue Date: January 15, 2018 Available online...
American Family Physician : Letter
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/1001/p407.html
Opportunities to Lead Are at Hand. Seize Them!
As his 10 years of service on the AAFP Board of Directors come to a close, John Meigs, M.D., reflects on his experience in this Leader Voices Blog post and calls for others to follow him.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20181001lv-leadership.html
Next wave of new Medicare cards rolls out -- FPM
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has started mailing new Medicare cards to beneficiaries who live in Wave 6 states: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/Medicare_cards_wave_6.html
Three ways to help patients choose more effective care -- FPM
Many patient interventions are unnecessary or unhelpful. Here's how to help patients choose more meaningful care.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/choosing_wisely.html
AAFP News - Oct 1, 2018 - American Family Physician
Oct 1, 2018 - Selected policy and health issues news briefs from AAFP News.
American Family Physician : AAFP News: AFP Edition
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/1001/p412.html
Low Back Pain - American Family Physician
Oct 1, 2018 - Advertisement << Previous article Next article >> Oct 1, 2018 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/2018/1001/p421-s1.html
Gentrification Has Unintended Consequences for Urban Poor
Urban redevelopment has dire consequences for the longtime residents and businesses it displaces. Marie Ramas, M.D., addresses gentrification in her final Fresh Perspectives blog post.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20180928fp-gentrification.html
Use of hurricane-related ICD-10 codes is changing -- FPM
The external cause codes for hurricane-related encounters have existed since ICD-10 was adopted. The important change, beginning Oct. 1, is that the National Center for Health Statistics provided clear definition on how to apply the codes correctly.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/hurricane_codes.html
How to opt out of Medicare -- FPM
These steps will help you opt out of Medicare safely.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/Medicare_opt_out.html
Six questions to ask your consultants -- FPM
Addressing these six areas when negotiating a service agreement with consultants can make patient referrals easier for everyone.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/service_agreements.html
Patient Handouts -- FPM Toolbox
Sep 26, 2018 - Download patient tools such as food and exercise diaries, a chronic pain medication agreement, and a new patient welcome letter.
Family Practice Management : FPM Toolbox : Patient Handouts
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/toolBox/viewToolType.htm?toolTypeId=22
It's Time to Rethink Who Should Be Eligible to Lead ACOs
CMS recently published a proposed rule for accountable care organizations (ACOs). In his latest In the Trenches blog post, AAFP Senior Vice President of Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin has a recommendation for CMS: Require that all ACOs be led by physicians.
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20180925itt-acos.html
Why I'm Building a Solo Practice -- Again
More than 30 years into practice, Erica Swegler, M.D., explains in this Leader Voices Blog post why she decided to buck current employment trends and go back to her roots as a solo family physician.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20180925lv-solopractice.html
New resources to ease ordering and prescribing DME under Medicare -- FPM
The DME Medicare administrative contractors are trying to help physicians and recently created some online resources to ease the ordering or prescribing of durable medical equipment for Medicare patients.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/DME_ordering_resources.html
POCUS: A Small Tool With Big Benefits for Primary Care
Alex Mroszczyk-McDonald, M.D., writes that as ultrasound devices get smaller, more powerful and more affordable, they can help reduce costs and improve patient care and safety.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20180921fp-pocus.html
Four tips for better medication adherence -- FPM
These tips can help your patients improve their medication adherence.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/medication_adherence.html
Six exercise apps to get your patients moving -- FPM
To help your patients get more exercise, recommend these six highly rated mobile apps.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/exercise_apps.html
Transitional care management: four common questions -- FPM
The rules for coding and billing transitional care management (TCM) services can be confusing. Here are four common questions.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/transitional_care.html
Don't forget the immunization administration code -- FPM
To get paid for the costs associated with administering vaccines, including staff time and supplies, be sure to report a code for the administration.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/immunization_administration_codes.html
A five-step approach to documenting uncertain diagnoses -- FPM
Disciplined note construction is critical to effective communication between physicians and may also contribute to clearer medical decision making.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/documenting_uncertain_diagnoses.html
I Hired a Community Health Worker and Now We Work Miracles
Patients need doctors, but some need more help to achieve better health. Kimberly Becher, M.D., writes about the dramatic difference a community health worker has made in her practice.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20180917fp-commhealth.html
The key to avoiding portal overload -- FPM
Implementing patient portals, particularly managing the higher volumes of patient messages and data they produce, can quickly overwhelm already overloaded physicians.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/portal_overload.html
CMS updates MIPS final scores, extends review deadline -- FPM
The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services has released updated final scores for the 2017 Merit-based Incentive Payment System performance period.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/CMS_updates_MIPS_final_scores.html
Hemolytic Anemia: Evaluation and Differential Diagnosis - American Family Physician
Sep 15, 2018 - Hemolytic anemia is defined by the premature destruction of red blood cells, and can be chronic or life-threatening. It should be part of the differential diagnosis for any normocytic or macrocytic anemia. Hemolysis may occur intravascularly, extravascularly in the reticuloendothelial ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0915/p354.html
Well-Child Visits for Infants and Young Children - American Family Physician
Sep 15, 2018 - The well-child visit allows for comprehensive assessment of a child and the opportunity for further evaluation if abnormalities are detected. A complete history during the well-child visit includes information about birth history; prior screenings; diet; sleep; dental care; and medical,...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0915/p347.html
Intestinal Obstruction: Evaluation and Management - American Family Physician
Sep 15, 2018 - Acute intestinal obstruction occurs when the forward flow of intestinal contents is interrupted or impaired by a mechanical cause. It is most commonly induced by intra-abdominal adhesions, malignancy, and herniation. The clinical presentation generally includes nausea, emesis, colicky ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0915/p362.html
Breastfeeding: Common Questions and Answers - American Family Physician
Sep 15, 2018 - All major health organizations recommend breastfeeding as the optimal source of infant nutrition, with exclusive breastfeeding recommended for the first six months of life. After six months, complementary foods may be introduced. Most organizations recommend breastfeeding for at least ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0915/p368.html
Single Maintenance and Reliever Therapy More Effective Than Inhaled Corticosteroids and...
Sep 15, 2018 - When compared with standard therapy (inhaled corticosteroids with or without LABAs and SABAs as relief therapy), SMART is associated with a reduced risk of acute asthma exacerbations in patients 12 years or older.
American Family Physician : POEMs
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0915/p383.html
Screening for Cardiovascular Disease Risk with Electrocardiography: Recommendation ...
Sep 15, 2018 - The USPSTF recommends against screening with resting or exercise electrocardiography (ECG) to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) events in asymptomatic adults at low risk of CVD events.
American Family Physician : U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0915/od1.html
Evidence-Based Medicine: Common Misconceptions, Barriers, and Practical Solutions - ...
Sep 15, 2018 - EBM is the integration of the best available evidence with clinical expertise and the individual patient's values, preferences, and unique circumstances. Despite the success of this approach, misconceptions and barriers remain.
American Family Physician : Editorials
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0915/p343.html
Crisaborole (Eucrisa) for Mild to Moderate Atopic Dermatitis - STEPS - American Family ...
Sep 15, 2018 - Crisaborole has been shown to be effective in about one-third of patients who use it, but it is much more expensive than other available products. Although crisaborole is a safe option for patients in whom topical corticosteroids are considered risky (e.g., children at least two years ...
American Family Physician : STEPS
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0915/p379.html
Deprescribing Antipsychotics for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia and ...
Sep 15, 2018 - As part of the Deprescribing Guidelines in the Elderly Project, a Canadian team consisting of two family physicians, one geriatric psychiatrist, two geriatricians, and four pharmacists has provided recommendations to guide physicians in deprescribing antipsychotics for behavioral and ...
American Family Physician : Practice Guidelines
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0915/p394.html
A Pigmented Thumbnail Lesion - Photo Quiz - American Family Physician
Sep 15, 2018 - A man with no recent trauma presented with a pigmented lesion on his thumbnail.
American Family Physician : Photo Quiz
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0915/p377.html
Screening for Cardiovascular Disease Risk with Electrocardiography - Putting Prevention...
Sep 15, 2018 - A 55-year-old man presents for an annual visit. He has no history of hypertension, cardiovascular disease (CVD), or diabetes mellitus; has never smoked; and has no family history of CVD. His lipid panel results from one year ago were normal, and he has no current symptoms of CVD.
American Family Physician : Putting Prevention into Practice
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0915/p375.html
Violence in the Health Care Setting: What Can We Do? - Curbside Consultation - American...
Sep 15, 2018 - n July 2017, Dr. Todd Graham was fatally shot by his patient's husband when Dr. Graham denied his patient's request for opioids. This case highlights that, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, health care professions are one of the most dangerous industries of employment in the ...
American Family Physician : Curbside Consultation
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0915/p381.html
Febuxostat Increases All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality Compared with Allopurinol -...
Sep 15, 2018 - For patients with gout who require treatment to lower their uric acid level, allopurinol is a safer option than febuxostat.
American Family Physician : POEMs
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0915/p385.html
HPV Testing Better Than Cytology for Women Vaccinated Against HPV - POEMs - American ...
Sep 15, 2018 - In women who had received the HPV vaccine, screening for HPV every five years, with cytology and colposcopy follow-up as needed, resulted in higher rates of identification of high-grade pre-cancerous disease than standard liquid-based cytology every 2.5 years with HPV follow-up ...
American Family Physician : POEMs
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0915/p384.html
Consider Cardiovascular Risk Factors Before Prescribing Triptans for Migraine - Letters...
Sep 15, 2018 - Advertisement << Previous article Next article >> Sep 15, 2018 Issue Letters to the Editor Consider Cardiovascular Risk Factors Before Prescribing Triptans for Migraine Am Fam Physician. 2018 Sep 15;98(6):342. Original Article: Acute Migraine Headache: Treatment Strategies Issue...
American Family Physician : Letter
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0915/p342.html
Adherence to CPAP May Make a Difference for Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with ...
Sep 15, 2018 - Advertisement Sep 15, 2018 Issue Letters to the Editor Adherence to CPAP May Make a Difference for Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with OSA Am Fam Physician. 2018 Sep 15;98(6):341-342. Original Article: Treating Sleep Apnea with Positive Airway Pressure Does Not Reduce Adverse CV...
American Family Physician : Letter
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0915/p341.html
AAFP News - Sep 15, 2018 - American Family Physician
Sep 15, 2018 - Selected policy and health issues news briefs from AAFP News.
American Family Physician : AAFP News: AFP Edition
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0915/p338.html
Helpful Tips for Breastfeeding - American Family Physician
Sep 15, 2018 - Advertisement << Previous article Next article >> Sep 15, 2018 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/2018/0915/p368-s1.html
Helpful FMX Information
Find the information you need to help you get the most out of your time at FMX, October 9 - 13, New Orleans.
Events : Family Medicine Experience (FMX) Virtual
https://www.aafp.org/events/fmx/about/helpful-info.html
AAFP Offers CMS Five Major Changes to Fee Schedule
The AAFP submitted 92 pages of comments to help CMS create a Medicare physician fee schedule that works for family physicians and their patients. AAFP Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin offers a summary in his latest In the Trenches blog post.
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20180911itt-mpfs.html
A Hiring Manager's Perspective on the Art of Interviewing
Are you looking for a job or preparing for residency interviews? Hiring manager Natasha Bhuyan, M.D., tells you what she's looking for when she's interviewing candidates.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20180910fp-interviewer.html
Why Does Equal Pay for Equal Work Still Elude Us?
The compensation gap between male and female physicians is widening. AAFP President Michael Munger, M.D., writes that this inequity is inexcusable and must end.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20180907lv-genderpaygap.html
Letting Life Take You by Surprise Can Stave Off Burnout
Physicians have the highest suicide rate in the nation. Kurt Bravata, M.D., ponders the need to recharge our batteries and reinforce the things that drew us into health care.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20180905fp-engage.html
Don't Forget Why You Chose Medicine in the First Place
Leonard Reeves, M.D., writes that remembering why you chose a career in medicine can be as important as how you go about pursuing that career.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20180904lv-yourwhy.html
How to respond when an employee makes a mistake -- FPM
The challenge of responding to employee mistakes is finding a way that not only holds people accountable for their actions but also provides a supportive environment in which they can learn.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/employee_mistakes.html
Annular Lesions: Diagnosis and Treatment - American Family Physician
Sep 1, 2018 - Annular lesions can present in a variety of diseases. Knowledge of the physical appearance and history of presentation of these skin findings can help in the diagnosis. A pruritic, annular, erythematous patch that grows centrifugally should prompt evaluation for tinea corporis. Tinea ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0901/p283.html
Common Foot Problems: Over-the-Counter Treatments and Home Care - American Family ...
Sep 1, 2018 - Most foot disorders do not require podiatry referral or complex interventions. After the clinical diagnosis is made, these conditions can typically be managed with over-the-counter (OTC) and home remedies, with guidance from the primary care physician. Stretching and strengthening ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0901/p298.html
Long-Acting Reversible Contraception: Difficult Insertions and Removals - American ...
Sep 1, 2018 - The use of long-acting reversible contraception is on the rise across the United States and has contributed to a decrease in teen pregnancies. With the increased use of long-acting reversible contraception, physicians may encounter difficult insertions and removals of intrauterine ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0901/p304.html
Antibiotics for Uncomplicated Skin Abscesses After Incision and Drainage: BMJ Rapid ...
Sep 1, 2018 - A collaboration between the BMJ and the MAGIC group led an international panel made up of a variety of health care professionals (e.g., family physicians, internists, dermatologists) and adults with experience treating and living with skin abscesses to create recommendations regarding ...
American Family Physician : Practice Guidelines
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0901/p323.html
Management of Insomnia Disorder in Adults - Implementing AHRQ Effective Health Care ...
Sep 1, 2018 - What are the effectiveness, comparative effectiveness, and adverse effects of interventions for insomnia disorder in adults?
American Family Physician : Implementing AHRQ Effective Health Care Reviews
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0901/p319.html
Blood Pressure Targets for Patients with Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease - ...
Sep 1, 2018 - Achieving a target BP of 135/85 mm Hg or less does not decrease the risk of total cardiovascular events vs. treating to a target of 140 to 160/90 to 100 mm Hg. Further, treating to the lower BP target does not improve total mortality, cardiovascular mortality, or serious adverse effects.
American Family Physician : Cochrane for Clinicians
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0901/p276.html
Feed Thickener for Newborn Infants with Gastroesophageal Reflux - Cochrane for ...
Sep 1, 2018 - Feed thickeners decrease the number of reflux episodes in full-term formula-fed infants. Additionally, full-term formula-fed infants with GER who are given thickeners are more than twice as likely to be asymptomatic compared with infants not receiving thickeners at one to eight weeks of...
American Family Physician : Cochrane for Clinicians
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0901/p275.html
A Painless Facial Nodule - Photo Quiz - American Family Physician
Sep 1, 2018 - A man presented with a solitary erythematous nodule on his chin that had persisted for three months despite antibiotic treatment.
American Family Physician : Photo Quiz
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0901/p317.html
Effect of Dietary Changes on IBS Symptoms - FPIN's Help Desk Answers - American Family ...
Sep 1, 2018 - A diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FOD-MAPs) decreases IBS symptoms and improves quality of life compared with usual diet.
American Family Physician : FPIN's Help Desk Answers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0901/od1.html
Radon: A Leading Environmental Cause of Lung Cancer - Editorials - American Family ...
Sep 1, 2018 - Protracted exposure to radon is the leading environmental cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Family physicians play a key role in informing patients about the health risks.
American Family Physician : Editorials
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0901/p280.html
Chewing Gum for Reducing Post-Cesarean Section Ileus - Medicine by the Numbers - ...
Sep 1, 2018 - Although the current body of literature suggests a need for higher-quality, more robust research, the simplicity, frugality, and safety of chewing gum makes it a viable option to offer women undergoing cesarean section.
American Family Physician : Medicine by the Numbers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0901/od2.html
Nonopioids Equivalent to Opioids for Severe Chronic Back, Hip, or Knee Pain with Fewer ...
Sep 1, 2018 - Nonopioid medications were at least as effective as opioid medications for improving pain-related function over 12 months in adults with severe chronic back pain or knee or hip osteoarthritis pain. The evidence that opioids are not superior to nonopioid medications for chronic and acute...
American Family Physician : POEMs
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0901/p316.html
Case Report: Successful Maternal and Fetal Outcomes After Uterine Rupture - Letters to ...
Sep 1, 2018 - Advertisement << Previous article Next article >> Sep 1, 2018 Issue Letters to the Editor Case Report: Successful Maternal and Fetal Outcomes After Uterine Rupture Am Fam Physician. 2018 Sep 1;98(5):272. To The Editor: In our urban, tertiary care university hospital, family...
American Family Physician : Letter
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0901/p272.html
AAFP News - Sep 1, 2018 - American Family Physician
Sep 1, 2018 - Selected policy and health issues news briefs from AAFP news.
American Family Physician : AAFP News: AFP Edition
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0901/p270.html
Common Foot Problems: Home Treatments - American Family Physician
Sep 1, 2018 - Advertisement << Previous article Next article >> Sep 1, 2018 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/2018/0901/p298-s1.html
Still time to request review of your MIPS final score -- FPM
If you believe Medicare has made an error in your 2019 MIPS payment adjustment calculation, you have only a few more weeks to request a targeted review.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/requesting_MIPS_targeted_review.html
Five tips to build resilience -- FPM
Building resilience can help you quickly recover from the pressures that cause burnout.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/cultivating_resilience.html
Coding for wound care: Is your EHR leading you astray? -- FPM
Remember these tips for properly coding three common types of wounds.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/coding_wound_care.html
And Down the Stretch They Come
As we near the final stretch of the midterm campaigns, AAFP Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin explains how FamMedPAC supports candidates who support primary care.
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20180828itt_midterms.html
Conflicting Beliefs Shouldn't Hinder Patient Care
Recent news of pharmacists refusing to fill prescriptions raises a question: What happens when the beliefs of a health care professional conflict with those of a patient?
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20180828lv-pharmrefusal.html
Referral Management -- FPM Toolbox
Aug 27, 2018 - Download tools to help you manage patient referrals.
Family Practice Management : FPM Toolbox : Referral Management
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/toolBox/viewToolType.htm?toolTypeId=26
Putting My Broad-scope Training to the Test
Tate Hinkle, M.D., and his primary care colleagues tested the limits of their broad-scope training when a wave of subspecialists left their small, rural community.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20180827fp-subspecialists.html
Five ways to reduce errors based on reliability science -- FPM
The key to reducing errors isn’t simply to try harder but to put processes in place that make it easy to do the right thing at the right time. Here are five ways to achieve this.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/reducing_errors.html
Medicare rolls out new cards to another group of states -- FPM
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has started mailing new Medicare cards to beneficiaries who live in Wave 5 states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/Medicare_cards_wave_5.html
How to handle a rude patient -- FPM
When you encounter patient rudeness or other difficult behaviors, the technique of reframing can help.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/rude_patients.html