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Drug Dosing Adjustments in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease - American Family ...

May 15, 2007 - Chronic kidney disease affects renal drug elimination and other pharmacokinetic processes involved in drug disposition (e.g., absorption, drug distribution, nonrenal clearance [metabolism]). Drug dosing errors are common in patients with renal impairment and can cause adverse effects ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2007/0515/p1487.html

Common Questions About Outpatient Care of Premature Infants - American Family Physician

Aug 15, 2014 - Preterm births (deliveries before 37 weeks’ gestation) comprise 12% of all U.S. births and are responsible for onethird of all infant deaths. Neonatal medical advances have increased survival, and primary care physicians often care for infants who were in the neonatal intensive care ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/0815/p244.html

Management of Common Sleep Disorders - American Family Physician

Aug 15, 2013 - Sleep disorders are common and affect sleep quality and quantity, leading to increased morbidity. Patients with sleep disorders can be categorized as those who cannot sleep, those who will not sleep, those with excessive daytime sleepiness, and those with increased movements during ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2013/0815/p231.html

Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Bronchitis - American Family Physician

Dec 1, 2010 - Cough is the most common symptom bringing patients to the primary care physician’s office, and acute bronchitis is usually the diagnosis in these patients. Acute bronchitis should be differentiated from other common diagnoses, such as pneumonia and asthma, because these conditions may ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2010/1201/p1345.html

Adolescent Health Screening and Counseling - American Family Physician

Dec 15, 2012 - Serious health problems, risky behavior, and poor health habits persist among adolescents despite access to medical care. Most adolescents do not seek advice about preventing leading causes of morbidity and mortality in their age group, and physicians often do not find ways to provide ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/1215/p1109.html

H. pylori Infection: ACG Updates Treatment Recommendations - Practice Guidelines - ...

Jan 15, 2018 - Helicobacter pylori infection is one of the most common chronic bacterial infections. The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) has updated its clinical guidelines in response to significant scientific advances in the management of this disease.

American Family Physician : Practice Guidelines

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0115/p135.html

Update on Vitamin B12 Deficiency - American Family Physician

Jun 15, 2011 - Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency is a common cause of megaloblastic anemia, a variety of neuropsychiatric symp- toms, and elevated serum homocysteine levels, especially in older persons. There are a number of risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency, including prolonged use of ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2011/0615/p1425.html

99213 or 99214? Three Tips for Navigating the Coding Conundrum -- FPM

Aug 1, 2018 - Here’s how to quickly identify whether you’re on the path to a 99214 versus a 99213.

Family Practice Management : Articles

https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2018/0700/p5.html

Should Adults with Prediabetes Be Prescribed Metformin to Prevent Diabetes Mellitus? ...

Aug 1, 2019 - Discussing with patients the pros and cons of medications for borderline glucose values could distract us from more important topics such as lifestyle changes, smoking cessation, and blood pressure control. Time is the most valuable resource in a physician-patient partnership, and there...

American Family Physician : Editorials: Controversies in Family Medicine

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0801/p136.html

Promoting Smoking Cessation - American Family Physician

Mar 15, 2012 - Cigarette smoking causes significant morbidity and mortality in the United States. Physicians can use the five A’s framework (ask, advise, assess, assist, arrange) to promote smoking cessation. All patients should be asked about tobacco use and assessed for motivation to quit at every ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/0315/p591.html

Identifying and Managing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder - American Family Physician

Dec 15, 2013 - Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs in an estimated 8% of men and 20% of women who are exposed to traumatic events. PTSD is a trauma- and stress-related disorder associated with significant psychosocial morbidity, substance abuse, and other negative physical health outcomes. The...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2013/1215/p827.html

Arthropod Bites - American Family Physician

Dec 15, 2013 - The phylum Arthropoda includes arachnids and insects. Although their bites typically cause only local reactions, some species are venomous or transmit disease. The two medically important spiders in the United States are widow spiders (Latrodectus), the bite of which causes intense ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2013/1215/p841.html

Neglected Parasitic Infections: What Every Family Physician Needs to Know - American ...

May 15, 2014 - Neglected parasitic infections, including Chagas disease, toxocariasis, cysticercosis, and toxoplasmosis, affect millions of persons in the United States. Relatively few resources have been devoted to surveillance, prevention, and treatment of these diseases. Chagas disease primarily ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/0515/p803.html

Dermatologic Conditions in Skin of Color: Part I. Special Considerations for Common ...

Jun 15, 2013 - Skin of color traditionally refers to that of persons of African, Asian, Native American, Middle Eastern, and Hispanic backgrounds. Differences in cutaneous structure and function can result in skin conditions with distinct presentations and varying prevalence that require unique ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2013/0615/p850.html

Diagnosis and Management of Pancreatic Cancer - American Family Physician

Apr 15, 2014 - Pancreatic cancer remains the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Risk factors include family history, smoking, chronic pancreatitis, obesity, diabetes mellitus, heavy alcohol use, and possible dietary factors. Because more than two-thirds of ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/0415/p626.html

Screening for Cancer: Concepts and Controversies - American Family Physician

Nov 1, 2014 - Early detection of cancer is a core task in family medicine, and patients have come to expect screening tests, sometimes out of proportion to what evidence can justify. To understand the controversies surrounding screening and to provide sound advice to patients, family physicians ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/1101/p625.html

Treatment of Nongenital Cutaneous Warts - American Family Physician

Aug 1, 2011 - Numerous treatments for nongenital cutaneous warts are available, although no single therapy has been established as completely curative. Watchful waiting is an option for new warts because many resolve spontaneously. However, patients often request treatment because of social stigma or...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2011/0801/p288.html

Intrapartum Fetal Monitoring - American Family Physician

Dec 15, 2009 - Continuous electronic fetal monitoring was developed in the 1960s to assist in the diagnosis of fetal hypoxia during labor. Continuous electronic fetal monitoring has been shown to reduce the incidence of neonatal seizures, but there has been no beneficial effect in decreasing cerebral ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/1215/p1388.html

Diagnostic Approach to Pleural Effusion in Adults - American Family Physician

Apr 1, 2006 - The first step in the evaluation of patients with pleural effusion is to determine whether the effusion is a transudate or an exudate. An exudative effusion is diagnosed if the patient meets Light's criteria. The serum to pleural fluid protein or albumin gradients may help better ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2006/0401/p1211.html

Diagnosis of Deep Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism - American Family Physician

Nov 15, 2012 - Venous thromboembolism manifests as deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism, and has a mortality rate of 6 to 12 percent. Well-validated clinical prediction rules are available to determine the pretest probability of DVT and pulmonary embolism. When the likelihood of DVT is ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/1115/p913.html

The Role of BNP Testing in Heart Failure - American Family Physician

Dec 1, 2006 - Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are simple and objective measures of cardiac function. These measurements can be used to diagnose heart failure, including diastolic dysfunction, and using them has been shown to save money in the emergency department setting. The high negative ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2006/1201/p1893.html

Surveillance of the Adult Cancer Survivor - American Family Physician

Jan 1, 2015 - The term cancer survivor refers to anyone living with a diagnosis of cancer. As the U.S. population ages, cancer screening increases, and cancer treatments improve, millions more Americans will be classified as cancer survivors in the future. Although many survivors wish to continue ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2015/0101/p29.html

Postexposure Prophylaxis for Common Infectious Diseases - American Family Physician

Jul 1, 2013 - Postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) is effective in preventing illness after potential or documented exposure to a variety of microbial pathogens and in reducing the risk of secondary spread of infection. Guidelines have been published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2013/0701/p25.html

Diverticular Bleeding - American Family Physician

Nov 1, 2009 - Diverticular bleeding is a common cause of lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Patients typically present with massive and painless rectal hemorrhage. If bleeding is severe, initial resuscitative measures should include airway maintenance and oxygen supplementation, followed by ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/1101/p977.html

Screening for Osteoporosis to Prevent Fractures: Recommendation Statement - U.S. ...

Nov 15, 2018 - The USPSTF recommends screening for osteoporosis with bone measurement testing to prevent osteoporotic fractures in women 65 years and older.

American Family Physician : U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/1115/od1.html

Diagnosis and Management of Von Willebrand Disease: Guidelines for Primary Care - ...

Dec 1, 2009 - Von Willebrand disease is an inherited condition characterized by deficiency of von Willebrand factor, which is essential in hemostasis. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has released new evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis and management of the disease. There are ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/1201/p1261.html

Influenza Vaccination: Updated 2020-2021 Recommendations from ACIP - Practice ...

Oct 15, 2020 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has released its recommendations for routine influenza vaccination in the 2020–2021 season.

American Family Physician : Practice Guidelines

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/1015/p505.html

Fatigue: An Overview - American Family Physician

Nov 15, 2008 - Fatigue, a common presenting symptom in primary care, negatively impacts work performance, family life, and social relationships. The differential diagnosis of fatigue includes lifestyle issues, physical conditions, mental disorders, and treatment side effects. Fatigue can be classified...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2008/1115/p1173.html

Evaluation of the Patient with Chronic Cough - American Family Physician

Oct 15, 2011 - Initial evaluation of the patient with chronic cough (i.e., of more than eight weeks’ duration) should include a focused history and physical examination, and in most patients, chest radiography. Patients who are taking an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor should switch to a ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2011/1015/p887.html

Common Eye Emergencies - American Family Physician

Oct 15, 2013 - Ocular emergencies such as retinal detachments, mechanical globe injuries, and chemical injuries can cause permanent vision loss if they are not recognized and treated promptly. Family physicians should be familiar with the signs and symptoms associated with each condition, and be able ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2013/1015/p515.html

Diagnosis and Management of Lyme Disease - American Family Physician

Jun 1, 2012 - Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, is the most common tick-borne illness in the United States. Transmission occurs primarily through the bite of an infected deer tick (Ixodes scapularis). Identification of an erythema migrans rash following a tick bite is the ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/0601/p1086.html

A Primary Care Approach to Substance Misuse - American Family Physician

Jul 15, 2013 - Substance misuse is common among patients in primary care settings. Although it has a substantial health impact, physicians report low levels of preparedness to identify and assist patients with substance use disorders. An effective approach to office-based treatment includes a coherent...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2013/0715/p113.html

Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome - American Family Physician

Aug 1, 2006 - Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome occurs in approximately 20 percent of patients after abrupt discontinuation of an antidepressant medication that was taken for at least six weeks. Typical symptoms of antidepressant discontinuation syndrome include flu-like symptoms, insomnia, ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2006/0801/p449.html

Prevention of Health Care-Associated Infections - American Family Physician

Sep 15, 2014 - Health care–associated infections cause approximately 75,000 deaths annually, in addition to increasing morbidity and costs. Over the past decade, a downward trend in health care–associated infections has occurred nationwide. Basic prevention measures include administrative support, ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/0915/p377.html

Evaluation of Primary Immunodeficiency Disease in Children - American Family Physician

Jun 1, 2013 - One in 2,000 children younger than 18 years is thought to have a primary immunodeficiency disease. Antibody, combined B-cell and T-cell, phagocytic, and complement disorders are the most common types. Children with these diseases tend to have bacterial or fungal infections with unusual ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2013/0601/p773.html

Common Questions About Bell Palsy - American Family Physician

Feb 1, 2014 - Bell palsy is an acute affliction of the facial nerve, resulting in sudden paralysis or weakness of the muscles on one side of the face. Testing patients with unilateral facial paralysis for diabetes mellitus or Lyme disease is not routinely recommended. Patients with Lyme disease ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/0201/p209.html

Clinical Management of Urinary Incontinence in Women - American Family Physician

May 1, 2013 - Most cases of urinary incontinence in women fall under one of three major subtypes: urge, stress, or mixed. A stepped-care approach that advances from least invasive (behavioral modification) to more invasive (surgery) interventions is recommended. Bladder retraining and pelvic floor ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2013/0501/p634.html

Update on Acute Ankle Sprains - American Family Physician

Jun 15, 2012 - Ankle sprains are a common problem seen by primary care physicians, especially among teenagers and young adults. Most ankle sprains are inversion injuries to the lateral ankle ligaments, although high sprains representing damage to the tibiofibular syndesmosis are becoming increasingly ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/0615/p1170.html

Subacute Management of Ischemic Stroke - American Family Physician

Dec 15, 2011 - Ischemic stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and a common reason for hospitalization. The subacute period after a stroke refers to the time when the decision to not employ thrombolytics is made up until two weeks after the stroke occurred. Family physicians ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2011/1215/p1383.html

When to Suspect a Genetic Syndrome - American Family Physician

Nov 1, 2012 - Family physicians should be able to recognize findings on physical examination and history that suggest the presence of a genetic syndrome to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of potentially affected patients, as well as subspecialty referral. General themes that can alert family ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/1101/p826.html

Hyperkalemia - American Family Physician

Jan 15, 2006 - Hyperkalemia is a potentially life-threatening metabolic problem caused by inability of the kidneys to excrete potassium, impairment of the mechanisms that move potassium from the circulation into the cells, or a combination of these factors. Acute episodes of hyperkalemia commonly are ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2006/0115/p283.html

Common Skin Conditions During Pregnancy - American Family Physician

Jan 15, 2007 - Common skin conditions during pregnancy generally can be separated into three categories: hormone-related, preexisting, and pregnancy-specific. Normal hormone changes during pregnancy may cause benign skin conditions including striae gravidarum (stretch marks); hyperpigmentation (e.g., ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2007/0115/p211.html

Diagnosis and Treatment of Community-Acquired Pneumonia - American Family Physician

Feb 1, 2006 - Patients with community-acquired pneumonia often present with cough, fever, chills, fatigue, dyspnea, rigors, and pleuritic chest pain. When a patient presents with suspected community-acquired pneumonia, the physician should first assess the need for hospitalization using a mortality ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2006/0201/p442.html

Evaluation and Treatment of Endometriosis - American Family Physician

Jan 15, 2013 - Endometriosis, which affects up to 10 percent of reproductive-aged women, is the presence of endometrial tissue outside of the uterine cavity. It is more common in women with pelvic pain or infertility (25 to 40 percent and 70 to 90 percent, respectively). Some women with endometriosis ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2013/0115/p107.html

Common Pigmentation Disorders - American Family Physician

Jan 15, 2009 - Common causes of hyperpigmentation include postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, solar lentigines, ephelides (freckles), and cafe-au-lait macules. Although most hyperpigmented lesions are benign and the diagnosis is straightforward, it is important to exclude melanoma and its ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0115/p109.html

Dermatologic Conditions in Skin of Color: Part II. Disorders Occurring Predominately in...

Jun 15, 2013 - Several skin conditions are more common in persons with skin of color, including dermatosis papulosa nigra, pseudofolliculitis barbae, acne keloidalis nuchae, and keloids. Dermatosis papulosa nigra is a common benign condition characterized by skin lesions that do not require treatment,...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2013/0615/p859.html

Common Questions About Barrett Esophagus - American Family Physician

Jan 15, 2014 - Barrett esophagus is a precancerous metaplasia of the esophagus that is more common in patients with chronic reflux symptoms, although it also occurs in patients without symptomatic reflux. Other risk factors include smoking, male sex, obesity, white race, hiatal hernia, and increasing ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/0115/p92.html

Sleep Disorders in Children - American Family Physician

Jun 15, 2017 - Advertisement AFP BY TOPIC Sleep Disorders in Children Editors' Choice of Best Available Content This collection features the best content from AFP, as identified by the AFP editors, on sleep disorders in children and related issues, including enuresis, insomnia, nightmares and...

American Family Physician : AFP By Topic

https://www.aafp.org/afp/topicModules/viewTopicModule.htm?topicModuleId=84

Management of Chronic Tendon Injuries - American Family Physician

Apr 1, 2013 - Chronic tendon injuries present unique management challenges. The assumption that these injuries result from ongoing inflammation has caused physicians to rely on treatments demonstrated to be ineffective in the long term. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be limited in the ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2013/0401/p486.html

Cholesterol Management: ACC/AHA Updates Guideline - Practice Guidelines - American ...

May 1, 2019 - The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) task force on clinical practice guidelines has updated its 2013 cholesterol guideline.

American Family Physician : Practice Guidelines

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0501/p589.html

Pertussis: A Reemerging Infection - American Family Physician

Oct 15, 2013 - Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is an acute respiratory tract infection that has increased in incidence in recent years. The initial catarrhal stage presents with nonspecific symptoms of malaise, rhinorrhea, sneezing, lacrimation, and mild cough. During the paroxysmal stage, ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2013/1015/p507.html

Management of the Ingrown Toenail - American Family Physician

Feb 15, 2009 - Ingrown toenail, or onychocryptosis, most commonly affects the great toenail. Many anatomic and behavioral factors are thought to contribute to ingrown toenails, such as improper trimming, repetitive or inadvertent trauma, genetic predisposition, hyperhidrosis, and poor foot hygiene. ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0215/p303.html

Anaphylaxis: Recognition and Management - American Family Physician

Nov 15, 2011 - Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening, systemic allergic reaction that is almost always unanticipated and may lead to death by airway obstruction or vascular collapse. Anaphylaxis occurs as the result of an allergen response, usually immunoglobulin E–mediated, which leads to mast ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2011/1115/p1111.html

Reducing the Risk of Adverse Drug Events in Older Adults - American Family Physician

Mar 1, 2013 - Adverse drug events occur in 15 percent or more of older patients presenting to offices, hospitals, and extended care facilities. These events are potentially preventable up to 50 percent of the time. Common serious manifestations include falls, orthostatic hypotension, heart failure, ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2013/0301/p331.html

Top 20 Research Studies of 2013 for Primary Care Physicians - American Family Physician

Sep 15, 2014 - In 2013, we performed monthly surveillance of more than 110 English-language clinical research journals, and identified approximately 250 studies that had the potential to change the practice of family physicians. Each study was critically appraised and summarized by a group of primary ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/0915/p397.html

An Update on Emergency Contraception - American Family Physician

Apr 1, 2014 - Emergency contraception decreases the risk of unintended pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse or after suspected failure of routine contraception (e.g., a condom breaking). Oral methods include combined contraceptive pills (i.e., Yuzpe method), single- or split-dose ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/0401/p545.html

Common Breast Problems - American Family Physician

Aug 15, 2012 - A palpable mass, mastalgia, and nipple discharge are common breast symptoms for which patients seek medical attention. Patients should be evaluated initially with a detailed clinical history and physical examination. Most women presenting with a breast mass will require imaging and ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/0815/p343.html

The Limping Child: A Systematic Approach to Diagnosis - American Family Physician

Feb 1, 2009 - Deviations from a normal age-appropriate gait pattern can be caused by a wide variety of conditions. In most children, limping is caused by a mild, self-limiting event, such as a contusion, strain, or sprain. In some cases, however, a limp can be a sign of a serious or even ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0201/p215.html

Atrial Fibrillation: Diagnosis and Treatment - American Family Physician

Jan 1, 2011 - Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. It impairs cardiac function and increases the risk of stroke. The incidence of atrial fibrillation increases with age. Key treatment issues include deciding when to restore normal sinus rhythm, when to control rate only, and how...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2011/0101/p61.html

Zinc: An Essential Micronutrient - American Family Physician

May 1, 2009 - Zinc is an essential micronutrient for human metabolism that catalyzes more than 100 enzymes, facilitates protein folding, and helps regulate gene expression. Patients with malnutrition, alcoholism, inflammatory bowel disease, and malabsorption syndromes are at an increased risk of zinc...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0501/p768.html

Common Conditions in the Overhead Athlete - American Family Physician

Apr 1, 2014 - The overhead athlete is at unique risk for injury because of the mechanics associated with rapid shoulder elevation, abduction, and external rotation. Angulation of the humeral head against the posterosuperior glenoid can cause rotator cuff tendon and labral impingement. The throwing or...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/0401/p537.html

JNC8 Guidelines for the Management of Hypertension in Adults - Practice Guidelines - ...

Oct 1, 2014 - Hypertension is one of the most important preventable contributors to disease and death in the United States, leading to myocardial infarction, stroke, and renal failure when it is not detected early and treated appropriately. The Eighth Joint National Committee (JNC 8) recently ...

American Family Physician : Practice Guidelines

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/1001/p503.html

Epididymitis and Orchitis: An Overview - American Family Physician

Apr 1, 2009 - Epididymitis and orchitis are commonly seen in the outpatient setting. Men between 14 and 35 years of age are most often affected, and Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are the most common pathogens in this age group. In other age groups, coliform bacteria are the primary ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0401/p583.html

Parkinson Disease: An Update - American Family Physician

Feb 15, 2013 - Parkinson disease is a progressive neurologic disorder afflicting approximately 1 percent of Americans older than 60 years. The cardinal features of Parkinson disease are bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor, and postural instability. There are a number of neurologic conditions that mimic the...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2013/0215/p267.html

Breast Cancer Screening Update - American Family Physician

Feb 15, 2013 - Breast cancer is the most common non–skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in North American women. Mammography is the only screening test shown to reduce breast cancer–related mortality. There is general agreement that screening should be offered at least biennially ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2013/0215/p274.html

Rural Practice -- FPM Topic Collection

Jul 23, 2014 - This article collection features FPM content addressing the special needs, challenges, and rewards of providing family medicine in rural and similarly underserved communities. This article collection features FPM content addressing the special needs, challenges, and rewards of providing...

Family Practice Management : Topic Collections

https://www.aafp.org/fpm/topicModules/viewTopicModule.htm?topicModuleId=92

Syphilis: A Reemerging Infection - American Family Physician

Sep 1, 2012 - Rates of primary and secondary syphilis have increased in the past decade, warranting renewed attention to the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Men who have sex with men are particularly affected; however, increases in infection rates have also been noted in women, as well as in...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/0901/p433.html

Naltrexone/Bupropion (Contrave) for Weight Loss - STEPS - American Family Physician

Apr 15, 2015 - Naltrexone/bupropion produces clinically significant weight loss when combined with a diet and exercise program. It decreases body weight in patients with diabetes, but its effect on diabetic outcomes is not known. A significant proportion of patients will experience adverse effects.

American Family Physician : STEPS

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2015/0415/p554.html

What Is New in HIV Infection? - American Family Physician

Feb 15, 2014 - Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention and treatment updates include screening recommendations, fourth-generation testing, preexposure prophylaxis, and a paradigm shift; treatment is prevention. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends routine HIV screening in persons ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/0215/p265.html

High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents - American Family Physician

Apr 1, 2012 - High blood pressure in children and adolescents is a growing health problem that is often overlooked by physicians. Normal blood pressure values for children and adolescents are based on age, sex, and height, and are available in standardized tables. Prehypertension is defined as a ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/0401/p693.html

Geriatric Assistive Devices - American Family Physician

Aug 15, 2011 - Disability and mobility problems increase with age. Assistive devices such as canes, crutches, and walkers can be used to increase a patient’s base of support, improve balance, and increase activity and independence, but they are not without significant musculoskeletal and metabolic ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2011/0815/p405.html

High Blood Pressure: ACC/AHA Releases Updated Guideline - Practice Guidelines - ...

Mar 15, 2018 - The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) recently updated their guideline on the prevention, detection, evaluation, and treatment of high BP in adults. The ACC/AHA recommendations were based on a systematic review that addressed four questions ...

American Family Physician : Practice Guidelines

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0315/p413.html

Acne Vulgaris: Treatment Guidelines from the AAD - Practice Guidelines - American ...

Jun 1, 2017 - Acne vulgaris, which occurs in 50 million persons living in the United States, is associated with physical and psychological morbidity (e.g., scarring, poor self-image, depression) and results in more than $3 billion in direct costs annually. In addition, knowledge about its ...

American Family Physician : Practice Guidelines

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0601/p740.html

Iliotibial Band Syndrome: A Common Source of Knee Pain - American Family Physician

Apr 15, 2005 - Iliotibial band syndrome is a common knee injury. The most common symptom is lateral knee pain caused by inflammation of the distal portion of the iliotibial band. The iliotibial band is a thick band of fascia that crosses the hip joint and extends distally to insert on the patella, ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2005/0415/p1545.html

Somatoform Disorders - American Family Physician

Nov 1, 2007 - The somatoform disorders are a group of psychiatric disorders that cause unexplained physical symptoms. They include somatization disorder (involving multisystem physical symptoms), undifferentiated somatoform disorder (fewer symptoms than somatization disorder), conversion disorder ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2007/1101/p1333.html

Managing Difficult Encounters: Understanding Physician, Patient, and Situational ...

Mar 15, 2013 - Family physicians commonly find themselves in difficult clinical encounters. These encounters often leave the physician feeling frustrated. The patient may also be dissatisfied with these encounters because of unmet needs, unfulfilled expectations, and unresolved medical issues. ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2013/0315/p419.html

Osteochondrosis: Common Causes of Pain in Growing Bones - American Family Physician

Feb 1, 2011 - Osteochondrosis is a term used to describe a group of disorders that affect the growing skeleton. These disorders result from abnormal growth, injury, or overuse of the developing growth plate and surrounding ossification centers. The exact etiology of these disorders is unknown, but ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2011/0201/p285.html

Recognition and Evaluation of Nontraumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Ruptured ...

Oct 1, 2013 - Swift diagnosis and treatment are critical for good outcomes in patients with nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, which is usually caused by a ruptured aneurysm. This type of stroke often results in death or disability. Rates of misdiagnosis and treatment delays for subarachnoid ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2013/1001/p451.html

Opioid Management -- FPM Topic Collection

May 16, 2017 - Advertisement Topic Collection Opioid Management Editors' Choice of Best Available Content How do you safely prescribe and manage opioids and other controlled substances for patients with chronic pain? This article collection features popular FPM content on the topic....

Family Practice Management : Topic Collections

https://www.aafp.org/fpm/topicModules/viewTopicModule.htm?topicModuleId=107

Identification and Treatment of Amblyopia - American Family Physician

Mar 1, 2013 - Amblyopia is the leading cause of vision loss in children. It is treatable if diagnosed early, making identification of affected children critical. The American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that clinicians ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2013/0301/p348.html

Prevention, Recognition, and Management of Serotonin Syndrome - American Family Physician

May 1, 2010 - Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by excessive serotonergic activity in the nervous system. It is characterized by mental status changes, autonomic instability, and neuromuscular hyperactivity. Most reported cases of serotonin syndrome are in patients...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2010/0501/p1139.html

Financial Management -- FPM Toolbox

Nov 16, 2011 - Download templates and checklists to help you track practice expenses, analyze payer reimbursement, and manage other financial issues.

Family Practice Management : FPM Toolbox : Financial Management

https://www.aafp.org/fpm/toolBox/viewToolType.htm?toolTypeId=13

Top 20 Research Studies of 2012 for Primary Care Physicians - American Family Physician

Sep 15, 2013 - This is the second annual summary of top research studies in primary care. In 2012, through regular surveillance of more than 100 English-language clinical research journals, seven clinicians identified 270 studies with the potential to change primary care practice, called POEMs, or ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2013/0915/p380.html

Henoch-Schönlein Purpura - American Family Physician

Oct 1, 2009 - Henoch-SchÃ¶nlein purpura is an acute, systemic, immune complex-mediated, leukocytoclastic vasculitis. It is characterized by a triad of palpable purpura (without thrombocytopenia), abdominal pain, and arthritis. Most patients have an antecedent upper respiratory illness. More than 90 ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/1001/p697.html

Hearing Loss in Older Adults - American Family Physician

Jun 15, 2012 - Hearing loss affects approximately one-third of adults 61 to 70 years of age and more than 80 percent of those older than 85 years. Men usually experience greater hearing loss and have earlier onset compared with women. The most common type is age-related hearing loss; however, many ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/0615/p1150.html

Evaluation and Treatment of the Acutely Injured Worker - American Family Physician

Jan 1, 2014 - Approximately 3 million work-related injuries were reported by private industries in 2011, and primary care physicians provided care for approximately one out of four injured workers. To appropriately individualize the treatment of an injured worker and expedite the return to work ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/0101/p17.html

Diagnosis of Ear Pain - American Family Physician

Mar 1, 2008 - Many patients in primary care present with ear pain (otalgia). When the ear is the source of the pain (primary otalgia), the ear examination is usually abnormal. When the ear is not the source of the pain (secondary otalgia), the ear examination is typically normal. The cause of primary...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2008/0301/p621.html

Diagnosis and Management of Crohn's Disease - American Family Physician

Dec 15, 2011 - Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract at any point from the mouth to the rectum. Patients may experience diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, weight loss, abdominal masses, and anemia. Extraintestinal manifestations of Crohn’s disease ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2011/1215/p1365.html

First Trimester Bleeding - American Family Physician

Jun 1, 2009 - Vaginal bleeding in the first trimester occurs in about one fourth of pregnancies. About one half of those who bleed will miscarry. Guarded reassurance and watchful waiting are appropriate if fetal heart sounds are detected, if the patient is medically stable, and if there is no adnexal...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0601/p985.html

Drug Treatments for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - American Family Physician

Apr 15, 2009 - Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition present in approximately 5 to 10 percent of women of childbearing age. Diagnosis can be difficult because the signs and symptoms can be subtle and varied. These may include hirsutism, infertility, menstrual irregularities, and biochemical ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0415/p671.html

Urinalysis: A Comprehensive Review - American Family Physician

Mar 15, 2005 - A complete urinalysis includes physical, chemical, and microscopic examinations. Midstream clean collection is acceptable in most situations, but the specimen should be examined within two hours of collection. Cloudy urine often is a result of precipitated phosphate crystals in alkaline...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2005/0315/p1153.html

Acute Diverticulitis: Identifying Patients Unlikely to Have Complications - ...

Oct 15, 2020 - Can a clinical prediction rule accurately identify patients at low risk of complicated acute diverticulitis, defined as diverticulitis accompanied by abscess or peritonitis?

American Family Physician : Point-of-Care Guides

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/1015/p495.html

Dietary Fatty Acids - American Family Physician

Aug 15, 2009 - Fatty acids can be divided into four general categories: saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and trans fats. Saturated fatty acids and trans fats are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease. Monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids are ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0815/p345.html

Direct Primary Care -- FPM Topic Collection

Mar 18, 2014 - Some physicians are breaking ties with insurance companies and offering a direct-pay or cash-only approach to primary care services. This topic collection highlights several practices that have had success with variations of this model. Some physicians are breaking ties with insurance ...

Family Practice Management : Topic Collections

https://www.aafp.org/fpm/topicModules/viewTopicModule.htm?topicModuleId=90

Encouraging Health Behavior Change: Eight Evidence-Based Strategies -- FPM

Apr 1, 2018 - Using these brief interventions, you can help your patients make healthy behavior changes.

Family Practice Management : Articles

https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2018/0300/p31.html

Community-Acquired Pneumonia: Updated Recommendations from the ATS and IDSA - Practice ...

Jul 15, 2020 - The American Thoracic Society (ATS) and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) recently updated their recommendations on the diagnosis and treatment of community-acquired pneumonia.

American Family Physician : Practice Guidelines

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0715/p121.html

Cutaneous Cryosurgery - American Family Physician

Dec 15, 2012 - Cutaneous cryosurgery refers to localized application of freezing temperatures to achieve destruction of skin lesions. It can be used to treat a broad range of benign and premalignant skin conditions, and certain malignant skin conditions, with high cure rates. Cellular destruction is ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/1215/p1118.html

Shoulder Osteoarthritis: Diagnosis and Management - American Family Physician

Sep 1, 2008 - Osteoarthritis of the shoulder is a gradual wearing of the articular cartilage that leads to pain and stiffness. As the joint surface degenerates, the subchondral bone remodels, losing its sphericity and congruity. The joint capsule also becomes thickened, leading to further loss of ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2008/0901/p605.html

Common Questions About Pacemakers - American Family Physician

Feb 15, 2014 - Pacemakers are indicated in patients with certain symptomatic bradyarrhythmias caused by sinus node dysfunction, and in those with frequent, prolonged sinus pauses. Patients with third-degree or complete atrioventricular (AV) block benefit from pacemaker placement, as do those with type...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/0215/p279.html

Understanding and Interpreting the Serum Protein Electrophoresis - American Family ...

Jan 1, 2005 - Serum protein electrophoresis is used to identify patients with multiple myeloma and other serum protein disorders. Electrophoresis separates proteins based on their physical properties, and the subsets of these proteins are used in interpreting the results. Plasma protein levels ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2005/0101/p105.html