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Urine Drug Tests: Ordering and Interpreting Results - American Family Physician

Jan 1, 2019 - Urine drug testing is an essential component of monitoring patients who are receiving long-term opioid therapy, and it has been suggested for patients receiving long-term benzodiazepine or stimulant therapy. Family physicians should be familiar with the characteristics and capabilities ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0101/p33.html

Headache - American Family Physician

Dec 15, 2020 - This collection features AFP content on headaches and related issues, including cluster headaches, migraines, tension-type headaches, and treatment of headaches. This collection features AFP content on headaches and related issues, including cluster headaches, migraines, tension-type ...

American Family Physician : AFP By Topic

https://www.aafp.org/afp/topicModules/viewTopicModule.htm?topicModuleId=10

Evaluation of Patients with Leukocytosis - American Family Physician

Dec 1, 2015 - An elevated white blood cell count has many potential etiologies, including malignant and nonmalignant causes. It is important to use age- and pregnancy-specific normal ranges for the white blood cell count. A repeat complete blood count with peripheral smear may provide helpful ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2015/1201/p1004.html

Management of Hypertriglyceridemia: Common Questions and Answers - American Family ...

Sep 15, 2020 - Hypertriglyceridemia, defined as fasting serum triglyceride levels of 150 mg per dL or higher, is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Severely elevated triglyceride levels (500 mg per dL or higher) increase the risk of pancreatitis. Common risk factors for ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0915/p347.html

Asthma - American Family Physician

Oct 1, 2020 - This collection features AFP content on asthma and related issues, including allergens, beta agonists, chronic cough, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, inhalers, and wheezing. This collection features AFP content on asthma and related issues, including allergens, beta agonists, ...

American Family Physician : AFP By Topic

https://www.aafp.org/afp/topicModules/viewTopicModule.htm?topicModuleId=3

Polypharmacy: Evaluating Risks and Deprescribing - American Family Physician

Jul 1, 2019 - Polypharmacy, defined as regular use of at least five medications, is common in older adults and younger at-risk populations and increases the risk of adverse medical outcomes. There are several risk factors that can lead to polypharmacy. Patient-related factors include having multiple ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0701/p32.html

Encounter Forms -- FPM Toolbox

May 4, 2020 - Download encounter forms to help ensure accurate documentation for asthma, diabetes, hypertension, and other conditions common in primary care.

Family Practice Management : FPM Toolbox : Encounter Forms

https://www.aafp.org/fpm/toolBox/viewToolType.htm?toolTypeId=12

Common Skin Rashes in Children - American Family Physician

Aug 1, 2015 - Because childhood rashes may be difficult to differentiate by appearance alone, it is important to consider the entire clinical presentation to help make the appropriate diagnosis. Considerations include the appearance and location of the rash; the clinical course; and associated ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2015/0801/p211.html

Hyperthyroidism: Diagnosis and Treatment - American Family Physician

Mar 1, 2016 - Hyperthyroidism is an excessive concentration of thyroid hormones in tissues caused by increased synthesis of thyroid hormones, excessive release of preformed thyroid hormones, or an endogenous or exogenous extrathyroidal source. The most common causes of an excessive production of ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/0301/p363.html

Acute Coronary Syndrome: Current Treatment - American Family Physician

Feb 15, 2017 - Acute coronary syndrome continues to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Family physicians need to identify and mitigate risk factors early, as well as recognize and respond to acute coronary syndrome events quickly in any clinical setting. Diagnosis ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0215/p232.html

Vaccine Adverse Events: Separating Myth from Reality - American Family Physician

Jun 15, 2017 - Vaccines are one of the most successful medical advances in modern times. Most vaccine-preventable illnesses are unfamiliar to modern parents. Because of this, parents are increasingly questioning the necessity of immunizing their children, especially because no vaccine is completely ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0615/p786.html

Hair Loss: Common Causes and Treatment - American Family Physician

Sep 15, 2017 - Hair loss is often distressing and can have a significant effect on the patient’s quality of life. Patients may present to their family physician first with diffuse or patchy hair loss. Scarring alopecia is best evaluated by a dermatologist. Nonscarring alopecias can be readily ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0915/p371.html

Acne Vulgaris: Diagnosis and Treatment - American Family Physician

Oct 15, 2019 - Acne vulgaris is the most prevalent chronic skin disease in the United States, affecting nearly 50 million people per year, mostly adolescents and young adults. Potential sequelae of acne, such as scarring, dyspigmentation, and low self-esteem, may result in significant morbidity. ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/1015/p475.html

Musculoskeletal Care - American Family Physician

Jan 15, 2021 - This collection features AFP content on musculoskeletal care and related issues, including fracture management, joint aspiration, joint injections, pain in various parts of the body (foot and ankle; neck and back; hip; knee; arm and shoulder; and wrist and hand). This collection ...

American Family Physician : AFP By Topic

https://www.aafp.org/afp/topicModules/viewTopicModule.htm?topicModuleId=17

Potassium Disorders: Hypokalemia and Hyperkalemia - American Family Physician

Sep 15, 2015 - Hypokalemia and hyperkalemia are common electrolyte disorders caused by changes in potassium intake, altered excretion, or transcellular shifts. Diuretic use and gastrointestinal losses are common causes of hypokalemia, whereas kidney disease, hyperglycemia, and medication use are ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2015/0915/p487.html

Chronic Diarrhea in Adults: Evaluation and Differential Diagnosis - American Family ...

Apr 15, 2020 - Chronic diarrhea is defined as a predominantly loose stool lasting longer than four weeks. A patient history and physical examination with a complete blood count, C-reactive protein, anti-tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin A (IgA), total IgA, and a basic metabolic panel are useful ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0415/p472.html

Gout: Rapid Evidence Review - American Family Physician

Nov 1, 2020 - Gout is caused by monosodium urate crystal deposition in joints and tissues. Risk factors include male sex; obesity; hypertension; alcohol intake; diuretic use; a diet rich in meat and seafood; chronic kidney disease; a diet heavy in fructose-rich food and beverages; being a member of ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/1101/p533.html

Managing Hypertension Using Combination Therapy - American Family Physician

Mar 15, 2020 - More than 70% of adults treated for primary hypertension will eventually require at least two antihypertensive agents, either initially as combination therapy or as add-on therapy if monotherapy and lifestyle modifications do not achieve adequate blood pressure control. Four main ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0315/p341.html

Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Adults: Diagnosis and Management - American Family ...

Nov 1, 2016 - Community-acquired pneumonia is a leading cause of death. Risk factors include older age and medical comorbidities. Diagnosis is suggested by a history of cough, dyspnea, pleuritic pain, or acute functional or cognitive decline, with abnormal vital signs (e.g., fever, tachycardia) and ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/1101/p698.html

Diagnosis and Management of Sodium Disorders: Hyponatremia and Hypernatremia - American...

Mar 1, 2015 - Hyponatremia and hypernatremia are common findings in the inpatient and outpatient settings. Sodium disorders are associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Plasma osmolality plays a critical role in the pathophysiology and treatment of sodium disorders. Hyponatremia ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2015/0301/p299.html

Diagnosis and Management of Common Foot Fractures - American Family Physician

Feb 1, 2016 - Foot fractures are among the most common foot injuries evaluated by primary care physicians. They most often involve the metatarsals and toes. Patients typically present with varying signs and symptoms, the most common being pain and trouble with ambulation. Diagnosis requires ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/0201/p183.html

Acute Migraine Headache: Treatment Strategies - American Family Physician

Feb 15, 2018 - Migraine is a primary headache disorder characterized by recurrent attacks. Acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, triptans, antiemetics, ergot alkaloids, and combination analgesics have evidence supporting their effectiveness in the treatment of migraine. Acetaminophen ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0215/p243.html

Evaluation of Neck Masses in Adults - American Family Physician

May 15, 2015 - Neck masses are often seen in clinical practice, and the family physician should be able to determine the etiology of a mass using organized, efficient diagnostic methods. The first goal is to determine if the mass is malignant or benign; malignancies are more common in adult smokers ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2015/0515/p698.html

Heart Failure - American Family Physician

Jul 15, 2020 - This collection features AFP content on heart failure and related issues, including angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs), cardiomyopathy, cardioverter-defibrillators, congestive heart failure, and diastolic and systolic heart failure. This...

American Family Physician : AFP By Topic

https://www.aafp.org/afp/topicModules/viewTopicModule.htm?topicModuleId=26

Diagnosis and Management of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder in Adults -...

May 1, 2015 - Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder (PD) are among the most common mental disorders in the United States, and they can negatively impact a patient’s quality of life and disrupt important activities of daily living. Evidence suggests that the rates of missed diagnoses ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2015/0501/p617.html

Labor Dystocia in Nulliparous Women - American Family Physician

Jan 15, 2021 - Dystocia (abnormally slow or protracted labor) accounts for 25% to 55% of primary cesarean deliveries. The latent phase of labor begins with onset of regular, painful contractions and continues until 6 cm of cervical dilation. Current recommendations are to avoid admission to labor and ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2021/0115/p90.html

Ingrown Toenail Management - American Family Physician

Aug 1, 2019 - Ingrown toenails account for approximately 20% of foot problems in primary care. The great toe is most often affected. Ingrown toenails occur most commonly in young men, and nail care habits and footwear are most often contributory factors. No consensus has been reached for the best ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0801/p158.html

Severe Asymptomatic Hypertension: Evaluation and Treatment - American Family Physician

Apr 15, 2017 - Hypertension affects one-third of Americans and is a significant modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, renal disease, and death. Severe asymptomatic hypertension is defined as severely elevated blood pressure (180 mm Hg or more systolic, or 110 mm Hg or more ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0415/p492.html

Disorders of Puberty: An Approach to Diagnosis and Management - American Family Physician

Nov 1, 2017 - Disorders of puberty can profoundly impact physical and psychosocial well-being. Precocious puberty is pubertal onset before eight years of age in girls and before nine years of age in boys. Patients with early isolated pubertal changes, prepubertal linear growth, and no worrisome ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/1101/p590.html

Insomnia: Pharmacologic Therapy - American Family Physician

Jul 1, 2017 - Insomnia accounts for more than 5.5 million visits to family physicians each year. Although behavioral interventions are the mainstay of treatment, pharmacologic therapy may be necessary for some patients. Understanding the risks and benefits of insomnia medications is critical. ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0701/p29.html

Management of Constipation in Older Adults - American Family Physician

Sep 15, 2015 - Chronic constipation is common in adults older than 60 years, and symptoms occur in up to 50% of nursing home residents. Primary constipation is also referred to as functional constipation. Secondary constipation is associated with chronic disease processes, medication use, and ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2015/0915/p500.html

Depression: Screening and Diagnosis - American Family Physician

Oct 15, 2018 - Depression affects an estimated 8% of persons in the United States and accounts for more than $210 billion in health care costs annually. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and American Academy of Family Physicians recommend screening for depression in the general adult ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/1015/p508.html

Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: Recognition and Management - American Family Physician

Dec 15, 2020 - Degenerative cervical myelopathy encompasses a collection of pathologic conditions that result in progressive spinal cord dysfunction secondary to cord compression. Patients are typically male (3: 1 male-to-female ratio), and the average age of presentation is 64 years. The exact ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/1215/p740.html

Glucose Management in Hospitalized Patients - American Family Physician

Nov 15, 2017 - Glucose management in hospitalized patients poses challenges to physicians, including identifying blood glucose targets, judicious use of oral diabetes mellitus medications, and implementing appropriate insulin regimens. Uncontrolled blood glucose levels can lead to deleterious effects ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/1115/p648.html

Skin and Soft Tissue Infections - American Family Physician

Sep 15, 2015 - Skin and soft tissue infections result from microbial invasion of the skin and its supporting structures. Management is determined by the severity and location of the infection and by patient comorbidities. Infections can be classified as simple (uncomplicated) or complicated ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2015/0915/p474.html

Atopic Dermatitis: Diagnosis and Treatment - American Family Physician

May 15, 2020 - Atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema) is a chronic relapsing and remitting inflammatory skin disease affecting one in 10 people in their lifetime. Atopic dermatitis is caused by a complex interaction of immune dysregulation, epidermal gene mutations, and environmental factors that disrupts ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0515/p590.html

Chronic Kidney Disease: Detection and Evaluation - American Family Physician

Dec 15, 2017 - Chronic kidney disease affects 47 million people in the United States and is associated with significant health care costs, morbidity, and mortality. Because this disease can silently progress to advanced stages, early detection is critical for initiating timely interventions. Multiple ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/1215/p776.html

Tremor: Sorting Through the Differential Diagnosis - American Family Physician

Feb 1, 2018 - Tremor is an involuntary, rhythmic, oscillatory movement of a body part. It is the most common movement disorder encountered in primary care. The diagnosis of tremor is based on clinical information obtained from the history and physical examination. The most common tremors in patients ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0201/p180.html

Dysuria: Evaluation and Differential Diagnosis in Adults - American Family Physician

Nov 1, 2015 - The most common cause of acute dysuria is infection, especially cystitis. Other infectious causes include urethritis, sexually transmitted infections, and vaginitis. Noninfectious inflammatory causes include a foreign body in the urinary tract and dermatologic conditions. ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2015/1101/p778.html

Amenorrhea: A Systematic Approach to Diagnosis and Management - American Family Physician

Jul 1, 2019 - Menstrual patterns can be an indicator of overall health and self-perception of well-being. Primary amenorrhea, defined as the lifelong absence of menses, requires evaluation if menarche has not occurred by 15 years of age or three years post-thelarche. Secondary amenorrhea is ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0701/p39.html

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

Persistent Night Sweats: Diagnostic Evaluation - American Family Physician

Oct 1, 2020 - Night sweats are a nonspecific symptom that patients commonly experience but rarely discuss with their physicians without prompting. Although many life-threatening causes such as malignancies or infections have been described, most patients who report persistent night sweats in the ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/1001/p427.html

Uterine Fibroids: Diagnosis and Treatment - American Family Physician

Jan 15, 2017 - Uterine fibroids are common benign neoplasms, with a higher prevalence in older women and in those of African descent. Many are discovered incidentally on clinical examination or imaging in asymptomatic women. Fibroids can cause abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pressure, bowel ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0115/p100.html

Gastroenteritis in Children - American Family Physician

Feb 1, 2019 - Acute gastroenteritis is defined as a diarrheal disease of rapid onset, with or without nausea, vomiting, fever, or abdominal pain. In the United States, acute gastroenteritis accounts for 1.5 million office visits, 200,000 hospitalizations, and 300 deaths in children each year. ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0201/p159.html

Parkinson Disease - American Family Physician

Dec 1, 2020 - Parkinson disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with significant morbidity and mortality. Most patients consult with their primary care physician about Parkinson disease symptoms before seeking care from a specialist. The diagnosis of Parkinson disease is clinical, and key...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/1201/p679.html

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State - American Family Physician

Dec 1, 2017 - Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state is a life-threatening emergency manifested by marked elevation of blood glucose and hyperosmolarity with little or no ketosis. Although there are multiple precipitating causes, underlying infections are the most common. Other causes include certain ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/1201/p729.html

Coronary Artery Disease/Coronary Heart Disease - American Family Physician

Dec 1, 2020 - This collection features AFP content on coronary artery disease (CAD), coronary heart disease (CHD) and related issues, including acute coronary syndrome, angina, cardiomyopathy, hypertension, and myocardial infarction. This collection features AFP content on coronary artery disease ...

American Family Physician : AFP By Topic

https://www.aafp.org/afp/topicModules/viewTopicModule.htm?topicModuleId=4

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Diagnosis and Management - American Family Physician

Dec 15, 2016 - Carpal tunnel syndrome, the most common entrapment neuropathy of the upper extremity, is caused by compression of the median nerve as it travels through the carpal tunnel. Classically, patients with the condition experience pain and paresthesias in the distribution of the median nerve, ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/1215/p993.html

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Diagnosis and Management - American Family ...

Apr 1, 2017 - The diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should be suspected in patients with risk factors (primarily a history of smoking) who report dyspnea at rest or with exertion, chronic cough with or without sputum production, or a history of wheezing. COPD may be suspected ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0401/p433.html

The Adult Well-Male Examination - American Family Physician

Dec 15, 2018 - The adult well-male examination should provide evidence-based guidance toward the promotion of optimal health and well-being. The medical history should focus on tobacco and alcohol use, risk of human immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmitted infections, and diet and ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/1215/p729.html