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Diabetes: Type 2 - American Family Physician

Mar 1, 2021 - This collection features AFP content on type 2 diabetes and related issues, including blood glucose levels, diabetic complications (such as ketoacidosis and neuropathy), glycemic control, insulin management, and gestational diabetes. This collection features AFP content on type 2 ...

American Family Physician : AFP By Topic

https://www.aafp.org/afp/topicModules/viewTopicModule.htm?topicModuleId=7

HIV Infection in Adults: Initial Management - American Family Physician

Apr 1, 2021 - The HIV epidemic is an important public health priority. Transmissions continue to occur despite effective therapies that make HIV preventable and treatable. Approximately one-half of people with HIV are not receiving suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART). Starting ART early, ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2021/0401/p407.html

Topical Corticosteroids: Choice and Application - American Family Physician

Mar 15, 2021 - Topical corticosteroids are an essential tool for treating inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Topical corticosteroids are classified by strength and the risk of adverse effects such as atrophy, striae, rosacea, telangiectasias, purpura, and other ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2021/0315/p337.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

The Suicidal Patient: Evaluation and Management - American Family Physician

Apr 1, 2021 - Suicide rates in the United States increased from 20% to 30% between 2005 and 2015, and family physicians need evidence-based resources to address this growing clinical concern. Asking high-risk patients (e.g., patients with previous suicide attempts, substance misuse, low social ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2021/0401/p417.html

Hypertension - American Family Physician

Feb 15, 2021 - This collection features AFP content on hypertension and related issues, including pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies, and blood pressure monitoring and screening. This collection features AFP content on hypertension and related issues, including pharmacologic and ...

American Family Physician : AFP By Topic

https://www.aafp.org/afp/topicModules/viewTopicModule.htm?topicModuleId=12

Mildly Elevated Liver Transaminase Levels: Causes and Evaluation - American Family ...

Dec 1, 2017 - Mild, asymptomatic elevations (less than five times the upper limit of normal) of alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels are common in primary care. It is estimated that approximately 10% of the U.S. population has elevated transaminase levels. An approach based on the ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/1201/p709.html

Hemorrhoids: Diagnosis and Treatment Options - American Family Physician

Feb 1, 2018 - Many Americans between 45 and 65 years of age experience hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoidal size, thrombosis, and location (i.e., proximal or distal to the dentate line) determine the extent of pain or discomfort. The history and physical examination must assess for risk factors and clinical ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0201/p172.html

Hyperlipidemia - American Family Physician

Mar 15, 2021 - This collection features AFP content on hyperlipidemia and related issues, including dyslipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, kidney disease, lipid disorders, metabolic syndrome, statins, and triglyceride levels. This collection features AFP content on hyperlipidemia ...

American Family Physician : AFP By Topic

https://www.aafp.org/afp/topicModules/viewTopicModule.htm?topicModuleId=13

Pleuritic Chest Pain: Sorting Through the Differential Diagnosis - American Family ...

Sep 1, 2017 - Pleuritic chest pain is characterized by sudden and intense sharp, stabbing, or burning pain in the chest when inhaling and exhaling. Pulmonary embolism is the most common serious cause, found in 5% to 21% of patients who present to an emergency department with pleuritic chest pain. A ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0901/p306.html

Acute Appendicitis: Efficient Diagnosis and Management - American Family Physician

Jul 1, 2018 - Appendicitis is one of the most common causes of acute abdominal pain in adults and children, with a lifetime risk of 8.6% in males and 6.7% in females. It is the most common nonobstetric surgical emergency during pregnancy. Findings from the history, physical examination, and ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0701/p25.html

Ear Pain: Diagnosing Common and Uncommon Causes - American Family Physician

Jan 1, 2018 - Otalgia (ear pain) is a common presentation in the primary care setting with many diverse causes. Pain that originates from the ear is called primary otalgia, and the most common causes are otitis media and otitis externa. Examination of the ear usually reveals abnormal findings in ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0101/p20.html

FPM Toolbox -- Forms, Checklists, and Surveys

Mar 12, 2021 - Download more than 200 free practice improvement tools - from coding cheat sheets to encounter forms to Medicare annual wellness visit resources.

Family Practice Management : FPM Toolbox

https://www.aafp.org/fpm/toolBox/viewToolBox.htm

FPM Toolbox -- Forms, Checklists, and Surveys

Mar 12, 2021 - Download more than 200 free practice improvement tools - from coding cheat sheets to encounter forms to Medicare annual wellness visit resources.

Family Practice Management : FPM Toolbox

https://www.aafp.org/fpm/toolBox/viewToolBox.htm?cmpid=_van_194

FPM Toolbox -- Forms, Checklists, and Surveys

Mar 12, 2021 - Download more than 200 free practice improvement tools - from coding cheat sheets to encounter forms to Medicare annual wellness visit resources.

Family Practice Management : FPM Toolbox

https://www.aafp.org/fpm/toolBox/viewToolBox.htm?cmpid=_van_686

FPM Toolbox -- Forms, Checklists, and Surveys

Mar 12, 2021 - Download more than 200 free practice improvement tools - from coding cheat sheets to encounter forms to Medicare annual wellness visit resources.

Family Practice Management : FPM Toolbox

https://www.aafp.org/fpm/toolBox/viewToolBox.htm?cmpid=_van_195

Noninfectious Penile Lesions - American Family Physician

Jan 15, 2018 - Noninfectious penile lesions are classified by clinical presentation as papulosquamous (e.g., psoriasis), inflammatory (e.g., lichen sclerosus, lichen nitidus, lichen planus), vascular (e.g., angiokeratomas), or neoplastic (e.g., carcinoma in situ, invasive squamous cell carcinoma). ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0115/p102.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

Vaginitis: Diagnosis and Treatment - American Family Physician

Mar 1, 2018 - Vaginitis is defined as any condition with symptoms of abnormal vaginal discharge, odor, irritation, itching, or burning. The most common causes of vaginitis are bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and trichomoniasis. Bacterial vaginosis is implicated in 40% to 50% of cases ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0301/p321.html

Evaluating Medical Decision-Making Capacity in Practice - American Family Physician

Jul 1, 2018 - Medical decision-making capacity is the ability of a patient to understand the benefits and risks of, and the alternatives to, a proposed treatment or intervention (including no treatment). Capacity is the basis of informed consent. Patients have medical decision-making capacity if they...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0701/p40.html

Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Recognition and Management - American Family Physician

Sep 15, 2017 - Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common cause of megaloblastic anemia, various neuropsychiatric symptoms, and other clinical manifestations. Screening average-risk adults for vitamin B12 deficiency is not recommended. Screening may be warranted in patients with one or more risk factors, such...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0915/p384.html

Postpartum Hemorrhage: Prevention and Treatment - American Family Physician

Apr 1, 2017 - Postpartum hemorrhage is common and can occur in patients without risk factors for hemorrhage. Active management of the third stage of labor should be used routinely to reduce its incidence. Use of oxytocin after delivery of the anterior shoulder is the most important and effective ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0401/p442.html

Migraine Headache Prophylaxis - American Family Physician

Jan 1, 2019 - Migraines impose significant health and financial burdens. Approximately 38% of patients with episodic migraines would benefit from preventive therapy, but less than 13% take prophylactic medications. Preventive medication therapy reduces migraine frequency, severity, and ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0101/p17.html

Type 2 Diabetes Therapies: A STEPS Approach - American Family Physician

Feb 15, 2019 - A concise way to evaluate pharmacotherapy options for type 2 diabetes mellitus is to use the five patient-oriented STEPS criteria: safety, tolerability, efficacy, price, and simplicity. The first-line treatment option, metformin, is safe and fairly well-tolerated, has excellent ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0215/p237.html

Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis - American Family Physician

Apr 1, 2021 - Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is a diagnostic tool for many conditions affecting the central nervous system. Urgent indications for lumbar puncture include suspected central nervous system infection or subarachnoid hemorrhage. CSF analysis is not necessarily diagnostic but can be ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2021/0401/p422.html

Unexplained Lymphadenopathy: Evaluation and Differential Diagnosis - American Family ...

Dec 1, 2016 - Lymphadenopathy is benign and self-limited in most patients. Etiologies include malignancy, infection, and autoimmune disorders, as well as medications and iatrogenic causes. The history and physical examination alone usually identify the cause of lymphadenopathy. When the cause is ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/1201/p896.html

Acute and Chronic Paronychia - American Family Physician

Jul 1, 2017 - Paronychia is inflammation of the fingers or toes in one or more of the three nail folds. Acute paronychia is caused by polymicrobial infections after the protective nail barrier has been breached. Treatment consists of warm soaks with or without Burow solution or 1% acetic acid. ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0701/p44.html

Kidney Stones: Treatment and Prevention - American Family Physician

Apr 15, 2019 - Kidney stones are a common disorder, with an annual incidence of eight cases per 1,000 adults. During an episode of renal colic, the first priority is to rule out conditions requiring immediate referral to an emergency department, then to alleviate pain, preferably with a nonsteroidal ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0415/p490.html

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in Premenopausal Women - American Family Physician

Apr 1, 2019 - Abnormal uterine bleeding is a common symptom in women. The acronym PALM-COEIN facilitates classification, with PALM referring to structural etiologies (polyp, adenomyosis, leiomyoma, malignancy and hyperplasia), and COEIN referring to nonstructural etiologies (coagulopathy, ovulatory ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0401/p435.html

Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: Diagnosis and Management - American ...

Nov 1, 2017 - Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, also referred to as diastolic heart failure, causes almost one-half of the 5 million cases of heart failure in the United States. It is more common among older patients and women, and results from abnormalities of active ventricular ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/1101/p582.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

Outpatient Management of COVID-19: Rapid Evidence Review - American Family Physician

Oct 15, 2020 - Common presenting symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 include fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue. However, patients may have a wide range of symptoms representing a spectrum of mild to severe illness. Symptoms in children tend to be milder and may include fever, cough, ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/1015/p478.html

The Mental Status Examination - American Family Physician

Oct 15, 2016 - The mental status examination includes general observations made during the clinical encounter, as well as specific testing based on the needs of the patient and physician. Multiple cognitive functions may be tested, including attention, executive functioning, gnosia, language, memory, ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/1015/p635.html

First Trimester Bleeding: Evaluation and Management - American Family Physician

Feb 1, 2019 - Approximately one-fourth of pregnant women will experience bleeding in the first trimester. The differential diagnosis includes threatened abortion, early pregnancy loss, and ectopic pregnancy. Pain and heavy bleeding are associated with an increased risk of early pregnancy loss. ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0201/p166.html

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

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

Exercise Stress Testing: Indications and Common Questions - American Family Physician

Sep 1, 2017 - Exercise stress testing is a validated diagnostic test for coronary artery disease in symptomatic patients, and is used in the evaluation of patients with known cardiac disease. Testing of asymptomatic patients is generally not indicated. It may be performed in select deconditioned ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0901/p293.html

Acute and Chronic Urticaria: Evaluation and Treatment - American Family Physician

Jun 1, 2017 - Urticaria commonly presents with intensely pruritic wheals, sometimes with edema of the subcutaneous or interstitial tissue. It has a lifetime prevalence of about 20%. Although often self-limited and benign, it can cause significant discomfort, continue for months to years, and ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0601/p717.html

Subclinical Hyperthyroidism: When to Consider Treatment - American Family Physician

Jun 1, 2017 - Subclinical hyperthyroidism is defined by a low or undetectable serum thyroid-stimulating hormone level, with normal free thyroxine and total or free triiodothyronine levels. It can be caused by increased endogenous production of thyroid hormone (e.g., in Graves disease, toxic nodular ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0601/p710.html

Dizziness: Approach to Evaluation and Management - American Family Physician

Feb 1, 2017 - Dizziness is a common yet imprecise symptom. It was traditionally divided into four categories based on the patient’s history: vertigo, presyncope, disequilibrium, and light-headedness. However, the distinction between these symptoms is of limited clinical usefulness. Patients have ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0201/p154.html

Laceration Repair: A Practical Approach - American Family Physician

May 15, 2017 - The goals of laceration repair are to achieve hemostasis and optimal cosmetic results without increasing the risk of infection. Many aspects of laceration repair have not changed over the years, but there is evidence to support some updates to standard management. Studies have been ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0515/p628.html

Polypharmacy: Evaluating Risks and Deprescribing - American Family Physician

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

American Family Physician : Article

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

Diagnosis and Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - American Family Physician

Jul 15, 2016 - Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common endocrinopathy among reproductive-aged women in the United States, affecting approximately 7% of female patients. Although the pathophysiology of the syndrome is complex and there is no single defect from which it is known to result, it is ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/0715/p106.html

Urinary Tract Infections/Dysuria - American Family Physician

Sep 1, 2020 - This collection features AFP content on urinary tract infections/dysuria and related issues, including asymptomatic bacteriuria, bladder infections, cystitis, painful bladder syndrome, pyelonephritis, urinalysis, and urine dipstick testing. This collection features AFP content on ...

American Family Physician : AFP By Topic

https://www.aafp.org/afp/topicModules/viewTopicModule.htm?topicModuleId=30

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

Initiating Hormonal Contraception - American Family Physician

Mar 1, 2021 - Most patients can safely begin using hormonal contraception at any point in their menstrual cycle. An evidence-based, flexible, patient-centered approach to initiating contraception promotes health and enhances patients’ reproductive autonomy. A recent Papanicolaou test is not necessary...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2021/0301/p291.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

Common Fractures of the Radius and Ulna - American Family Physician

Mar 15, 2021 - Fractures of the radius and ulna are the most common fractures of the upper extremity, with distal fractures occurring more often than proximal fractures. A fall onto an outstretched hand is the most common mechanism of injury for fractures of the radius and ulna. Evaluation with ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2021/0315/p345.html

Bipolar Disorders: Evaluation and Treatment - American Family Physician

Feb 15, 2021 - Bipolar disorders are common, recurrent mental health conditions of variable severity that are difficult to diagnose. Affected individuals have higher rates of other mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and comorbid chronic medical illnesses. New diagnostic criteria and ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2021/0215/p227.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