Accuracy of Dermoscopy vs. Visual Inspection for Diagnosing Melanoma in Adults - ...
Feb 1, 2020 - The addition of dermoscopy to in-person visual inspection of skin lesions increases specificity and sensitivity in the detection of melanoma. In-person evaluation with dermoscopy is more accurate than image-based assessment.
American Family Physician : Cochrane for Clinicians
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0201/p145.html
Acute Appendicitis: Computed Tomography for Diagnosis in Adults - Cochrane for ...
Oct 1, 2020 - In a nonpregnant adult with clinical signs and symptoms of appendicitis, computed tomography has a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 94%.
American Family Physician : Cochrane for Clinicians
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/1001/p403.html
Acute Chest Pain in Adults: Outpatient Evaluation - American Family Physician
Dec 15, 2020 - Approximately 1% of primary care office visits are for chest pain, and 2% to 4% of these patients will have unstable angina or myocardial infarction. Initial evaluation is based on determining whether the patient needs to be referred to a higher level of care to rule out acute coronary ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/1215/p721.html
Adding Ultrasonography to Mammography Increases False-Positive Findings Without an ...
Jan 1, 2020 - Adding ultrasonography to screening mammography in women younger than 50 years at low, intermediate, or high breast cancer risk is not associated with an increase in breast cancer detection. It is associated with increased unnecessary biopsy recommendations and results in more frequent ...
American Family Physician : POEMs
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0101/p53a.html
Allopurinol Hypersensitivity Assay HLA-B*58:01 Genotyping - Diagnostic Tests: What ...
Nov 1, 2019 - The allopurinol hypersensitivity assay, or HLA-B*58:01 test, is a blood test to detect the presence of a human leukocyte antigen B (HLA-B) genetic variant that increases the risk of life-threatening, severe cutaneous adverse reactions in patients taking allopurinol.
American Family Physician : Diagnostic Tests: What Physicians Need to Know
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/1101/p530.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
Applying a Clinical Decision Rule for CAD in Primary Care to Select a Diagnostic Test ...
May 1, 2019 - Using the INTERCHEST chest pain decision rule to decide next steps when a patient presents to a primary care physician with chest pain.
American Family Physician : Point-of-Care Guides
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0501/p584.html
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Screening and Evaluation - FPIN's Help Desk ...
Jun 1, 2019 - The Conners Abbreviated Symptom Questionnaire has the best combination of positive and negative likelihood ratios.
American Family Physician : FPIN's Help Desk Answers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0601/p712.html
Autism Screening with Follow-Up Overidentifies Autism Spectrum Disorder - POEMs - ...
May 15, 2020 - Screening for ASD with the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers with Follow-Up is effective in ruling out ASD in children who screen positive (negative predictive value of 98.6% at 2.2% prevalence).
American Family Physician : POEMs
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0515/p630.html
Bone Mineral Density Testing: One and Done - POEMs - American Family Physician
Mar 1, 2021 - Rechecking bone mineral density (BMD) after three years does not add additional prognostic information. Serial BMD testing is not useful in estimating fracture risk and assessing the need for treatment because BMD does not change much within three years.
American Family Physician : POEMs
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2021/0301/p311.html
Breast Cancer Screening: ACP Releases Guidance Statements - Practice Guidelines - ...
Feb 1, 2020 - The American College of Physicians reviewed guidelines from other organizations and developed four statements to provide advice to clinicians about breast cancer screening for women who are at average risk.
American Family Physician : Practice Guidelines
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0201/p184.html
Breast Cancer Screening: Common Questions and Answers - American Family Physician
Jan 1, 2021 - Breast cancer is the most common nonskin cancer in women and accounts for 30% of all new cancers in the United States. The highest incidence of breast cancer is in women 70 to 74 years of age. Numerous risk factors are associated with the development of breast cancer. A risk assessment ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2021/0101/p33.html
Brief Cognitive Testing in the Detection and Diagnosis of Clinical Alzheimer-Type ...
Feb 1, 2021 - In adults with suspected cognitive impairment, what is the utility of brief cognitive testing in detecting clinical Alzheimer-type dementia and distinguishing it from mild cognitive impairment or normal cognition?
American Family Physician : Implementing AHRQ Effective Health Care Reviews
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2021/0201/p183.html
Cancer Screening: ACS Releases Annual Summary of Recommendations - Practice Guidelines ...
Jun 1, 2019 - The American Cancer Society (ACS) provides a summary of recommendations for cancer screening each year, including any updates and recent data, and advice for when recommendations cannot be made.
American Family Physician : Practice Guidelines
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0601/p719.html
Cervical Colposcopy: Indications and Risk Assessment - American Family Physician
Jul 1, 2020 - The practice of colposcopy, a diagnostic procedure to evaluate for vaginal, vulvar, and cervical dysplasia, has evolved to incorporate patient risk factors for high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cancer. Changes in cervical cancer screening and guidelines, human ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0701/p39.html
Chronic Cough After Acute Viral Bronchiolitis: Suggestions from the ACCP - Practice ...
May 15, 2019 - To address the high prevalence of bronchiolitis, the effects of chronic cough on patients' quality of life, and adverse effects from inappropriate use of medications, an expert panel from the American College of Chest Physicians performed systematic reviews to develop several ...
American Family Physician : Practice Guidelines
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0515/p654.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
Chronic Dyspnea: Diagnosis and Evaluation - American Family Physician
May 1, 2020 - Dyspnea is a symptom arising from a complex interplay of diseases and physiologic states and is commonly encountered in primary care. It is considered chronic if present for more than one month. As a symptom, dyspnea is a predictor for all-cause mortality. The likeliest causes of ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0501/p542.html
Clinical Diagnosis of Acute Bacterial Rhinosinusitis - Point-of-Care Guides - American ...
Jun 15, 2020 - Which patients with symptoms of acute rhinosinusitis have bacterial infection?
American Family Physician : Point-of-Care Guides
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0615/p758.html
Closing Primary and Prenatal Care Gaps to Prevent Congenital Syphilis - Editorials - ...
Jul 15, 2020 - Family physicians can prevent congenital syphilis by following national screening guidelines; taking accurate, detailed sexual histories; providing evidence-based interventions to people who use injection drugs; and advocating to reduce structural barriers to care.
American Family Physician : Editorials
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0715/p78.html
Colonoscopy Follow-up: U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer Updates ...
Mar 1, 2021 - Screening colonoscopy findings define the future risk of colorectal cancer and the need for repeat screening. The U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer updated recommended follow-up intervals after screening colonoscopy in average-risk individuals.
American Family Physician : Practice Guidelines
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2021/0301/p314.html
Colorectal Cancer Screening: ACP Guidance Statements - Practice Guidelines - American ...
Aug 15, 2020 - The American College of Physicians developed a consensus statement for colorectal cancer screening of average-risk adults based on their review of six independent guidelines and supporting evidence.
American Family Physician : Practice Guidelines
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0815/p250.html
Colorectal Cancer Screening: BMJ Rapid Recommendation - Practice Guidelines - American ...
Aug 15, 2020 - Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening recommendations vary because the underlying evidence is low quality, with few screening methods evaluated by randomized trials. The BMJ/MAGIC Group performed a systematic review based on 15-year CRC risk models to compare screening options.
American Family Physician : Practice Guidelines
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0815/p253.html
Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Type 2 Diabetes Is Not Ready for Widespread Adoption -...
Jun 1, 2020 - Although continuous glucose monitoring may benefit patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, there is limited evidence that it offers similar benefits in patients with type 2 diabetes, regardless of whether they are taking insulin.
American Family Physician : Editorials
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0601/p646.html
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) - American Family Physician
Dec 1, 2020 - Advertisement AFP BY TOPIC Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Editors' Choice of Best Available Content Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by an enveloped single-stranded RNA novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2...
- General
- Screening and Diagnosis
- Prevention
- Treatment
- Complications and Special Situations
- Other AFP Content
- Other Resources from AAFP
- Other Resources
American Family Physician : AFP By Topic
https://www.aafp.org/afp/topicModules/viewTopicModule.htm?topicModuleId=117
CT Colonography for Colorectal Cancer Screening - Diagnostic Tests: What Physicians ...
Jan 1, 2021 - Computed tomography colonography performs well for colorectal cancer screening. Long-term studies are needed to demonstrate its impact on patient morbidity and mortality, as well as to determine the risks, benefits, and costs.
American Family Physician : Diagnostic Tests: What Physicians Need to Know
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2021/0101/p55.html
Depression After ACS Events: AAFP Releases Updated Guidelines - Practice Guidelines - ...
Jun 15, 2019 - The American Academy of Family Physicians has released a guideline focusing on depression in adults within three months of an ACS event (unstable angina or myocardial infarction). The guideline is based on a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and observational studies and...
American Family Physician : Practice Guidelines
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0615/p785.html
Diagnosing Dementia and Clarifying Goals of Care - Lown Right Care: Reducing Overuse ...
Sep 15, 2019 - A collaboration between AFP and the Lown Institute promotes a vision of delivering heath care that is based on the evidence, balanced in its approach, and focused on the patient.
American Family Physician : Lown Right Care: Reducing Overuse and Underuse
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0915/p369.html
Diagnosing DVT in Nonpregnant Adults in the Primary Care Setting - Point-of-Care Guides...
Dec 15, 2019 - What is the best approach to the evaluation of nonpregnant adults with suspected first lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in the outpatient primary care setting?
American Family Physician : Point-of-Care Guides
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/1215/p778.html
Diagnosing VTE: Guidelines from the American Society of Hematology - Practice ...
Dec 1, 2019 - The American Society of Hematology has published recommendations for determining the optimal diagnostic strategy based on pretest risk.
American Family Physician : Practice Guidelines
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/1201/p716.html
Diagnosis of Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction - Point-of-Care Guides - ...
Feb 15, 2020 - Can signs, symptoms, and simple tests be used to determine the likelihood of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction?
American Family Physician : Point-of-Care Guides
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0215/p230.html
Diagnostic Imaging: Appropriate and Safe Use - American Family Physician
Jan 1, 2021 - The use of diagnostic radiography has doubled in the past two decades. Image Gently (children) and Image Wisely (adults) are multidisciplinary initiatives that seek to reduce radiation exposure by eliminating unnecessary procedures and offering best practices. Patients with an estimated...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2021/0101/p42.html
Diverticulitis: Predicting Which Patients with Acute Abdominal Pain Have the Disease - ...
Sep 15, 2020 - Is it possible to determine which patients with acute abdominal pain are likely to have diverticulitis and therefore do not require imaging?
American Family Physician : Point-of-Care Guides
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0915/p371.html
Downsides of Detecting Atrial Fibrillation in Asymptomatic Patients - Editorials - ...
Mar 15, 2019 - Despite the lack of outcomes evidence, the rise of wearable ECG sensors will cause many individuals to seek care for misdiagnosed AF. The best intervention for patients with correct diagnoses remains unclear. Primary care physicians must use their skills in discussing uncertainty and ...
American Family Physician : Editorials
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0315/p354.html
Dysphagia: Evaluation and Collaborative Management - American Family Physician
Jan 15, 2021 - Dysphagia is common but may be underreported. Specific symptoms, rather than their perceived location, should guide the initial evaluation and imaging. Obstructive symptoms that seem to originate in the throat or neck may actually be caused by distal esophageal lesions. Oropharyngeal ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2021/0115/p97.html
Endometrial Biopsy: Tips and Pitfalls - American Family Physician
May 1, 2020 - Endometrial biopsy is a safe and efficient method to evaluate the endometrium for a variety of indications, most commonly abnormal uterine bleeding and postmenopausal bleeding. Endometrial biopsy is highly specific for diagnosing atypical hyperplasia and endometrial cancer in ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0501/p551.html
Evaluating Diagnostic Tests: Introducing a New Feature in AFP - Editorials - American ...
Jul 1, 2019 - This new feature cuts through the hype and provides independent, objective assessments of new diagnostic tests that readers are considering incorporating into their practices.
American Family Physician : Editorials
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0701/p8.html
Evidence Lacking to Support Universal Unhealthy Drug Use Screening - Editorials - ...
Jan 15, 2021 - To address the growing problem of unhealthy drug use, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently updated its recommendations on screening for unhealthy drug use in adults and adolescents. For the first time, the USPSTF recommends screening adults 18 years and older by ...
American Family Physician : Editorials
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2021/0115/p72.html
Evidence to Avoid Overtesting and Overuse in Diabetes Mellitus and Other Diseases - ...
Nov 15, 2020 - What can physicians do to avoid overuse? Start by asking the right questions.
American Family Physician : Editorials
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/1115/p583.html
Fasting and Nonfasting Lipid Levels Similarly Predict Cardiovascular Disease Risk - ...
Jan 1, 2020 - Guidelines recommend checking lipid levels in nonfasting patients. They are easier to obtain and are equally predictive of subsequent cardiac events. Although triglyceride levels may be higher in nonfasting patients, cholesterol levels will be similar whether the patient was fasting or ...
American Family Physician : POEMs
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0101/p53.html
Fecal Occult Blood Testing Is Inaccurate as Part of Diagnostic Workup - POEMs - ...
Dec 1, 2020 - In this well-conducted systematic review, FOBT, although useful in screening for colorectal cancer, is not highly accurate in evaluating patients with clinical indications.
American Family Physician : POEMs
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/1201/p692.html
Fetal Aneuploidy: Screening and Diagnostic Testing - American Family Physician
Apr 15, 2020 - Aneuploidy is the presence of one or more extra chromosomes or the absence of one or more chromosomes. The risk of fetal aneuploidy rises with increasing maternal age. Because fetal aneuploidy can affect any pregnancy, all pregnant women should be offered screening. First-trimester ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0415/p481.html
Fetal Fibronectin Testing in Threatened Preterm Labor - Medicine by the Numbers - ...
Aug 1, 2020 - Fetal fibronectin testing is a common clinical test, performed via cervicovaginal secretion swab after 22 weeks of pregnancy, and is used to identify women at increased risk for preterm delivery. Learn more about the benefits and harms of fetal fibronectin testing in threatened preterm ...
American Family Physician : Medicine by the Numbers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0801/p145.html
FIT Has Similar Yield as Colonoscopy for Colorectal Cancer and Advanced Adenoma Over 10...
May 15, 2019 - Over a 10-year period, the rates of detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) and advanced adenomas using FIT are similar to those seen in studies of screening colonoscopy. This does not prove that FIT reduces morbidity and mortality due to CRC as effectively as colonoscopy.
American Family Physician : POEMs
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0515/od5.html
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy or Fecal Occult Blood Testing for Colorectal Cancer Screening in...
Aug 1, 2019 - This meta-analysis provides high-quality evidence that flexible sigmoidoscopy and fecal occult blood testing both reduce the risk of death from colorectal cancer. The study did not provide a clear answer regarding a superior screening modality, so the decision to choose one test over ...
American Family Physician : Medicine by the Numbers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0801/od1.html
Fully Automated Blood Pressure Measurement Is the Way to Go in the Office - POEMs - ...
Nov 15, 2019 - automated measurement aligns better with ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, the best predictor of cardiovascular events, than manual measurement; manual readings are an average 13.4 to 14.5 mm Hg (systolic) higher than daytime ambulatory or automated readings in patients with ...
American Family Physician : POEMs
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/1115/p646.html
General Health Checks in Adults for Reducing Disease-Related Morbidity and Mortality - ...
Dec 1, 2019 - General health check visits have no benefit on cardiovascular morbidity or on total, cardiovascular, or cancer-related mortality. There is also no evidence that they cause patient harm.
American Family Physician : Cochrane for Clinicians
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/1201/p676.html
Guideline for Chronic Diarrhea: Screening for IBD and Celiac Disease Is In, Screening ...
Mar 1, 2020 - Although an algorithm to guide the workup is not offered, the American Gastroenterological Association suggests the following tests for patients with chronic diarrhea (i.e., watery diarrhea for at least four weeks): fecal calprotectin or fecal lactoferrin to screen for inflammatory ...
American Family Physician : POEMs
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0301/p310a.html
Guideline, with No Evidence, Suggests Annual Screening for Urinary Incontinence in ...
Apr 1, 2019 - The goal of screening is to identify a disorder before it becomes symptomatic if early treatment has the potential for greater benefit than waiting until symptoms are reported. Despite the failure to meet this definition, this guideline suggests annual screening of women for urinary ...
American Family Physician : POEMs
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0401/p459.html
Health Equity in Preventive Services: The Role of Primary Care - Editorials - American ...
Sep 1, 2020 - Groups that are least likely to receive preventive screening or to have timely, high-quality follow-up include those with limited or no health insurance, limited education and literacy, and no regular source of care, as well as those who are subject to discrimination based on racial, ...
American Family Physician : Editorials
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0901/p264.html
navigate_before 1 2 3 navigate_next