Cheryl Lathrop

The bias toward traditional care models is slowly eroding, with greater numbers of primary care providers (especially physicians) becoming aware of the advantages to a more collaborative approach to care that invites greater contributions from NPs, PAs, and other providers.

Update on treatment planning, risk management, and ongoing monitoring for efficacy, safety, and adherence in patients treated with opioids for chronic, noncancer pain.

Group visits can be an especially effective tool for providing follow-up care to patients with chronic conditions, offering them increased access to clinicians and other providers, support and encouragement from their peers, and enhanced educational opportunities.

Studies have shown that plasticizers such as BPA and phthalates and other potential endocrine disruptive chemicals can have harmful effects and may be contributing to several ongoing public health concerns.

The increasing incidence of C. difficile infection in hospitals and other settings, coupled with the emergence of new high-virulence strains, requires physicians to understand the risk factors associated with this condition and be prepared to effectively diagnose and manage it.

Primary care physicians should be aware of the signs and symptoms of common liver conditions, and incorporate the latest laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures into practice.

A solid history and physical exam, several quick tests to localize pain, and a management plan that incorporates physical therapy can produce good outcomes without resorting to surgery.

Early diagnosis by primary care physicians and aggressive treatment are essential to slowing the epidemic of kidney and cardiovascular disease.

Primary care physicians should use proven risk estimation models, genetic counseling, and other tools to identify high-risk patients, and then engage patients in shared decision making to identify the best options for prevention.