Browse Primary Care/Hospitalist Articles by Topic

Oral Health for the PCP: A Collaborative Approach to Patient Care

Primary care physicians play a critical role in recognizing oral health as a sign of systemic disease. Common oral conditions can have diagnostic and preventive implications for broader health, including cardiovascular disease and autoimmune disorders. By conducting oral examinations, identifying red flags that require referral, and counseling patients on preventive care, physicians can integrate oral health awareness into comprehensive patient care.

Addressing Patient Opioid Use Disorder in Primary Care

Primary care providers (PCPs) play a critical role in diagnosing and treating opioid use disorder (OUD). By approaching OUD as a chronic disease, using non-stigmatizing language, and integrating team-based care, PCPs can provide accessible, effective treatment.

Endocrine Causes of Secondary Hypertension

Primary care providers should maintain a high index of suspicion for endocrine-related secondary hypertension, particularly in patients with resistant hypertension or atypical presentations. Conditions such as pheochromocytoma, primary hyperaldosteronism, and Cushing syndrome are common, yet frequently underdiagnosed causes that, if missed, can lead to rapid end-organ damage. This article emphasizes the need for early recognition and diagnostic vigilance, and equips clinicians with guidance to improve diagnostic accuracy and enhance patient outcomes through targeted treatment.

The RSV Turning Point: Implementing Preventive Tools in Everyday Practice

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes significant morbidity in infants and older adults. This review outlines new preventive measures, including RSV vaccines for pregnant women and older adults, and monoclonal antibody prophylaxis (nirsevimab) for infants. Clinical guidance addresses patient concerns, administration timing, and indications by age and risk. With these tools, primary care providers can better prevent RSV complications across vulnerable populations.

Modern Pharmacotherapy in Obesity: Evidence-Based Approaches for Effective Management

Obesity poses a significant public health and economic burden, contributing to numerous chronic conditions. This review provides primary care providers with a concise overview of U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved pharmacotherapies for obesity management, including incretin-based treatments that rival bariatric surgery in efficacy. It emphasizes the importance of aligning pharmacologic options with individual patient profiles and comorbidities, reinforcing that lifestyle modification remains a critical component of successful, sustained weight loss.

An Overview of Audiologic Care for the Primary Care Physician

Primary care providers play a crucial role in identifying and managing hearing and balance disorders across the lifespan. Early detection of hearing loss through screening, especially in newborns and older adults, is essential, since untreated hearing loss is associated with cognitive decline, depression, and increased healthcare costs. Collaboration with audiologists enhances patient outcomes and ensures comprehensive management of hearing and balance health throughout life.

Clinical Insights on Managing DPN and PAD in Patients with Diabetes

Given the significant prevalence of diabetes in the population, it is important for the primary care clinician to be familiar with the many types of neuropathies commonly affecting people living with diabetes. By far the most prevalent type is chronic diabetic peripheral sensorimotor neuropathy, affecting up to 50% of people with diabetes. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) refers to partial or complete occlusion of peripheral vessels of the lower extremities. The underdiagnosis of PAD in the primary care setting may be a major issue because of many patients presenting without the typical claudication symptoms described in medical textbooks. The ability of primary care clinicians to diagnose PAD in asymptomatic patients still has a significant clinical effect because PAD acts as a marker for systemic atherosclerosis.

From Glucocentricity to a Multi-Risk Strategy: An Updated Approach to Managing Chronic Kidney Disease

This article discusses an important microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease (CKD), which affects more than one-third of patients with diabetes. There is substantial evidence that early diagnosis and management can delay or prevent the progression of CKD, making its prevention, diagnosis, and treatment a priority for the primary care clinician.

Constipation in Adults and Children

Constipation is a common diagnosis that has been steadily increasing in prevalence over the past several decades. As the morbidity and healthcare costs from this condition increase, it is important that physicians be aware of the workup, management, and potential complications of this common condition in adults and children alike.

From Exhaustion to Empowerment: Combating Physician Burnout in Healthcare

Medicine always has been demanding, both emotionally and intellectually. Yet, primary care providers have found deep purpose in their work. However, the modern practice of medicine brings new challenges, such as administrative burdens, financial strain, and large patient loads, contributing to widespread burnout. This paper examines burnout in the primary care provider and its related consequences and offers practical strategies for supporting provider well-being.