Browse Primary Care/Hospitalist Articles by Topic

Cannabis Use and Associated Health Conditions in Primary Care: An EHR Review

This cross-sectional review of 185,565 patients’ medical records revealed documentation of medicinal cannabis use in 2% of the records. Within this subgroup, 44.5% had documentation of one or more health conditions potentially benefitting from treatment with cannabis, 54.4% had documentation of one or more health conditions potentially worsening with cannabis use, and 36.6% had both types of health conditions.

Hypertension in Adults: An Update

Hypertension remains the leading cause of death and disability-adjusted life years globally, accounting for 10.4 million deaths per year. In the United States, hypertension accounts for more cardiovascular disease deaths than any other modifiable risk factor and is second only to cigarette smoking as a preventable cause of death for any reason.

Reproductive Health Is Important Among Communities with Opioid Use Disorder

Pregnancy-capable individuals with a history of opioid use disorder (OUD) hold an inherent distrust of the healthcare system. This is one reason why contraceptive counseling could be a challenge for this population. New research through Boston Medical Center shows that individuals with OUD exhibit similarities to individuals with other chronic medical conditions when they are choosing a contraceptive method.

Research Shows Ultrasound Is Not Necessary for Medication Abortion

Researchers suggest reproductive health providers could offer patients a faster, less expensive medication abortion via telemedicine. Study findings show that omitting the pre-abortion ultrasound does not appear to compromise safety or result in more ongoing pregnancies.

What Is New in Contraception?

The new editions of Contraceptive Technology and Managing Contraception include important updates to several forms of contraception, including progestin-only pills.

Title X Program Saved by Biden Administration’s New Final Rule

Title X organizations and other groups praised the Biden administration for reversing the draconian changes to the Title X family planning program that were enacted in 2019 under the Trump administration.

Effects of Texas Abortion Law Could Ripple Nationwide

The recent Texas law that banned abortions after six weeks gestation was written to be enforced by almost anyone, anywhere in the United States — creating a bounty hunter system. It could turn neighbors against neighbors, family members against family members, and incentivize strangers to spy on women.

Safe and Legal Abortion Access Under Greatest Threat Since Roe v. Wade Decision

The largest and most damaging crack in the Roe v. Wade bulwark of abortion access was breached Sept. 1, when the U.S. Supreme Court’s inaction allowed the state of Texas to ban abortions after six weeks of gestation. There are no exceptions for rape or incest. The law gives about any person in the nation the right to sue the abortion provider and anyone else who assisted someone with abortion care.

Difelikefalin Injection (Korsuva)

Difelikefalin can be prescribed to treat moderate-to-severe pruritus associated with chronic kidney disease in adults undergoing hemodialysis.

SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Testing in a Nursing Home Outbreak

Rapid antigen testing was accurate in detecting SARS-CoV-2 antigen when compared to polymerase chain reaction.