J Am Board Fam Med
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To provide primary care providers an up-to-date approach to the diagnosis and management of atopic dermatitis (AD). ⋯ In this clinical review, we describe the pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of AD, specifically highlighting commonly used therapies and novel medications.
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The opioid crisis presents many challenges for family practice providers in rural communities who treat patients with chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP). Unfortunately, evidence for effective opioid reduction strategies is sparse. We evaluated the effects of implementing a comprehensive opioid reduction protocol on overall opioid prescribing among patients with chronic non-cancer pain in our rural family medicine clinics. ⋯ Our comprehensive opioid reduction protocol led to significant reductions in opioid prescribing in our rural family medicine clinics. Future studies should include important qualitative outcome measures such as patient function.
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To assess whether primary care practices with and without support from a larger organization differ in their ability to produce timely reports on cardiovascular disease quality measures. ⋯ The ability of smaller practices without centralized QI support to report their eCQMs more quickly may have implications for their subsequent ability to improve these measures.
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Exponential increases in nonindicated, low-value vitamin D testing have been reported over the past 15 years. Downstream effects of such testing have not been well quantified. ⋯ Evidence of a health service cascade following nonindicated vitamin D testing exists. Opportunities for improved consistency and quality of care related to vitamin D were observed in our health system. These results may inform clinical pathways related the prevention, evaluation, and treatment of low vitamin D.
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Discrimination can compromise access to and utilization of health care and lead to poorer health. As such, it is important to understand the factors associated with experiences of discrimination in health care. ⋯ Findings highlight potential insurance types and sources of care that could contribute to perceptions of being discriminated.