J Am Board Fam Med
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Language concordance between Latinx patients and their clinicians has been shown to affect health outcomes. In addition, there is evidence that consistent continuity of care (COC) can improve health care outcomes. The relationship between language concordance and COC and their association with health equity in chronic disease is less clear. Our aim was to study the moderating effect of clinician and patient language concordance on the association between COC and asthma care quality in Latinx children. ⋯ Overall, Latinx children regardless of COC category or language concordance were more likely to receive the influenza vaccine. English-preferring Latinx children with persistent asthma received fewer inhaled steroid prescriptions compared with non-Hispanic White children. Panel chart review and seeing a practice partner might be one way to combat these inequities.
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Home-based primary care (HBPC) has shown promise in the management of multiple chronic conditions for patients who are homebound or who have limited mobility. The objective of this study was to implement and evaluate an HBPC program that integrates the services of clinical pharmacists and community aging services providers in a community-based setting. ⋯ Pharmacist and community agency services-integrated HBPC was implemented in the community setting. There was a decrease in high-cost health care utilization and total health care expenditures for patients as compared with the previous year.
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Obesity is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States (US). Primary care medical practices can educate patients about the health effects of obesity and help patients with obesity lose and manage their weight. However, implementation of weight management in primary care is challenging. We sought to examine how practices that implement weight management services do so feasibly. ⋯ This study identified 4 models that may serve to overcome challenges in delivering weight management services in primary care. Based on practice characteristics, preferences, and resources, primary care practices can identify a model for successfully implementing weight management services that best fits their context and needs. It is time for primary care to truly address obesity care as the health issue it is and make it a standard of care for all patients with obesity.
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A family physician who has long tried to prevent patients from falling victim to health scams and disinformation recently confronted an unexpected challenge of his own.