Journal of general internal medicine
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Comparative Study
"Shotgun" versus sequential testing. Cost-effectiveness of diagnostic strategies for vaginitis.
Although vaginitis is a common outpatient problem, only 60% of patients can be diagnosed at the initial office visit of a primary care provider using the office procedures of pH testing, whiff tests, normal saline, and potassium hydroxide preps. ⋯ For patients with vaginitis symptoms undiagnosed by pelvic examination, wet mount preparations and related office tests, a comprehensive, pH-guided testing strategy at the initial office visit is less expensive and more effective than ordering tests sequentially.
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To determine the effect of limited English proficiency on medical comprehension in the presence and absence of language-concordant physicians. ⋯ Limited English proficiency is a barrier to medical comprehension and increases the risk of adverse medication reactions. Access to language-concordant physicians substantially mitigates but does not eliminate language barriers.