J Am Board Fam Med
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While the rate of head and neck cancer has decreased in recent decades, the prevalence of oropharynx cancer has dramatically increased due to human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal cancer. Three of 4 newly diagnosed oropharyngeal carcinomas are HPV-positive, and by 2020 it is projected that the prevalence of this disease will overtake that of HPV-related cervical cancer. ⋯ Primary care providers are in an ideal position to improve patient outcomes through early recognition and referral, as well as coordination of comprehensive care of patients with this potentially devastating disease. Awareness of risk factors, a high index of suspicion, counseling patients and parents on the importance of vaccination against HPV, and coordinated care between primary care providers and specialists are vital to achieving improved outcomes for patients with this increasingly prevalent cancer.
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Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a fairly common condition that, if left untreated, can lead to complications such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Polysomnography (PSG) is the most accurate method for diagnosing OSA, but it is a cumbersome and expensive test. A well-validated, easier to perform and less expensive alternative is the home sleep test (HST). The purpose of this review is to educate the primary care provider about the important differences between PSG and HSTs, the advantages and limitations of both modalities, identifying patients who are appropriate candidates for the HST, identifying patients in whom the HST should not be performed, and further evaluation of patients who have a negative HST.
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The Choosing Wisely campaign encourages physicians to avoid low-value care. Although widely lauded, no study has examined its impact on clinical decisions made in primary care settings. ⋯ Given that even small decreases of physician test ordering can produce large cost savings, the Choosing Wisely project may help achieve the health care triple aim.
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Whether availability of chiropractic care affects use of primary care physician (PCP) services is unknown. ⋯ Greater availability of chiropractic care in some areas may be offsetting PCP services for back and/or neck pain among older adults.
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Considerable controversy about the value of participating in Maintenance of Certification has recently arisen within the medical community. Despite this controversy, large numbers of family physicians certified by the American Board of Family Medicine participate in Maintenance of Certification for Family Physicians. Surprisingly, a small but significant number of charter diplomats--those initially certified by the American Board of Family Medicine at its founding--are engaged in the process.