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Diagnosis and Treatment: An Algorithmic Approach

This section provides flowcharts and decision pathways for the evaluation and management of a wide variety of clinical presentations and diagnoses, organized alphabetically by presenting sign, symptom, or diagnosis. These algorithms serve as quick reference aids and are adjuncts to clinical reasoning, not exhaustive treatment protocols.

Examples of Included Algorithms

Abdominal Pain, Chronic

  • Author(s): Kamini Geer, MD, MPH; Frances L. Gonzalez Gonzalez, MD
  • Reference: Sabo CM, Grad S, Dumitrascu DL. Chronic abdominal pain in general practice. Dig Dis. 2021;39(6):606-614.

Abdominal Pain, Lower

  • Author(s): Kenneth A. Ballou, MD
  • Reference: Cullison KM, Franck N. Clinical decision rules in the evaluation and management of adult gastrointestinal emergencies. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2021;39(4):719-732.

Acetaminophen Poisoning, Treatment

  • Author(s): Pankaj Ksheersagar, MD
  • Reference: Dart RC, Mullins ME, Matoushek T, et al. Management of acetaminophen poisoning in the US and Canada: a consensus statement. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(8):e2327739.

Acidosis

  • Author(s): Shivani Malhotra, MD, FAAFP
  • Reference: Kraut JA, Madias NE. Serum anion gap: its uses and limitations in clinical medicine. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2007;2(1):162-174.

Acne

  • Author(s): Christine A. Quartuccio-Carran, DO, FAAFP; Benjamin Nolasco, MD, MHS
  • Reference: Ogé LK, Broussard A, Marshall MD. Acne vulgaris: diagnosis and treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2019;100(8):475-484.

Alcohol Withdrawal, Treatment

  • Author(s): Astrud S. A. Villareal, MD, FAAFP; Priscilla L. Kha, DO, MPH; Victoria Udezi, MD, MPH, FAAFP
  • Reference: The ASAM clinical practice guideline on alcohol withdrawal management. J Addict Med. 2020;14(3S Suppl 1):1-72.

Alkaline Phosphatase Elevation

  • Author(s): Reem Hadi, MD; Fozia Akhtar Ali, MD, FAAFP
  • Reference: Siddique A, Kowdley KV. Approach to a patient with elevated serum alkaline phosphatase. Clin Liver Dis. 2012;16(2):199-229.

This structure continues alphabetically with additional algorithms such as Amenorrhea, Anemia, Asthma Exacerbation, Diabetes Treatment, and many others.