Patient Education

Is a flu shot safe after GBS?

Kendra Yale, Bettie Coplan, MPAS, PA-C March 22, 2012

More research is needed, but current data suggest that more cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome occur after the flu or an influenzalike illness than after vaccination.

Does my child need fluoride supplements?

January 26, 2012

Fluoride has proven benefits in the prevention of cavities, but children may be exposed to too much fluoride. Parents should know how to monitor exposure to prevent dental fluorosis.

Ovarian cancer: Breaking the silence

Kelly Donkers, MPA, PA-C, Heidi M. Felix, MPAS, PA-C September 16, 2011

More than 90% of women survive when ovarian cancer is caught early. The key is awareness, for both the patient and the PA.

What should I know about vitamin D?

Angela Dunaway, PharmD, PA-C July 26, 2011

Information about vitamin D, including its sources, recommended levels, and options for treating vitamin D deficiency, are discussed. A patient handout with frequently asked questions is included.

What should I know about diabetes?

Tina M. Butler, PA-C, MPAS March 29, 2011

This information can help PAs understand the diagnosis, treatment, and complications of diabetes mellitus, enabling them to explain to patients how to prevent and manage the disease.

Rare conditions: Where do primary care and genetic diseases intersect?

Sharon F. Terry, MA, Alyson Krokosky, MS November 17, 2010

As knowledge related to rare genetic disorders grows, the role of the primary care provider must change to accommodate such patients.

What is MRSA?

September 30, 2010

The causes and treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus are discussed. A patient handout with frequently asked questions is included.

Is banning direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) consistent with bioethical principles?

Kevin Michael O'Hara, MMSc, PA-C, AAHIVS August 11, 2010

The impact of DTCA on patients' expectations and PAs' responsibility to provide bioethical treatment are reviewed.

What is hypertension?

Mary L. Hewett, PA-C, MS July 14, 2010

Hypertension is defined and how it is diagnosed is explained, including the severity levels for BP measurements.

Nine ways to meet and exceed patient expectations

Jennifer Carlquist, PA-C June 04, 2010

The author shares some tips on how to make each patient visit more effective and more productive for both patients and PAs.

What is an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator?

Mary L. Hewett, PA-C, MS May 17, 2010

Your patients with arrhythmias will want to know all there is to know about these lifesaving devices.

What is a heart catheterization?

Nicole L. Hatcher, PA-C, MPAS January 28, 2010

This patient handout explains that left-heart catheterization with coronary angiography is the gold standard test for significant coronary disease.

Ready! Fire! Aim! Firearm safety is every physician assistant's job

Sarah Zarbock, PA-C December 03, 2009

Many of our patients own guns. It's part of our job as physician assistants to teach them how to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.

"This must be true—I read about it on the Internet"

Sarah Zarbock, PA-C October 08, 2009

When patients search for health information on the Web, is what they find reliable? Do they understand what they read? Do they even tell you what they found?

Ask a Librarian—September 2009

Jim Anderson, PA-C, ATC, Susan Klawansky, MLS, AHIP September 11, 2009

How do you find information on AAPA policy? What are good sources of patient information for older adults? This month's installment answers those questions.