2018: Family Practice
A key international panel in 2018 established a formal definition for point-of-care testing in family practice, defining it as tests performed near the patient during consultation to support immediate clinical decision-making.
The digital revolution was firmly embedded in family medicine by 2018. Virtual visits became increasingly common, with many family physicians offering secure video consultations through their electronic health record portals. The growth of e-consults was also notable, streamlining access to specialist advice and reducing unnecessary referrals. A study in the journal Family Practice found that electronic consultations (e-consults) were associated with lower specialist referral rates, providing an efficient alternative for managing complex patients. This digital expansion was seen as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, the value of a personal physician. The AAFP's flagship journal, American Family Physician , also embraced the digital age, reporting 26 million unique visitors to its website and over 50,000 podcast downloads per month, solidifying its status as the #1 journal among primary care physicians.
The focus remained on maintaining health rather than merely treating illness, a principle that underpinned the value of family medicine in 2018. 2. Trends Shaping Family Practice in 2018
A major focus in 2018 was improving coordination between different levels of care. The lack of coordination was widely recognized as a challenge, leading to duplicate services, inconsistent advice, and poor patient satisfaction. Family physicians played a key role in integrating services, helping to streamline care from acute settings to primary care, improving the overall patient experience. Global Expansion of Family Medicine Roles family practice 2018
The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) went into full effect in 2017, but 2018 was the first "performance period" that truly terrified small practices. Known as the , 2018 required family physicians to report on six quality measures, one improvement activity, and the advancing care information (ACI) category (meaningful use).
Not routinely recommending daily home glucose monitoring for Type 2 diabetes patients not using insulin [9].
Urgent care centers have eroded antibiotic stewardship. Reclaim your role by spending 60 seconds explaining that “ear fluid often clears on its own, and antibiotics can cause diarrhea and resistance.” A key international panel in 2018 established a
Next, Dr. Taylor saw Mr. Johnson, a 75-year-old retiree with a lingering cough. She ordered a chest X-ray and prescribed a course of antibiotics, just to be on the safe side. As she examined him, she noticed the telltale signs of a lonely life – a wedding ring on his finger, but no photos or mementos on the mantle. She made a mental note to ask him about his family and social connections.
4. Evolution of Compensation Models: Moving Towards Value-Based Care
As the day drew to a close, Dr. Smith reflected on the many challenges and rewards of family practice. She loved being able to make a difference in the lives of her patients and their families, and she was grateful for the trust they had placed in her. The growth of e-consults was also notable, streamlining
It was a typical Monday morning at the Smith family practice. Dr. Smith, a seasoned family physician, was reviewing patient charts and preparing for the day's appointments. Her nurse, Rachel, burst in with a cup of steaming coffee and a smile.
: Critics point out that despite Simon's life rapidly spiraling out of control, the overall storytelling remains notably slow and sluggish.
One of the most memorable patients of the day was Emily, a shy and anxious teenager who was seeing Dr. Smith for the first time. She had been experiencing symptoms of depression and was worried about her parents finding out.
Several other key developments in 2018 shaped the field:
Family Practice in 2018: A Year of Shifting Focus, Technology, and Preventative Care
