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Emergency diagnoses linked to poorer outcomes across wide range of conditions

A large population-based study found that emergency diagnoses are common across multiple conditions, including Parkinson’s disease and coronary heart disease, and are consistently associated with worse outcomes. The study suggests that emergency diagnosis is a common phenomenon across diverse diseases and is linked to higher mortality ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 25, 2026

Uncomfortable bladder tests for female incontinence can be avoided, say researchers

A new study shows that comprehensive clinical assessments (CCAs) are equally effective to guiding treatment for women with overactive bladder or urinary incontinence, avoiding invasive urodynamics testing. CCA includes a medical questionnaire, physical examination, and tests such as urinalysis, revealing similar patient-reported outcom...

SourceEuropean Association of Urology·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 22, 2025

Survey: While most Americans use a device to monitor their heart, few share that data with their doctor

A national survey of 1,008 Americans found that nearly two-thirds use a device to monitor their heart health, but only one in four shares the data with their doctor. This lack of sharing can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing the importance of proactive communication between patients and healthcare providers.

Leveraging AI to assist clinicians with physical exams

A new study found that large language models can provide useful physical exam recommendations and instructions based on patient symptoms. The researchers used GPT-4 to recommend physical exam instructions and evaluated its performance by three attending physicians, scoring at least 80% of the possible points.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of Medical Artificial Intelligence·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 18, 2024

Developing an evaluation scale to predict the risk of requiring long-term care based on three simple physical performance tests

Researchers developed an evaluation scale based on three physical performance tests: single-leg balance, timed up and go, and sit-to-stand. The scale predicts long-term care risk among older adults with high accuracy, particularly those with scores of 41 or more. It provides a comprehensive assessment method for Japanese older adults.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalGeriatrics and Gerontology International·DateNov 20, 2024

Pennington Biomedical Research Center recruiting participants for lipedema research study

The Pennington Biomedical Research Center is conducting a clinical trial to better understand lipedema. Participants will undergo comprehensive assessments and imaging techniques to help advance medical knowledge related to chronic disease. Compensation of up to $475 is offered for participation in the three-month study.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·TypeObservational study·DateJun 11, 2024

CT with CTA versus MRI in patients with dizziness

Using MRI instead of CT with CTA alone in patients presenting to the ED with dizziness was associated with greater critical neuroimaging results and more frequent echocardiography. Patients with dizziness undergoing MRI showed a lower frequency of 90-day ED readmissions compared to those discharged after CT with CTA alone.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 7, 2023

Use of pocket-sized ultrasound device reduces need for further testing in clinical settings

A study found that using a pocket-sized ultrasound device (PUD) with physical examination can improve diagnosis accuracy and reduce the number of tests needed. The PUD was found to be comparable in performance to standard ultrasonography, but improved the accuracy of physical examinations, resulting in a 37% reduction in further testing.

Sonography complements physical exam in identifying juvenile inflammatory arthritis in children

A study found that sonography with power Doppler can identify subclinical disease and joint activity in children with JIA, which complements the physical exam. The study also showed that certain combinations of physical exam findings are highly sensitive and ultrasound does not add value to clinical management.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateMay 5, 2011

Physical examination findings are important in predicting outcomes in heart failure, researchers report

Researchers found that patients with either a third heart sound or elevated jugular venous pressure were more likely to have progressive heart failure and subsequent hospital visits due to heart failure. The study highlights the importance of physical examinations in predicting outcomes for heart failure patients.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 22, 2001