muscular dystrophy Osteopathic primary care physicians’ guide to muscular dystrophy Osteopathic structural examinations may be key to early diagnosis and better outcomes for patients with DMD. May 30, 2017Tuesday AOA Staff Contact AOA Staff Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Topics JAOAresearch Muscular dystrophy is a progressive and severely debilitating disease that affects one in 3,600 to 6,000 live male births. Although there is no cure for muscular dystrophy, an osteopathic examination can lead to an early diagnosis, which may minimize morbidity and maximize lifespan. In a recent article in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, Christopher Carls, OMS III, and Predrag Krajacic, MD, of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine review the most common form of muscular dystrophy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). “Muscular dystrophy is typically diagnosed when patients are about 5 years old, however caregivers often see telltale signs such as gross motor delay and muscle weakness a year before they bring their concerns to the physician,” says Dr. Krajacic. “The osteopathic structural examination can reveal tissue texture changes and somatic dysfunctions that can potentially indicate muscular dystrophy and inform primary care physicians as to which diagnostic tests are needed.” [story-sidebar id=”202580″] Improving the time to diagnosis can add years to the patients’ lives. An untreated patient with DMD has an average lifespan of 19 years, according to Dr Krajacic, “but a treated patient can typically expect to live 20 additional years.” Dr. Krajacic says osteopathic primary care physicians can also make an impact on care and outcomes in patients with muscular dystrophy. Although more research is needed regarding the effectiveness of osteopathic manipulative treatment in managing muscular dystrophy, the authors note that OMT may address some of the specific consequences of the structural and musculoskeletal dysfunctions that are common in patients with DMD, such as low back pain and pneumonia. Read the full article, which further outlines diagnostic tools, pharmacologic treatment options, and interprofessional care in the June issue of the JAOA. More in Patient Care Enhanced payment to support longitudinal care: The new E/M complexity add-on code G2211 The office/outpatient E/M visit complexity add-on code was established to improve payment for the time, intensity and practice expense resources involved when physicians furnish O/O E/M office visit services that enable them to build longitudinal relationships with patients. The dark side of semaglutide: Gastric emptying delays pose a risk when undergoing surgery Semaglutide, hailed as a weight loss miracle, is facing new scrutiny over the potential risks to patients who are taking it and undergoing medical procedures. Previous articleCost of an ER visit? Study finds most doctors have no idea Next articleIn Memoriam: May 30, 2017
Enhanced payment to support longitudinal care: The new E/M complexity add-on code G2211 The office/outpatient E/M visit complexity add-on code was established to improve payment for the time, intensity and practice expense resources involved when physicians furnish O/O E/M office visit services that enable them to build longitudinal relationships with patients.
The dark side of semaglutide: Gastric emptying delays pose a risk when undergoing surgery Semaglutide, hailed as a weight loss miracle, is facing new scrutiny over the potential risks to patients who are taking it and undergoing medical procedures.
“May” is the key word, may be key to early diagnosis, I’m not buying that. NOPE!! Like most osteopathic manipulative treatments, “more research” is needed to verify effectiveness. The problem you ask? This research is rarely completed. Jun. 1, 2017, at 6:20 pm Reply