Business Insight presented by Arlington Dermatology Skin Deep and More One of the agencies that provide insight into healthcare outcomes is the United States Preventative Services Task Force, or USPSTF, for short. This group is designed to guide primary care providers, and all healthcare providers, with recommendations that maximize positive outcomes in the most effective way. Choosing Wisely is another group that works with substantial amounts of data to provide the best guidance of testing to avoid duplicating tests, provide testing recommendations based on scientific evidence, and ultimately reducing undue burden to patients. The USPSTF provides "grades" for their recommendations which are based on strength of evidence to back up these recommendations. Grade "A" and "B" recommendations are generally followed by all primary care and specialty providers when necessary and are cost- effective ways to improve health status for patients. Other grades such as "I" reflect the changing nature of the medical field. "I" or "insufficient" lets providers and patients alike know that there is not enough information to take a solid stance on recommending for or against a procedure or test. These are frequently updated and are useful tools for healthcare providers to keep their patients safe. The Choosing Wisely initiative is a way for groups of specialists to communicate to the broader healthcare provider community recommendations for testing based on their experience and evidence to help reduce financial and medical burdens on patients. An example commonly seen in the Family Medicine clinic is the recommendation against ordering imaging such as x-rays or CT scans within the first six weeks of low back pain. Unless there are emergent symptoms present, a review of available evidence by the American Academy of Family Physicians found the imaging to not benefit the patient or be cost effective. An example of a recommendation from the American Academy of Dermatology is to avoid routine use of specialized microbiologic testing in the work up of a patient with acne. This is because the additional screenings will not change the initial management of acne and will not improve outcomes for the patient. Although cost is an aspect of healthcare that Americans and their respective medical societies must deal with, it is caring for our patients that will always be the most important guide for any sort of testing. Using the tools above, I will work closely with you all, and any new patients to manage general healthcare issues, and specific dermatologic issues. I am fortunate enough to be able to recommend a visit with Dr. Bukhalo or one of our excellent specialized mid-level providers in order to ensure you receive the best dermatologic care if I feel I am not able to provide it. Many people describe the primary care provider as a "jack of all trades", and I hope to bring this same spirit of care to patients at this practice. I am happy to be a first line in keeping your skin and whole body healthy. New primary care patients and patients with general dermatologic issues are welcome to schedule an appointment with me, and I look forward to working together to maintain a healthy future. Christopher Rivard, MD Michael Bukhalo, MD Arlington Dermatology 5301 Keystone Court Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 Tel. 847 392 5440 | www.arlingtondermatology.net Business Insight presented by Arlington Dermatology Skin Deep and More One of the agencies that provide insight into healthcare outcomes is the United States Preventative Services Task Force , or USPSTF , for short . This group is designed to guide primary care providers , and all healthcare providers , with recommendations that maximize positive outcomes in the most effective way . Choosing Wisely is another group that works with substantial amounts of data to provide the best guidance of testing to avoid duplicating tests , provide testing recommendations based on scientific evidence , and ultimately reducing undue burden to patients . The USPSTF provides " grades " for their recommendations which are based on strength of evidence to back up these recommendations . Grade " A " and " B " recommendations are generally followed by all primary care and specialty providers when necessary and are cost effective ways to improve health status for patients . Other grades such as " I " reflect the changing nature of the medical field . " I " or " insufficient " lets providers and patients alike know that there is not enough information to take a solid stance on recommending for or against a procedure or test . These are frequently updated and are useful tools for healthcare providers to keep their patients safe . The Choosing Wisely initiative is a way for groups of specialists to communicate to the broader healthcare provider community recommendations for testing based on their experience and evidence to help reduce financial and medical burdens on patients . An example commonly seen in the Family Medicine clinic is the recommendation against ordering imaging such as x - rays or CT scans within the first six weeks of low back pain . Unless there are emergent symptoms present , a review of available evidence by the American Academy of Family Physicians found the imaging to not benefit the patient or be cost effective . An example of a recommendation from the American Academy of Dermatology is to avoid routine use of specialized microbiologic testing in the work up of a patient with acne . This is because the additional screenings will not change the initial management of acne and will not improve outcomes for the patient . Although cost is an aspect of healthcare that Americans and their respective medical societies must deal with , it is caring for our patients that will always be the most important guide for any sort of testing . Using the tools above , I will work closely with you all , and any new patients to manage general healthcare issues , and specific dermatologic issues . I am fortunate enough to be able to recommend a visit with Dr. Bukhalo or one of our excellent specialized mid - level providers in order to ensure you receive the best dermatologic care if I feel I am not able to provide it . Many people describe the primary care provider as a " jack of all trades " , and I hope to bring this same spirit of care to patients at this practice . I am happy to be a first line in keeping your skin and whole body healthy . New primary care patients and patients with general dermatologic issues are welcome to schedule an appointment with me , and I look forward to working together to maintain a healthy future . Christopher Rivard , MD Michael Bukhalo , MD Arlington Dermatology 5301 Keystone Court Rolling Meadows , IL 60008 Tel . 847 392 5440 | www.arlingtondermatology.net