Screening for lead poisoning: Who to test and when to act
Nearly 500,000 US children aged 1 to 5 have blood lead levels above the CDC’s reference value. Most show no symptoms at all. By the time a child looks unwell, the harm to a developing brain has usually already been done. The screening for lead poisoning has to find which children you test, how you […]
Rent test: Technique, accuracy, and what it can miss
The rent test finds a full-thickness rotator cuff tear by feel, with a likelihood ratio near 30. Read more on technique, Codman’s point, and its limits.
Body mass index assessment: Formula, ranges, and limits
A body mass index assessment screens for risk rather than diagnosing. Learn how to read adult and pediatric ranges, and when to add waist circumference.
Otoscope examination: Technique, findings, and documentation
An otoscope examination is a bedside inspection of the ear canal and tympanic membrane using a handheld illuminated scope. It is the first tool a clinician reaches for when a patient reports ear pain, hearing loss, or discharge. Ear complaints are among the most common reasons patients attend primary care and ENT appointments. Technique errors […]
Plasma IQ consent form: Free template, treatment protocol & aftercare
Plasma IQ uses a controlled plasma arc to trigger collagen remodeling. Get the protocol, day-by-day aftercare, and a free consent form.
Heart attack test: Blood tests, ECG, and imaging explained
Troponin plus an ECG confirms most heart attacks within three hours, but a normal ECG rules nothing out. Here’s what each test shows.
Visual spatial test: How to administer and score it
A visual spatial test is easy to spoil. Read more on choosing an instrument, administering it cleanly, and interpreting a low score.
Headache physical exam: A clinician’s step-by-step guide
Papilledema, meningism, and a new focal deficit are all easy findings to spot. They are also easy to skip when a busy consultation runs on instinct instead of a sequence. That is the risk a structured headache physical exam removes. This guide walks through the exam in the order you perform it. It starts with […]
Medical necessity letter: Template, example and how to write one
Download your free medical necessity letter template The template lays out the letterhead, patient and plan details, diagnosis and ICD-10 code fields, and signature lines. It also prompts you for the clinical justification and treatment duration. Replace the bracketed text with your own detail and send it. Download template A medical necessity letter is a […]
Multidisciplinary review template: Free download and meeting guide
A multidisciplinary review template with the five sections a record needs, a timed meeting agenda, and the follow-up detail auditors ask for. Read more.