Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many patients have not received preventive care, and “it is vital that they are caught up now,” the chairman of the US Preventive Services Task Force told Healio Primary Care .

“Preventive medicine, including the screening, counseling and preventive drugs recommended by the task force, is an important part of ensuring that people are as healthy as possible for as long as possible.” Karina Davidson, Doctorate, MASc, who is also the dean of academic affairs at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and senior vice president of research at Northwell Health in New York City, said.

Davidson acknowledged that primary care clinicians may not have time to meet all patient needs in one appointment, but encouraged clinicians to prioritize the USPSTF recommendations ” who have the strongest supportive research, such as those with an “A” or “B” rating since these are the most likely to make a difference in people’s health.

“Clinicians are encouraged to partner with other healthcare professionals where possible to ensure that their patients are getting the services they need to get and stay healthy,” Davidson said.

To help physicians stay on top of the task force’s advice, Healio Primary Care has listed the 10 most read articles on USPSTF recommendations this year:

USPSTF Brings ‘Huge’ Change to Prediabetes, Diabetes Screening Recommendations for Adults

The USPSTF has published its final recommendations on screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, lowering the recommended age to 35 years for asymptomatic, non-pregnant, overweight or obese adults. Read more.

USPSTF advises against aspirin for primary prevention of CVD in adults 60 years of age or older

The USPSTF no longer recommends aspirin for the primary prevention of CVD in adults aged 60 or older, according to a draft recommendation. Read more,

USPSTF Releases Updated Recommendations for Colorectal Cancer Screening

The USPSTF has published updated recommendations for colorectal cancer screening in JAMA. Read more.

USPSTF advises against vitamin E, beta-carotene supplements for cardiovascular disease, cancer prevention

The USPSTF has announced that there is no benefit from vitamin E supplementation and that the disadvantages of beta-carotene supplementation outweigh the benefits for CVD and cancer prevention. Read more.

USPSTF lacks evidence to recommend screening for vitamin D deficiency in asymptomatic adults

The USPSTF said there was insufficient evidence to assess the balance between the benefits and harms of screening for vitamin D deficiency in asymptomatic non-pregnant adults. Read more.

Working group: start screening for lung cancer at age 50, 20 pack-years of smoking

The USPSTF has released its final guidelines on lung cancer screening, lowering the age to begin screening to 50 and the required smoking history to 20 pack-years. Read more.

USPSTF: Primary care clinicians with younger patients should prescribe, apply fluoride

The USPSTF has issued several final recommendations regarding children’s oral health. Read more.

USPSTF Reaffirms Approval of Adult Hypertension Screening

After a systematic review, the USPSTF reaffirmed its approval of office-based hypertension screening with BP measurement in adults 18 years of age or older. Read more.

USPSTF: Not enough evidence to provide a recommendation for atrial fibrillation screening

The USPSTF announced that there is insufficient evidence to make a recommendation on screening for atrial fibrillation in asymptomatic patients aged 50 and older. Read more.

USPSTF continues to advise against COPD screening in people without signs or symptoms

The USPSTF has released a new draft recommendation in which it continues to advise against screening for COPD in people without signs or symptoms. Read more.