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My Private Doctor Blog

Evidence-based, physician-crafted long-form articles. Separate pages. Search-friendly slugs.

8/17/202510–14 min read

Decoding Thyroid Function Tests (TSH, Free T4, Free T3)

How TSH, FT4, and FT3 interact; common lab patterns, pitfalls (biotin, illness, drugs), and when to treat or repeat.

EndocrineThyroidDiagnostics
8/17/202512–16 min read

Anemia Workup: Micro, Normo, Macro Algorithms

Stepwise approach using MCV + retic: iron deficiency vs. inflammation vs. thalassemia; hemolysis workup; B12/folate; when to scope, transfuse, or give IV iron.

HematologyDiagnosticsInternal Medicine
8/17/202510–14 min read

MRI vs. CT vs. Ultrasound: Choosing the Right Test

Practical modality selection for common scenarios; strengths, limitations, radiation, and contrast safety.

ImagingDiagnosticsEmergency
8/17/202511–15 min read

COPD Exacerbations: Home vs. Hospital Decision

Triage signals for admission, oxygen 88–92%, when to start antibiotics, steroid course, NIV triggers, discharge criteria, and prevention.

PulmonaryCOPDEmergency
8/17/20259–13 min read

UTI in Adults: Uncomplicated vs. Complicated

Symptom-first triage, when to culture, shortest effective antibiotics for cystitis, outpatient vs. inpatient pyelonephritis, imaging rules, and recurrence prevention.

Infectious DiseasePrimary CareDiagnostics
8/17/202512–18 min read

Liver Tests: AST/ALT vs ALP/Bilirubin Patterns

How to classify hepatocellular vs cholestatic injury, use the R-ratio, interpret conjugated vs unconjugated bilirubin, and know when to image or escalate.

HepatologyDiagnosticsInternal Medicine
8/17/202510–14 min read

Syncope: Risk Stratification & Workup

Bedside triage with ECG and orthostatics, red flags for admission, and targeted testing (echo, rhythm monitoring, tilt) without over-imaging.

CardiologyEmergencyDiagnostics
8/17/202512–18 min read

Atrial Fibrillation Anticoagulation: DOAC Dosing & Pitfalls

When to anticoagulate (CHA₂DS₂-VASc), how to pick and dose DOACs, renal/drug adjustments, special populations, periprocedural holds, and reversal.

CardiologyAnticoagulationInternal Medicine
8/17/202512–18 min read

Acne Treatment: Stepwise Care from Topicals to Isotretinoin

Clear pathway for comedonal, inflammatory, and nodulocystic acne: skincare, retinoids/BPO, antibiotic stewardship, hormonal therapy, isotretinoin, and PIH/scar prevention.

DermatologyAesthetic MedicinePrimary Care
8/17/202512–18 min read

Diabetes: Practical Insulin Titration (Basal–Bolus & GLP-1 Synergy)

Outpatient algorithm: fasting targets, basal-first titration every 3 days, when to add GLP-1 or prandial insulin, correction scales, and hypoglycemia fixes.

EndocrinologyDiabetesTherapeutics
8/17/202512–18 min read

Heart Failure: Outpatient Diuretic Strategy & Decongestion

How to assess volume, pick/adjust loop diuretics, handle diuretic resistance with thiazide synergy, protect kidneys/electrolytes, and set a home action plan.

CardiologyHeart FailureTherapeutics
8/17/202510–16 min read

Asthma Exacerbation: ED to Home Plan

Severity triage, oxygen targets, SABA/SAMA dosing, early steroids, magnesium for non-response, discharge criteria, SMART therapy, and follow-up.

PulmonologyEmergencyTherapeutics
8/17/202512–18 min read

CKD: ACEi/ARB, SGLT2, Finerenone — When & How

Stage by eGFR & albuminuria, start ACEi/ARB, add SGLT2, layer finerenone in T2D with albuminuria, and monitor Cr/K⁺ safely with sick-day rules.

NephrologyCardiorenalTherapeutics
8/17/202512–18 min read

Resistant Hypertension: Workup & Triple Therapy

Confirm true resistance, fix measurement/adherence, screen secondary causes (aldosteronism, OSA, kidney), then treat with ACEi/ARB + DHP-CCB + thiazide-like diuretic and add MRA safely.

CardiologyHypertensionTherapeutics
8/17/202512–20 min read

Sepsis: Early Recognition, Antibiotics, Fluids & Vasopressors

Recognize sepsis fast, draw cultures, start empiric antibiotics, give balanced crystalloids with dynamic reassessment, escalate to norepinephrine/vasopressin, and pursue early source control.

EmergencyCritical CareInfectious Disease
8/17/202512–20 min read

Pulmonary Embolism: Risk, Imaging & Outpatient Pathways

Use PERC/Wells/Geneva/YEARS, apply age-adjusted D-dimer, choose CTPA vs V/Q wisely (pregnancy/renal), risk-stratify with sPESI/HESTIA, pick the right anticoagulant, and know when to lyse.

PulmonologyEmergencyVascular
8/17/202512–18 min read

GI Bleed: Upper vs Lower — Resuscitation & Endoscopy Timing

Stabilize first: restrictive transfusion, PPI/octreotide when appropriate, reversal strategy, and when to scope vs CTA. Clear disposition rules.

GastroenterologyEmergencyHospital Medicine
8/17/202512–18 min read

Pneumonia: CURB-65 vs PSI, Antibiotics & When to Admit

CAP triage with CURB-65/PSI, targeted diagnostics, who goes home vs hospital/ICU, empiric antibiotics by risk, durations, and follow-up.

PulmonologyInfectious DiseaseEmergency
8/17/202510–16 min read

DVT: Wells + Ultrasound & Outpatient DOAC Protocol

Pretest with Wells, use D-dimer judiciously, scan smart (proximal vs whole-leg), know when to repeat ultrasound, and treat stable patients at home with label-correct DOAC dosing.

VascularEmergencyInternal Medicine
8/17/202512–18 min read

Headache: Red Flags, SAH Rule-out, and Migraine Plan

SNOOP red flags, CT→LP/CTA for thunderclap, dangerous mimics (CVT, GCA, meningitis), and a clean acute+preventive migraine plan without medication-overuse.

NeurologyEmergencyPrimary Care
8/17/202512–18 min read

Urticaria & Angioedema: Triage, Triggers, and Treatment

Airway-first approach; distinguish histamine vs bradykinin angioedema; epinephrine for anaphylaxis; H1 up-titration (×4), brief steroids, and omalizumab/cyclosporine for chronic cases.

Allergy & ImmunologyEmergencyDermatology
8/17/202510–18 min read

Hyperkalemia: Stabilize, Shift, Remove

ECG-first safety with IV calcium, rapid intracellular shift (insulin/dextrose, beta-agonist, bicarbonate if acidotic), and definitive removal (diuretics, binders, dialysis) with rebound prevention.

EmergencyNephrologyElectrolytes
8/17/202512–20 min read

Hyponatremia: Volume Status, Safe Correction & DDAVP Clamp

Classify tonicity, use urine osm/Na⁺ to find the mechanism, treat symptoms with 3% saline, and prevent overcorrection (≤8–10 mEq/L per 24 h; ≤6 in high risk) with a DDAVP clamp.

NephrologyElectrolytesEmergency
8/17/202512–20 min read

Thyroid Nodules: Ultrasound Risk, TI-RADS & FNA Pathway

TSH first, ultrasound risk (ACR TI-RADS), size thresholds for FNA, when ‘hot’ nodules skip biopsy, Bethesda-guided actions, and surveillance intervals.

EndocrinologyUltrasoundOncology
8/17/202512–18 min read

Hypothyroidism: Diagnosis, Levothyroxine Dosing & Special Cases

TSH/Free T4 patterns, when to treat subclinical disease, weight-based LT4 dosing, absorption & drug interactions, and nuances for pregnancy, elderly, CAD, and central causes.

EndocrinologyPrimary CareWomen’s Health
8/17/202512–20 min read

Hyperthyroidism: Graves vs Toxic Nodules — Diagnosis, Beta-blockers & Definitive Therapy

Differentiate Graves vs toxic nodules vs thyroiditis using TSH/FT4/FT3, TRAb, and uptake scan; control symptoms with beta-blockers; choose methimazole/PTU, radioiodine, or surgery. Special cases: pregnancy, ophthalmopathy, storm.

EndocrinologyThyroidInternal Medicine
8/17/202512–18 min read

COPD Exacerbation: Steroids, Antibiotics & Ventilation

Titrate O₂ to 88–92%, give SABA/SAMA, prednisone 40 mg ×5 days, start antibiotics when purulence/ventilatory support, use NIV for hypercapnic acidosis, and plan relapse prevention.

PulmonologyEmergencyHospital Medicine
8/17/202512–18 min read

Appendicitis: Scores, Imaging & When to Operate

Use Alvarado/AIR/PAS to triage, ultrasound-first (CT/MRI when needed), give peri-op antibiotics, and choose antibiotics-first vs laparoscopic appendectomy with clear criteria.

General SurgeryEmergencyRadiology
8/17/202512–18 min read

Biliary Colic vs Cholecystitis: Ultrasound Findings & Antibiotics/OR Timing

Differentiate biliary colic from cholecystitis, read the ultrasound, know when to order HIDA/MRCP/ERCP, start antibiotics appropriately, and time laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

General SurgeryGastroenterologyEmergency
8/17/202512–20 min read

Upper GI Bleed: Risk Scores, PPI/Octreotide & Endoscopy Timing

Stabilize with a restrictive transfusion strategy, use GBS/Rockall, start PPI (non-variceal) or octreotide+ceftriaxone (variceal), and perform urgent endoscopy within 24 h—sooner if unstable.

GastroenterologyEmergencyHospital Medicine
8/17/202512–20 min read

Lower GI Bleed: Diverticular vs Hemorrhoidal — Resuscitation, CT-Angio & Colonoscopy Timing

Resuscitate with a restrictive transfusion strategy, localize with CT-angiography during active bleeding, prep for colonoscopy within 24 h, and use IR embolization or endoscopic therapy as indicated.

GastroenterologyEmergencyInterventional Radiology
8/17/202512–20 min read

AKI: Prerenal vs ATN — Workup, Fluids & Nephrotoxins

Confirm KDIGO AKI, separate prerenal vs ATN vs postrenal with urine microscopy and physiology, resuscitate with balanced crystalloids, stop nephrotoxins, and use AEIOU to time dialysis.

NephrologyEmergencyHospital Medicine
8/17/202514–24 min read

DKA: Fluids, Insulin, Potassium & Phosphate — No-Overcorrection Protocol

Diagnose with the triad, resuscitate with balanced crystalloids, start insulin only after K⁺ ≥3.3, add D5 when glucose ~200 to keep clearing ketones, avoid routine bicarbonate, and overlap basal insulin at transition.

EndocrinologyCritical CareEmergency
8/17/202512–22 min read

HHS (Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State): Fluids First, Gentle Insulin & Osmolality Math

Prioritize fluids, calculate corrected sodium and effective osmolality, start low-dose insulin after resuscitation and K⁺ repletion, avoid rapid osmotic shifts, and overlap basal insulin at transition.

EndocrinologyCritical CareEmergency
8/17/202514–22 min read

Sepsis: 3-Hour Bundle, Lactate-Guided Fluids, Norepinephrine & Source Control

Recognize early, cultures + antibiotics within 1 hour, lactate-guided balanced crystalloids, norepinephrine to MAP ≥65 (add vasopressin/epi), and fast source control with smart de-escalation.

Critical CareEmergencyInfectious Diseases
8/17/202514–22 min read

Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: Diuresis, Vasodilators & Ultrasound Congestion Map

NIV + nitrates for hypertensive pulmonary edema, loop diuretic strategy with urine sodium checks and thiazide add-on, ultrasound-guided decongestion (B-lines/IVC/VExUS), and safe discharge criteria.

CardiologyEmergencyHospital Medicine
8/17/202514–22 min read

TIA vs Minor Stroke: Dual Antiplatelet Windows & Imaging Strategy

Separate TIA from minor stroke, run CT/CTA ± MRI, start short-course DAPT (ASA+clopidogrel 21 d or ASA+ticagrelor 30 d select cases), screen for AF, fix carotids, and lock in secondary prevention.

NeurologyStrokeEmergency
8/17/202514–22 min read

Intracerebral Hemorrhage: BP Targets, Reversal & Neurosurgical Triggers

Lower SBP to ~140–160, reverse anticoagulants immediately, manage ICP in ICU, and call neurosurgery early for cerebellar bleeds, hydrocephalus (EVD), or deterioration.

NeurologyCritical CareEmergency
8/17/202512–20 min read

Community-Acquired Pneumonia: Severity Scores, Antibiotics & Admission Criteria

Risk-stratify with CURB-65/PSI, pick empirics by setting and comorbidities, don’t delay first dose, reassess at 48–72 h, and de-escalate with a 5-day minimum once clinically stable.

Infectious DiseasesPulmonologyEmergency
8/17/202512–22 min read

Pulmonary Embolism: Wells/Geneva, PERC, D-dimer & CT-PA — Who to Scan and Who to Treat

Use structured pretest probability with PERC and age-adjusted D-dimer to avoid unnecessary CT; image the right patients and treat by risk tier (massive/intermediate/low) with clear outpatient criteria.

PulmonologyEmergencyHematology
8/17/202512–15 min read

Acute Coronary Syndrome: From Triage to Reperfusion

ACS playbook: triage, ECG, hs-troponin deltas, antithrombotics, and reperfusion strategy.

CardiologyACSEmergency