Commentary and Observations from
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Welcome to PCE's The Exchange—Stay Current on Issues That Matter Most to You and Your NP/PA Colleagues
PCE is excited to announce the launch of The Exchange, a collection of short commentaries from your NP/PA colleagues on a broad range of topics relevant to your practice. The Exchange will bring you reflections on trends in medicine, observations about new treatments and guidelines, and advice related to career decisions and practicing in today's changing healthcare environment.
Spironolactone Use in Adult Female Acne
Posted By: 
Kristine Kucera, PA-C, MPAS, DHS
July 31, 2020
Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that is usually seen in adolescence. However, it is becoming more common past the teenage years, often affecting those aged 20 years or older; women are affected at higher rates than men in all age groups. One study found that 85% of females and 15% of males have adult-onset acne.
Females are likely to get adult acne due to fluctuating hormone levels and stress, but other factors include a positive family history, medication side effects, and und... Continue Reading
Filed under: Dermatology
Skin Manifestations of COVID-19
Posted By: Kristine Kucera, PA-C, MPAS, DHS
July 28, 2020
By now it is well known that COVID-19 is an illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that may lead to serious respiratory disease. The most common sy... Continue Reading
Filed under: Dermatology, Infectious Diseases
Diagnosis and Management of Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria
Posted By: 
Amanda Michaud, MMS, PA-C
July 24, 2020
Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU), also called chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), is a condition when urticaria, or hives, are present for more than 6 wee... Continue Reading
Filed under: Allergy/Immunology, Dermatology
Why Your Patient Probably Isn’t Allergic to Penicillin
Posted By: Amanda Michaud, MMS, PA-C
July 17, 2020
Drug allergies are documented in more than 20% of electronic health records throughout the world, with antibiotic allergies being the most commonly reported.... Continue Reading
Filed under: Allergy/Immunology
COVID-19 Expands PA/NP Autonomy…and Scope of Practice for Other Professions, Too
Posted By: 
Lawrence Herman, PA-C, MPA
July 14, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has been but one justification for expanding PA and NP autonomy in some states. In New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo's Execu... Continue Reading
Filed under: Health Policy and Trends, Practice Management/Career
Would You Volunteer to Enroll in a COVID-19 Vaccine Trial?
Posted By: Lawrence Herman, PA-C, MPA
July 10, 2020
There are more than 160 COVID-19 vaccines currently in development, with the University of Oxford/AstraZeneca AZD1222 vaccine (an attenuated altered adenovir... Continue Reading
Filed under: Allergy/Immunology, Infectious Diseases, Public Health
Uses of Anti-CCP in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis
Posted By: 
Richard S. Pope, PA-C, MPAS
July 07, 2020
A young woman presents for evaluation of joint pain in both wrists and hands and swelling of one knee. Her history and physical exam suggest rheumatoid arthr... Continue Reading
Filed under: Rheumatology
2020 ACR Gout Guidelines for Allopurinol Have Changed!
Posted By: Richard S. Pope, PA-C, MPAS
July 02, 2020
Gout is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis in both men and women in the United States. Allopurinol is commonly used to manage hyperuricemia in it... Continue Reading
Filed under: Rheumatology
Asthma Q&A With Dr Kurtis Elward: Part 2
Posted By: 
Kurtis S. Elward, MD, MPH
June 30, 2020
PCE recently held our Series 1 Live Stream events. During the Live Streams, attendees have the chance to ask expert faculty specific questions, though we oft... Continue Reading
Filed under: Allergy/Immunology, Pulmonary Medicine
Asthma Q&A With Dr Kurtis Elward: Part 1
Posted By: Kurtis S. Elward, MD, MPH
June 26, 2020
PCE recently held our Series 1 Live Stream events. During the Live Streams, attendees have the chance to ask expert faculty specific questions, though we oft... Continue Reading
Filed under: Allergy/Immunology, Pulmonary Medicine