ABSTRACT

The goal of this chapter is to discuss important topics that are not covered thoroughly in other chapters. The interpretation of diagnostic tests and results of therapy must be well understood by internists because these skills are used every day in practice. Frequently, internists are asked to make a preoperative risk assessment of a medical patient who is about to have a noncardiac operation. Managing patients who are receiving anticoagulants, assessing risk and treating patients who have hyperlipidemia, and managing other disorders frequently encountered in the office are also important. This chapter discusses these topics.