Screening for chronic disease

Abstract

Screening is one of the most common chronic disease care activities in primary care practice. After careful shared decision-making, properly implemented screening can identify preclinical states that have the potential for treatment with a resultant reduction in adverse health events. If improperly used, screening can potentially cause harms and lead to wasteful healthcare expenditures. Clinicians should understand the general tenets of screening and clinical recommendations for counseling patients regarding the benefits versus harms of screening. The US Preventive Services Task Force is a trusted and reliable source of screening recommendations for various diseases.