Is it sufficient to write GERD or diarrhea in a patients record?
It is insufficient simply to write “GERD” or “diarrhea” in the patient’s record or other documentation without additional clarification. Securing and documenting as much detail as possible about the nature of the problem is more likely to result in the selection of a treatment that will produce the best possible outcome. • What is the first-line treatment for GERD or esophagitis? Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are considered the first-line treatment for GERD as well as esophagitis. It is acceptable to utilize less potent agents to treat milder GERD as PPIs may cause some of the GI symptoms (e.g., nausea, indigestion) that they are intended to relieve. • What is the preferred treatment for C. difficile diarrhea? C. difficile diarrhea established by a positive essay stool toxin should be treated by eliminating the suspected causal antibiotics and treatment with oral metronidazole, 500 mg 3 times daily, or vancomycin, 125 mg 4 times daily. The metronidazole regimen is preferred because it
