From the Guidelines
Common ambulatory care conditions include hypertension, diabetes mellitus, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), urinary tract infections, upper respiratory infections, depression, anxiety, osteoarthritis, and hyperlipidemia. These conditions are typically managed in outpatient settings through regular monitoring and medication management. For example, hypertension is often treated with medications like lisinopril (10-40mg daily), amlodipine (2.5-10mg daily), or hydrochlorothiazide (12.5-25mg daily), along with lifestyle modifications including reduced sodium intake and regular exercise 1. Diabetes management involves medications such as metformin (starting at 500mg twice daily, increasing as needed), monitoring blood glucose levels, and dietary control. Asthma typically requires inhaled corticosteroids (like fluticasone) and rescue inhalers (albuterol) as needed.
Some key points to consider in ambulatory care include:
- The use of prediction tools to support clinical judgment in deciding on inpatient or outpatient treatment for conditions like community-acquired pneumonia 1
- The importance of individualized approaches to treatment, as seen in the management of COPD exacerbations 1
- The need for ongoing follow-up appointments to adjust treatments, monitor disease progression, and prevent complications in chronic conditions like ulcerative colitis 1
The ambulatory care setting is ideal for these chronic conditions as it allows for continuity of care, patient education, and preventive interventions while avoiding costly hospitalizations when conditions are properly managed. By prioritizing morbidity, mortality, and quality of life, healthcare providers can make informed decisions about the management of common ambulatory care conditions.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Common Ambulatory Care Conditions
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Asthma 3, 4, 6
- Hypertension 3, 4
- Congestive heart failure 3, 4
- Urinary tract infections 3
- Dehydration 3
- Bacterial pneumonia 3
- Angina without an in-hospital procedure 3
- Perforated appendix 3
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus 3, 4
- Angina 4
Characteristics of Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions
- Can be managed with timely and effective ambulatory care, reducing the need for hospitalization 3, 4
- Often require ongoing management and monitoring to prevent exacerbations and hospitalizations 2, 5
- May have a significant impact on quality of life and mortality if not properly managed 6
Management of Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions
- Eliminating exposure to irritants, such as tobacco smoke, is a key measure in managing COPD 2
- Medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-2 agonists, can help manage symptoms and reduce exacerbations 2, 5
- Referral to specialty clinics, disease management programs, and other services can help optimize care for patients with ambulatory care sensitive conditions 3