title: Critique of the hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism CPG.
abstract: The clinical practice guideline (CPG) for the evaluation and treatment of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism was developed in 2002 to update the original American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) thyroid guidelines, which were published in 1995 (AACE Thyroid Task Force). The mission of this guideline as stated by the authors was to provide a framework for managing the diagnosis and treatment of patients with hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. The guidelines are intended to improve outcomes and reduce costs while stressing the importance of routine continual care provided by one physician. The guidelines are also intended to enhance physicians' awareness of subclinical hyperthyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism, which are frequently encountered in the clinical setting and often have detrimental health consequences when untreated. The organization of the guideline is clear and easy to follow. Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are described in two separate sections, each of which covers clinical features, diagnosis, laboratory evaluation, differential diagnosis, treatment, and management. (See previous article in this column.).
authors.forename: Julie A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Scatcherd
mesh_terms: D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D024802:Nurse's Role; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards