This is a recorded session from the SGIM 2026 Annual Meeting.
Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) collaborate to develop evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). We discuss the VA/DOD CPG development process and present updates in four CPGs addressing chronic kidney disease (CKD), lipid management, asthma, and overweight/obesity. These CPGs are intended to enhance confidence, consistency, and quality of clinical management in diverse primary care settings. We also provide implementation frameworks that consider the reach, expertise, and strategic roles of primary care and specialty providers, prioritizing areas where each has the greatest potential to influence outcomes.
Advances in the conceptualization of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome and an expansion of therapeutic options offer opportunities to slow the progression of CKD and reduce cardiovascular morbidity. We present recommendations for CKD in the domains of early detection and risk stratification, management of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome, patient safety monitoring, and support of patient engagement (including shared decision-making regarding dialysis versus conservative management).
The CPG provides recommendations for patients with or at risk for CVD who would benefit from lipid management in the domains of screening and assessment of cardiovascular disease risk, pharmocotherapy for lipid management in primary and secondary cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment, statin intolerance, the use of nutraceuticals and supplements for lipid management, and lifestyle interventions. The CPG emphasizes the role of patient-centered care, decreasing preventable complications and morbidity, improving health outcomes and quality of life, and using shared decision-making frameworks.
The CPG addresses clinically relevant topics related to the diagnosis and treatment of asthma in the primary care setting. The CPG includes two algorithms: “Assessment and Diagnosis of Asthma” and “Initiation of Treatment.” We highlight opportunities in the assessment and management of asthma, including identifying patients for consideration of step-down in therapy and patients who would benefit from subspecialist referral or advanced therapies.
Advances in the understanding of overweight and obesity have reshaped how these conditions are managed. The CPG recommendations address screening, the incorporation of obesity staging to identify disease severity, and the integration of newer therapies, such as nutrient-stimulated hormone treatments, into individualized care plans. The CPG underscores the importance of comprehensive lifestyle interventions as the foundation of care, used in conjunction with pharmacotherapy and/or metabolic and bariatric surgery, to improve outcomes and reduce obesity-related complications.
CME/MOC Hours & Expiration Date
Expiration: June 1, 2029
To receive CME credit only, you must (1) watch the entire presentation, then (2) click the Certificate item to claim your certificate (print/save for your records).
To receive CME and MOC credit, you must (1) watch the entire presentation, (2) complete the brief MOC Assessment survey, and then (3) click the Certificate item to claim your certificate (print/save for your records).
- Amy R. Schwartz, MD
VA Connecticut Health Care System
- Richele L. Corrado, DO, MPH
Walter Reed Army Medical Center
- Kimberly Fabyan, MD
Walter Reed Army Medical Center
- Brian Neubauer, MD
Brooke Army Medical Center
- James L. Sall, PhD
Audie Murphy VA
