Safety net primary care for emergency physicians: Diagnosis and treatment of non-critical hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism

Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are common in the emergency department, both as established diagnoses and newly identified conditions. Thyroid function tests are also frequently obtained during ED evaluations. This article reviews the diagnosis and management of non-critical thyroid disorders, with a focus on clinically relevant guidance from endocrinology and primary care literature. It provides emergency physicians with a practical approach to interpreting thyroid function tests, initiating treatment for overt hyper- and hypothyroidism when appropriate, and bridging patients to primary and specialty care follow-up.