The practice of endocrinology in a rural setting: suggested guidelines.

For the purposes of medical practice, a ;rural setting' implies an environment with little or no facilities for the sophisticated laboratory investigations that may be needed for the diagnosis of certain endocrine disorders. Fortunately, however, most of the commoner endocrine disorders may be diagnosed from the patient's history and a physical examination, together if necessary with the observed response to therapy. A lack of facilities, therefore, need not hinder the effective practice of endocrinology in rural areas.