Doctoring in the trenches, using our knowledge and techno-gadgetry to enhance or save lives, is uplifting. Reading news on heath care reform is “not so much.” Reform has yet to begin, but businesses and doctors are already changing their behavior. As chronicled in this depressing piece, it is clear that doctors are joining consolidated practices and […]
Category: Health Care Reform
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A Republican responds…
As I walked through the labor and delivery unit, a short-cut to my office, I laughed out loud as I read this email. It is from a good friend, who is a prominent attorney, bike racer and Republican. It was in response to my recent post using electrophysiology examples to show that health care costs continue […]
It’s official. It now takes longer to do all the necessary forms, than to do a simple cardiac procedure, like a cardio-version. Seeing the patient, administering a sedative, and delivering a synchronized shock that converts AF to regular rhythm takes just a few minutes. However, in 2010 (in all hospitals), the number of forms has […]
The chief actuary of CMS has recently released a 20,000 word document stating that even with the expected cost savings from our new health-care law, medical costs will continue to increase. Shocking. Our new health-care law means well. It will surely help some, like those with pre-existing conditions. As a preamble, I need to say: […]
Yesterday, I wrote that doctors might need help in getting our patients to make only modest changes in their lifestyle. Could our government help? Like the fat guy climbing the hill who needs a push, our patients need help. In Louisville, we have donuts worthy of feature stories in the local paper. The banning of […]
My infinitely more famous colleague, Dr Wes has a very nice summary piece on how the recent healthcare reform bill will affect doctors. It is very well written, concise and instructive. I get it. I don’t here Fox news. There is good in the bill, like the pre-existing condition clause, and prohibiting an insurance company […]
Here is an example of how increased regulation from third parties attempts to control costs, but actually does the opposite. A middle aged patient whom I have seen in the past for benign palpitations called today because of atypical chest pain. Although I have criticized the overuse of nuclear imaging studies, and probably order the fewest of […]
It looks like the Obama health care bill will survive the House vote. It was really close. It took a last-minute executive order to placate a small number of congressmen. A small band of anti-abortion congressmen required an executive order to garner their support. Seriously? Politics amaze me. It is done. So be it. The […]
Gosh, atrial fibrillation can be hard to treat. He lay in the ER bed with a light sweat, and an obvious discomfort from the rapid heart rate and high blood pressure. He is my age. The belly protrudes from a too small XL tee shirt, there is week old facial hair, and he looks up […]
In the era of expensive and technologically advanced tests like MRI, CT and PET scans, how could a 25 dollar ECG save many lives? A recent study on the merits of adding a screening ECG to the routine screening of young athletes has created a stir, with many words written in the lay press. For […]
Doctors going to a cash only system of payment is steadily increasing, and these changes are garnering much attention. Practicing medicine is a skill honed over many years of training and education. Like any good or service, “doctoring,” has a value. What this value is, has become a matter of much debate. The payment […]