One of my new tasks in joining a new practice is learning CPT codes for what I do. Said differently, I am learning how to bill for services rendered. Never needed to this in the past as my large group had an army of business folks (coders) who did this for me. They of course […]
Category: Health Care Reform
I am close with this doctor who works in the government health care system. She is a palliative care/hospice doctor. We live together and as such discuss clinical cases frequently. This evening’s discussion sheds much light on the many differences in the systems in which we practice medicine. A vignette… But first a disclaimer: The […]
This week marked my third root canal this year. Ouch! 2009 also included a dental implant and subsequent crown. Who pays for this professional service? See figure 1… 950 dollars is indeed the going rate. Notice the guarantor is yours truly, not Anthem, Humana, GE, General Motors, UPS or anyone else. A regular Discover card […]
The parking lot is devoid of the usual chaos. The coffee cart is closed. An unusual quiet in the hallway is the norm. Holiday in the hospital. There were dark circles underneath the fatigued eyes and a slowness of gait. A colleague “fixed” four heart attacks on Thanksgiving. Sometimes, I make fun of the “squishers,” […]
My dad repeatedly advised me to stop being so upset about things that may happen in the future. Great advice, as was most advice bestowed to me by Mom, Dad, Gramps and Non. Age and parenthood brings clarity. In mountain bike speak, the medical community is “sideways” about the impending health care changes; distractively so. […]
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Stem Cells
I started my day today reading the front page of CJ. The medical breakthroughs article caught my eye. http://www.courier-journal.com/section/News01&template=project&theme=research Why does reading about cardiac stem cell transplant make me remember this photo. I took it for a lecture on “Heart Disease Prevention.” The stem cell thing is fascinating. The research is compelling and the scientists […]