Information and Critical Thinking for Your Health
(Snippets from the frontline) Readmission If you are admitted, discharged, and return with the same diagnosis within 30 days, hospitals are penalized by Medicare for the readmission. Nowadays, hospitals are … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) The easy way out “Take this pill.” Words patients like to hear from their doctor assuming it will solve all medical problems. Likewise, grabbing fast food … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) The other gateway drug Many states are on the road to legalizing medicinal and recreational marijuana. Much of this is related to change in cultural attitudes, … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Overtime Doctors know when a patient breaks a hip, surgical intervention is quickly needed to control pain and avoid complications like anemia, fat emboli, deep vein … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Computer reality My patient visited New York and had a heart attack. Upon his return, it took 6 weeks to get medical records snail-mailed back to … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Dehydration Every day patients arrive in the emergency room with confusion, weakness, and low blood pressure, and are diagnosed with infection. Intravenous fluid and antibiotic are … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) The silent doctor Doctors have been described as the best and brightest, and they should be as medical decisions impact the lives of many people. But … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Overdosed by government Opiate overdose is a leading cause of death in our country with addiction destroying lives and families. Many disabled patients however under chronic … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Grace She was a teacher, retiring at age 65 and traveling the world finally seeing countries she passionately illuminated for her students. Grace wanted those she … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Painting a picture Upon admission to a hospital, the doctor you choose has already earned your trust and confidence. Nowadays though, one can be admitted by … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Don’t forget the forgotten There is no place like home. Just not a nursing home. The re-invented name “Skilled Nursing Facility” cannot erase images of screaming … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Surviving war and hospitalization Robert, a Vietnam veteran, returned from the war zone without physical or psychologic scars, and did not adopt the habits of smoking … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Business bandwagon Some of the “best and brightest” have become medical doctors. They endure rigorous training caring for the health and well-being of those ill in … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Re-blending our DNA Seretse Khama, a prince from the African country of Bechuanaland (now Botswana), fell in love with a woman in England after WW II. … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Rolling the dice with chest pain You are awakened with crushing chest pain and brought to the emergency room. Initial testing reveals no heart attack, but … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Medicare HMO is not free Every year during open enrollment, HMOs direct full-page ads toward Medicare patients promoting “free” coverage including medication, glasses, hearing aids, dental … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) When is a bribe not a bribe? When it is a campaign contribution from special interest lobbyists. Gene Uzawa Dorio, M.D.
(Snippets from the frontline) Glowing in the dark When you have an x-ray procedure, the doctor or technician wears a badge to detect radiation and prevent overdose. By law, the … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline on Thanksgiving Day) Thankful for a high school education The company was re-locating from Maryland but valued his tool-making skills, so they brought Ralph H. Ruud … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Pointing fingers We now know our present opiate crisis came not only from illegal foreign drug cartel distribution, but primarily from legally sanctioned and organized American … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Home, your comfort zone The majority of elders seniors pass away in a hospital or nursing home. My patients want to die at home. Home is … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Should hospitals employ doctors? Not legally in California. Why? Because they are afraid profiteering hospital administrators might dangle the salary of employed doctors forcing harmful patient … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Ron – the unknown soldier He was 60 years old when he passed away from a rare cancer on November 1st. Not ever in the military, … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) The other pain reliever My pain management patients use opiates (DEA “Schedule 2”) to make it through the day. I don’t see any of them abusing … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Beyond the realm of modern medicine She was 90 years old and admitted with a stroke. Two weeks before, her rent increased, so she cut her … Continue Reading →