Author: Gene

(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 →

(Snippets from the frontline) Older and sicker stay shorter When an elder senior is admitted to a hospital, Medicare pays a flat fee based on diagnosis to cover the length … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Anger management The patient was angry.  He lived in assisted living and was acting out against other residents.  I was called to de-escalate the tension…which means … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) In Denial You suddenly become ill.  The emergency room doctor feels admission is necessary.  Your physician agrees, so you are hospitalized with IVs and testing done.  … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Our greatest asset My nephew has two children under the age of 10 who have dual citizenship with Japan.  On a recent visit there, they got … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) A phone call away Your loved one has been admitted to a hospital.  What is the diagnosis and prognosis? Here are suggestions how to stay up to … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Mother Nature vs. vulnerable seniors We’ve seen it with hurricanes in Florida, flooding in Texas, and fires in California.  Vulnerable seniors perish.  Why? Does their frailty … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Corralling votes The first objective of newly elected legislators is to get re-elected.  Therefore in their crosshairs from the outset are two goals: 1) Expand campaign … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) What’s your DRG? Upon admission to a hospital, Medicare and some insurances assign patients a DRG code (Diagnosis Related Group).  This complex system is based on … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) The stethoscope:  A symbol or a tool The practice of medicine has become a lost art. When assessing their patients, doctors commonly rely on technology in … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Power of Attorney A major struggle families face is who makes medical decisions if a loved one is mentally incapacitated?  Having a legal designee on a … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Age as a pre-existing condition When one reaches 65 years old, there is an option to apply for supplemental insurance known as a “secondary” to cover … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Cancer:  The stop button Body cells multiply allowing growth and development.  Some cells grow slowly, while others rapidly, all controlled by DNA. When you cut your … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Here’s the scam:  Observation Status You’re admitted to the hospital with chest pain.  Tests show you did not have a heart attack, and you are discharged … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Marijuana I don’t smoke marijuana but have no problem with those who use it judiciously and responsibly.  For some pain management patients, I prescribe marijuana derivatives. … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Lie Detector Innocent prisoners of color pack our jails because they are poor and had no access to reasonable legal representation. Wall Street bankers responsible for … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Skin in the game Our nightmare has begun again as lawmakers are going at it in Washington, D.C. to develop healthcare legislation for the American people.  … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Defining where a senior lives Some of my elder seniors have lived in their home for over 50 years, yet age forces difficult decisions moving them … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Drought-free America The essence of health is water. It makes up at least 60 percent of the human body, with our existence dependent on growing crops … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Safe Senior Driving Ever find yourself behind a slow car, and as you pass notice the gray haired driver tightly gripping the wheel while staring and … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) The most difficult place to work in medicine The emergency room. It is a conveyor belt of medical care. Because the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) did … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Paperwork sequela OFFICE SCHEDULE: Morning: Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork, paperwork, paperwork, paperwork, paperwork See patient Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork, paperwork, paperwork, paperwork, paperwork See patient Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork, … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Living shorter lives Life Expectancy in the United States decreased last year for the first time in 23 years.  Despite advancing technology, innovation in drug therapy, … Continue Reading →