Author: Gene

(Snippets from the frontline) They prey on medical ignorance She arrived in the emergency room with nausea and vomiting. Labs were drawn, and a CT scan of the abdomen was … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Lured into palliative and hospice care The difference between palliative and hospice care is confusing.  (See graph below.) Palliative care patients selectively choose treatment to avoid … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Actively dying A few years ago, four of my patients died within 6 months.  All were in their 90s, widowed, lived in their home, and chose … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Hospice care?  Really?  I was asked to evaluate a patient for hospice care by an agency. Arriving at her home, she was sweeping the porch as … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Dying from hospice Compassionate care must be provided at end-of-life minimizing pain and suffering.  Inexperience, poor training, and greed by some hospice agencies though reveals an … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Hospice is a business Two decades ago was a scary time to fly as airplanes were crashing because some manufacturers and suppliers were using faulty nuts … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) “Your loved one is on life support” 40 years ago when I started in medicine, the term “life support” meant a patient was tenuously alive on … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Your doctor advocate is under attack When you are ill in the hospital, you must have someone who will be your advocate.  Until recently, your doctor … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Elmer and Edie He was born and raised in Tennessee, married his high school sweetheart, fought in WWII on a battleship, and returned with a Purple … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Lodging a hospital complaint If you don’t like food at a restaurant, you don’t go back.  If your car is still spewing smoke, you find another … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Under the influence Alcohol consumption has side effects as it permeates society at all levels.  Where does it start? Parents who drink alcohol might imprint similar … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Palliative and hospice care jargonese Hospice care is essential to assure minimal pain and suffering at end-of-life.  This awareness has evolved over the past two decades, … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Hospice care not reflected in healthcare statistics Some healthcare agencies and hospitals are shuffling elder seniors into hospice at a rapid rate because it is profitable.  … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) The scoop on some hospice care agencies Caring for patients at end-of-life requires experience, communication skills, sensitivity, and medical knowledge.  The majority are elder seniors, and … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) What is your happiness level? The United States is a wealthy nation, yet we don’t rank in the top ten countries in the World Happiness Report.  … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) The Notorious RBG and healthcare Ruth Bader Ginsburg was the second female justice appointed to the Supreme Court in 1993, and through the years one must … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Blood pressure cuff and other gadgets When you visit your doctor or are admitted to the hospital, the first bit of information gathered is vital signs.  … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Who should be on hospice? Hospice is end-of-life care.  Even the best medical care cannot always reverse the ravages of illness or aging, and when pain, … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Tactics forcing ICU patients onto hospice From the outset, be worried or suspicious if: Your loved one is old, or has been hospitalized for a prolonged … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Forcing ICU patients onto hospice Some elder senior patients admitted to the ICU are targeted by hospitals and placed on hospice care.  Why?  It saves money. … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Hospice and end-of-life care Signs of aging are not always easy to identify.  Seeing wrinkles and gray hair in those  around you is acceptable, but inevitably … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Time The body talks to us.  Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain may be a reaction to food poisoning.  Chills and shakes could be the onset of … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline)  Rough draft of a new US healthcare plan -Everyone will be insured. -Coverage throughout the US. -Freedom to choose your doctor and hospital. -No pre-existing condition … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Healthcare Millions of Americans do not have access to healthcare. This is detrimental to the economy, society, and hinders our ability to progress as a nation. … Continue Reading →