Author: Gene

(Snippets from the frontline)   The indignity of getting old   Eventually, we all get there.  Some say it starts at 40; most hope not until 80:   We see … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Embarrassed Gradually over 6 weeks, her symptoms worsened. Being a diabetic two decades, this 70 year old was sensitive to bodily changes. Now with progressive and … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Gatekeepers My senior neighbor, an avid walker, developed a knee problem with pain, swelling, locking, and popping.  She went to an HMO primary care doctor who … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) The business takeover of medicine For centuries, American doctors were guided by the Hippocratic Oath caring for their patients.  About 30 years ago though, business saw … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Because they can… Raise drug prices Increase rent Boost gasoline costs Inflate health insurance including premiums and deductibles Kick you out of the hospital after 4 … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) In the nick of time She is an 88-year old diabetic discharged from the hospital two days earlier after a three-day stay. Her admitting sugar was … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) The simple path of life Stewart had a green thumb growing seasonal flowers bringing color and sweet aromas to his home.  “When I was in the … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Doctors as lie detectors His story was perfect, right out of a medical textbook. He needed pain medication for his unremitting migraine headache, but it was … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Too-big-to-fail should go to jail Thousands and thousands died. Many suffered along with their families. Homicide charges were never filed, and only a slap of the … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) The “glitch” He was ill requiring a stay in the ICU for sepsis. Still weak, yet recovering enough to eat, the “four-day rule” of hospitalization was … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Let’s put grandma in a nursing home! Older adults abhor the thought they might be forced into a nursing home. Yet, they might not have a … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Be a corporation, avoid jail time If a person commits a crime, they can be arrested, go to court, and even face prison time.  If a … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Doctor statistics She was diagnosed with breast cancer, and statistically the chance of survival was good.  It meant involvement of medical professionals to help beat the … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Two problems, one solution Government is rapidly attempting to rectify the homelessness problem by building permanent housing for those in need.  As a geriatric doctor, I … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Practicing evidence-based medicine Evidence-based medicine is the foundation for decision-making when you seek care from a medical professional.  It has evolved over centuries from the scientific … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Paramedic on the frontline She’s a paramedic being treated for Valley Fever, a fungal lung infection common in our area.  Obsessively, she followed symptoms while monitoring … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Looming on the horizon Older adults have always feared being forced into nursing homes.  Now their greatest fear is homelessness. I have provided housecalls to patients … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Hospice care:  Follow the money Two criteria are needed for a patient to go on hospice: A terminal diagnosis; Two doctors verifying the need for hospice … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Paying for future care of older adults Taxes from working-age adults support many services and entitlements for those of the older generation. The sheer number of … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) A note on notes My cell phone stopped working as a tower near my home failed.  Many of us have had this happen, leading to a … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Listen to my heart, doctor! A doctor visit is not cheap.  It not only takes time and effort (especially for those older adults with mobility or … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Healthcare costs:  Getting nickel and dimed You can’t escape it.  Horror stories abound.  Because of healthcare costs, Americans are getting nickel and dimed while losing their … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) An apple a day keeps the doctor away The adage did not intend to mean Apple, Dell, HP, Acer, Lenovo, etc., but that is exactly what … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) What if your doctor lies? Lying is a way of life for some politicians and Wall Street business people.  Even though they might be caught, they … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Case scenario of a friend 67 year old male with no significant past medical history admitted to a well-known nationally ranked hospital with weakness and dizziness, … Continue Reading →