It’s only been a little over a month, but I have confirmed that the world of private practice American medicine is not my cup of tea. I’m not one to be influenced by money and I’m not really an entrepreneur so I would fashion things to please me. One might see my fictional solo practice […]
A Guide to Your Annual Physical Exam
I admit I’m increasingly frustrated with people who vilify physicians out of ignorance and misinformation. Case in point. A fictional patient with hypertension has a health insurance program that allows for a “free” annual physical exam. You know, one without a co-pay or deductible cost to the patient. He makes an appointment, sees his physician, […]
Surviving Sepsis – A Word to the Wise…
I just read a really awful heart-wrenching story in the New York Times today. It’s the story of Rory Staunton, a 12 year old boy in New York City who presented to his pediatrician’s office on a Thursday ill with fever, vomiting, and leg pain; was sent to the emergency room at NYU Langone where […]
Patient Satisfaction Linked with Higher Healthcare Costs and Mortality
The other day, a few physicians were discussing frequent fliers, patients who when discharged from the hospital find their way back to an inpatient status within days and sometimes within hours. Such patients are notorious for threatening to sign out of the hospital AMA (against medical advice) when refused pain medications for example, despite having […]
When Grandma/Grandpa Cannot Go Home
I was consulted on an elderly patient who had developed an infection after surgery. The infection required intravenous antibiotic therapy for a long period. The patient required rehabilitation after discharge from the hospital. The intravenous antibiotics were given there. On follow-up in the office three weeks later I determined the patient still needed intravenous antibiotics. […]