Tag Archives: medicine

Exploring Cuba – Part 2

Posted on April 3, 2017 by

In my prior post, I discussed a trip I made to Cuba in December. In this second part I will focus on some medical aspects. When my patients ask about foreign travel where there may be health concerns, I usually … Continue reading →

Posted in Medical Politics, Travel | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Remote Globe Puppy

Posted on August 12, 2016 by

The New York times just ran a story about how Mongolia uses a system for their mail where each address consists of three words. A clever British start-up company What3Words divided a map of the world into 57 trillion pieces, … Continue reading →

Posted in Informatics, Medical Humor | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Gluteus Maximus

Posted on February 22, 2016 by

I ordered atorvastatin (generic Lipitor) for one of my patients with high cholesterol and Medicare Part D coverage. It was denied. We then appealed it (prior authorization). A fax from Maximus Federal Services said their decision was, “UNFAVORABLE.” They said … Continue reading →

Posted in Government, Pharmaceuticals | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Going Viral is Bad for Your Health

Posted on September 20, 2015 by

A few days ago CNN hosted the 2nd Republican presidential debate. Unfortunately, the topic of vaccines came up. Donald Trump had previously suggested that vaccines can cause autism. When asked about this he responded, “You take this little beautiful baby, … Continue reading →

Posted in Government | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Medicare Payment Formula Finally Changed – Win or Loss?

Posted on April 20, 2015 by

Congress passed a  law in 1977 linking Medicare payments for physician services to growth in the economy.  Because it failed to take into account inflation and other factors, Congress has had to act 17 times to prevents cuts to physician … Continue reading →

Posted in Business of Medicine, Government, Medical Politics | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

How to Get Rich – A Guide for Pharmaceutical Companies

Posted on September 2, 2014 by

Thanks to Congress, Medicare is not allowed to negotiate for the cost of medications. The bill was shepherded through by congressman Tauzin, the chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee that regulates the industry, who subsequently stepped down then … Continue reading →

Posted in Business of Medicine, Medical Politics, Pharmaceuticals | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Medication Small Print

Posted on June 13, 2013 by

When I give a cortisone injection, I have to document it in our electronic medical records. I’ve always included the dose, how administered (intramuscular), and the lot number. This week my company added the requirement that we include the NDC … Continue reading →

Posted in Pharmaceuticals | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Health in China

Posted on February 11, 2013 by

The Chinese are less concerned about safety than American. We worry about health risks, perhaps obsessively at times, but from my perspective it’s less of a concern to them. As I wrote, I thoroughly enjoyed a recent trip to China, … Continue reading →

Posted in Government, Travel | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Off Label Drugs and Free Speech

Posted on December 14, 2012 by

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ruled that pharmaceutical companies cannot promote drugs for purposes other than the reasons for which the drug was approved. Physicians are free to do such off-label prescribing, however the drug companies cannot suggest … Continue reading →

Posted in Government, Medical Politics | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Aspirin – Coated or Naked – Does it Matter?

Posted on December 4, 2012 by

Aspirin is often used to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Patients usually take an 81 mg (baby aspirin) or 325 mg (regular strength) pill. It also comes in plain, enteric coated, or buffered. Enteric coated aspirin is often recommended to … Continue reading →

Posted in Clinical, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment