Tag: washington post

Powerful doctors you don’t know are making decisions about your health. Here’s how.

Powerful doctors you don’t know are making decisions about your health.  Here’s how. The last few years have seen many sacred cows regarding cancer prevention and screening procedures for other diseases reduced or in some cases eliminated. Examples of this includes Mammogram’s frequency and age requirements and the use of the PSA tests on men.   While groups like the American Cancer Society have advocated for years certain screens, the data, it turns out never supported anything they said.  What is true is that many people have been screened and terrified unnecessarily when screened for certain disease processes, and many of them Read More »

Is the Stethoscope outdated? What are cardiologists now using for more accurate diagnosis of heart and lung problems.

Is the Stethoscope outdated?  What are cardiologists now using for more accurate diagnosis of heart and lung problems. Is the stethoscope dead?   If you go into any ER, or doctors office, the familiar vision of the doctor with the while jacket who has a stethoscope slung around their necks is a common site. Newer technologies are on the horizon that can soon replace this ancient medical tool for listening to the hearts and lungs of their patients.   The use of computers, cell phones and apps may soon diagnose more accurately heart problems that a doctor or nurse may miss.   The Read More »

One strategy to overpriced hospital bills that is paying off; Don’t pay. Check out this Washington Post article

One strategy to overpriced hospital bills that is paying off; Don’t pay. Check out this Washington Post article. There is nothing I hate more than an overpriced hospital bill. I have firsthand experience with the rules that allow the greed, while we as consumers are threatened by their collection agency and other egregious tactics. A number of years ago, my wife visited her doctor in the doctor’s office and other than a biopsied sample, this was a well-care checkup. We received two bills, one for services ($1200) and a second for a facility fee ($3200) for this typical 10-minute visit. Read More »

What is the likelihood your next car accident is from a drugged driver?

What is the likelihood your next car accident is from a drugged driver? It is well known that prescription drug abuse has increased, especially with those suffering from chronic pain. Opioid usage has become a favorite topic in the news and many American’s are on some psychotropic drug. This has created a new phenomenon of driving under the influence of prescription drugs says the Washington Post. DUI or driving under the influence can be expensive if your drug of choice is alcohol, since there is legislation to protect the public if you drive drunk and are pulled over, however, do Read More »

Beware of the cost of care; an uninsured physicians assistant finds out the truth behind appendicitis.

Beware of the cost of care; an uninsured physicians assistant finds out the truth behind appendicitis. Appendicitis, in the United States, an appendectomy can cost thousands, yet in Sweden, can cost $50. How many times have scare tactics been used on you or a loved one to submit to an expensive procedure, even though there was perhaps a more cost effective and safe alternative that was available. Often chiropractors feel the same way, after their patients spend thousands on back pain treatments that don’t work, only to find out safer and more cost effective chiropractic does. Here is a story Read More »