A new way for insurers to give doctors headaches

The insurance companies have discovered a new way to give me a headache. About a month ago, a number of providers in our practice received an email with instructions about a new task to which we had been assigned. Apparently, we were supposed to log on to some website, create an account, and fill out […]



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Telemedicine is a growing practice model, but beware of the risks

Health care in the United States is often compromised by fragmentation in its delivery, limited patient access due to a shortage of primary care doctors, long wait times (even for patients who have appointments), and spiraling costs. As a result, innovative approaches to delivering health care are becoming increasingly important in America’s continued pursuit of […]



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Maybe Dr. Oz is part of the health care solution. Wait, what?

Dr. Oz is going to love this one. At least, I think that he will. I’ve never actually met him. To be honest, I wouldn’t have a clue as to whether he’s really a good guy or not. In fact, I suspect that he’s never read my book, but I did devote almost an entire […]



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5 tips for future physician leaders

Our health care system needs more physician leaders. Physician-led accountable care organizations have been shown to improve the quality of patient care while reducing overall costs. Physicians, by their nature, tend to be goal-oriented, have the ability to gather and assimilate evidence, and make difficult decisions, but these traits do not always translate naturally into […]



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Sexism in the OR: What’s a medical student to do?

We recently had a session hosted by the medical education staff at our school where we were encouraged to share any difficult situations encountered in clerkship (submitted anonymously beforehand if that was preferred) and discussed them as a class. Issues regarding ageism, sexism and racism were brought up and addressed with the group. While I […]



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E-patients need e-doctors. Here’s why.

Everyone deserves a chance to be healthy. Physicians, of course, focus on helping patients. Unfortunately, I often see patients’ frustrations with the health care system itself directed toward doctors. Meanwhile, doctors are under increasing pressures on multiple fronts. Yes, we’re imperfect, but making physicians the primary focus of patient anger will not solve problems we […]



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I did not fail recertification. Recertification has failed me.

We have met the enemy, and he is us. -Pogo (a comic strip character of Walt Kelly) I doubt that physicians would have supported the creation of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) in the early 1900s if they had known that eventual maintenance of certification (MOC) might be used as requirements for re-licensure. […]



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