Coastal ENT Medical Group

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Radiation Exposure-033

We do need x-rays and will get CT and MRI scans where necessary.

At each exposure, the radiologist and technician record the amount of exposure.

MRI's are not using ionizing radiation but rather magnetic beams. They may image some areas better  but, for instance, sinus surgery still requires a CT.

Knowing this, many of you will receive imaging studies at the primary care office, but here is no centralized repository of total lifetime exposure. So, stay on top of it and get imaging studies but question if the information can be gathered in other ways.

Download Radiation exposure-82709

Czars-032

We have czars, many of them. In the past, presidents had rare need for a czar.

Now in 2009, we have many, many czars. Here is list and explanation from Beck's website.

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Hospitals of India-031

How is it that we are rushing into "reform" of our health care system, when many other countries are trying to pull back for single-payer system.

Great Britain, Canada, France are all struggling. However, India natives are willing to pay at private hospitals. Several companies are rushing to India to set up systems emulating US health care.

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Rationer-in-Chief-Emanuel-030

Ezekiel Emanuel, MD has a long history of statistical study on health care that is the backbone of the Obama health care. He blames the Hippocratic Oath for excessive care! See this graph favoring those between 15-40 who would get the most favorable chance.

Download Obama Health Rationer-in-chief-82709

Seniors-029

It began in February 2009 with the Stimulus package. Comparative Effectiveness Research and QALY were presented.

Now, the town hall rallies bring out many but they appear dominated by seniors that perhaps have the most to loose with this "reform" of Medicare.

Behind this is the ex-oncologist, Emanuel, who has written about this for years.

Download Govt Asssault on Seniors-73009

Safe Surgery-028

While we operate in a local hospital owned surgery center, Ximed ASC, we know that many surgeries are performed in an office setting. Most are certified by JCAHO, AAAHC or AAPRS, but some are not.

It behooves the patient to search for approved centers as shown in this article in the WSJ.

Download Safer surgery 72109

Pre-Existing Conditions

Pre-existing problems are the bane of the insurance world.

When you apply for new insurance, they ask all those questions and query all your old docs. The they send in the information without telling you the content.

The, a policy is issued and you get sick. You pull out your insurance card and get care. But int he american system you then get the bills which are on "hold" until they gather enough information to try and deny your claim for "pre-existing conditions".

One of the problems with our present system is the handling of pre-existing conditions.

When we lose a job and thus insurance, the insurance is supposed to be portable, via HIPAA.

And, COBRA has allowed us to pay for this at full rate. But pre-existing conditions often account for denial initially.

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How to fix? maybe price in from the beginning
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Death, Veterans and Final Hours

We do not think enough about our last wishes. Lawyers help with Wills, Trusts, Health Care Directives. But Obama has opted discussion on the "death squads".

Although this is dramatic, we do need to discuss these options with our PCP, not a committee.
Veterans are a special case, since they have served our nation.
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Download VA-Death book-81809

Drug Prices and the new Health Care plan

As we approach middle-age, many of us take medications-for cholesterol, blood pressure, or other conditions.

Many receive these via a PBM, or pharmacy benefit manager such as Medco or Prime. Costs are negotiated but still there is a 1st, 2nd and third tier requiring more and more co-pay, often for non-generics that do not exist.

Much of the fight is to retain some profit, both drug companies and PBM's.
Download Drug prices battle_81909