A physician responsibility for the financial health of patients

Patient
August 30, 2011

Much as war begets both high-profile losses and the unsung wounded, two ranks of casualties lay fallen, rent financially by medical treatment.

First are those of headlines, injured mortally, or nearly so, by insurmountable debt.  Such wretched tragedy serves notice to all that a singular turn of fate may lead one swiftly to financial ruin.

Less-celebrated are members of the second order, surviving but spending more than requisite for their care.  In contrast to the …

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A physician responsibility for the financial health of patients

Respect the potential wrath of a drug

Medications
June 6, 2011

I should be hard at work right now seeing patients in the office, and I would be if it weren’t for one little pill.

Have you ever been frustrated by a physician refusing to give you an antibiotic?  That very scenario occurs daily in primary care.

“It is only a virus.”

The arguments against taking an antibiotic (cost, side effects, allergic reaction) can seem less …

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Respect the potential wrath of a drug

What to do with a prescription bottle with the wrong pills inside

Medications
March 22, 2011

Have you ever opened a prescription bottle to find the wrong pills inside? If so, you may have found it to be an expensive mistake.

Whatever the reason for the error (and there are numerous possible causes), here is how to best handle the situation.

Of course, it is always smart to confirm the medications, quantities and dosages at the pharmacy checkout.  A mistake recognized at the time of purchase can be easily …

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What to do with a prescription bottle with the wrong pills inside

Save time and money with your visit with healthcare providers

Physician
January 17, 2011

Have you ever been frustrated by an unproductive or inopportune visit with your doctor that wasted your time and money?

Here are a few tips to keep that from happening again.

The problem

Many visits with healthcare providers are poorly timed and less productive than they could be.  Why?  Because nobody is looking out for you between visits. It’s not that your doctor doesn’t care.  He or she is simply too busy with …

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Save time and money with your visit with healthcare providers