In which I reveal what caused the pancreatitis

MRCP suggested cholecystitis. We consulted surgery – laporoscopic cholectystectomy the next day with confirmation of cholecystitis.

What caused the pancreatitis?

A 68-year-old male with diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and prior pancreatitis presented with severe abdominal pain

One way universal coverage can save costs

An ER doctor admitted a patient for evaluation due to system inefficiencies. Universal coverage and better primary care could reduce unnecessary hospitalizations.

Can we measure quality?

We need patient centered care rather than check-box care. We need to rediscover the caring in patient care.

The semantics of primary care

I fear we have lost the context of the term primary care. We know the content, but they do not. And they make the big decisions.

Could primary care actually win?

I have remained skeptical, because they have benefited at the expense of family physicians and non-procedural internists.

Some music thoughts

On the trip down (4.5 hours) and back I listened to my trusty IPod Nano. While at the beach I took a first listen to Wilco (The Album).

AMS an acid-base problem – part 1

 Now for the hard part, figure out the acid-base problem.  Next I will give you his labs 2 days later, then my interpretation.

Do you favor a public plan?

Too many pundits have already set their opinions in concrete without knowing those details.  And you wonder why physicians dislike politics.

Is medicine worth it?

So my simple advice is that medicine is worth it – not for riches – but for the work.  Helping patients feels good every time.