Smokers and health insurance premiums
This one is more complex than smoking. We can test patients for smoking regularly, and so can insurance companies.
Paraneoplastic antibody screening
That definition is very helpful because some of the screening panels also provide results that might come from an auto-immune condition.
End of the year favorites – TV Shows
Enough medicine blogging. The rest of this year I will list my favorites in various media – TV, movies, music and books.
The importance of poopology
I know that it is corny and probably not dignified, but it almost always gets a smile from the patient, the house officers and the students.
A sane voice against assisted suicide
I urge everyone to read this beautifully written and argued op-ed, written by a man with life-long severe disability.
More concern over P4P
P4P is no different. Please read the article. It expands on the ideas that Daniel Pink has include in his book Drive.
Health care reform depends on reforming the payment system and working conditions for physicians
Over the next two days I will participate in ACP’s two large policy committees. We will work on these issues.
On chasing zebras
Great comment on my high value cost conscious care post that accuses academics for excessive zebra hunting.
More thoughts on high value, cost conscious care
The article promotes high-value, cost-conscious care by emphasizing thorough patient exams, avoiding unnecessary tests.
High value, cost conscious care – the antithesis of too much care
Improving healthcare requires convincing insurers and Medicare to pay the right people appropriately for better outcomes.