Balancing Guidelines and Individualized Care in Modern Medicine

The Republicans do make an important point. Some health care costs come because the patient has no incentive to consider costs.

Bariatric surgery

I have cared for a number of patients who have had successful bariatric surgery. This is a major decision for patients.

Generic omeprazole

The first ACE inhibitor – captopril – has a shorter half life than the rest of the available class, and thus is more difficult to use.

Resist unnecessary antibiotics

As flu season arrives, patients demand antibiotics for upper respiratory infections, but doctors hesitate due to concerns over viral vs.

The problem with BMI

This article makes some interesting points about when we should not use BMI and discusses a better indicator of disease risk – body fat.

Physician Income

We need more side walks in the suburbs – they encourage walking at least. We should sponsor exercise training in schools.

Coding is impossible

This study is VERY important. We need to have this problem fixed – and quickly. I am certain the AMA will work towards that end.

Palliation, paternalism and patient autonomy

Many situations call for some degree of paternalism. I would argue that palliation must combine patient autonomy with paternalism.

Finding Common Ground: The Intersection of Healthcare Policy and Patient Care

Senate leaves Medicare pay fix undone: Congress adjourns before addressing the problems with the physician reimbursement rate.

Continuous Growth as an Internist: Embracing Lifelong Learning

This is a good reference for the web searching patient. The information is sound, well balanced and obviously researched.