Each year, 70,000 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed in the United States. This deadliest form of skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in young adults aged 20-30, and the leading cause of cancer death in women aged 25-30. The chances of developing melanoma increases 75 percent with just one tanning bed experience. That risk skyrockets to 400 percent for habitual tanning bed users.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
New Law Bans Teens in Texas Tanning Beds
A new law going into effect Sept. 1 protects young Texans from developing deadly skin cancer. Senate Bill 329 by Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Houston) and Rep. John Zerwas, MD, (R-Simonton), prohibits minors from using indoor tanning salons. Previously, teenagers who were 16.5 years old were allowed to use a tanning bed if they had a parent’s permission.
Each year, 70,000 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed in the United States. This deadliest form of skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in young adults aged 20-30, and the leading cause of cancer death in women aged 25-30. The chances of developing melanoma increases 75 percent with just one tanning bed experience. That risk skyrockets to 400 percent for habitual tanning bed users.
Each year, 70,000 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed in the United States. This deadliest form of skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in young adults aged 20-30, and the leading cause of cancer death in women aged 25-30. The chances of developing melanoma increases 75 percent with just one tanning bed experience. That risk skyrockets to 400 percent for habitual tanning bed users.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Your Doctor Is Likely Unhappy: Do You Know Why?
By Louis Goodman, PhD, and Timothy Norbeck
This article originally appeared on Forbes.com.
Over three-fourths of physicians we surveyed last year were pessimistic about the future of the medical profession; 84% agreed that the medical profession is in decline; over half would not recommend medicine as a career. And more than 60% of physicians said they would retire if they had the means to do so. These are awful findings for a once proud profession dedicated to improving health care and saving lives.
So, what has happened to make doctors so pessimistic about their beloved profession? What can society do to change their perception?
Let’s first look at the factors that have created this malaise. Findings from the survey show that government regulation is the No. 1 least satisfying aspect of medical practice. In effect, dealing with medical red tape and meaningless rules and regulations, inauspiciously imposed on medical practice, has made our doctors very unhappy.
For example, electronic medical records, hailed as the answer to comprehensive patient information, have added unnecessary costs and demoted doctors to “box checkers.” Almost three-fourths of a typical electronic medical record is devoted to meeting government imposed mandates that do little to help your doctor diagnose your problem. Nor do they improve the basic history and physical examination, the essential element of good medical care for every patient. Instead, the government is forcing physicians to spend as much time looking at a computer screen as they do looking at the patient. Doctors say that new technology, when used wisely and judiciously, is good, but not when the technology becomes as important as the patient. Unfortunately, red tape is only going to get worse if the number of pages of new regulations written for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is any indication of what is on the horizon for doctors and patients. To date, government bureaucrats have written more than 20,000 pages of rules to support and amplify the 2,000-page ACA.
Another word about so-called “box checking” on government-mandated paper and electronic forms. First, there is no proof that these rules are actually related to quality or improved patient care. In fact, Congress has sent the president a bill that would require all new government rules and regulations be tested for their cost and benefit. In other words, if the costs outweigh the benefits, the rule would be discarded. As one might expect, the entrenched government bureaucracy is up in arms over the intrusion into its red tape domain and is advising the president not to sign the bill.
In many instances, data is replacing information. A case in point is the way diseases are classified. A medical visit or hospitalization is characterized by a procedure code indicating what was done and a disease code or codes that describe the presenting complaint and/or subsequent diagnosis. The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is used for this purpose. The current ICD version 9 has over 13,000 classifications and suits physicians very well. However, “data miners” believe that ICD version 10, with it’s over 68,000 codes is better. But, who is it better for? Is it better for the doctors and patients, or the data miners that care not for the added administrative burden, the cost of software changes nor the unproven benefit to improved patient care? The fact of the matter is that there is so much detailed information required in ICD-10 that a typical medical practice would have to spend more than $25,000 per physician in staff training and other conversion costs.
Ask any doctor why he or she went into medicine and the answer invariably is “to take care of my patients, to make the sick well and to save lives.” That is the articulation of the Hippocratic Oath.
Unfortunately, if the current avalanche of red tape and hassles continues to fall on the doctor and medical practice, more and more doctors will retire early. Or perhaps they’ll abandon private practice for employed positions where the work week is 35-40 hours versus 60-70 hours in a typical private practice. In effect, physicians working for hospitals see fewer patients and change hospitals, on average, every three years because of unreasonable “productivity” requirements.
In 2014, 32 million Americans will be eligible for health care under the ACA. Will there be an adequate supply of physicians to provide care? The answer today is “no,” unless we take immediate steps to remove the red tape burden from physicians, roll back costly and ineffective regulations, and recognize the unique and essential role physicians play in our enormous and every growing health care enterprise. As averred in Shakespeare’s Henry VI, “Defer no time, delays have dangerous ends.”
Louis Goodman is Executive Vice President of the Texas Medical Association and President of The Physicians Foundation. Timothy Norbeck is CEO of The Physicians Foundation.
This article originally appeared on Forbes.com.
 |
| Louis Goodman, PhD |
So, what has happened to make doctors so pessimistic about their beloved profession? What can society do to change their perception?
Let’s first look at the factors that have created this malaise. Findings from the survey show that government regulation is the No. 1 least satisfying aspect of medical practice. In effect, dealing with medical red tape and meaningless rules and regulations, inauspiciously imposed on medical practice, has made our doctors very unhappy.
For example, electronic medical records, hailed as the answer to comprehensive patient information, have added unnecessary costs and demoted doctors to “box checkers.” Almost three-fourths of a typical electronic medical record is devoted to meeting government imposed mandates that do little to help your doctor diagnose your problem. Nor do they improve the basic history and physical examination, the essential element of good medical care for every patient. Instead, the government is forcing physicians to spend as much time looking at a computer screen as they do looking at the patient. Doctors say that new technology, when used wisely and judiciously, is good, but not when the technology becomes as important as the patient. Unfortunately, red tape is only going to get worse if the number of pages of new regulations written for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is any indication of what is on the horizon for doctors and patients. To date, government bureaucrats have written more than 20,000 pages of rules to support and amplify the 2,000-page ACA.
Another word about so-called “box checking” on government-mandated paper and electronic forms. First, there is no proof that these rules are actually related to quality or improved patient care. In fact, Congress has sent the president a bill that would require all new government rules and regulations be tested for their cost and benefit. In other words, if the costs outweigh the benefits, the rule would be discarded. As one might expect, the entrenched government bureaucracy is up in arms over the intrusion into its red tape domain and is advising the president not to sign the bill.
In many instances, data is replacing information. A case in point is the way diseases are classified. A medical visit or hospitalization is characterized by a procedure code indicating what was done and a disease code or codes that describe the presenting complaint and/or subsequent diagnosis. The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is used for this purpose. The current ICD version 9 has over 13,000 classifications and suits physicians very well. However, “data miners” believe that ICD version 10, with it’s over 68,000 codes is better. But, who is it better for? Is it better for the doctors and patients, or the data miners that care not for the added administrative burden, the cost of software changes nor the unproven benefit to improved patient care? The fact of the matter is that there is so much detailed information required in ICD-10 that a typical medical practice would have to spend more than $25,000 per physician in staff training and other conversion costs.
Ask any doctor why he or she went into medicine and the answer invariably is “to take care of my patients, to make the sick well and to save lives.” That is the articulation of the Hippocratic Oath.
Unfortunately, if the current avalanche of red tape and hassles continues to fall on the doctor and medical practice, more and more doctors will retire early. Or perhaps they’ll abandon private practice for employed positions where the work week is 35-40 hours versus 60-70 hours in a typical private practice. In effect, physicians working for hospitals see fewer patients and change hospitals, on average, every three years because of unreasonable “productivity” requirements.
In 2014, 32 million Americans will be eligible for health care under the ACA. Will there be an adequate supply of physicians to provide care? The answer today is “no,” unless we take immediate steps to remove the red tape burden from physicians, roll back costly and ineffective regulations, and recognize the unique and essential role physicians play in our enormous and every growing health care enterprise. As averred in Shakespeare’s Henry VI, “Defer no time, delays have dangerous ends.”
Louis Goodman is Executive Vice President of the Texas Medical Association and President of The Physicians Foundation. Timothy Norbeck is CEO of The Physicians Foundation.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Think Your Hands Are Clean? Think Again.
A new study found that only 5 percent of people wash their hands correctly. Michigan State University (MSU) found most people who used the bathroom only washed their hands for six seconds, if they washed their hands at all.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says proper hand washing requires hot water, soap, and 15 to 20 seconds of scrubbing to effectively kill germs – about the length of time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday.” Hand washing is the best way to prevent the spread of illnesses, says the CDC. Nearly 50 percent of illness outbreaks can be attributed to people not washing their hands.
MSU found that 33 percent of people didn’t bother with soap (50 percent of men versus 22 percent of women), while 10 percent skipped the water, soap, and sink all together (15 percent of men versus 7 percent of women). The study also discovered that people are more likely to wash their hands in a clean sink, early in the day, and if there was a sign encouraging them to wash their hands.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says proper hand washing requires hot water, soap, and 15 to 20 seconds of scrubbing to effectively kill germs – about the length of time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday.” Hand washing is the best way to prevent the spread of illnesses, says the CDC. Nearly 50 percent of illness outbreaks can be attributed to people not washing their hands.
MSU found that 33 percent of people didn’t bother with soap (50 percent of men versus 22 percent of women), while 10 percent skipped the water, soap, and sink all together (15 percent of men versus 7 percent of women). The study also discovered that people are more likely to wash their hands in a clean sink, early in the day, and if there was a sign encouraging them to wash their hands.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Quit Smoking: Talk With Your Doctor
“Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and disease, killing more than 1,200 Americans each day,” wrote David L. Lakey, MD, Texas Department of State Health Services commissioner, in a letter to Texas physicians. “For every person who dies from tobacco use, another 20 suffer from one or more serious smoking-related illnesses. Reducing smoking is one proven way we can help people live longer, healthier lives.”
Dr. Lakey reached out to the state’s physicians to encourage them to participate in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Tips From Former Smokers national tobacco education campaign (Tips 2013). The campaign features real people suffering as a result of smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke. It aims to raise awareness about the suffering caused by smoking and secondhand smoke exposure and to encourage smokers to quit.
Physicians see the toll tobacco use and secondhand smoke take on their patients’ health every day. More than 70 percent of tobacco users visit their doctor every year. The good news is that these visits provide physicians the opportunity to counsel patients on the dangers of tobacco, help them quit, and improve their chances of a healthy future. The CDC’s latest Talk With Your Doctor initiative, part of the Tips 2013 campaign, encourages patients to seek help from their physician and encourages physicians to use their influence and knowledge to help patients live free from smoking-related diseases.
Dr. Lakey reached out to the state’s physicians to encourage them to participate in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Tips From Former Smokers national tobacco education campaign (Tips 2013). The campaign features real people suffering as a result of smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke. It aims to raise awareness about the suffering caused by smoking and secondhand smoke exposure and to encourage smokers to quit.
Physicians see the toll tobacco use and secondhand smoke take on their patients’ health every day. More than 70 percent of tobacco users visit their doctor every year. The good news is that these visits provide physicians the opportunity to counsel patients on the dangers of tobacco, help them quit, and improve their chances of a healthy future. The CDC’s latest Talk With Your Doctor initiative, part of the Tips 2013 campaign, encourages patients to seek help from their physician and encourages physicians to use their influence and knowledge to help patients live free from smoking-related diseases.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Mental Illness Is a Serious Illness
Mental illness is a serious disease, and the consequences of not treating it can lead to physical health problems and even premature death. The Incidental Economist’s Bill Gardener identified several studies showing on average people suffering from a mental illness die earlier.
From The Incidental Economist:
From The Incidental Economist:
“Mental illness isn’t just about happiness: Mental illness kills. Sometimes by suicide, of which mental illness is a principal cause. But most of the excess deaths among the mentally ill are caused by diseases such as cardiovascular disease or cancer. In a sense, mental illness amplifies the risk or lethality of physical health problems. This occurs for many reasons. Mentally ill people are more likely to develop tobacco, alcohol, and substance abuse addictions. Mentally ill people also experience high levels of stress from the loss of jobs, marriages, and families. Chronic diseases such as diabetes require intensive daily self-care routines and mental illness undermines a patient’s ability to carry these out.”Read more.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Medicare Red Tape Claims Another Physician Practice
Family physician Joe Mock, MD, has been caring for patients in La Porte for more than 40 years, but that’s about to change. Dr. Mock and his wife and business manager Patricia Mock told My Fox Houston that regulatory burdens and constant Medicare payment uncertainty have forced them to close Dr. Mock’s practice.
“We get paid less and less, and there’s more and more reason for [Medicare] to deny charges,” Mrs. Mock told My Fox Houston.
Dr. Mock is not the only physician being driven from a profession he or she loves due to red tape hassles and looming Medicare payment cuts. Many more doctors across the state are struggling to keep their practice open amidst decreasing payment and increasing bureaucracy. To remain afloat, many physicians consider limiting the number of Medicare patients they see. The 2012 Texas Medical Association (TMA) physician survey revealed only 58 percent of the state’s doctors say they accept all new Medicare patients, a 12-percent drop from 2010 numbers and an all-time low since TMA began surveying its members. The culprit behind this drop is the faulty formula Medicare uses to pay physicians. Doctors have faced the threat of steep Medicare payment cuts every year for more than 10 years. Once again, physicians face a nearly 30-percent cut Jan. 1, 2014.
Eighty-six year old Robert Sharp, a World War II veteran and patient of Dr. Mock’s, told My Fox Houston the dwindling number of doctors who accept Medicare patients worries his generation. “Many people my age bracket are no longer here because we fought for this country, and I don't want to see the nation go downhill,” he said.
Read the full story and watch the video at My Fox Houston.
“We get paid less and less, and there’s more and more reason for [Medicare] to deny charges,” Mrs. Mock told My Fox Houston.
Dr. Mock is not the only physician being driven from a profession he or she loves due to red tape hassles and looming Medicare payment cuts. Many more doctors across the state are struggling to keep their practice open amidst decreasing payment and increasing bureaucracy. To remain afloat, many physicians consider limiting the number of Medicare patients they see. The 2012 Texas Medical Association (TMA) physician survey revealed only 58 percent of the state’s doctors say they accept all new Medicare patients, a 12-percent drop from 2010 numbers and an all-time low since TMA began surveying its members. The culprit behind this drop is the faulty formula Medicare uses to pay physicians. Doctors have faced the threat of steep Medicare payment cuts every year for more than 10 years. Once again, physicians face a nearly 30-percent cut Jan. 1, 2014.
Eighty-six year old Robert Sharp, a World War II veteran and patient of Dr. Mock’s, told My Fox Houston the dwindling number of doctors who accept Medicare patients worries his generation. “Many people my age bracket are no longer here because we fought for this country, and I don't want to see the nation go downhill,” he said.
Read the full story and watch the video at My Fox Houston.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Quality Not Quantity — Why You Need to Wait Patiently at the Doctor’s Office
By Carlo Pandian
Often when you visit the doctor's office or the hospital, you end up waiting for your appointment. This can be frustrating, particularly if you need to get to work. However, it can actually be a good thing when you are left waiting around. This is a key sign of quality health care.
The standard or private doctor appointment is 15 minutes long. However, doctors deal with a huge variety of health problems every day. It will simply not be possible to fit some consultations and check-ups into 15 minutes.
Good doctors will see their patient for as long as they need, and this can lead to delays. Some problems will not fit themselves neatly into a predesignated time slot. A patient may have a serious health issue that takes a bit more time to deal with. If a doctor is always on time, this could indicate that he or she is more focused on the time and not the patients.
Urgent Appointments
Another problem that can lead to delays in the doctor’s waiting room is urgent appointments. Sometimes patients will arrive at the surgery door with an urgent problem. This may mean your doctor has to see them straight away, pushing your appointment back.
Doctors cannot stick rigidly to the appointments schedule. If there is a medical emergency, then they will need to prioritize. If you had an urgent problem, you would want to know the doctor would fit you in as soon as possible and not make you wait until a free time slot becomes available!
Enhance Your Calm
You do need to exercise some patience when attending doctor’s appointments. Expect delays and plan accordingly. There is no point getting upset about a situation that neither you nor your doctor can do much about. Here are a few tips that can help you keep your cool in the doctor’s waiting room:
Carlo Pandian is a health writer and blogs about well-being and health care services at Blossoms and other medical centers. When he’s not online, Carlo enjoys running and playing table tennis at his local association.
Often when you visit the doctor's office or the hospital, you end up waiting for your appointment. This can be frustrating, particularly if you need to get to work. However, it can actually be a good thing when you are left waiting around. This is a key sign of quality health care.
The standard or private doctor appointment is 15 minutes long. However, doctors deal with a huge variety of health problems every day. It will simply not be possible to fit some consultations and check-ups into 15 minutes.
Good doctors will see their patient for as long as they need, and this can lead to delays. Some problems will not fit themselves neatly into a predesignated time slot. A patient may have a serious health issue that takes a bit more time to deal with. If a doctor is always on time, this could indicate that he or she is more focused on the time and not the patients.
Urgent Appointments
Another problem that can lead to delays in the doctor’s waiting room is urgent appointments. Sometimes patients will arrive at the surgery door with an urgent problem. This may mean your doctor has to see them straight away, pushing your appointment back.
Doctors cannot stick rigidly to the appointments schedule. If there is a medical emergency, then they will need to prioritize. If you had an urgent problem, you would want to know the doctor would fit you in as soon as possible and not make you wait until a free time slot becomes available!
Enhance Your Calm
You do need to exercise some patience when attending doctor’s appointments. Expect delays and plan accordingly. There is no point getting upset about a situation that neither you nor your doctor can do much about. Here are a few tips that can help you keep your cool in the doctor’s waiting room:
- Allow yourself plenty of time for your appointment so that if you do have to wait you will not feel stressed out.
- Take a book or magazine with you to keep you occupied while you wait.
- You could take a personal music player as well, but make sure the music is not loud enough to annoy the others in the waiting room (and so that you can still hear when your name is called).
- If you have young children with you, take a few quiet toys for them to play with. Some doctors’ waiting rooms will have children’s toys and books available as well.
- If you have been waiting more than 30 minutes for your appointment, then check back in at the reception desk.
- Enquire politely if they know how long the delay will be. This will give you some idea of how much longer you will have to wait.
- If there is a very long delay, you might want to consider rescheduling your appointment if it is not urgent and you have to get back to work.
- Good doctors are in high demand, and this can increase waiting times for appointments. For basic health care it can sometimes be quicker to see one of the physician’s nurses.
- Practice nurses help physicians see more patients. They can provide treatments like blood tests and health check-ups, and it can be easier to get appointments.
Carlo Pandian is a health writer and blogs about well-being and health care services at Blossoms and other medical centers. When he’s not online, Carlo enjoys running and playing table tennis at his local association.
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