Physicians are under mounting pressure to increase efficiency in the provision of medical care. That is, see more patients in less time for less money. But, since speed and accuracy do not always go hand-in-hand, does this increased physician efficiency lead to quality medical care? A recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine says “not so fast.” Read more →

Cash-strapped states and private health care providers are looking for ways to cut costs and save money in these economic times. While across-the-board cuts in spending are intuitively appealing and a seemingly straightforward method for saving money, it turns out that some health care expenditures actually lead to cost savings. Spend money to save money — at least when patients are dying.

One of the newest areas of specialization in health care is hospice and palliative care. (The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) just began recognizing hospice and palliative care early in 2009.) This new specialty focuses on treating not just physical symptoms, but psychological, social, and spiritual suffering that accompanies a terminal illness. Read more →

When Medicare was signed in to law by President Johnson in 1965, it was intended to serve as a central funding resource for persons over 65 years, and people with disabilities. Over the years millions of people have benefited from the financial medical pool that Medicare is — providing healthcare resources to innumerable people in need. There is no denying that the founders’ vision and efforts are truly commendable. However, every coin has two sides to it, and of late the ugly side of Medicare has been rearing its head. Fraudulent healthcare practices by healthcare companies and individuals abusing their benefits have contributed greatly to the depletion of Medicare reserves. Senate Republicans estimate that frauds cost Medicare and Medicaid approximately 60 billion dollars annually. Read more →

In this time of financial strain on physicians and the government reimbursement system we once again need to address the question — should doctors unionize?

Recently, a group of physician picketed Capitol Hill to denounce continue reimbursement cuts. This results in a temporary stay of a planned 20% cut for next year. As many doctors will agree, we are facing difficult times and many physicians are looking at other ways to create income to support their practice and their families. Read more →

For those of you that don’t know, there is a new trend in medicine these days — it’s called going “Non-Par.” Non-Par simply means “Non-Participating.” When a physician goes Non-Par, it means that he or she is no longer participating in certain insurance reimbursement schemes. What this means is that a physician will no longer accept insurance or even Medicare. I know that sounds crazy, but it is happening. Read more →