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The Greatest of Frustrations - a Mystery Disease and No Diagnosis

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:44:20 +0000

My friend Joanne (name changed to protect her privacy) writes to me on occasion to tell me the latest in her quest to find a name for her constellation of symptoms. Joanne has been dealing with her symptoms for many years; yet, still no diagnosis. It's a real mystery.

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Doctors Who Can Communicate - Available by 2024

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:00:32 +0000

Just like in any profession, doctors' personalities, and abilities to communicate, are a mixed bag.

A. Some are "nice", explain things well, and are willing to work with us to help us improve our health.

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Doing or Anticipating Chemo? Ask About Counterfeit Avastin

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:00:50 +0000

It should come as no surprise that counterfeit Avastin (or counterfeit versions of any other drug) are being sold in the United States. Counterfeit versions of drugs have been around for years, and patients have died from taking them, or being injected with them. As I said, nothing new.

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An Empowered Valentine's Day Wish

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 06:14:35 +0000

I truly do love you, my readers. Naw - not in a romantic way, of course. But there are many things about you that put a smile on my face, and make me appreciate you.

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Is Your Doctor One of the Dishonest Ones?

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:57:35 +0000

Last week's Health Affairs issued a report on a survey of 1,891 doctors about their beliefs and habits as they pertain to their communications with patients. The bottom line? "Do as I say, and not as I do."

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As More Privacy Flies Out the Window, We Patients Wonder What's Next

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:17:31 +0000

For the past week or 10 days, I've been studying and writing about patients and privacy issues. It was time to update some of the articles I wrote years ago, electronic health records (EHRs) have advanced since then, and once that FICO medication adherence score issue reared it's ugly head just a few weeks ago - it just seemed like it was time to make sure the information I provide about privacy is current.

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Crossing the Line? Or Doing Her Job? Nurse Fired for Educating Her Patient

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:48:25 +0000

Suppose you are very sick - terminally ill. You've been through the ringer with so many drugs, so many different forms of treatment, difficult side effects, very little quality of life... now your doctor wants you to have ONE MORE THING - surgery. If the surgery works, then it will keep you alive longer.

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Patient / Health Advocacy and Stories - An Invitation

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:24:22 +0000

Every day I hear from someone else who either needs help, or provides help. Patient advocacy - helping patients get the healthcare they need and deserve - is becoming more important every day.

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PHRs, EHRs, and Being on the Same Plate

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:34:23 +0000

Two conversations this week remind me that sometimes what we say isn't so bad, but how we say it can really mess things up.

One conversation took place with a gentleman who wanted to talk to me about a business idea. We had a loooong conversation - made longer because we disagreed about PHRs. Except, as it turns out, we don't disagree at all.

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Patients Rate Doctors - So Should Doctors Rate Patients?

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:46:35 +0000

Here's a thought provoking post from Kevin MD's blog, written by Dr. Martin Young, entitled Isn't it time for a patient rating system for doctors?

Dr. Young suggests that he understands why he is judged by his patients through doctor ratings sites, but that sometimes its unfair, and sometimes patients behave unfairly toward him. He admits that he makes mistakes on occasion (all human beings do) but he feels as if some of his patients judge him and disdain him long past the amount of time they should. He thinks they should get over it. The ones that don't, he labels as "bad patients."

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