Please note that this column first appeared in the Syracuse Post Standard October 11, 2011 ……………………………….. In the “old” days, we could phone for a primary care doctor’s appointment in the morning, be seen right away, spend enough time with the doctor, leave with a treatment plan, and usually feel better within a day or […]
A Dose of Reality – Today’s Doctor Appointment Read More »
Please note that this column first appeared in the Syracuse Post Standard on September 27, 2011 ……………………………….. In my last column I shared an open letter to our local hospitals which resulted from my review of their most recent “report cards.” These report cards score hospitals on their quality of service and safety records. Despite
Choosing a Safer Hospital Read More »
Please note that this column appeared in the Syracuse Post Standard on September 13, 2011. It addresses the recently issued New York State Hospital Report Card. You don’t need to be a resident of Central New York, or even New York State to gain benefit from this column. Resources for you are found below. ………………………….
An Open Letter to Hospitals Read More »
(as published in the Syracuse Post Standard August 30, 2011) A few years ago, I changed primary care doctors. The one I left had good credentials. Over the span of a few years and several visits, she had seemed competent and was friendly. But on my final visit, there had been a change that caused
Don’t Let Your Medical Test Results Fall Through the Cracks Read More »
(as published in the Syracuse Post Standard August 16, 2011) Recently I was chosen to participate in a new writing project. There were some basic details and responsibilities I was expected to agree to, including a specific number of articles, average number of words, and some other typical expectations. I was given a contract to
Informed Consent Requires Clarity – Do You Have It? Read More »
(as published in the Syracuse Post Standard August 2, 2011) Recently a series of videos appeared on a doctor education website, attempting to teach doctors how to deal with difficult patients. One of the videos was entitled, “The Patient Who Knows Too Much.” That video sparked a heated debate among empowered patients and professionals. Can
Can Patients Know Too Much? Read More »
(as published in the Syracuse Post Standard, June 21, 2011) Many migraine sufferers and patients with back pain choose acupuncture to relieve their pain. Breast cancer patients are finding improved outcomes from meditation as they go through chemotherapy. Both acupuncture and meditation are considered “complementary” therapies, as are yoga, reiki, therapeutic massage and similar therapies.
Making Integrative Choices – Complementary and Alternative Medicine Read More »
(as published in the Syracuse Post Standard, June 7, 2011) One question I’m asked frequently is whether it’s safe to purchase prescription drugs on the Internet. Whether you like the convenience or hope to save money by purchasing online, the short answer is “Sure! Go for it!” But that’s followed by some cautionary advice, too.
Is It Safe to Purchase Prescription Drugs Online? Read More »
