Back
Waging the Battle Against Multiple Sclerosis
MS Comprehensive Care CenterConsider just 15 years ago the picture of Multiple Sclerosis. We didn't know what caused the disease, we didn't have specific treatments for the disease, there was no cure, and the symptoms were unpredictable. When the first treatment, Interferon Beta-1B was approved under accelerated review by the FDA, it could not be manufactured fast enough, so persons with MS were put into a lottery system. If their number was chosen, they were able to start treatment. If they were not so lucky, it would be another two to three years before the makers would catch up to the demand and four years before another MS drug, Glatiramer Acetate, would be available. Patients, however, didn't give up hope, and neither did researchers.
|
Best Practice: Brooks Rehabilitation
Brooks, the largest provider of rehabilitation services in Northeast Florida, strengthened its presence in the Central Florida area this year. Joining an existing Brooks outpatient center in Orange City, Brooks opened three new centers in Waterford Lakes, Winter Park and most recently, Lake Mary.
|
Most Outrageous Rejected Claim of the Month
If you read last month's Most Outrageous Rejected Medical Claim column about CPT code 99213 being "invalid on the date of service," you would have to concur that an egregious mistake was made on the part of the insurance carrier. While the mistake was easy to decipher, some insurance rejection mistakes are not so conspicuous, as one of Stacey Wade's clients recently discovered.
|
SLEEP APNEA AND HEART DISEASE: Is there a connection?
Sleep apnea and its hallmark — loud snoring — have long been viewed as an annoyance. Just ask someone who has to share a room with a loud snorer if sleep apnea is a problem. But there's growing evidence that sleep apnea isn't just annoying; it can be bad for your heart, too.
Hector F Lozano, MD FACC, Invasive Cardiologist, Florida Heart Group |
Anterior Approach Total Hip Replacement Surgery
Total hip arthroplasty provides excellent pain relief and improves mobility. People who suffer from several types of joint conditions are often excellent candidates for hip replacement surgery. Osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, and hip dysplasia are commonly treated with total hip replacement surgery.
Eric G. Bonenberger, MD |
Nemours' New Research Center Focusing on Pediatrics
Next Challenge: Targeting Specific Molecules on Cancer Cells Vital to Cancer ProgressionWith a mission of combating childhood cancer, the Nemours Center for Childhood Cancer Research (NCCCR) recently opened its newest center in Wilmington, De., where Nemours, one of the nation's largest pediatric health systems, has a significant presence.
LYNNE JETER |
FDH Complaints Against Physicians Up 22 Percent
FPA Legal Defense Urges Expedient Notification of Claim Complaints against Florida medical licenses for physicians rose 22 percent in the latest reporting year, according to the Medical Quality Assurance Annual Report released Nov. 1 by the Florida Department of Health (FDH). The reporting period covered July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008.
|
A Daunting Disorder
Cyberspace Can Worsen the Worries of HypochondriacsIt probably is the most recognizable – and corny – one-liner about the medical profession:
Patient: "Doc, every time I do this it hurts."
Doctor: "Then stop doing that."
But for patients who suffer from the somatoform disorder hypochondriasis, following that simple advice would be virtually impossible.
J.L. WEBB |
Alejandro Peña, MD
Son of Cuban Refugees Known for Caring, CompassionAlejandro Peña, MD, has a family history fit for the history books. After his parents fled Cuba in 1962 shortly after Fidel Castro took office, his father trained with the Central Intelligence Agency and took part in covert attacks against Cuba.
DAVID ROSENFELD |
Circling JUPITER
Cardiologists React to Just-released Statin StudyLast month’s release of the JUPITER study is being viewed with cautious optimism by Central and South Florida cardiologists who are joining colleagues across the nation in unraveling the results of a landmark study of the cholesterol-lowering statin drug rosuvastatin.
J.L. WEBB |
Seminole County Health Department Responds to Rising HIV/STD Rates by Opening New Clinic
The Seminole County Health Department (SCHD) is not your ordinary health clinic. When space became available at the Sanford location, a new clinic specific for specialty care was built using state and county funding, driven by health trends of the county. "With this clinic we were able to centralize care, recruit specialists and provide a more appropriate environment for clients" said Mike Napier, administrator of the Health Department.
DENISE WARD |
The Evolution of Patient to Healthcare Consumer
The Internet. Nothing has fueled the appetite and the demand for health information more than the Internet. Not long ago health information was primarily dispensed by physicians and patients did what their doctors told them. Not today. Patients still lean on their doctors, but 50 percent of Americans are turning to the Internet, as well as a variety of news sources, seeking information on healthcare.
Gloria Caulfield |
Mind/Body Stress Connection…Survey Results
How can physicians and mental health professionals work together to help patients find a balance between physical and psychological health? The mind/body connection has received growing attention in recent years as research highlights the mind/body interaction in the development and contribution to various illnesses.
Stress is a common human experience, but prolonged stress can produce more serious symptoms such as fatigue, impaired concentration, irritability, depression and headaches.
JENNIFER FERRELL-HANINGTON, PSY.D. |
Evidence-Based Standards of Care
Waging the Battle Against Multiple SclerosisConsider just 15 years ago the picture of Multiple Sclerosis. We didn't know what caused the disease, we didn't have specific treatments for the disease, there was no cure, and the symptoms were unpredictable. When the first treatment, Interferon Beta-1B was approved under accelerated review by the FDA, it could not be manufactured fast enough, so persons with MS were put into a lottery system. If their number was chosen, they were able to start treatment. If they were not so lucky, it would be another two to three years before the makers would catch up to the demand and four years before another MS drug, Glatiramer Acetate, would be available. Patients, however, didn't give up hope, and neither did researchers.
Stephen Rosenberg, MD and Debbie Chandler |
Construction of Medical Facilities Can be Enjoyable Experience with Planning
I have heard from many doctors that their construction experience on a new medical building, or the tenant improvements to an existing space, were less than pleasant – sometimes very excruciating, and frustrating to be more exact. There are several reasons for this, none of which can be blamed on the contractor of course, because I am writing this article.
JIM THOMAS |
|
|
| Google Ad Blocks |
|
| Add our RSS Feed |
|
| |
|
