When it’s time to schedule a medical appointment or procedure, it’s natural to try to book a time that is convenient for you. Maybe you prefer first thing in the morning. Or right after work. I try to get the first appointment after the doctor’s lunch break. Although convenience is nothing to scoff at, it […]
Communication Gap Among Doctors
Do you see specialists? Do you use urgent care clinics? Have you been hospitalized? In all of these scenarios, doctors other than your primary care doctor provide care. Do you realize that your primary care doctor does not always receive information from these other providers? Clearly, it’s beneficial for your primary care doctor know how […]
Researching Clinical Trial Results
Have you thought about researching clinical trial results? When you, or a loved one, have a serious medical condition, it is natural, and important, to want to learn as much as you can about the condition and potential treatments. When traditional, often-used treatments are not promising, or not working for you or your loved one, […]
The Dangers of Stem Cell Clinics
When you have a condition that doctors struggle to treat, it’s frustrating, scary and depressing. You worry you’ll never get better. You feel like your life will never feel normal again. In desperation, some patients turn to unproven, unapproved treatments at unregulated stem cell clinics. And this decision can bring trouble because many stem cell […]
Is Off-Label Medication Safe?
Millions of Americans take prescription medications to treat their diseases and improve their health. It’s easy to assume that the medication your doctor prescribes for you has been approved for your particular ailment. But sometimes, doctors prescribe medications that have not been approved for your ailment, a practice referred to as off-label medications. Is off-label […]
Why are Second Opinions Important?
When you or a loved one are diagnosed with a new illness, it can be overwhelming and scary. But what if your doctor is wrong? What if he/she determines you have one condition when you actually have another? Or, perhaps your doctor tells you there is nothing wrong with you, but that’s not true. Furthermore, […]
What’s a Hospitalist? Do You Need One?
There are over 50,000 hospitalists in the United States, yet chances are you have never even heard the term. What’s a hospitalist? They are doctors, usually internists, who work in hospitals to coordinate and manage the care of hospitalized patients. These “captain of the ship” doctors work with other hospital-based health professionals to make sure […]
What You Need to Know About Pressure Sores
We all know the importance of exercise – it helps us physically and mentally. But do you know the dangers of immobility? Healthy people move throughout the day, even in their sleep. But for some patients, their illness makes it hard for them to move. And when people spend prolonged periods of time in one […]
Top Developments in Medical Treatments for 2020 – Part 2
Historically, improvements in medicine significantly decreased, or nearly wiped out, many diseases, including polio, measles, rubella and smallpox. Are you curious about what new developments will improve diagnosis and treatment options for patients? To answer that question, a team at Cleveland Clinic identifies what they consider the top 10 medical innovations for the coming year. What […]
Top Medical Innovations for 2020 – Part 1
Health care is a rapidly evolving field. There is a constant stream of new developments changing the way doctors diagnose and treat patients. Wondering what innovations are on the horizon? Every year, Cleveland Clinic assembles a panel of 80 doctors and scientists to determine the top 10 medical innovations for 2020. According to the report, […]