Medical advice from the web
The letter from Linda Graham, RN, BSN was spot on and highlighted a significant problem: “medical advice” gleaned from the web. WebMD was specifically cited and indeed, is one of the more worrisome sources. It has gathered a rather large following and has even expanded into a slick color magazine format. Some of the information passed along on the web is reasonably documented. Most is not. Very small studies are cited and most of these are not from peer reviewed journals. It apparently appeals to the conspiracy theorists among us. They are sure that there are cures for most of mankind’s ills but “they” (physicians, pharmaceutical companies, anyone who attempts to practice evidence-base medicine) are concealing these cures for pecuniary reasons. I have practiced medicine for almost fifty years and can state, unequivocally, that if cures exist, they are widely and unselfishly disseminated via reputable, peer-reviewed journals. No physician I have ever known would knowingly let a patient die or even suffer, if there was a treatment for relief of symptoms or cure of the condition in question. We live in an age of almost daily miracles, medical and other. Unfortunately, there is not a miracle for everyone, every day. Also, unfortunately, there are unscrupulous folks who would prey on suffering fellow humans, offering modern versions of snake oil. Shame on them and shame on us for buying their wares.
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Maybe if it was easier to get in to see a doctor and if doctors would actually give patients their undivided attention, people would not turn to the internet so readily. There's nothing quite like waiting several weeks to get in to see a specialist -- or even a primary care doc -- only to have that doctor dividing his time among three different patients in three different examining rooms simultaneously. It's no wonder people might worry that a multitasking doc has made a mistake or has not appropriately considered all their symptoms after only a few minutes examination. The medical profession has only itself to blame for the public's aversion to going to the doctor's office.
Posted by karen on October 1, 2007 04:24 PMFunny, I have never had trouble getting in to see a primary care physician and only on a couple of rare occasions have I had a communication with a doctor. My communication problems were solved by seeking a different doctor. Although it can take time to see a specialist, most experience with them have been good as well and I have had many.
My problems with the medical system are financial. I can not get inusrance due to preexisting conditions, so the bills have bankrupted me. I mention this not for sympathy but to head off any snide remarks about 'must be nice to be rich and have insurance'. Most medical professionals are exceptional, intelligent, caring people.
Posted by Geo on October 1, 2007 05:04 PMRepublican health care plan:
DON'T GET SICK
Posted by B. Snyder on October 1, 2007 05:49 PMIs This How We Treat Our Veterans?
I have a friend who fell off a ladder July 18, 2007 and sustained major injuries. After three weeks in ICU, he is at St. Anthony’s Hospital Central Room 276 where he has been for the past seven weeks. St. Anthony’s is pressuring to remove Mike from the hospital to a nursing home. Mike does not have insurance. He is 64 so Medicare will not kick in nor will they since his accident occurred before he was of eligible age. He does not qualify for Medicaid at this time. Mike is a vet but the VA has not offered any assistance because he was told he is a non-service vet. His tab at the hospital alone is over $600,000 which does not include additional medical bills associated with his accident. Mike is bedridden because of brain trauma, complications from a stroke and other injuries. He needs long-term, 24-hour nursing care and physical therapy at a nursing home while he recovers. We found only one nursing home which will take Mike, if he will pay a one month advance via his credit card while we try to liquidate his assets so that he can apply for Medicaid.
I am hoping we might be able to set up a type of community fund for Mike. It may take three months for Mike to liquidate his meager assets which will never pay a fraction of the expenses associated with his accident. His immediate need is $20,000 for nursing care for the next three months until Medicaid can help, and an attorney willing to help guide him and unsnarl the system so Mike can get the care he needs.
I am so afraid Mike will loose everything he worked for all his life.
Please help Mike. He is in a desperate situation.
A Friend
harriet758@msn.com
Call Tom Martino and see if he can help.I know he can at least find you a lawyer who handles Medicaid and SS. I'm sure he would work pro bono. What have you got to lose?
I think his website where you can tell your story and the staff will get back to you is.
www.thetroubleshooter.com
Someone help me out here if I'm wrong about the website.
Or you can go to www.khow.com to get the info. Good Luck taking care of your friend.
Posted by Can I get an AMEN! on October 2, 2007 07:20 AM