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Health Care

February 2011
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Clinical exam vs Technology

Posted by Joy Twesigye Feb 24, 2011

Check out the debate over clinical exam vs technology and our comments on Kevin MD!


How important is a doctor’s skill in the physical exam of a patient?

by John Mandrola, MD

http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2011/02/important-doctors-skill-physical-exam-patient.html

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It is easy to think that poor nutrition and lack of exercise are everyone else’s problem but the truth of the matter is that 68% of American adults are overweight and obese.

 

This means I’m probably overweight or obese.

 

Instead of having me weigh myself and post the results here-- I think it would better serve us to have a true discourse about what we can do in our own lives to eat well and live an active life.

 

I understand there is a role for government…or not http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQMJJAaY-3g

 

But as I was saying to my husband yesterday…if as a health care provider, I can’t manage to create a healthy lifestyle knowing the medical benefits-- then how can I expect those who are more disconnected with the downstream consequences to get off the couch?

 

Reasonable diet?-- I’m lucky, my food allergies keep me from eating deep fried cheese and pizza-- check.

 

Exercise routine? When I am not full tilt at work I practice Bikram yoga 3-5 days a week--check.  (If you had asked two months ago this would have been a different story.)

 

What specific and tangible suggestions do you have for people who are honestly looking to change their life so that they are in “smaller” company?

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Recently, two of our key advisors have been featured in the media due to their success in providing direct health care services using both innovative and underutilized methods.

 

A recent New Yorker article by Atul Gawande highlights one of our advisors and panelists for the primary care event, Rushika Fernandopulle, MD. His practice in Atlantic City, New Jersey recruits and trains frontline health workers to serve the functions of both health coaches and medical assistants for 1,200 patients with multiple chronic illnesses.

 

 

The New York Times just featured advisor Tom Lee, MD as one of the pioneers of affordable concierge practices in the country. Lee, also a co-founder of Epocrates, has been able to extend visit times, engage in email communication and additional services provided by personalized “concierge” medical practices, but at a much lower price: $150 to $200 a year.

 

 

Access the full articles:

http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2011/01/24/110124fa_fact_gawande

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/01/health/01medical.html