"My doctor gave me six months to live, but when I couldn't pay the bill, he gave me
six months more."--Walter Matthau
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BlackBerry Becomes Diagnostic Tool
Palo Alto-based Diabetes Detection Inc. will be included in this year's BlackBerry Solutions Guide, which lists all the applications available for the renowned PDA. DDI's patented early-stage diabetes detection device enables physicians to diagnose neuropathy and early-stage diabetes by holding a BlackBerry against a patient's leg to test for quantified sensation levels. This data can then be wirelessly sent to a clinical information system for further analysis. For more info, visit www.diabetesdetectioninc.com.
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Talk Radio for Doctors
Are you tired of mainstream radio's narrow play lists and offensive personalities? Then try a station created just for you--Reach MD on XM Satellite Radio. Called "The Channel for Medical Professionals," XM 233 offers you the latest medical scoop to make the drive to the office more educational.
The American Medical Association's leading weekly publication, American Medical News, has partnered with ReachMD to deliver top medical and health industry news to physicians. Four daily segments of exclusive content will feature interviews with physicians quoted in the publication, including members of the AMA's board of trustees. The segments will discuss hot issues such as health system reform, Medicare, physician shortages and other professional concerns. "American Medical News has long been a trusted news source for physicians, and we're excited to extend this news to a new nationwide audience," says Gary Epstein, AMA chief marketing officer.
In addition to the daily stories provided by American Medical News, ReachMD will also offer clinical programming in short, 15-minute segments. For more information about ReachMD, visit www.reachmd.com.
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15.3% of the U.S. population, or 44.8 million people, were without health insurance in 2005.--Revised Census Bureau figures
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Funny, Faulty Medical Records
Get a load of these actual medical records dictated by physicians:
-Patient has chest pain if she lies on her left side for over a year.
-The patient has been depressed ever since she began seeing me in 1983.
-Patient was released to outpatient department without dressing.
-The patient refused an autopsy.
-The patient had no past history of suicides.
-Patient has left his white blood cells at another hospital.
-She slipped on the ice and apparently her legs went in separate directions in early December.
-The patient had waffles for breakfast and anorexia for lunch.
-Between you and me, we ought to be able to get this lady pregnant.
-She is numb from her toes down.
-While in the ER, she was examined, X-rated and sent home.
-The skin was moist and dry.
-Occasional, constant, infrequent headaches.
-When she fainted, her eyes rolled around the room.
Source: Medi-Smart, Nursing Humor, www.medi-smart.com
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Honoring EMS
The 34th Annual Emergency Medical Services Week will be celebrated May 20-26. The event brings together local communities and medical personnel to promote safety and honor the dedication of those who provide lifesaving services. Around the country, hundreds of grassroots activities are planned to highlight this year's theme, "Extraordinary People, Extraordinary Service." The event is sponsored by the American College of Emergency Physicians. See www.acep.org/emsweek.
