Top Questions to Ask Your Primary Care Physician

Doctor visits are more complicated than they were even five years ago. With electronic health record technology permeating all aspects of medical practice, an immense database for each individual patient is now available at the physician's fingertips at all times.

Yet, despite this vast amount of information, many doctors still exit an exam room without knowing all the details they need to appropriately treat that person. Unfortunately, in many cases, the patient failed to ask the right questions during the visit, leaving the doctor in the dark about the most troubling symptoms. Primary care physicians are typically internists, and well trained in diagnosing health issues.

Many people are hesitant or afraid to ask their doctor for direct and specific health information. For some patients, those in the medical profession hold an exalted status, which can inhibit interactions. For others, fear of what they might learn about their own health keeps their mouths closed when they should be talking. Still others believe that if the physician saw anything amiss during the exam, he or she would point it out. If the doctor is silent on any issue about which patients are concerned, many take that silence as proof that their concerns were unfounded.

Doctors Want Questions

However, almost all physicians agree that patients should ask questions at every visit, to optimize the appointment for both participants. To overcome the intimidation and fear factors, many recommend that patients write their questions down before a visit. If you have a doctor's appointment on your calendar, consider how you can make the most of that visit by being prepared to ask questions:

Questions to Ask Yourself Before the Visit

Each doctor visit is a unique event. Some people may be seeking a change of medication, while others are looking for an examination or diagnosis of a particular health condition. Before you go to see your doctor, clarify the issues that are concerning you and for which you are seeking the doctor's input. Write down each concern, then craft questions that address each of them separately, so you will have a comprehensive list to refer to during your time with your doctor. With that list in front of you, you won't forget to raise any of your concerns.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor Directly

"I'm afraid I have XXX disease because I read about it on the Internet. What do you think?"

Many people hesitate to reveal their actual concerns about their symptoms. In this day and age, a quick Google search will turn up several possible diagnoses for any one symptom. Some people accept the Google "diagnosis" as accurate for their case and don't talk to their doctor about what they've learned.

"Why have you prescribed tests for me? What will they tell you?"

Sometimes, a simple exam doesn't gather the information the doctor needs to make an accurate diagnosis. When this happens, they order additional tests before drawing any health conclusions about their patients. If your doctor has prescribed more tests for you, such as blood or urine tests, he or she may have a diagnosis in mind that the test can confirm or eliminate.

Sometimes tests reveal additional health issues that are not obvious to you, such as high levels of cholesterol or blood sugar. These results may indicate that you have health concerns in addition to the ones you already know about. If your doctor asks for tests, be sure to ask if they revealed something new about your actual health condition.

"Based on your exam today, what is my diagnosis and how did you come to that conclusion?"

Incredibly, some people will take home information about how to treat a condition without asking for its name or why they have that diagnosis. While some symptoms are clearly visible, many are not, and can only be identified through medical tests. Based on the exam and the results of your tests, your doctor can correctly diagnose your condition while eliminating other possible diagnoses. Ask for details about what your doctor discovered about your condition and how your body is reacting to it.

"What is the treatment for this condition? Do I have treatment options?"

Very often, there are several treatment protocols available for one condition. Some patients tolerate some treatments better than others. Accordingly, it is important that you understand what you have and which treatment protocol is the best for your case.

"What will this medicine do for me? Will it cause any side effects?"

Not all medicines are alike; some have side effects that can be very uncomfortable. When talking to your doctor about your treatment, ask if the curative aspects of your medicine outweigh the discomforts of its possible side effects. Ultimately, as the patient, you're the one who will suffer those side effects. When you understand how a medicine will most likely impact your body, you can make a better decision about whether you want to take it.

Also, plan to take the full course of your medication. Many patients begin to feel better almost immediately after starting a medicine regimen, and then fail to complete the entire course. Medicines are calibrated to act over the course of time and will not achieve their full healing effect if stopped prematurely.

Trust and Talk to Your Doctor

Your doctor is just a person who is concerned about your good health. Plan to have an informative and supportive conversation with him or her at your next visit by asking all the right questions.

Sources:

http://www.cfah.org/prepared-patient/communicate-with-your-doctors/asking-your-doctor-questions

https://www.ahrq.gov/patients-consumers/patient-involvement/ask-your-doctor/index.html

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/slideshows/10-questions-doctors-wish-their-patients-would-ask

This is a guest blog post.

Career and Time Management Strategies for Healthcare Professionals

The healthcare profession undergoes one of the busiest workdays as compared to any other industry. There are thousands of moving parts, from machinery to medicines, doctors, nurses, computer operators, health support staff, and finance. Every role is critical, requires ample planning and standardized approach, training and time management. For an optimal healthcare institution to perform at its best, all of these parts need to be combined and should perform as one unit to help create efficiencies, cost cutting, and time management. Hence, healthcare professionals should be aware of how they can better progress in their careers, as well as use time to their advantage to ensure a balance in life. Nevertheless, at the end, the primary role of a healthcare institution is to ensure that the communities they serve get the best possible care at the least possible cost.

Revenue Cycle Management in Healthcare Insinuations

With technologies moving at some pace, it is not new to know that not many are aware of the definition of Revenue Cycle Management Healthcare. However, it is easy to understand what revenue cycle management in healthcare is. In order to better streamline financial profits and patient data, it is important to have a robust enterprise-wide revenue cycle management in healthcare institutions. In a hospital, data is generated every minute in terms of both in and outpatient, their dues, their payments, their balances, their medicines, their billing as well as how healthcare professionals have performed. All this helps in bringing costs down, where resources are not being effectively used. The best way is to find companies that can help provide such revenue cycle management systems that are tailored as per hospital’s needs. Secondly, all professionals should be trained on how the system works and how they can better use it for their own career progression and time management. If you are new at management, tips for beginners may be of great help.

Using Electronic Records

Electronic health record (EHR) are one of the best ways reduce the time it takes for patient history to be discovered and processed. The best answer to what is effective time management in healthcare is electronic records management. If there is a central data warehouse on the cloud, hospitals can utilize it, and then use a single patient history record across cities and border to treat a patient. It saves time, resources and helps stay alert with any new treatments that can be beneficial.

Learn to Manage Stress

Stress is the daily part of our lives, even cheerful and carefree students are getting stressed by preparing for exams, overcoming deadlines or searching for the best custom essay writing company. While treating others, managers and healthcare professionals can themselves get fatigue and stress. One of the best skills to do stress management for healthcare professionals is to know how to manage it. Stress can be felt when here is a lot of work to do, there are not many helping hands, a professional is not fluent in their practice or they are finding it hard to manage their shifts. In all, stress can trigger depression and can result in loss of attention, and ability to perform tasks with higher efficiencies. Hence, having goals set for the day, constant practice, a delegation of roles and teamwork is central towards coping high stress amongst healthcare professionals.

Career Progression

A hospital has many types of professionals. There are those who have extensive work experience and there are specialists who offer quality treatment, while there are those who are new and have just started to enter the healthcare industry. Wherever you fit, it is important to keep on learning from your superiors and helping those below you progress by giving them tips. There are hundreds of conferences that teach new skills, can be of a great assignment writing help, tell about new technologies, help restore confidence by giving mock practice sessions, and help you present your own research and thoughts that can be of benefit to others. Research and the way data is used are beneficial at both practical and management level, and lead to better career progress for professionals.

Time management comes hand in hand if anyone wishes to have a better career. Masters in healthcare programs, for both seasoned professionals, doctors, and nurses has opened a new track for those working in hospitals. However, there is a need to learn skills that result in both time management and stress management, so that individuals can better align their daily schedules and lead by example.

This is a guest blog post.

Understanding The Enormous Risk Of Taking Xanax Regularly

Over the years, a large quantity of Americans has been prescribed Xanax and they’re not alone. This specific benzodiazepine has proven to be enormously beneficial for combating panic disorders and anxiety in general. Nonetheless, there are many risks involved with taking Xanax regularly for an extended duration.

Even if you follow your doctor’s order strictly, there is a possibility that you will experience negative side effects and even develop an addiction to this drug. Within this guide, you will learn about the risks of taking Xanax and preventive measures you can take to avoid becoming addicted.

Potential Xanax Side Effects

First and foremost, you should take the time to familiarize yourself with the known side effects associated with the consumption of Xanax. While there are other potential side effects, those listed below are the most common. Also, you should remember that drugs can impact people differently. Therefore, you may not experience these side effects, but your friends or neighbor may.

•    Forgetfulness, clumsiness and drowsiness
•    Decreased appetite
•    Irritability and outbursts
•    Difficulty concentrating and speaking
•    Trouble completing mundane tasks
•    Difficulty sleeping
•    Trembling and shaking

Depending on the amount of time you’ve been taking Xanax and the amount taken, there is a possibility that you will also experience diarrhea, dark urine, and even body aches. However, these specific side effects are far less common and generally only experienced by long term users. In some rare cases, the patient may experience ear pain, an irregular heartbeat, nightmares, and even chest pain. If you experience any of these, it is essential to stop consuming Xanax and speak with your doctor immediately.

Xanax Addiction

Being addicted to any type of medication can be downright devastating. Nonetheless, there are some medications that tend to be more addictive and harmful than others. Unfortunately, Xanax most certainly ranks near the top of the list. Benzodiazepines are medications, which can be classified as tranquilizers. Xanax and Valium are two of the most common. These medications are commonly used to combat insomnia, control seizures and reduce anxiety. While these drugs can be legitimately beneficial, they’re also abused regularly. Their toxic effects combined with the widespread availability helps to make these drugs very addictive.

The symptoms associated with addiction include confusion, dizziness, weakness, slurred speech, and blurred vision. Chronic abuse of Xanax can actually lead to alterations of the abuser’s physical appearance and their behavior. Those that have consumed Xanax for a long duration will need to seek out professional assistance when attempting to break free. The withdrawal symptoms can be horrifying and very painful. Therefore, withdrawing from Xanax on your own is not recommended. Remember that it is possible to avoid these problems by following your doctor’s orders and consuming the medication cautiously.

Xanax Overdose

When your physician hands you a prescription for Xanax, you should take the time to read the instructional pamphlet. This educational guide will provide you with a full range of information about Xanax, including the dosing recommendations. It is crucial to follow these recommendations to a tee to avoid overdose. A physician must access the patient to determine the amount of Xanax required for treatment. More often than not, a physician will start with a minimal dose, increasing up to the maximum recommended dosage.

A Xanax overdose occurs, when the patient accidentally ingests a higher quantity of the medicine that the body can process. All types of drug overdoses are very dangerous, even life threatening, but Xanax overdose has a higher rate of fatality. When you discover that you have congested more the prescribed dose, you should immediately call the Poison Help Line or 911. The early signs of a Xanax overdose include:

•    Confusion
•    Muscle weakness
•    Severe drowsiness
•    Syncope
•    Loss of coordination or balance
•    Lightheadedness

Things To Avoid

When you are taking a routine dose of Xanax, you should avoid alcohol consumption. Xanax taken alone can impair your ability to think clearly, but when combined with alcohol, it can cause dangerous side effects. You should also avoid combining Xanax with other forms of benzodiazepines, because doing so can potentially increase your risk of overdose. Before taking any over-the-counter antihistamine, such as Benadryl, you should speak with your primary care physician of psychiatrist.

It is also crucial to avoid opioids, unless the same physician prescribes them to you. If you find yourself in need of prescription pain medicine, you will need to alert the physician that you are currently taking a routine dose of Xanax. The physician may decide to prescribe you a mild pain reliever, such as Darvocet.

Understanding Xanax Withdrawal And Detox

Individuals who take larger amounts of Xanax for a longer period of time than prescribed will be at a high risk of developing a dependency to the drug. This fact also increases the changes of a more severe withdrawal period. Once an individual becomes dependent to any drug, he or she just doesn’t feel normal without consuming their drug of choice. When a Xanax-dependent person suddenly stops taking Xanax they are often times going to experience psychological disturbances as well as physical pain.

When you compare Xanax to other benzodiazepines it has some of the most dangerous withdrawal symptoms, because it leaves the body much quicker than any other benzodiazepine. Basically, this means that the withdrawal symptoms are going to come on quicker and more severe. Anytime that Xanax is prescribed to a person, it is often only prescribed for a short amount of time, because it has such a high addiction potential. Even taking Xanax as it is prescribed can cause withdrawal symptoms, when you stop taking it.

Some of the most common symptoms of Xanax withdrawal are headaches, insomnia, blurred vision, sweating, vomiting, aggression, anxiety, seizures, shaking, muscle cramps and pain, and sensitivity to light

A Look At The Duration Of Withdrawal

While the withdrawal symptoms of Xanax are more intense than any other benzodiazepine they usually do not last as long. Withdrawal symptoms can have an onset as little as an hour after consumption and last for more than a week. However, everyone is different and reacts differently to the medication. Your intake of the drug can also play a role in the withdrawal timetable as well as how long you have been taking the drug.

Within the first six hours the effects of the Xanax will wear off and the withdrawal symptoms will start to take over. This is usually the time users start to experience anxiety and irritability, which only get worse. The symptoms of withdrawal will be most intense after the first few days of stopping. This is the point where rebound anxiety and insomnia will be at its highest. After about four days, the intensity of the withdrawal symptoms will usually start to die down.

This article was written by David Warren from the wealthformyhealth.com team.

Things to do to make piles treatment easier and smoother

As per medical and social belief, piles is perhaps the worst kind of illness one can suffer from. People feel tremendously embarrassed when they talk about this disease, which is actually a very stressful scenario. But in all actuality, curing piles is actually quite easy, without having to converse with anyone regarding your condition. You also do not have to go for regular clinical checkups, which saves you from a lot of embarrassment. There are various holistic treatment solutions that cure piles and related conditions with a success rate of about 86%.

So today, we will talk about what piles actually is and how you can cure the illness while at home, without the help of any physician. So read on to find out more about these piles treatment options.

Piles – an introduction

Piles is basically the severe development of haemorrhoids. Haemorrhoids are basically inflamed vascular structures in your body. In case of piles, the vascular structures located in the anal canal get swollen and inflamed, which causes bleeding and discomfort. These inflamed veins or vascular structures developing in the anal canal disrupt smooth and comfortable bowel movement, which is the main reason of discomfort for patients suffering from piles. The veins in this vascular structure are usually very sensitive and extremely thin. Hence, in case of inflammation, a high level of pain and discomfort is quite natural during bowel movements.

Things to do to keep piles in check

Avoiding straining while defecating and constipation

Maintaining good intestinal health at all times is a good habit to avoid piles. Our modern lifestyle does not allow us to do so, but we still have to try our best. Getting up early in the morning, going for a brisk walk or jogging, having a healthy and good breakfast, having a light an early dinner, going to bed earlier than usual – all are ways by which you can ensure good intestinal health. Try to eat as much fruits and fiber as possible between meals.

Get at least 6 hours of sleep every night

Getting a sufficient amount of sleep at night can actually help you to avoid or cure piles. This may sound farfetched, but it is actually the truth. When you sleep properly at night, your digestive system turns a full cycle, that allows for smooth bowel movements. Also, when you sleep, your body produces hormones and enzymes that help your body to heal on its own. Hence, if you get inadequate sleep, various physiological problems will start occurring, including piles.

Including fiber in meal

Including fibrous food items like leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, wholegrain bread, cereals, etc. is always a good idea because they help with digestion and also to avoid constipation.

Drinking adequate amount of water

Two to three litres of water is a daily necessity for adults. An adult should drink at least two litres everyday if he or she wants to stay healthy. The excess water, that your body will not require, will be excreted as urine, but the requisite part usually improves intestinal health, thereby inducing smooth bowel movement. Try to avoid random water sources. Good quality water with proper pH level is what your body needs.

Avoiding painkillers and NSAIDs at all costs

Painkillers and NSAIDs are made with harmful compounds and chemicals, that might give temporary relief from pain, but can cause tremendous intestinal problems and constipation in the long run. Avoid them is an absolute must.

Some added measures

You must always remember never to strain yourself on the toilet at any cost. You may feel a slight fullness in your rectum and may try to strain, but this is basically a symptom that you are suffering from piles. And if you try to strain with such a physical condition, you will only make things worse for yourself. Also, sitting on the toilet for a long while should always be avoided. Just get in there, do your work, and get out. There is no need to sit on your toilet and watch TV, read a magazine or play games on your smartphone. You have the rest of the day for all these things.

Treating piles without surgery

Now coming to the main question – how to cure piles at home on your own? The answer is simpler than you think. The entire treatment process can be divided into two steps. Improving your daily lifestyle is the first step. As discussed earlier, you need to be on a fixed schedule, workout regularly, eat right and sleep properly to maintain your intestinal health. The second step is to go for holistic treatment options and take medicine that help to heal the inflamed vascular structures or veins in the anal canal. There are many naturally occurring medicines, such as Activiz and Restotab from Grocare India that help to relieve the pressure on the veins, make bowel movement smoother and make your body toxic free, all of which can cure piles.

This is a guest blog post.

Birth Injuries You Should Be Aware Of And Their Causes

The birth injury is basically any harm type that the baby suffered when the childbirth process took place. Birth injuries are not to be confused to what is known as birth defects. A birth defect is basically a result of genetic conditions or toxic exposures that appeared while the baby was still inside the womb.

Birth injuries are mainly going to appear because of various complications that appear during childbirth. However, it is possible that a healthcare professional is responsible. In this case you have to contact birth injury attorneys since financial compensations have to be offered.

Statistics show that around 7 percent of births in the USA have some sort of injury that happened during delivery. Birth trauma potential because of natural contractions and contortions associated with the childbirth can appear at any point in time when the baby is born. Childbirth is normally really challenging for both babies and parents. So many situations can drastically increase the possibility of ending up with birth injuries. This includes unusually large foetuses, pelvic area irregularities and premature birth. It is also possible that the injury appeared because of prescription drugs the mother took.

Unfortunately, the list of different birth injuries that can appear is incredibly long. Most people know nothing about them. Those that are much more common than others include:

•    Brain damage
•    Fractures
•    Forceps marks
•    Cerebral palsy
•    Shoulder dystocia
•    Plexus palsy (also known as Erb’s palsy)
•    Small blood vessel breakage
•    Facial paralysis

As you can see, many of the injuries we highlighted are serious. Unfortunately, it is so difficult to deal with something like this and it is a certainty that the life of the baby will be changed forever.
The best thing that you can do is to make sure that the mother is properly taken care of during pregnancy. At the same time, you have to be sure you work with true professionals during delivery. Receiving the best possible medical care during pregnancy and during childbirth is always important. If you really want to reduce the possibility that the child will be injured, you need information and you have to take all the necessary preventive steps.

The good news is there are so many articles online written about this topic. All you need to do is conduct good research. This is not at all difficult to do. However, you should not trust all the information sources that you find online. Focus just on those articles that are written by people that are highly respected in the healthcare industry.

One last thing that we should mention is that whenever the birth injury happened because someone made a mistake, it is vital that you contact a birth injury attorney that is experienced. Even if you just suspect that this is the case you should contact that professional. The laws that govern medical malpractice are quite complicated. You will not be able to go through the process alone or prove that the birth injury happened because of medical negligence when you do not have a lawyer by your side.

This is a guest blog entry.