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Latest Posts

A Classic ER Patient: A Poem

Classic presentation of the perfect patient

“What’s the problem? You’re the doctor,

why don’t you tell me!

I’m suffering an awful lot it must

be plain to see;

I’ve got back pain from that car wreck

back in nineteen sixty-five.

If I’d have worn my seat belt

there’s no way I’d be alive!

I’m out of my prescription and I

need help, I’m afraid.

I ain’t worried ‘bout the price, you see

I got my Medicaid. Read more »

*This blog post was originally published at edwinleap.com*

Doctor Versus Drug Seeker: Doctor Wins

My genius partner, RKM, was lately confronted by a patient seeking pain medication.  Due to a very nice system instituted by the state of SC, providers can search for their patients’ prescription histories.  Turns out this individual had received multiple narcotic prescriptions from multiple providers all over the state, and had done it using at least three separate addresses.

Ever the resourceful doc, my partner confronted this patient with the following information:

‘Sir, it appears that you have been the victim of identity theft!  Fortunately, we were able to discover that someone has used your information to obtain narcotics under false pretense!  But rest assured, we have contacted the authorities and we’ll catch the SOB who did this to you!’

He was met, I am told, by wide-eyed, open-mouthed silence.

No prescriptions were dispensed.  Though it is entirely possible the patient will be needing a big bottle of Jim Beam for his nerves, and adult diapers for irritable bowel, for the next several weeks.

Bless you, RKM, for the theatrical, perfectly passive-aggressive genius you are!

Edwin

*This blog post was originally published at edwinleap.com*

Physician Murdered After Denying Prescription To Drug Seeker

Horrible.

200912091638.jpg Perry doctor killed by patient

SUSPECT HAD BEEN REFUSED PAIN PILLS EARLIER IN DAY

By Dori Hjalmarson, Bill Estep and Karla Ward – dhjalmarson@herald-leader.com

CORNETTSVILLE — A man seeking prescription painkillers shot and killed a doctor at a Perry County medical clinic Tuesday morning, according to state police. Read more »

*This blog post was originally published at GruntDoc*

Latest Interviews

The Surprising Economic Burden Of ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

If you can read this you need to download a more recent browser It is estimated that as many as million U.S. adults have ADHD Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder A recent research study publication-pending suggests that the economic burden of ADHD on America could be as high as billion annually. I…

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Is The Adderall Shortage A Harbinger Of Future Drug Supply Problems?

If you can read this you need to download a more recent browser Today most- if not all- Doctor’s offices are strained by the shortage of some prescription medication or vaccine. A month ago President Obama signed his executive order directing the FDA to take steps to reduce drug shortages…

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Latest Book Reviews

Book Review: The First Step To Improve Health Care Is A Close Examination Of How It’s Delivered

My friend and former Chair of the CFAH Board of Trustees Doug Kamerow has written a book that I think you will like. Besides being a mensch and witty as heck Doug is a family doctor and a preventive medicine specialist. In his new book Dissecting American Health Care Commentaries…

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“Your Medical Mind” Explores Factors That Influence A Patient’s Medical Decisions

Recently I had a conversation with Shannon Brownlee the widely respected science journalist and acting director of the Health Policy Program at the New America Foundation about whether men should continue to have access to the PSA test for prostate cancer screening despite the overwhelming evidence that it extends few…

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Book Review: Food Truths, Food Lies

Food Truths Food Lies written by family physician Eric Marcotte M.D. may be the most refreshingly evidence-based diet book of the decade. You will not find a single mention of super-foods magical berries or supplement must-haves in the entire book. What you will find is the cold hard truth about…

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