Yesterday, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed HR 1424, the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007 by a vote of 268-148.

Supporters say the bill will help end discrimination against patients with mental illnesses. continues…

No Comments »

From Medical Economics magazine, more on health policy ...

As noted in an item posted here on Feb. 15, New York recently stepped up its efforts to attract physicians to the state’s underserved areas. Now Maryland is sounding the same drumbeat with a Daily Times article about how small communities are struggling to keep area hospitals viable, “But as local doctors have moved away . . . or retired during the past 10 years, the ranks [in one hospital] have fallen from seven full-time surgeons to two. There also are only two anesthesiologists; one is nearing retirement.” continues…

1 Comment »

From Medical Economics magazine, more on physician shortage ...

Phyllis Hollenbeck, author of Sacred Trust: The Ten Rules of Life, Death and Medicine (Book Publishers Network), has long maintained that medical consumers need to be more discriminating about who they chose to handle their health. She points out, “Many patients feel they have no power in a doctor’s office, but in fact they hold all the power. They are employing the doctor, and have every right to, in effect, fire them if they’re not satisfied with the service being provided.” continues…

No Comments »

From Medical Economics magazine, more on patient relations ...