Over the past month I have had some very challenging patients. I will often question, why and how did someone end up here at the correctional facility? I believe it is better I do not know. Actually, it is none of my business; it keeps the care unbiased and pure and it does not impact how I treat them. If one of the inmates upsets the ...

I was going to write a blog about neuro-syphilis because I just recently treated a 29-year-old patient for this condition, however, on reflection it seems more apt to discuss the enormous financial costs associated with her care. That being said, neuro-syphilis is a tricky diagnosis; I advise clinicians to read up on it. Syphilis is commonly ...

There are six different physicians in my practice and thus, six different philosophical approaches to disease treatment and management. As a new NP, this can be somewhat frustrating. Some days I wish medicine and nursing were a bit more algorithmic. But alas, it ain't like baking a cake, so here's to finding the silver lining. Six ...

I know, I know. You're all probably thinking that if you see another blog about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, you are going to need an emesis basin. Since the healthcare reform package was upheld by the Supreme Court, healthcare is back in the news and on the minds, lips and keyboards of just about everyone. I will attempt to ...

No matter our age or gender, stretch marks (or striae) can affect us all. Contrary to popular belief, stretch marks may even affect thin people. We commonly associate them with pregnancy, but striae also frequently occur in young patients after rapid height or muscle mass increase. Typical areas of involvement include the abdomen, breasts, arms, ...

We have all been to see a healthcare provider with a checklist of things we wish to accomplish during a visit. Isn't that why we go? Time management skills in medicine are essential. As providers, we have to find a nice balance that gives patients our undivided attention yet maintains efficiency and allows us to be productive. My goal in time ...

If you read our last post or saw the news yourself, you already know that the American Academy of Family Physicians has changed its stance on convenient care clinics.But ABC News published an article today explaining some operators' plans to expand services into chronic disease management: ''Retail Clinics Branch Into Chronic Disease ...

Summer is rolling along at ECFC. Thankfully, our June has been busier than May was. Within the next three weeks our state has mandated that all medical claims be filed electronically (July 15). The state has contracted with an organization to allow free access to their Web-based e-filing system. We are awaiting approval to go ahead and begin ...