Costs – simple principles

We could decrease health care costs, but too many special interests will prevent the changes we really need.

The week of pharyngitis

I have been smiling all week.  My paper will likely make a difference, and that really is why we write papers. 

17 days at the VA – day 13

We recently sent a patient to the unit looking septic.  Currently, the unit team suspect Macrophage Activation Syndrome. 

Why I like The Blind Side?

I am reminded that we should do more to allow the less fortunate to succeed.  That really is the American Dream.

ABG dilemma discussed

A woman with COPD had chronic respiratory acidosis initially. On day two, post-hypercapnic metabolic alkalosis appeared.

Intuition versus evidence

In fact, part of what we are calling intuition is an understanding of when the evidence pertains to our patient.

The tragedy of the commons – why we must ration

we must make rationing rational. Do not attack this problem objectively represents a failure of our health care delivery.

The degradation of physician’s notes

I attended part of a workshop on hand-offs yesterday. The workshop was excellent, but made my think about root causes.

Thoughts on universal health care

He talks solely about personal responsibility. The best health care is decreasing the need for health care.

Defeating a sticky message – not so easy

Evan does make a most important point about legislation – almost nobody really knows the details of any bill.