Friday, October 25, 2024

Part 5:
Ambulatory Surgery Centers Investment

by Dr. Shakeel Ahmed

Part 5 of a 6 Part Series

For parts 1, 2, 3, and 4 of this series please visit PhysiciansOfficeResource.com/articles 

This is the fifth installment in our series of articles on establishing a multi-business portfolio. Having discussed Ambulatory Surgery Centers in the last edition, it’s time to move to a closely related entity, the Imaging Centers. Currently, there are approximately forty thousand medical imaging centers in the USA, performing more than a hundred million imaging procedures yearly. While tightly regulated by the same laws and forces that oversee the rest of healthcare, Imaging industry is unique in the sense that it allows a non-clinical person to have ownership in it. That opens the door to 300 plus million investors in the country.

Tuesday, October 01, 2024

by Dr. Shakeel Ahmed

In the world of entrepreneurship, it is considered the pinnacle of success to own your business. Be the King. Run the empire. While for the novice entrant in this world that may seem like a dream trip through life, in reality it is a land filled with missteps, mines and ambushes. The greatest threat to your success, however, comes from within. It is the slow bleed of failures in finances and rampant overhead that will be your denouement.

Friday, August 23, 2024

by Michael Baker, Staff Writer Physicians Office Resource

Leukemia is a complex and multifaceted hematologic malignancy that presents unique challenges in diagnosis, management, and patient care. Much more complex than what we have time to explore here. However, as primary care physicians (PCPs), you are often the first point of contact for patients, making your role critical in the early detection and referral of leukemia cases. This article aims to provide an overview of leukemia, focusing on its classification, clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, and the PCP’s role in managing patients with this condition.

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Part 4:
Ambulatory Surgery Centers Investment

by Dr. Shakeel Ahmed

Part 4 of a 6 Part Series

For parts 1, 2, and 3 of this series please visit PhysiciansOfficeResource.com/articles 

The nuanced and specialized process of buying into an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) is a venture often reserved for a select group of medical professionals, predominantly surgeons. Unlike general medical investments, ASCs offer a unique opportunity that combines clinical expertise with entrepreneurial acumen. The decision to invest in an ASC goes beyond financial metrics and requires an understanding of the clinical landscape, regulatory environment, and operational intricacies of outpatient surgical facilities.

Thursday, August 01, 2024

Part 3:
Creating a Multispecialty Group

by Dr. Shakeel Ahmed

Part 3 of a 6 Part Series

For parts 1 and 2 of this series please visit PhysiciansOfficeResource.com/articles 

“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.”—Mother Theresa

This chapter is aimed at the physician investor/entrepreneur as they navigate their path into the expansive realm of medical careers and opportunities. Although opening a medical group might not be categorized strictly as an investment, this business choice will significantly shape the future of your financial returns and endeavors in the healthcare field. This is coupled with the occasional need to invest in these models, which sets the stage perfectly for an investment framework.

Monday, July 08, 2024

by Dr. Jay Long, MD, Retired Vascular Surgeon, Medical Director – Semler Scientific, Inc. 

A major lower-extremity amputation has been reported to be the most feared complication by patients experiencing diabetic foot problems.¹ The statistics surrounding diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and potential subsequent amputations are staggering.

Monday, July 01, 2024

Part 2:
Business Opportunities in Healthcare

by Dr. Shakeel Ahmed

Part 2 of a 6 Part Series

For part 1 of this article please visit PhysiciansOfficeResource.com/articles 

“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” — Henry David Thoreau 

After outlining the fundamental principles necessary for success in business in my initial article, this piece aims to provide an overview of the various healthcare business categories that a novice investor can explore. This summary highlights the different options available, serving as a foundational guide. Subsequent chapters will offer in-depth insights into each category, providing a detailed analysis to help investors make informed decisions about their investments. 

In no specific order of importance or profitability, here are some of the primary business options available to healthcare entrepreneurs: 

Wednesday, May 29, 2024

by Galit Gelman, Commercial Marketing Manager, SEKISUI Diagnostics 

Point-of-care diagnostics, particularly in molecular testing, face challenges related to accessibility and affordability. The complexity of molecular testing techniques requires specialized training for laboratory personnel, contributing to variations in test quality. Infrastructure requirements for well-equipped laboratories may hinder accessibility, especially in resource-limited settings. Delays in obtaining results can impact timely patient care, particularly during urgent situations or pandemics.¹ The increasing demand for flexible, efficient, and accurate testing solutions in various healthcare settings arises from several factors. A study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) journal emphasizes the importance of designing remote technologies to flexibly organize hybrid care services, enabling healthcare services to be provided in non-traditional healthcare settings.²

Monday, May 20, 2024

by Michael Baker, Staff Writer Physicians Office Resource 

I have a host of scars that I’ve acquired over the years. Truth be told, I don’t mind my scars. Each one comes with a different, sometimes funny, stupid, adventurous, or scary story. Not only do these scars carry memories, but they also represent triumph. To me is amazing to think each scar represents a time when my body failed but also shows how it was able to overcome that failure.

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

by Nitsan Maayan-Rabinowich, Chief Strategy Officer, Sight Diagnostics

Whether you’re planning to establish a moderately complex Physician Office Lab, or you're an experienced practitioner eyeing a new Complete Blood Count (CBC) analyzer for your existing facility, understanding the key factors in selecting the right equipment is paramount. This article is designed to help you navigate the selection process of a CBC analyzer that will align seamlessly with your clinical demands and operational workflows, enabling you to provide superior patient care.

Wednesday, May 01, 2024

by David Kliff of the Diabetic Investor

I doubt anyone would argue that we have seen major advancements in diabetes technology. Conventional fingerstick glucose monitors (BGM) while still around are being replaced by Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems (CGM). Insulin pumps have become Automated Insulin Delivery systems using CGM and sophisticated insulin dosing algorithms which learn. Insulin pens once “dumb” devices have transformed into “smart” connected devices.

Monday, April 15, 2024

by Physicians Office Resource

It’s estimated that an approximate 3 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Of those 3 million, the most common forms of IBD include Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn’s Disease. In this article we’ll take a closer look at the similarities, differences, treatments and what you can do as a primary care physician to help your patients navigate their battle with these diseases.

Monday, April 01, 2024

Part 1:
The Blueprint to Financial Riches in Healthcare

by Dr. Shakeel Ahmed 

“Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking.” – William Butler Yeats 

This is the first of a 6-article series I will write on how to invest in healthcare, and strike gold in the business of medicine. This collection of writings will serve as a repository of guidance and schematics for those venturing into the realm of healthcare entrepreneurship. It aims to distill and expand upon the different healthcare investment opportunities accessible to both newcomers and experienced investors alike, detailing the necessary actions to ensure the success of these investments. Furthermore, the series will explore the myriad legal and regulatory challenges encountered in the medical industry, paying particular attention to the intricacies associated with various healthcare organizations and the strategies for entering these specific sectors.

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

by David Kliff of the Diabetic Investor 

It almost seems presumptuous to look beyond the current crop of drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro. All three have patent protection well into the next decade, sales continue to skyrocket plus Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have robust pipelines of follow on products. This is a huge and growing market that is vastly underpenetrated. Still, it would be foolish not to look ahead, as Novo and Lilly aren’t the only companies who want to play in this sandbox.

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

by Shakeel Ahmed, MD 

“The sustenance of private practice doctors, like the survival of small bakeries amidst the sprawling dominion of retail giants, nurtures a tapestry of diverse health care providers, ensuring that patients have access to a symphony of medical options in close proximity to their communities.”
– Dr. Clarissa Meadowsong, patient advocate and champion of health care diversity.

Friday, February 23, 2024

by Aaron Medaris

If you’re a sports fan like me, you’ve probably seen the commercials that run on ESPN promoting products to help men with low testosterone, or what they refer to as “Low-T.”

Friday, February 23, 2024

by David Kliff of the Diabetic Investor

Think about this just for a moment. When was the last time a patient walked into your office and practically demanded that you put them on a drug? When was the last time these same patients said, “cost be damned, I don’t care that it’s going to cost me over $1,000 a month. I want to be on this drug.” How often do these patients give you the I really don’t care look when you explain this is a diabetes drug, they don’t have diabetes, and as good as these drugs are, there are side effects, they need to be aware of.

Friday, February 23, 2024

by Aaron Medaris

Gene therapy, a groundbreaking field in medical science, holds the promise of revolutionizing the way we treat and potentially cure a wide range of genetic disorders. This innovative approach involves the introduction, alteration, or replacement of genetic material within a patient's cells to correct or eliminate the root cause of a disease. Over the past few decades, gene therapy has evolved from a theoretical concept to a rapidly advancing field with significant clinical implications, with several gene therapy drug receiving approval from the FDA.

Wednesday, December 06, 2023

by Aaron Medaris

Obesity has emerged as a pervasive and pressing global health issue, transcending geographic, economic, and cultural boundaries. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as "abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health." The prevalence of obesity has reached alarming levels, posing significant challenges to individuals, healthcare systems, and societies worldwide.

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

by Aaron Medaris

Yes, we’re still talking about COVID. We wish we didn’t have to, but the fact is, COVID is here to stay and it’s something we’re going to have to deal with. Luckily for us, the past 3.5 years have been filled with technological advancements that help us better test, prevent, and treat this cruel illness; allowing many people who contract COVID-19 to recover in a matter of days or weeks. However, there are some people who have been infected that experience long-term effects from their infection, known as Long COVID. Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), is a term used to describe a range of symptoms that persist for weeks, months, or years after the acute phase of a COVID-19 infection. Though Long COVID occurs more often in people who had severe cases, people who had a mild or asymptomatic case can also experience a variety of symptoms long after their initial infection has resolved. In this article, we will explore the various and wide-reaching symptoms of Long COVID, assessing and testing patients exhibiting symptoms, and the latest scientific findings of Long COVID. 

Friday, September 01, 2023

by Jay Long, MD

The developed world continues to be ravaged by complications of diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, and strokes. These entities overlap in their contributions to being the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, and the incidence of these diseases continues to rise.

Sunday, August 06, 2023

by Aaron Medaris

Is it influenza, COVID, RSV, or some other respiratory infection? HCPs are faced with these questions every day as patients fill their exam rooms with coughs, fevers, and congestion. Your training and experience will help you in your diagnosis and subsequent treatment, but with so many similar symptoms between different infections, the need for assistance and even assurance is at an all-time high. Luckily, testing at the point of care is becoming more advanced and effective. One of the most important advancements in point of care testing is the addition of multiplex testing – the ability analyze multiple analytes or targets in a single test. Multiplex testing is nothing new but has been steadily evolving over the last several decades and is gaining a larger presence in physician offices and urgent care centers around the nation. In this article, take a closer look at multiplex testing, its development over the years, and how it’s making a difference in point of care testing. 

Sunday, July 02, 2023

by Aaron Medaris

I think my first true introduction of Artificial Intelligence or AI, (that wasn’t from a sci-fi movie) came in February of this year, when I read an article about ChatGPT, a language processing tool that could write essays, papers, and articles in seconds; thus, leading to its quick ban from schools and universities around the nation. Granted it writes articles around a 6^th grade level, so if you’re using that to cheat your way through college, you probably have other problems coming your way. 

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

by ScrubMoney™ co-founders

It seems you can turn anywhere these days and you’ll get financial advice. Look in any direction and you’re probably hit with an advertisement, a quick tip, a savvy money narrative to digest, or perhaps even an enthusiastic stranger who swears they’ll grow your wealth. 

Thursday, June 01, 2023

by Brian K. DuChateau, Ph.D., D(ABMLI)

The need for increased access to immediate diagnostics and care has never been highlighted more than during the pandemic. And one by-product of the pandemic has been the rapid implementation and adoption of innovative testing technologies. These instant health care delivery tools, including next-generation rapid antigen tests have transformed the way we can deliver health care at the point of need, whether that be in hospitals, labs and importantly in community-based settings. The forthcoming generation of rapid antigen tests leverage novel technologies to allow both speed and accuracy at the nexus of action or the point of need where critical split-second medical decisions are made.

Thursday, May 04, 2023

by Aaron Medaris, Physician Office Resource

The last couple of years as we hunkered down, masked up, social distanced, and used gallons of hand sanitizer to avoid the dreaded results of COVID-19, we also avoided the flu the and a variety of other respiratory infections. Talk to any parent with young children and they’ll most likely tell you that 2020 was the healthiest their kids had been in a long time.

Thursday, May 04, 2023

by Andrew Harms and Miriam Sweeney

For the average U.S. household, everyday living is getting pricey. Childcare, food, energy, transportation, and housing costs are all rising. Among U.S. physicians and healthcare professionals, personal financial matters may make things tougher given high educational debt-loads, capped income levels during residency years, and unique insurance needs.

Thursday, May 04, 2023

by Jeff Reid, Sr. Commercial Manager at SEKISUI Diagnostics

Each year, millions of women of all ages and backgrounds are impacted by vulvovaginal disorder, making it the main cause for health care visits by women in the United States.¹ This disorder usually occurs due to an infection or when the bacterium in the vagina becomes unbalanced. Two common causes of vulvovaginal disorder are Bacterial vaginosis and Trichomoniasis.

Thursday, May 04, 2023

by Physician Office Resource

Within the right atrium is a group of cells called the sinus node, the heart’s natural pacemaker. It’s here where signals are produced to start each heartbeat. When a heart is functioning properly, the signal travels from the sinus node through both atria, and through a pathway between the atria and ventricles known the atrioventricular node. This transmission of electrical signals allows the heart to contract and pump blood through the body.

Monday, October 03, 2022

by Andy Harms

If your wallet needs live-saving measures, now is a great time to avert a crisis.

The grind. Residents know about it. Long days requiring intense mental focus. Physically demanding. Exhilarating and enjoyable, yet exhausting and overwhelming at times. Loving what we do—but not loving what it does to us on some of those days.

Monday, October 03, 2022

by John D. Tamerius, Ph.D. and Jhobe Steadman, Ph.D.

The Secretary of Health & Human Services (HHS) declared a Public Health Emergency on Jan. 31, 2020.  Congress followed a few weeks later on March 13, 2020 with the declaration of a National Emergency and granted $25 billion to HHS to take immediate steps to accelerate the development of vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostic tests.  Five weeks later the National Institutes of Health (NIH) created the Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics Initiative (RADx) and Quidel® Corporation was one of several companies that received scientific and regulatory guidance and funding to help meet the profound need of the American people during this emergency.  Despite the criticisms commonly heard, a tremendous amount was accomplished in record time, including the creation of effective vaccines, the development of diagnostic antigen and molecular tests for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 and for the advancing development of therapeutic agents---all in less than one year.

Wednesday, September 07, 2022

by Susan Garramone, Senior Clinical Marketing Manager - Siemens Healthineers

Diabetes: The medical condition

Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose. The hormone insulin is required for glucose to enter the body’s cells, where it is used for energy. If the body does not make enough insulin (type 1 diabetes) or does not respond to insulin as it should (type 2 diabetes), the level of glucose in the blood becomes elevated.¹ This high blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, is dangerous and can lead to long-term complications.^1,2

Wednesday, September 07, 2022

(If you’re a physician reading this, the answer is most likely yes)

by Andrew Harms

Every so often, a multi-state lottery jackpot in the US becomes so enormous that casual conversations and nightly newscasts take up the topic of playing the lottery with great anticipation and fascination. This summer, the Mega Millions lottery doled out their second-largest prize to a fortunate ticket-purchaser in the Chicago suburbs after 29 consecutive draws without a jackpot winner. A nearly $1.3 billion dollar jackpot!

Thursday, July 14, 2022

by Miriam Sweeney 

Money is one of the most influential things in our lives that is simultaneously most difficult to talk about. And the medical field is no exception. In my unique situation, I’ve had the opportunity to talk with an abnormally high number of doctors-to-be about their finances.

Thursday, July 14, 2022

by Susan Garramone, Senior Clinical Marketing Manager - Siemens Healthineers

 Chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability in the U.S. and major drivers of the nation’s rising healthcare costs.¹ Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the top seven chronic diseases include heart disease, cancer, chronic lung disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). In the United States, 60% of adults have one chronic disease, and 40% are reported as having two or more.¹ The costs of these chronic diseases account for nearly 86% of healthcare costs.²

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

by Andrew Harms

Since our last monthly article, I spent more time in hospital rooms and hallways interacting with healthcare workers than I had any time prior — for great and happy reasons. My wife and I welcomed a daughter, our first child, and received wonderful care from Georgetown University Hospital, a teaching hospital nestled into one of the oldest neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. We are so thankful and so overjoyed. Our appreciation for healthcare workers remains at an all-time high.

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

by Andrew Harms and Miriam Sweeney 

For the average U.S. household, everyday living is getting pricey. Childcare, food, energy, transportation, and housing costs are all rising. Among U.S. physicians and healthcare professionals, personal financial matters may make things tougher given high educational debt-loads, capped income levels during residency years, and unique insurance needs. Furthermore, job-related stressors emanating from clinical and patient-care priorities, administrative duties, continuing education, licensing requirements, and professional responsibilities leave little time for prudent, active personal financial management.

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

by Miriam Sweeney 

The stratification starts in medical school. Before anyone has matched into their residency — long before attention has shifted from Step One and Two to writing a round of personal statements and preparing for interviews — conversations have already started about who is pursuing what specialty.

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

by Sekisui Diagnostics

Per the Forum of International Respiratory Societies report, five respiratory diseases are among the most common causes of severe illness and death worldwide.

The human toll of COVID-19 has demonstrated the necessity – and difficulty – of quickly identifying emerging respiratory diseases. Lab-based diagnostic tests have played an important role during the pandemic. But from the viewpoint of quality of care and clinical management, timely infection control, and the ability to act upon results, the future will likely belong to portable, CLIA-waived rapid diagnostic tests.

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

by Susan Garramone, Senior Clinical Marketing Manager
Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.

Introduction

Chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability in the U.S. and are leading drivers of the nation’s rising healthcare costs.¹ Chronic diseases are defined as conditions that last 1 year or more and require ongoing medical attention, limit activities of daily living, or both. Heart disease, cancer, chronic lung disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease are among the most common. A staggering 40% of adults in the U.S. have two or more chronic diseases.¹ Unfortunately, chronic diseases are common, serious, and costly.

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

by Sekisui Diagnostics

Estimated global incidence of Trichomonas vaginalis compared to three other curable STIs (Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and syphilis) according to WHO

Trichomoniasis is a common, curable, non-viral sexually transmitted infection caused by a motile protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. Trichomonas (sometimes referred to as “Trich”) infects the vagina and sometimes urethra and is transmitted during unprotected sex. It is roughly as big as a white blood cell, and it is thought to be responsible for approximately 15-20% of symptomatic vaginitis infections.

Wednesday, February 09, 2022

By Irwin Z. Rothenberg, MBA, MS, CLS(ASCP), Technical Writer /Quality Advisor, COLA Resources, Inc. 

Introduction

Whether planning a new, start-up laboratory operation, or performing an analysis of current testing, (providing input for decisions on whether or not to purchase new or replacement instruments, or add or delete tests), it is important to do a realistic assessment not only of what you want to offer, but what you can realistically offer. The laboratory’s test menu should be aligned as closely as possible with physician expectations and needs, as well as the laboratory’s operational capabilities. 

Wednesday, February 09, 2022

by Aaron Medaris - Physicians Office Resource

Last year as we hunkered down, masked up, social distanced, and used gallons of hand sanitizer to avoid the dreaded results of COVID-19, we also avoided the flu the and a variety of other respiratory infections. Talk to any parent with young children and they’ll most likely tell you that 2020 was the healthiest their kids had been in a long time. Now that we’ve emerged from our quarantines, shed the masks, and probably aren’t as good as using the hand sanitizer as we were 12 months ago, respiratory infections are on the rise. Yes, it’s true that most children who contract COVID-19 will be fine, but health officials are reporting an influx of patients, especially pediatric, with corona virus and other respiratory infections at the same time, presenting additional challenges in an already difficult situation.  Are we entering in to the “perfect storm” of challenges for this cold and flu season? That is yet to be told, but rain is definitely in the forecast for the months ahead.

Wednesday, February 09, 2022

The Abstract - Medical News and Research Update

Leaves of the psychotria inularum plant, known to the locals of Samoa as matalafi, have been used for centuries to treat inflammation, fever, elephantiasis, vomiting, incontinence, and infections. Skepticism is often associated with traditional medicine, but is there really something to this matalafi plants that are “found in back yards across Samoa?” Lead author and researcher, Seeseei Molumau-Samasoni said, “I was skeptical at first, when researching. There was a lot of superstition around this plant particularly, even in traditional medicine, but I was keen to find out if I could provide scientific merit to the traditional medicines of the Samoan people.

Wednesday, February 09, 2022

The Abstract - Medical News and Research Update

A monthly column from Physicians Office Resource looking into current research and the future of medical science

Pulmonary fibrosis occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred, leading to thick and stiff tissue making it more difficult for lungs to function properly. Scarring is caused by a multitude of factors and in most cases doctors are not able to pinpoint the exact cause. Currently there is no cure, and mortality often happens within a few years; though there are certain therapies can sometimes ease symptoms1. Promising results were published recent article in the journal Nature, researchers at the University of Alabama are starting to make headway on a possible reversal of this disease.

Monday, February 07, 2022

By Irwin Z. Rothenberg, MBA, MS, CLS(ASCP), Technical Writer /Quality Advisor, COLA Resources, Inc.

Introduction

The 21st century challenge is to redesign healthcare systems to be safe, efficient, effective, timely, equitable and patient-centered. Laboratory medicine is integral to many of these objectives, involving disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management. 

Monday, February 07, 2022

by Sekisui Diagnostics

In 2019, the World Health Organization declared antibacterial resistance one of the top 10 threats to global health.

As deadly as it has already proven to be, COVID-19 could result in even more health-related

disruptions in the future. Several studies estimate that 70% to 97% of hospitalized patients with

COVID-19 received antibiotic therapy. Here’s the problem: Increased antibiotic usage accelerates antibiotic resistance.

Monday, February 07, 2022

by Physicians Office Resource 

While children often recover quickly from COVID-19, with the emergence of the highly contagious omicron variant, cases and hospitalizations are on the rise. With the rise in COVID-19 cases, brings on another concern, MIS-C.

Monday, February 07, 2022

by Suneel Dhand, Md

Suneel Dhand is a physician, author and speaker. He is the Founder at DocSpeak, and Co-founder at DocsDox. He blogs at his self-titled site: suneeldhand.com

The doctor-patient interaction is the absolute core of clinical medicine. Maybe I’ll go much further: it’s the core of health care in general. I always try to remember, whenever I’m ever feeling frustrated with the system, the crazy bureaucracy — and of course, the debacle of our clunky electronic medical records and their data entry requirements — to separate myself from all of that when I’m face-to-face with my patient and their family. This time is priceless, it’s why I went into this. The interactions and honor of serving my patients at a low point in their lives, makes it all worth it. It’s where the magic of medicine happens, and is something that is untouchable by any external factor, if you choose to make it that way.

Monday, February 07, 2022

By Morgan Ingemanson, PhD

How Do You Evaluate Memory Loss?

When an individual begins to show signs of memory loss, a physician’s greatest challenge is often discovering the underlying cause of symptoms. Behavioral evaluations (including self-report questionnaires such as MoCA and MMSE, effort-based computerized testing, and psychological evaluations) and laboratory tests (such as APOE genotyping and biochemical labs such as blood, urine, and CSF analysis) can be useful in developing a diagnosis in cases of advanced symptom presentation¹. But how useful are these tools in assessing cases of early memory loss? Are they capable of detecting dementia early, before disease advancement, so that the physician has the opportunity to implement a successful treatment intervention?

Monday, February 07, 2022

By Irwin Z. Rothenberg, MBA, MS, CLS(ASCP), Technical Writer /Quality Advisor, COLA Resources, Inc. 

Introduction

The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA 88) created the concept of waived tests which are defined as tests that are so simple to perform, and produce accurate results so reliably, as to render the likelihood of erroneous results negligible; and which also pose no reasonable risk of harm to the patient even if the test is performed incorrectly. Thus, these tests are exempt from federal requirements for personnel qualification, training, and competency assessment; quality control (except as specified by the manufacturer), proficiency testing, quality assessment, and the need for routine inspection 

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

by David Kliff 

There is no question that when it comes to diabetes technology, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has been the most transformative. Unlike insulin pumps or connected insulin pens, CGM is used by all patients with diabetes, not just patients who use insulin. Thanks to CGM researchers, we now have a clearer understanding of diabetes. CGM is quickly becoming the standard for glucose measurement.

Sunday, August 01, 2021

by Physicians Office Resource 

Meet Bindex® – the revolutionary, portable bone density scanning device that could be the new gold standard in first-level osteoporosis diagnostics.

Sunday, August 01, 2021

by Dlyan Chadwick 

These days, virtually any brick and mortar service has its own internet doppleganger. One can attain a college degree by attending online classes, stream movies directly from the source and of course, there’s Wikipedia, the online staple that’s put the final nail in the coffin of the door-to-door Encyclopedia industry. And while there’s seemingly no end to the wealth of information afforded to us on the internet, that information does come at a price: internet “quality control” is spotty at best.

Sunday, August 01, 2021

A new monthly column from Physicians Office Resource looking into the current research and the future of medical science 

Blood Markers Indicating Labor is Approaching Identified 

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified for the first-time blood markers indicating when a pregnant women will go into labor. The study, which was published in Science Translational Medicine, gives insights on how labor begins, by analyzing immune and other biological signals in a blood sample. The study’s lead author, Ina Stelzer, PhD, said, “We found a transition from ‘progressing pregnancy’ to a ‘pre-labor’ phase that happens two to four weeks before the mom goes into labor…We’ve identified a novel way to use the maternal blood to predict when a mother will go into labor. This prediction is independent from the duration of pregnancy.”¹ Brice Gaudilliere, MD, PhD, and the study’s senior author said, “Clinicians are good at estimating gestational age, which measures the development of the fetus. But there is a disconnect between this timing and when labor starts, because whether the baby is ready is only one factor in the onset of labor, the other part of the equation is the mother.”¹ The study focused on 63 women during the last 100 days of pregnancy. Blood samples were taken two to three time prior to birth and each sample was analyzed for 7,142 metabolic, protein, and single-cell immune features. Researchers utilizing mathematical modeling where able to identify blood markers that best predicted the onset of labor. Current results though imprecise, about a five-week window, could lay the foundation for a more accurate clinical blood test.

Thursday, July 01, 2021

by Dylan Chadwick

If health care had a definitive "face," the primary care physician would likely occupy the position. The primary care physician is often a patient's first contact with recovery and in turn, plays a crucial role in public health care: making the initial diagnosis.

Thursday, July 01, 2021

by Irwin Z. Rothenberg, MBA, MS, M.T. (ASCP), Technical Writer/Quality Advisor, COLA Resources, Inc.

Introduction

Laboratory testing plays a critical role in health assessment, treatment, monitoring, and ultimately, the public’s health. Test results contribute to diagnosis and prognosis of disease, the monitoring of treatment and health status, and population screening for disease.  An estimated 7-10 billion laboratory tests are performed each year in the United States and laboratory test results influence approximately 70% of medical decisions.  Increasingly, these decisions are based on simple tests performed using devices that are “waived” from most federal oversight requirements, and are thus designated as waived tests.

Thursday, July 01, 2021

A new monthly column from Physicians Office Resource looking into current research and the future of medical science

University of Oxford Launches Phase 1 Trial for HIV Vaccine

Since the first report of AIDS in 1981, researchers have been looking for ways to combat HIV infections. Today, there are dozens of drugs available to help inhibit HIV, but as of yet, no vaccines have been approved to prevent HIV. HIV’s ability to change and escape immune responses, has proved to be the biggest challenge in creating a safe and effective vaccine. That’s why the announcement from University of Oxford that a Phase 1 Trial has been launched for an HIV vaccine was met with great excitement in early July. Tomas Hanke, the trial’s lead researcher and Professor of Vaccine Immunology at the University of Oxford’s Jenner Institute had this to say about the trial, “An effective HIV vaccine has been elusive for 40 years. This trial is the first in a series of evaluations of this novel vaccine strategy in both HIV-negative individuals for prevention and in people living with HIV for cure…Even in the broader context of increasing antiretroviral treatment and prevention, an HIV-1 vaccine remains the best solution and likely a key component to any strategy ending the AIDS epidemic.”¹

Friday, June 25, 2021

by Sekisui Diagnostics

While 81% of men can remember the make and model of their first car, barely half of them remember their last trip to the doctor’s office. The average U.S. male lives to 76 – five years short of U.S. female life expectancy at 81 years – and one in five men die before 65.

Friday, June 25, 2021

by Dylan Chadwick

“We’re your parents, not your peers.” That’s the line my folks signed off with many times in response to one of our many disciplinary quarrels. This usually followed me telling them I “hated them” or something equally ridiculous. I was an adolescent once, and though it’s not something I’m proud of, I did what adolescents do. Luckily, my folks could maintain cool heads in such heated situations, seeing clearly that at that moment at least, the nature of our relationship didn't dictate that we like one another. In fact, what they keyed into was the fact that it was infinitely more important that I respected them and their authority, than it was for me to personally like them. 

Monday, April 26, 2021

by Sekisui Diagnostics

There are certain milestones in life that no one looks forward to—having your wisdom teeth pulled. That first mammogram! At the top of the list for men is likely that first rectal exam at 40 or 50 as an initial screening for prostate cancer. But, like those pesky wisdom teeth and the oh-so-important mammogram, screening for prostate cancer is important and necessary.

Monday, April 26, 2021

by Dylan Chadwick

When asked to describe anxiety, I often defer to the description I’d give my college therapist. Anxiety fits somewhere between “simple worry” and “full-blown panic.” I’d compare it to the dull, but consistent bellowing of a gaggle of monkeys let loose to tromp around the recesses of my brain. Everyone experiences anxiety in some fashion, whether responding to an overwhelming work schedule, an impending deadline or even as a generalized disorder. Physicians certainly aren’t strangers to anxiety-provoking work either, especially those who work in emergency capacities. 

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

by Aaron Medaris – Publisher, Physicians Office Resource

Vaccine hesitancy is nothing new. Even before unsubstantiated claims of autism, social media misinformation, and antivax websites, many people have struggled with vaccinations. In the smallpox outbreak of the 1800’s the United Kingdom saw so much opposition that it finally had to require vaccination against the disease mandated by law. 

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

By Dylan Chadwick 

When physician employers recruit their practice staff, they’re crafting an extension of themselves. Like a swiss watch or say, a Star Fleet command, each staff member contributes an invaluable service to the greater effectiveness of the practice, from answering phones, to coding procedures and to treating patients. Besides cultivating an efficient practice landscape, one which streamlines the divide between the administrative and clinical sides of the equation, these staff members also account for a significant portion of a practice’s overhead. 

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

by Irwin Z. Rothenberg, MBA, MS, CLS (ASCP), Technical Writer /Quality Advisor

 
Introduction

The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), passed by Congress in 1988, mandate that all test sites performing non-waived testing must undergo an inspection every two years.  These inspections are designed to evaluate compliance with the quality standards set for all testing performed, to ensure the accuracy, reliability and timeliness of patient test results.  All laboratories issued a CLIA certificate and all CLIA-exempt laboratories must comply with the applicable inspection requirements. 

Sunday, December 20, 2020

By Randox Laboratories

Cloud-based software update means a faster PCR test for SARS-CoV-2

We are happy to announce that due to improved software for the Vivalytic analysis device, the CE marked Vivalytic SARS-CoV-2 rapid coronavirus test, which uses polymerase chain reactions (PCR), now delivers its results even faster. By applying optimized evaluation strategies, the Vivalytic analysis device can detect a positive SARS-CoV-2 sample through its high viral load in less than 30 minutes, right where the sample is collected.

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Part Three of a Three Part Series on Continuous Glucose Monitoring

by David Kliff – The Diabetic Investor

When it comes to innovate new therapies or medical devices there is a lag time between introduction, adoption and full-blown usage. This pattern is playing out right this very moment with continuous glucose monitoring. It should surprise no one that early adopters of this revolutionary technology are endocrinologists and their intensively managed patients. CGM is successfully penetrating this segment of the diabetes patient population.

Sunday, September 20, 2020

Part two of a Three Part Series on Continuous Glucose Monitoring

by David Kliff

How many times does it happen something new comes out, you here good things about it, you take the time to learn about it so you can tell your patients about it and you actually get them to use it. However after all this this great new device which was supposed to be a tool to help the patient has turned into a toy rarely played with.

Friday, August 14, 2020

Part one of a three part series on continuous glucose monitoring

by David  Kliff – The Diabetic Investor

Many in the diabetes world consider the discovery of insulin the most significant milestone in diabetes history. While it’s hard to argue with this point of view, the development of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems also belongs in this same category. CGM has the potential to forever change the management of diabetes, providing patients and their physicians with a pathway to better patient outcomes. It’s not an overstatement to say that CGM could be the one tool that changes this ominous diabetes statistic that unfortunately has not changed in decades: more than 2/3 of patients with diabetes are NOT achieving good control.

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

by David Kliff of the Diabetic Investor

There is no question that the COVID pandemic has forever changed healthcare. Telemedicine, virtual patient consults and increased use of remote patient monitoring are just some of the byproducts of the pandemic. As welcome as some of these changes are they have also brought with them some new concerns. This is particularly true in the area of chronic disease management. Physicians have always been acutely aware that their patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes have the additional burden of monitoring their condition.

Sunday, June 14, 2020

by David Kliff of the Diabetic Investor

The statistics are startling, even with all the improvements in diabetes therapies and devices, almost two-thirds of patients are not achieving good control. For years diabetes researchers, those in the diabetes industry and academia have struggled to understand why after the billions spent there has not been an improvement in patient outcomes. Yet if you ask any primary care physician, endocrinologist or diabetes educator they consistently note the reason more patients are not achieving good control comes down to one factor; therapy compliance. As one very respected endocrinologist once said; “Things would be very different if patients took their meds as prescribed.”

Thursday, May 14, 2020

by David Kliff

When the coronavirus finally passes, we could well look back at this crisis as a turning point for digital health. For years everyone has talked about digital health, but until the coronavirus forced patients and physicians into actually using digital health, it remained somewhat of a mystery. In this article, we'll examine more specifically how to use digital health for patients with diabetes.

Sunday, April 26, 2020

by Aaron Medaris - Publisher, Physicians Office Resource

COVID-19 needs no introduction. This virus, which is 1/1000^th the size of a grain of sand, has singlehandedly bought countries, people and businesses to a complete stop. It fills our news feeds, our thoughts, and dictates our actions. We know that humans are resilient and that we will come out on top, but COVID-19 has brought change and heartbreak along the way. During this time of emergency, we express our sincerest praise to all of you who are constantly putting yourselves in harms way to serve and heal another.

Sunday, April 26, 2020

by Sekisui Diagnostics

There are certain milestones in life that no one looks forward to—having your wisdom teeth pulled. That first mammogram! At the top of the list for men is likely that first rectal exam at 40 or 50 as an initial screening for prostate cancer. But, like those pesky wisdom teeth and the oh-so-important mammogram, screening for prostate cancer is important and necessary.

Sunday, April 26, 2020

by David Kliff - The Diabetic Investor

Insulin pump therapy has long been recognized as one of the most effective therapy options for both Type 1 and intensively managed Type 2 patients. There are hundreds if not thousands of studies that have shown how the use of an insulin pump improves patient outcomes. Over the years insulin pumps have made some substantial leaps in terms of usability features and benefits. While more complex than multiple daily injection (MDI) therapy, insulin pump therapy has also become more patients and physician friendly.

Saturday, March 14, 2020

by David Kliff, The Diabetic Investor

Insulin pump therapy has long been recognized as one of the most effective therapy options for both Type 1 and intensively managed Type 2 patients. There are hundreds if not thousands of studies that have shown how the use of an insulin pump improves patient outcomes. Over the years insulin pumps have made some substantial leaps in terms of usability features and benefits. While more complex than multiple daily injection (MDI) therapy, insulin pump therapy has also become more patients and physician friendly.

Monday, March 09, 2020

by Randox Laboratories Ltd.

Multiplex assay for 10 sexually transmitted infections receives CE marking

CE marking has been granted to one of the most comprehensive cartridge-based STI tests.

The test, developed by the UK’s largest health diagnostics company, Randox Laboratories, tests simultaneously for 10 of the most common sexually transmitted infections, on the firm’s patented Biochip Technology.

Saturday, February 22, 2020

by David Kliff - The Diabetic Investor

Diabetes management has changed dramatically with each new technological innovation. It wasn’t that long ago when knowing a patient’s glucose level was basically guess work. Yes there were tools to measure glucose, however these tools were difficult to use and highly inaccurate. This all changed with the invention of blood glucose monitors which measured glucose using a drop of blood.  Although the process wasn’t perfect; for the first-time patients were able to accurately measure their glucose levels on a regular.

Saturday, February 22, 2020

by JAMES CRILLY - QC MARKETING MANAGER - RANDOX LABORATORIES LTD.

Introduction to POCT

Point of care testing (POCT) refers to testing that is performed near or at the site of a patient with the result leading to a possible change in the care of the patient. The popularity and demand of POCT has been growing rapidly, however, this should come as no surprise as there are many advantages to POCT, for example, the convenience of being able to obtain a rapid result at the patient’s bedside, thus allowing immediate action, saving time and improving the potential outcome for the patient.

Although there are many benefits of using POCT devices in terms of their convenience, these benefits are only true if the results produced are both accurate and reliable. Ensuring accuracy and reliability is the primary responsibility of Quality Control.

Saturday, February 22, 2020

by SEKISUI DIAGNOSTICS

By now, physicians may have an idea of what’s to come this flu season, based on how the flu season has already played out in other parts of the world. In previous years, however, despite forewarnings, the United States and European countries are sometimes caught off guard with a “Perfect Storm” of challenges for the influenza season. Physician offices should be stocking up on flu tests and other supplies in preparation for this year’s flu season. What do they need to know before they choose a flu test?

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

by David Kliff, The Diabetic Investor

Diabetes management has changed dramatically with each new technological innovation. It wasn’t that long ago when knowing a patient’s glucose level was basically guess work. Yes there were tools to measure glucose, however these tools were difficult to use and highly inaccurate. This all changed with the invention of blood glucose monitors which measured glucose using a drop of blood.  Although the process wasn’t perfect; for the first-time patients were able to accurately measure their glucose levels on a regular.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

by David Kliff of the Diabetic Investor

Over the years there have been several notable advancements when it comes to insulin therapy. The introduction of analogue insulin’s, “smart” insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMS) are just some that quickly come to mind. Coming in the very near future will be insulin pens which talk to a patient’s smartphone and the most promising advancement since the discovery of insulin, insulin dosing algorithms. Algorithms that not only help the patient more effectively dose their insulin, but algorithms which learn allowing them to get even better over time.

Monday, October 14, 2019

by David Kliff of the Diabetic Investor

Over the past few years there have been some tremendous technical advances for patients with diabetes. In particular, insulin using patients have some of the best tools at their disposal. Insulin pumps have gotten smarter and less of a hassle, the same goes for insulin pens which now offer connectivity. Continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMs) are becoming the standard for glucose measurement. Perhaps the most important tool is not a device, but a software program more commonly known as an algorithm, which processes all the patient data and helps them more effectively dose their insulin.

Thursday, July 18, 2019

by DYLAN J. CHADWICK

“When will we wise up and stop calling the tiny computers in our pockets ‘phones?’” sighs the distraught geek on the internet, in your office, or on your Facebook timeline. Of course he’s absolutely right about it, even if a little bit prosaic. The “phone” function of our smartphones really only accounts for a small fraction of its total functionality, and NO ONE needs to comment on the ubiquity of these things anymore. Our pocket computers can do most everything our desktop and laptop computers can, and they're uniquely portable and capable of transferring data across (nearly) infinite distances. These little devils also have a steady hand in constantly updating the way that virtually every occupation functions, sometimes just in the nuts and bolts and sometimes drastically.

Thursday, July 18, 2019

by BRIAN R. DOOLEY

Patients have a lot of choices when it comes to physicians.  Making sure your online profile is up to date, complete, and contains these five items will improve the chances that a website visitor will become a patient.

Create a personal connection. Having good rapport with patients is important, and that process starts before patients ever walk in the door.

Thursday, July 18, 2019

by IRWIN Z. ROTHENBERG, MBA, MS, CLS(ASCP) 

The convergence of two powerful forces are changing the practice of laboratory medicine in ways never imagined a generation ago.  These twin forces are the movement to value-based healthcare from the fee-for-service model and the rapid development of mobile technology allowing for continuous healthcare monitoring of patients beyond the clinical setting.

Thursday, June 20, 2019

by BARRY CRAIG

Q: What would you consider the top 5 criteria for someone choosing a chemistry analyzer for a POL running tests for 5-10 family practice or internal medicine providers? In working on this process I've been comparing the CV's for Proficiency testing for analytes on two systems. One is a system that has hundreds of sites; the other has fewer than 20 in their peer group. Do CV values become more significant with bigger peer groups?

Thursday, June 20, 2019

by TERESA A. SCOTT, MT(ASCP)

According to the CLIA regulations, “laboratories eligible for a certificate of waiver must follow manufacturers' instructions for performing the test.”  This is also a requirement for non-waived testing.  Many people think that they are fulfilling this requirement if they follow the step-by-step procedure for the test process included in the instructions.  However, there is much more involved than just following the procedural steps.

Manufacturer’s instructions are found in instrument operator’s manuals and in package inserts; however, this article focuses on the instructions found in package inserts.  In addition to the procedural steps, the package inserts include information and instructions for 

Thursday, June 20, 2019

by DYLAN J. CHADWICK

In a changing medical landscape, physicians willing to invest in their practices are the ones who'll succeed. Though evolving technology and its subsequent improvements in patient care have brought substantial changes to the medical sector, an era of economic uncertainty and fiscal instability may wring just as prescient an effect. According to an article by Ben Brown, MD, reductions in Medicare contract payments (some as much as 21.3%) and physician reimbursements from insurers might result in critical decreases in physician salaries, medical profits and general revenue for a practice. What proves even more concerning for physicians and patients alike, is a present medical landscape of high healthcare costs, an ever-increasing need for healthcare options and diminishing resources. Furthermore, caring physicians want to be effective providers for their patients, but they also want the appreciation and financial compensation for their profession demands.

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

by IRWIN Z. ROTHENBERG, MBA, MS, CLS(ASCP) 

There may be circumstances when laboratories consider the option to modify an FDA-cleared or approved test system. These may be due to the specific needs of the population served, or based on cost/benefit analyses of instrumentation and reagent use; or based on the logistics of in-house testing capabilities.  CLIA allows clinical laboratories to modify their FDA-approved tests, and even to develop their own tests, known as laboratory-developed tests (LDTs), as long as they follow the requirements to validate the performance characteristics of their modified or in-house developed tests.

Thursday, May 09, 2019

by DUSTYN WILLIAMS, MD

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke that has escalated to alarming rates in recent years, affecting nearly 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. In an attempt to reduce its prevalence, the Eighth Joint National Committee (JNC-8) released a set of hypertension management guidelines. However, various concerns arose regarding the recommendations and as a result, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA), along with nine additional specialty organizations, published an updated hypertension guideline in November 2017.

Thursday, May 09, 2019

by HEATHER HANSEN, JD

Twenty years of defending doctors and hospitals in medical malpractice cases has made me into a nervous patient. When you see the worst, you look for it. At least I do. That’s why when I was scheduled for a minor elective procedure, I was nervous. I set aside the day, canceling all of my depositions and planning to spend the day on emails and phone calls. My specialist’s office texted me to confirm the procedure date, which was a week away. Then I received an email from her office with the same date, but a different location. This made my med mal antenna go up, but I told myself to chill.

Thursday, May 09, 2019

by SUBBARAO MYLA, MD

I view medicine as a team effort. Doctors, nurses, technicians, and patients work together to promote and improve health. Recently some new members have joined the team:  My patients’ Fitbits, phones, and watches.

Monday, April 01, 2019

by SEKISUI DIAGNOSTICS

For patients and physicians alike, it may feel like we’re bombarded with flu warnings from all sides, especially after the brutal 2017-2018 flu season. Walk into almost any drug store or grocery store and you’ll see signs advertising that flu shots are available. Clinicians likely have signs in the waiting room reminding you to get your vaccination, and once the season starts, cable news will certainly report on the severity of the virus this year.

Saturday, March 09, 2019

by IRWIN Z. ROTHENBERG, MBA, MS, CLS(ASCP) 

As we enter the third decade of the twenty-first century, the practice of medicine continues to undergo rapid change, led by advances in molecular diagnostics and genetics, enabling the practice of personalized medicine; advances in mobile and point of care testing technology, enabling medical care in remote as well as non-traditional settings; an ever-more intensely information-driven society where ready access to one’s personal medical information  is now expected, enabling and encouraging patient involvement  in their own healthcare; and finally, change is led by the growing realization of financial constraints due to demographic changes leading to the adoption of a value-based approach to healthcare delivery.

Friday, February 01, 2019

by BRANDON MCCUTCHEON, MD

If you are a physician or know a physician or have ever visited one, chances are you have probably heard them complain about technology in health care. More to the point, they are likely to be complaining about the one piece of technology that affects their lives minute-to-minute: the electronic health record (EHR). To get a sense of how central EHRs are to our daily routines, consider that physicians now spend more time in the EHR than they do seeing patients (6 hours of an average 11-hour work day). And while it is easy to write them off as luddites unable to adapt to new technology, an important study by the RAND organization noted that physicians approve of EHRs in principle and see the potential for the technology to improve the delivery of clinical care.

Wednesday, January 09, 2019

by IRWIN Z. ROTHENBERG, MBA, MS, CLS(ASCP) 

The 21st-century challenge is to redesign healthcare systems to be safe, efficient, effective, timely, equitable and patient-centered. Laboratory medicine is integral to many of these objectives, involving disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management. 

Tuesday, January 01, 2019

by DYLAN J. CHADWICK

We all laughed at Casey, bright-eyed and eager, when we started our hike. He'd seemingly bought out an entire military surplus store in preparation, while we'd opted (through a heady combination of laziness and daring) to pack as little as possible. Most curiously was Casey's hand-pump micron water filter. Roughly the size of a cinder-block and forged from heavy metal, we snorted incredulously as he clipped the device to his pack, hiked up his shorts and started his journey, clattering like an old Buick.

Thursday, November 01, 2018

by DYLAN J. CHADWICK

There’s an increasingly circulated anecdote (usually among graphic designers) about a big-time representative from a big-time tech company meeting before a middle school class. He asks the students, presumably born in the early 2000s, if they know what a floppy disk is. He's met with silence. Then, he produces a floppy disk from his sport coat pocket and shows it to them. “This is a floppy disk,” he says, turning it over in his hands to show them. “Now, have any of you seen one of these before?” After a few more beats of silence, a child raises her hand to say that she recognizes the object as the icon she clicks on to save her progress on Microsoft office. A few seconds later, another child raises his hand because he’s seen it on his Angry Birds game. A wave of recognition floods the classroom as the children place a function and a purpose to a tangible object they’re encountering for the very first time. 

Thursday, November 01, 2018

Prostate cancer represents about 27% of all cancers in men, and is the second deadliest form of cancer. Last year, an estimated 26,000 men died of prostate cancer. 

The American Cancer Society’s estimates for prostate cancer in the United States for 2017 include:

Tuesday, October 09, 2018

by IRWIN Z. ROTHENBERG, MBA, MS, CLS(ASCP) 

The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA 88) created the concept of waived tests which are defined as tests that are so simple to perform, and produce accurate results so reliably, as to render the likelihood of erroneous results negligible; and which also pose no reasonable risk of harm to the patient even if the test is performed incorrectly. Thus, these tests are exempt from federal requirements for personnel qualification, training, and competency assessment; quality control (except as specified by the manufacturer), proficiency testing, quality assessment, and the need for routine inspection.

Monday, October 01, 2018

by DR. CORY S. FAWCETT

Most everyone is familiar with A. A. Milne’s characters from The House on Pooh Corner. Eeyore is always down and depressed, moves and talks very slowly, thinks everything is bad and getting worse, and drags everyone down with him. Tigger, on the other hand, is always the life of the party, he is constantly smiling, moving and talking rapidly, dancing and jumping and bringing everyone’s attitude up a notch. Tigger is fun, fun, fun, fun, fun. If you asked each of your office staff which one of these two characters best describes you, what would they say? Is that the answer you want to hear?

Monday, October 01, 2018

If you’re like many physicians and Point of Care (POC) laboratories, you may be dealing with suboptimal performance from some of your current diagnostic methods. For example, conventional Rapid Influenza Diagnostics Tests (RIDTs) vary in terms of sensitivity and specificity when compared with viral culture or reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Product insert information and research publications indicate that in general, RIDTs sensitivities are approximately 50-70%. 

Saturday, September 01, 2018

How Do You Evaluate Memory Loss?

When an individual begins to show signs of memory loss, a physician’s greatest challenge is often discovering the underlying cause of symptoms. Behavioral evaluations (including self-report questionnaires such as MoCA and MMSE, effort-based computerized testing, and psychological evaluations) and laboratory tests (such as APOE genotyping and biochemical labs such as blood, urine, and CSF analysis) can be useful in developing a diagnosis in cases of advanced symptom presentation¹. But how useful are these tools in assessing cases of early memory loss? Are they capable of detecting dementia early, before disease advancement, so that the physician has the opportunity to implement a successful treatment intervention?

Wednesday, August 01, 2018

Painless and rather instant Results

Laser Lipo, Ltd with headquarters in England has developed an advanced body contouring device which directly targets the adipocyte cells leaving the other cells unaffected. Laser diodes using a wavelength of 660 nm creates a photo-chemical reaction in the cell membrane stimulating the cells to temporarily open a pore, and very naturally to release water, glycerol, and free fatty acids. The fat cells then shrink in size. The excess fat is then removed safely through the lymphatic system and the body’s natural metabolic process, thus creating a similar reaction as if the person was exercising. This device allows practitioners to target the areas where patients want the fat gone without any discomfort or downtime. 

Wednesday, August 01, 2018

by IRWIN Z. ROTHENBERG, MBA, MS, CLS(ASCP) 

Strep tests are used to determine if a person with a sore throat (pharyngitis) has strep throat, an infection of the throat and tonsils caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes, also called Group A Streptococcus (GAS), or if the sore throat is caused by a virus.  The majority of sore throats (70%-85%)¹ are actually viral in nature, and will resolve without treatment within a few days.  

Monday, July 09, 2018

by IRWIN Z. ROTHENBERG, MBA, MS, CLS(ASCP) 

It has been one of the primary goals in the reformation of our healthcare system to have patients more involved in managing their own health. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) promotes the shift from curative to preventive medicine by focusing on early detection and management of chronic disease, along with a more patient-centered approach to health care. POCT promotes these goals with rapid test results that providers can use to immediately inform patients of their condition or progress, and modify their treatment on-site. This provides a face-to-face opportunity to ensure understanding and discussion of future goals, thus more directly involving the patient in their own care.

Saturday, June 09, 2018

by IRWIN Z. ROTHENBERG, MBA, MS, CLS(ASCP) 

With emerging technological innovations in healthcare, including smartphone apps, biosensors, lab-on-a-chip, and wearable devices—all of which offer a closer connection to the patient—point-of-care (POC) technologies are quickly becoming part of the transformation of the healthcare landscape. The driving concept in support of point-of-care testing (POCT) is to bring testing closer to the patient and results conveniently and quickly to the provider to expedite diagnosis and subsequent treatment. POCT allows for faster clinical decisions in hospitals, physicians’ offices, ambulances, patient homes, and in the field. 

Wednesday, May 09, 2018

by IRWIN Z. ROTHENBERG, MBA, MS, CLS(ASCP) 

The Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) includes the most extensive reform of the Medicare Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule (CLFS) since it was established in 1984. Signed into law on April 1, 2014, PAMA was intended to introduce market-based pricing to the Medicare CLFS.  PAMA was passed after it was discovered by the Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General (OIG) that Medicare paid significantly more for clinical laboratory tests than commercial payers, and in some cases, Medicaid¹. 

Tuesday, May 01, 2018

by DYLAN J. CHADWICK

Where does the average patient turn for medical advice? Well, between loaded online forums and databases, advice from friends and those dubious late-night infomercials touting miraculous benefits in \"just 30 days;\" health-conscious consumers have a wide spectrum of options, all claiming to help them manage their conditions. While all physicians hope that their patients seek trusted health authorities in their health matters. The reality is that the waters of what is and what isn't actually medicine gets cloudy for many patients. 

Tuesday, May 01, 2018

by DR. CORY S. FAWCETT

Most doctors have experienced running out of money before the month ends. Often, our first thought is the need to earn more money to make ends meet. But is increasing our income the best solution? Aren’t we already busy enough? Weren’t we just wishing we had more time off? Don’t we already make a lot of money?

Thursday, March 01, 2018

by BRIAN R. DOOLEY

Patients have a lot of choices when it comes to physicians.  Making sure your online profile is up to date, complete, and contains these five items will improve the chances that a website visitor will become a patient.

Thursday, February 01, 2018

by BARRY CRAIG

The landscape for lab testing is changing and we must be able to adapt or go up in a puff of smoke! All is not doom and gloom, we can prevail.

Here are some tips related to testing, billing, etc.

Tuesday, January 09, 2018

by IRWIN Z. ROTHENBERG, MBA, MS, CLS(ASCP) 

Diabetes is a worldwide epidemic. Its prevalence continues to rise globally at an average rate of 8.7 percent, and it currently affects 382 million of the world’s population. Significant increases in populations diagnosed with diabetes have been reported by many nations as their lifestyle and dietary norms evolve with globalization(1).