Your Emergency Medical ID Information Could Save Your Life Someday

By Ralph Merritt Nedelkoff

The Dire Medical Emergency Problem
Did you know that millions of personal medical emergencies occur each year in the United States? Those could be vehicle accidents, household accidents, heart attacks, strokes, cuts, broken bones or a myriad of other situations.
Did you know that each year in approximately 2 million of those many millions of emergencies, a patient is seriously harmed or injured due to adverse reactions to treatment by paramedics and other medical professional?
Did you know that in the USA alone, on average, about 11,400 individuals per month actually die because paramedic and doctors did not have the critical personal medical information readily available to guide them in their treatment?
The Ultimate Life-Saver Solution
The real solution to assist medical professional to help save over 130,000 lives each in a medical emergency is for every adult to carry a comprehensive medical information card or medical I.D. Card.
Some people wear a medical I.D. Bracelet. That is fine to disclose one or two major maladies, but it is not nearly comprehensive enough.
Some people carry a digital USB memory device with their medical information, but that requires that paramedics carry a computer with completely compatible software, which is something they cannot universally do. And computerized devices take way too much time to figure out and read at a time when every minute and every second counts in saving a life.
A simple to read, yet comprehensive hard copy written medical I.D. card and form is what paramedics actually prefer in an emergency. They will find it when they quickly look for a person's identification, driver's license and medical information. They will then be able to glance at it within a matter of seconds and discover personal medical information critical to their treatment. A card like this can help save many lives.
In America, over 150 million individuals are now over 50 years of age, and many have allergies, medical problems, health issues, injuries, implants or are taking prescription drugs. Paramedics and doctors need to know about all these in emergency situations when time is of the essence.
Over 300 million American's drive a car. Every driver is at risk of having an accident, and it would behoove them to carry a card with their blood type, medical information, living will and organ donor status.
A concise yet comprehensive medical I.D. card to be carried at all times is the best solution to minimize medical risk in an emergency situation, to reduce the chances for further complications and to help save lives.

Ralph Merritt Nedelkoff is an MBA, a businessman and an author of 14 books available on Amazon. See: [http://www.Nedelkoff.com]
He is also Regional Sales Manager for the Northeastern United States with a major company in the field of medical information I.D. Cards. See: [http://www.Medical-ID-Cards.com]
The Opportunity in this Field: If you or anyone you know would like be a sales manger with a rapidly growing company that sells a unique, comprehensive medical I.D. card that can help save lives, please respond on the contact section of the website above.
This industry leading company has personnel in the United States and Canada and needs more good sales managers immediately, especially if you live in one of the 11 states or D.C. in the Northeastern United States region. This is an opportunity to earn a living by helping to minimize medical risk and save lives.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ralph_Merritt_Nedelkoff

7 Steps For Employers to Comply With the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act ("Gina")

By Stefan R. Miller

Is Your Company Prepared? New Discrimination Provisions Become Effective November 21, 2009 and Impact Employer Posting Obligations, Company Policies, Medical Exams, Training and Record-Keeping Practices
Covered Employers Must Post New EEOC Poster and Must Familiarize Themselves and Their Managers with the Provisions (and Implications) of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 ("GINA") Which Becomes Effective November 21, 2009
In late October 2009, the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC") released its revised poster for use by employers covered by federal civil rights and anti-discrimination laws: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law". The new version of this poster reflects the requirements of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 ("GINA"), which takes effect on November 21, 2009, as well as the changes made by the recent amendments to the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADAAA"), which took effect on January 1, 2009. The revisions to the EEOC poster include information regarding GINA's ban on employment discrimination based on an individual's genetic information as well as updates that broaden the definition of "disability" under the ADAAA.
This EEOC posting change is mandatory for all covered employers and the new poster should replace any older versions presently posted in your workplace. Failure to properly post this new notice exposes employers to penalties, could result in a court extending the applicable statute of limitations for filing discrimination complaints and could potentially impact employer liability. The new law - GINA - takes effect November 21, 2009. As a practical matter, while GINA itself only applies to employers with 15 or more employees, the "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law" poster covers various federal civil rights and anti-discrimination laws, including the Equal Pay Act of 1963 ("EPA") which applies to employers with one or more employees. Accordingly, all employers should post the "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law" poster in their workplace. (To obtain copies of this poster for download in English, Spanish, Arabic or Chinese, please go to the EEOC website.)
Fast Facts About GINA
GINA has two very distinct titles to the legislation. Title I of GINA addresses the use of genetic information by health insurers and health insurance plans in connection with issues of eligibility, premium and other pricing determinations, and exclusions from coverage. On the other hand, Title II directly impacts employers by prohibiting covered employers from:
· Requesting, requiring or otherwise acquiring genetic information from applicants, employees and former employees (with limited exceptions);
· Using genetic information in making decisions related to any terms, conditions, or privileges of employment; and
· Retaliating against employees for opposing or complaining about unlawful employment practices and/or filing a claim pursuant to GINA.
In addition, Title II of GINA requires that employers maintain confidentiality with respect to genetic information (with limited exceptions).
GINA defines genetic information to include information about an individual's genetic tests, genetic tests of a family member, and family medical history. In addition, GINA presently also defines genetic information to include information about "the manifestation of disease or disorder in family members of the individual." This significantly expands the scope of medical information that will meet GINA's definition of genetic information. For example, if an employer learns that a particular form of cancer runs in an employee's family, that information may trigger GINA's protections against employment discrimination - even if there is no information disclosed about the actual employee's genetic makeup - because oftentimes cancer is believed to have a genetic basis. Accordingly, as more and more diseases are determined to have a genetic basis, the greater the amount of medical information will meet GINA's definition of genetic information.
Exceptions to GINA's Prohibitions Against Acquiring Employee Genetic Information
Among the exceptions to the prohibition against acquiring an employee's genetic information include when an employer inadvertently receives otherwise prohibited genetic information during casual conversations with employees, overhears conversations between coworkers, or receives unsolicited e-mail that includes genetic information. Another exception applies in the event an employer receives such information either as part of the "interactive process" following a disabled employee's request for reasonable accommodation or in connection with documentation submitted in support of a leave of absence pursuant to the federal Family and Medical Leave Act or other similar state law. Genetic information that is acquired from newspapers, magazines, electronic media and other sources of commercially and publicly available information also is deemed to be an inadvertent disclosure.
However, in any case where an employer inadvertently receives genetic information, employers must keep the information strictly confidential and, if in writing, must still maintain such information - like all medical information - in a confidential medical file which is separate from other personnel information and which is properly secured by restricted access. In addition to the other exceptions, GINA does allow employers to offer health or genetic services, provided that they are part of a voluntary wellness program. Finally, in addition to a few other narrow exceptions, it is also not the intent of GINA to interfere with or apply to uses and disclosures of protected health information ("PHI") governed by regulations under Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). If an employer (e.g., a hospital) is subject to the HIPAA privacy rule, it must continue to follow the HIPAA privacy rule requirements and not the requirements under GINA for genetic information that is also PHI.
New Limitations on Employers' Post-Offer Medical/Physical Examinations
Notwithstanding the limited exceptions noted above, employers must remember that, although current state and federal disability discrimination laws generally permit covered employers to obtain family medical history or conduct genetic tests of job applications once an offer of employment has been made - provided the information sought is job related and is requested for all entering employees in the same job category - such action will be prohibited upon the effective date of GINA. This is because GINA does not contain an exception allowing employers to obtain genetic information in cases where the employer has a legitimate reason to make employment-related decisions based on "protected" information (e.g., genetic information might arguably be relevant to determining whether an individual is able to perform the essential functions of his/her position and, in particular, in a manner which will not endanger the health and safety of either the individual or others.)
While the prohibition against conducting genetic tests on job applicants might seem obvious given the stated purpose of GINA, the rationale for prohibiting inquiries about an individual's family medical history in connection with a medical examination might seem less obvious. However, because genetic information has been broadly defined to include information about "the manifestation of disease or disorder in family members of the individual", asking about an individual's family medical history poses a significant risk that the employer will receive information about a family history of a genetically-based disease.
Conclusion: What Is the "Take Away" for Employers?
If your Company has not already done so, you should immediately do the following not only to ensure compliance with GINA and related obligations but also to minimize risks associated with employee "self-disclosure" and other inadvertent disclosures of genetic information:
1. Posting: Post the new "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law" in all Company facilities.
2. Employee Handbooks: Review your Company's policies relating both to equal employment opportunity as well as to discrimination, harassment and retaliation. If necessary, revise these policies to state that your Company does not tolerate discrimination on the basis of one's genetic information.
3. Record-Keeping: Review your Company's record-keeping procedures, and make sure that any and all genetic or other medical information is maintained in a confidential medical file which is: a) separate from an employee's other personnel information; and b) properly secured (preferably under lock/key) in such a way to restrict access.
4. Employment-Related Forms: Review the employment forms used by your Company - particularly as it relates to leaves of absence, work and non-work related injuries and illnesses - to ensure they do not request genetic information and to limit the risks of employee "self-disclosure".
5. Medical/Physical Examinations: Ensure that if your Company requires applicants or employees to submit to medical/physical examinations, those examinations not only are job related and requested for all entering employees in the same job category but also refrain from inquiring about one's family medical history or requiring individuals to undergo genetic testing (except for employers engaging in DNA testing for law enforcement purposes).
6. Wellness Programs: Review any wellness programs to ensure they comply with GINA.
7. Training: Provide training to both management and non-management employees not only about GINA's prohibitions and related provisions but also about any changes to Company policies, forms, practices or procedures due to GINA. Management employees in particular should be trained about how to limit the risk of employee "self-disclosure" and to address and respond to inadvertent disclosures of genetic information in order to minimize your Company's legal exposure.

Stefan R. Miller is a California employment law attorney and founder and principal of The Employers Law Group.
• We counsel businesses on all aspects of employment law & human resource (HR) issues
• We focus on compliance, prevention & litigation avoidance
• We work closely with employers to identify areas of risk and implement preventive best practices to minimize legal exposure
• We conduct independent workplace investigations of allegations of harassment, discrimination, retaliation and other alleged workplace misconduct
• We conduct management and employee training workshops on a variety of employment law and HR-related issues
We will soon be relaunching our website. In the meantime, more information about the Firm can be found on the web at http://www.employerslawgroup.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stefan_R._Miller

Your Medical Records - Are They Really Private

By Tom Koziol

The question in the title seems to beg a yes answer. However, truth is, there are two answers with the real one a shocker. At least it was to me.
The “begged” answer is of course yes. It would be yes if you never let anyone have information about your health and medical condition(s). But, in the real world, this is impossible.
The real answer, unfortunately, is NO. And to add insult to injury, it is real in more ways than one as you are about to learn.
As I dug into the research material for this article, my eyes popped out and my jaw dropped open. The number of eyes that could potentially see your complete medical history (read complete record) is staggering.
The line starts at the government and runs the gamut to bill collectors. Yes, you read that right, bill collectors.
Here, with a brief explanation of each, is a list of “eyes” that could see your medical records. I’d bet many of them already have.
1. The most obvious is your doctor, doctor’s nurse and office staff. Most people’s medical records are on kept at the doctor’s office.
2. Hospital – If you have ever been hospitalized, you have a set of records at the hospital.
3. Insurance Companies – If you have ever applied for health, life or disability insurance, those companies have access to your records no matter where kept.
4. The Medical Information Bureau (MIB) – Most people have never heard of this non-profit membership organization. However, it is the largest repository of health records in the free world. Located in Essex, MA, its membership is about 750 U.S. and Canadian Insurance Companies. MIB does not have the same copies as your doctor. Rather they codify you according to certain health conditions. You can get a free copy of your record by visiting their website: http://www.mib.com/html/request_your_record.html In the alternative you can call, 1-866-692-6901 or for the hearing impaired, 1-866-346-3642. By the way, MIB is subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This is important to know.
5. Government agencies such as Social Security, Veteran’s Administration, MediCal, Workers Compensation, Medicare, etc.
6. Medical Collection Agencies – Pay attention because these agencies may have in-depth medical information in their data bases. If this one doesn’t set your hair on fire, you don’t have a pulse.
7. Your employer may have asked you to authorize them accessing your medical records. The potential employer has the right to ask for medical information as part of an employment background check. The employer faces certain restrictions but not many if you authorize the access.
8. Believe it or not, your medical records may be subpoenaed for a court case if you are involved in litigation. Those relevant parts of your record may be copied and introduced in court. Unless sealed, court documents are public records. This is one way unscrupulous people discover social security numbers.
9. Health research – Sometimes your medical record is used for health research and when it is, it may be disclosed to health agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control. Most of the time your name is not part of the record but, nonetheless, it is YOUR record.
10. Licensure and accreditation of hospitals or physicians by certain boards or agencies. Again, your identity may or may not be part of the records evaluated. But, one more time, it is YOUR record.
11. Direct marketers may receive your health information if you participate in informal health screenings like cholesterol tests, blood pressure, and other type of “free” medical screenings you may have seen conducted in your local mall.
12. Health related web sites, Usenet news groups and chat rooms may contain your medical information. Granted, you have to share it but once put on the Internet, it has a magical way of propagating throughout the universe.
13. Survey companies not only use the Internet but mail and the phone to conduct medical question surveys. Many of them are very detailed. If you share your information, it is out there for whomever to use.
14. Tenant screening services screen prospective tenants for property managers. Their checks are extremely extensive. Although health records are not on the list, there is no specific law prohibiting a property manager from asking for this information in addition to everything else.
Note: I have set up a special page dealing with health and credit resources at:
http://www.senior2senior.org/healthandcreditresources.html
As I locate to-the-point resources and websites, I will put them on this page.
You do have sort of a guardian angel to help you if you are having problems in regard to your health records. I say sort of because if you become involved in litigation over your medical records, this source cannot represent you in court.
Each state has an Insurance Commissioner. He’s your “big brother” in a good sense. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has a website, [http://www.naic.org/state_contacts/sid_websites.htm] that talks about the privacy laws in your state. Visit their site.
Unfortunately, this arena is still like the Wild West in terms of legislation and privacy protection and the fact it is getting better is of little comfort to anyone whose privacy has been violated.
If you don’t like the medical scenario as it exists, you just might wish to chat with your government representative, state and federal, and tell him/her to take a close look at reform in this area.
And, because you have read this article, you are better armed than 95% of the American population. You now can begin taking steps to protect your medical privacy.

Tom Koziol is Executive Secretary for a non-profit focusing on senior citizens. Visit http://www.senior2senior.org and pick up fifteen free topical ebooks and a ton of free resources just for stopping by and browsing. Email him at: tom@senior2senior.org

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Koziol

Medical Records and Emergency Information - Keeping Them Up to Date

By Edward Ricci

Who needs to keep their information available and updated?
Actually, all of us should but very few do. However for those at risk, such as seniors, people with chronic illness, serious allergies or medication complications, special needs children and anyone traveling away from home it is something that should not be overlooked. Children should also have the proper medical information on them at all times if they have a medical condition or serious allergy.
"In a medical emergency, you might be unconscious or unable to speak for yourself," said Alfred Sacchetti, MD, of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). "That's why it's so important to make sure that medical personnel have access to your medical history, as well as relevant contact information. For example, knowing what medications you are taking could prevent severe drug interactions, and knowing what allergies you have could prevent serious reactions."
Millions of Americans have medical conditions which should be immediately known to Emergency Personnel.
Diabetes (over 13 million), diagnosed heart disease (23 million), alzheimers, transplant surgery, patient's currently on blood thinners such as Coumadin, epilepsy, asthma, severe allergies, cancer patients and medication allergies such as penicillin and other antibiotics are all conditions that should be brought to the attention of emergency personnel. Additionally, many of us are reasonably health but getting older (36 million people age 65 and over) and our list of medications continue to grow with the years. With over 110 million emergency room visits a year, your emergency information may actually be the most important information of your life.
What information should be maintained?
Here are just some of the things recommended by Edward Stettner, MD, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Emory University Atlanta, GA and other healthcare professionals.
Medical history - Chronic medical conditions
Medications - Including over-the-counter
Allergies - Medications and foods
Surgical history - Include the date, hospital and surgeon
Private physician - Include primary care as well as specialists
Emergency contacts - Multiple contacts with alternate numbers
Miscellaneous - Include advance directives, specific dietary needs, or any other important information.
How can you keep your information available and up to date?
Today you have many options that allow you to have your emergency information available. Which one you choose should be based on your personal needs and risk factors. The "Vial of Life" program is a free program designed for seniors and individuals with serious medical conditions. It provides medical information to emergency personnel who respond to and treat home emergencies. The "Vial of Life" contains much of the medical information needed by emergency personnel, such as existing medical conditions, allergies, medication currently being taken, and emergency contact information. Medical history and emergency information forms are also available on-line from the Mayo Clinic and the American Medical Association. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Emergency Physicians have also created an Emergency Information Form (EIF) for parents of children with special health care needs.
There are also a number of monitoring services available that will maintain your information for you and provide in home alert devices that will dispatch emergency services if the need arises. These are all good solutions for the home but do not provide coverage when you are away from the house.
As a minimum, anyone with an existing medical condition or that has special emergency needs should wear some type of medical ID to alert medics to their situation.
So how do you carry all that information around with you?
Digital technology allows a very large amount of information to be stored on surprisingly small devices. One company, MedicTag LLC, has adapted this technology to produce an emergency information device that fits on a keyring. The device is simple to use and works with your desktop or laptop computer. You can fill out the information form and make changes whenever necessary, always keeping your emergency information up to date. Emergency responders on site with a laptop or at the emergency room can have instant access to your vital information, even if you are unconscious, allowing them to diagnose and properly treat you with as little delay as possible.
Do you need to have your emergency information available?
For most of us the answer is probably yes. If not you, how about a child, parent or other loved one in your family? Considering the possible life saving benefits, it is something that we should seriously consider, for safety and security that affects the whole family.
Additional resources and references:
Vial of Life, American Academy of Pediatrics, The Mayo Clinic,
US Dept. of Health and Human Services, American College of Emergency Physicians, The American Medical Association

Edward Ricci is the founder and COO of MedicTag LLC MedicTag allows you to carry all your emergency information with you at all times and it fits on your keyring. This is especially useful for people with diabetes, active seniors, children with existing medical conditions and anyone while traveling away from home. http://www.medictag.com

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Antiplatelet Medication Information For Heart Patients

By John Maccarthy

Blood Clotting Process
Blood clotting is essential natural process for healing wounds. Unless blood clotting occurs a person would bleed to death. In that sense blood clotting is a life saving action. Same process poses threat to life when it occurs in blood vessels such as arteries and capillaries. Blood clots in arteries prevent blood flow which may result in strokes, heart attack and heart failure.
Introduction: Plavix falls under Anti-platelet Medicine. A platelet is a part of blood cell that helps clotting of blood from wounds or cuts etc. Plavix helps keeping platelets away from forming clots by sticking together thus results in smooth blood flow. Blood Clots can otherwise result in fatal consequences like strokes and heart attacks. Composition: It contains clopidogrel bisulfate. Each 75mg tablet contains clopidogrel as with hydrogen sulphate. It is Biconvex round Tablet with Pink color. It is an Oral drug.
Overview: Plavix i.e. Clopidogrel Bisulfate helps keeping away unwanted blood clot which can happen in some blood vessel or stroke or heart attack condition. Doctors have been using it to prevent and cure blood clots after strokes and other disorder in blood vessels. It makes possible easy blood flow hence lowers the risk of heart attacks or strokes.
Working Mechanism: Plavix i.e. Clopidogrel is pro drug, it inhibits platelet function and helps to reduce blood clotting in cases where people suffer with long term blood clot issues in various disease like cardiovascular, unstable angina, myocardial infractions. It also helps where angioplasty or by pass is needed. It makes the platelets well lubricated thus discourages any type of clotting. It helps constant and improved blood flow in body especially heart and brain.
Precautions: It is important to note that as Plavix keeps blood from unwanted clotting it may result in external as well as internal bleeding. You may encounter excess bleeding for simple cut or injury. Stomach or intestine bleeding can also happen. It is very important to inform the doctor if you carry any allergy with Clopidogrel Bisulfate. Also keep your doctor informed about following this such as disorder related to blood clotting such as Hemophilia, any previous heart attack, Liver diseases, stomach infection, ulcers or any Kidney related disorder.
Side Effects: Plavix could result in many side effects. Following are list of few symptoms. chest pain, nausea, Bloody stools; nosebleed, or any unstoppable bleeding, coughing with blood or vomit like grounds of coffee, weakness, headache, vision, and speech related problem, change in skin color, abnormal urinating cycle.
There could be some minor side effects like Dizziness, Running Nose, stomach pain, sore throat etc. Get immediate medical if you encounter following serious allergic variations such as difficulty breathing; swelling of body parts.
Dosages: always remember to take Plavix as prescribed by the doctor. It can be taken both without and with food. As recommended by physician Clopidogrel is given as single dose of 75 mg. 300 mg clopidogrel tablet is intended acute coronary syndrome:
Conclusion: It is highly advisable to consult doctors for consuming Aspirin or any anti -Inflammatory or Non-steroidal medicine such as Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, mefenamic etc. before starting Plavix inform doctors if you are taking any of these medicines tamoxifen, torsemide, and warfarin etc.

Prescription Drug Information [http://www.drugsinfocom.com]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Maccarthy

HIPAA Provides Medical Information Protection by Federal Law Mandate - Your Rights and Remedies

By Lisa Carey

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) provides rights and protections for participants and beneficiaries of group health plans. The Privacy Rule, a federal law, grants health consumers rights over their information and promulgates rules and limitations on who can look at and receive personal health information. The Privacy Rule applies to all forms of individuals' protected health information, whether electronic, written, or oral.
The Security Rule, a Federal law that protects electronic health information, requires HIPAA-covered entities to ensure that electronic protected health information is secure.
Additionally, HIPAA includes protections limiting exclusions for preexisting conditions; prohibits discrimination against employees and dependents based on health status; and allows an opportunity to enroll in a new plan to individuals in certain circumstances. HIPAA may also grant a right to purchase individual coverage if no group health plan coverage is available, and for those who may have exhausted COBRA or other continuation coverage.
The following are some of your rights under HIPAA:

• You have the right to receive a copy of your health records
• You can ask to see and receive a copy of your medical records and other related health information. In most cases, copies must be provided within 30 days of being requested, though there may be a fee associated with the cost of copying and mailing.
• You can ask to have corrections added to your health information
• You can ask that any misinformation in your file be corrected, or you may request to add information to an incomplete file. For example, if you and your hospital agree that your file has the wrong result for a test, the hospital must change it. Even if the hospital believes the test result is correct, you still have the right to note your disagreement in your file. In most cases the file should be changed within 60 days of the request to amend or change.
• You can receive a notice that tells you how your health information is used and shared
• You have the right to know how your health information is being used and shared. Your provider or insurer must give you a notice that tells you exactly how they may use and share your health information. In most cases, you should receive this notice on your first visit to a provider, or in the mail from your health insurer. Additionally, you may request a copy at any time.
• You can decide whether to give your permission before your information can be used or shared

Generally speaking, your health information cannot be given to your employer, used or shared for things like sales calls or advertising, or used or shared for many other purposes unless you grant express permission by signing an authorization form. This authorization form must tell you who will get your information and what the information will be used for.
Who can receive and view your health information?

• To ensure your health information is protected in a way that does not interfere with treatment, your information can be used and shared:
• For treatment and care coordination;
• To compensate doctors and hospitals for your health care and help run their businesses;
• With your family, relatives, friends, or others you identify who are involved with your health care or payment, unless you object;
• To ensure doctors give good care and nursing homes are clean and safe;
• To protect the public's health, such as by reporting when there is a flu outbreak; and
• For mandatory reports to the police, such as reporting gunshot wounds.
• Your health information cannot be used or shared without your written permission unless this law allows it. For example, without your authorization, your provider generally cannot:
• Give your information to your employer;
• Use or share your information for marketing or advertising purposes; or
• Share private notes about your health care.
• You may request that your information not be shared
• You can ask your provider or health insurer not to share your health information with certain people, groups, or companies, such as with other doctors or nurses in a particular hospital or clinic. However, they do not have to agree to do what you ask.
• You have the right to file a complaint
• You may file a complaint with your provider or health insurer if you suspect your information was used or shared in a way that is disallowed under the privacy law, or if you feel you were unable to exercise your rights.

Who must follow this law?
Most doctors, nurses, pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other health care providers. Also required to follow this law are health insurance companies, HMOs, most employer group health plans, and certain government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.
Who is not required to follow this law?
Life insurers;
Workers compensation carriers;
Most schools and school districts;
Many state agencies, for example child protective services;
Most law enforcement agencies; and
Many municipal offices.
When you make an original visit to a doctor's office, hospital, or other health care provider, you should be given a copy of your HIPAA rights, which you will be asked to sign. Make sure you read the entire document, and request a copy for your own files.

Lisa Carey is a contributing author for Identity Theft Secrets: prevention and protection. You can get tips on Identity theft protection, software, and monitoring your credit as well as learn more about the secrets used by identity thieves at the Identity Theft Secrets blog.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Carey

Anti Wrinkle Treatment and Medication Information From the Internet

By John Lim Cher Sern

If you know your way around the Internet, you must have come across lots and lots of links from time to time that take you to various websites that have anti-wrinkle treatments and medications, right? While many have tons of very helpful information, others are only commercial in nature. It's important to browse these websites with caution and know the difference between genuine advice and solely sales pitch.
The medications that treat wrinkles and wrinkling all over the world today are too many to count. In the United States alone, you would probably lose yourself in the countless names of them that you find everywhere around you - on television, on the internet, on billboards, in magazines, and even on t-shirts. The industry is one giant that will not be going away anytime soon because people, especially women, do not want to lose their beauty to the wrinkles that aging brings.
That is why the Internet is so rife with them; that is why the stores are so full of them; that is why for as long as you live, you will always come across anti-wrinkle treatments and medications that promise heaven but deliver nothing. There is need to be cautious when going for any anti wrinkle treatment or medication, especially on the Internet. With the ease of setting up a website these days and the ease of actually selling on the Internet, there are many fraudsters out there. So, caution is most certainly imperative, so that you don't end up doing things wrong.

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Best Acne Medication Information

By Florence Dellasara

Unfortunately millions of people suffer from acne and there are loads of products on the market - many of which can be ineffective and expensive. Acne can reduce one's confidence and can be a sign of nutritional deficiencies or even allergies, so it is worthwhile finding the best acne medication for you to handle the problem once and for all.
The best acne medications and treatments tackle the problem by reducing the production of sebum, removing dead skin cells and killing acne-causing bacteria using topical drugs and oral medications. The choice of acne medication and treatment used depends upon how severe the problem is. Below are some of the most common treatments used today.
Treatments for acne generally come under the categories of General, Prescription and Specialized treatments. General treatments are products which can help clear acne on the surface but do not tackle the underlying causes of the acne. These treatments include the various creams and lotions out there on the market. Whilst some of these can be effective, they can be costly and often do not target the true source of the problem. They can be effective for the treatment of mild acne, but again you may wish to look into the area more to handle any underlying physical causes.
Prescription drugs include acne medications such as antibiotics which is usually used for patients who have more serious acne conditions. Antibiotics are used to kill bacteria which causes acne but the body is only meant to be on antibiotics for short periods, so this is not an ideal life-long acne medication.
The oral contraceptive pill is a possible treatment which is sometimes used to treat women for acne. This can take three to four months to be effective though and not all women wish to take the contraceptive pill. It is however an option for treating acne.
Another popular acne medication is called Accutane. However, Accutane has many side effects and can be harmful in some cases. Some doctors and dermatologists that refuse to prescribe Accutane due to the uncertainty of its side effects. Due to this, I would not recommend this medication.
Specialized treatments work by handling the root cause of the acne. They usually approach the problem from a combination of angles. These treatments can include handling acne by addressing nutrition, nutritional deficiencies, allergies, avoidance of certain trigger foods, skin hygiene and lifestyle. These are usually the favourable treatments to go for as they do not involve harmful drugs or harsh chemicals. They also usually have longer lasting results as they are getting to the true cause of the problem.
Whichever treatment you choose for handling acne, the best acne medications will not only free you of acne, but will also prevent your acne from returning. It is worth trying to handle acne with specialised treatments as above first and if you do not experience the results you are looking for, see a dermatologist.

Florence Dellasara is an expert on the best acne medications and treatments but advises a natural approach if possible.
Click here [http://www.lm-in.co.uk] to see which site she recommends for handling acne naturally.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Florence_Dellasara

Miracle Cures, Online Medical Information: Credible or Incredible?

By Steven Vasilev MD

Health care shmutz, junk, lies and useless misleading garbage is prevalent on countless online e-zines, article sites and websites. Are you tired of it? If you're like most consumers, especially when facing a significant health problem, you probably are. We are not talking about differences in perspective, differences between Eastern and Western medical approach or alternative vs. mainstream. We are talking about garbage, written by completely unqualified people, some of whom feel they are qualified to write about everything from brain surgery to tax preparation. So, how do you know if something is worth reading? Answer: before being amazed by the subject and content, pay attention to who wrote it!!
On health care issues, especially if you are looking for mainstream medical answers, a degree implies a significant level of credibility. This degree may be a MD (physician), DO(osteopathic physician), RN(nurse), DDS (dentist), MPH(masters degree in public health) or a PhD (doctor of philosophy in a health care area). Transitioning to natural or holistic approaches, degrees such as the DC (doctor of chiropractic) or ND(doctor of naturopathy) are also signs of expertise. Of the two, schools of chiropractic are far more standardized as far as accreditation and a clearly delineated curriculum are concerned. To date there are multiple sources of accreditation for naturopathic schools, ranging from rigorous requirements down to the level of diploma mills. Consumer beware! Check to see what the author's credibility claim is based on. What does their biographical sketch say about them? Check the sketch out for accuracy. It pays to do your homework.
Is a degree the end-all regarding quality of information? In this author's opinion, no. There are certainly medical writers who synthesize well researched information very well into articles which contain an accurate message. In this case, the most believable articles will contain references to other articles written by respected credentialed authorities. However, if you have to choose and don't have time to waste, keep in mind that someone who has studied health-care, beyond college, for at least several years must have learned something. Super-specialized physicians have spent four to five years in college, four years in medical school, up to 7 years in residency, and some complete a fellowship which may be 2-4 years long. At the maximum that means 16 years of training beyond college!
You may not agree with mainstream medicine and may be looking for good alternative or natural healthcare information. At your own risk, that's fine. There are certainly practitioners of Eastern medicine who have a lot of experience under their belt and do not necessarily have a degree. In this situation it is important to look for credibility from other sources. Proof for mainstream medicine this is usually from research results, mainly well designed clinical trials which are published with objective statistical analysis. Unfortunately, for much of alternative medicine, the main source of proof put forth is from testimonials rather than research trials. You've seem them. They are usually articles and websites claiming seemingly miraculous cures for incurable diseases, always with a few people claiming that this or that painless treatment cured their condition while saving them from the ravages of modern medicine.
In this author's opinion, in some cases amazing and miraculous results probably occur. The problem is that most of these miraculous cures are not effective in the overwhelming majority of people. You deserve to know what the chances are that a particular treatment will work for you. However, there are always going to be unscrupulous people who will soak you for your last penny, no matter what, promising a cure for most consumers of their product. How do you know truth from fiction in this natural or alternative area? Unfortunately, beyond verifying credentials and doing your homework regarding the relatively small amount of research data that is available, the best you can do is roll the dice and hope.

Steven A. Vasilev MD, MBA, FACOG, FACS is a fellowship trained and board certified gynecologic oncologist, which means he is specially trained and certified to take care of women with gynecologic cancers using a broad spectrum of skills. He has practiced at academic as well as private centers, has been on the faculty of three universities and continues to be involved in research and education. You can visit http://www.gyncancerdoctor.com to learn more about screening, prevention and treatment of gynecologic cancers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_Vasilev_MD

How a Medical Information Site Earns Returns

By Josh Holliday

A business website is an investment of time and money to create, very much like an investment in gold, stocks or silver. In both scenarios the person expending their time and money into the project expects a reasonable financial gain from the project. A person expects to see a return on their investments in stocks or precious metals over a few years timeline. Likewise, a website owner expects their business website to return them clients or customers who the business person expects to make a profit from over time. In this manner, a website serves just like an investment in stocks or precious metals.
Health providers can offer a wealth of information to their patients via their websites today. They can collect patient history and demographics as well as make appointments, arrange payment plans and effectively market their business online while reaching a much larger potential client pool. This return on investment (ROI) is the same as the ROI one expects from an investment in precious metals or the stock market. A professional website is an investment of time and money and represents a business face to the outside world. Thus, it needs to be as professional as possible while retaining as much warmth and family feeling. The website is a significant investment of funds the same as investing funds in commodities, corn or wheat futures, or oil which investors expect a financial return from.
These are some pointers for health staff to maximize the website's potential to earn back profits for the site's owner.
• Do your research first: One should always go online and research what other medical practices are using to engage visitors on their websites. One should ask what the financial returns are from the average physician's website and keep a folder of those figures for future comparison. You will likely find one you admire and can borrow some of the page layout to show your webmaster to recreate. This is a favorite trick employed by website creators.
Most professional persons will employ a website creator to make a professional site for them. The creator will show the physician examples of sites currently online to choose to copy the layout of one with a few personal changes desired by the physician. You will be judged by visitors to your site as to the style of website design created.
• Make it 'easy on the eyes': Your medical website needs to be very appealing at first glance. It should be easy to navigate, not too busy with so much text on one page, have a welcoming feel, and simultaneously be easy to navigate. Information should be easy to find for visitors without having to scroll too far down a page to find it. Too small or too large a font is hard to read, size 11 or 12 font is favored. Be sure to have inviting pictures, animals or children provide a welcoming feeling. A navigation bar on the left side or across the top is most popular to enable visitors to quickly click through to other pages of information. A website functions just like a physical store does, the main distinction being that visitors find the medical site online instead of in a brick and mortar building.
• Update your website frequently: When someone performs a search on a search engine like Google, it will produce various sites listed for free, that is called an organic search. Most of the search engines produce search return pages having websites with the most recent information on them. This emphasizes why staff needs to keep the medical site updated with current medical postings and ensure all links work.
• Implement a patient portal in your website: A patient portal allows your visitors or patients to communicate with you via a secure environment online. You will also comply with CMS' "meaningful use" EHR incentive program, Stage 2 requirements. Remember what a huge benefit it is to be able to communicate with banks and credit card companies electronically? This improves your ability to accomplish financial transactions faster via online conduits. It makes common sense patients would like to talk to their treating physician or nurse in regards to their healthcare while completing their medical payments for services via online payment systems.
• Create a blog: A blog has become a very favorite platform for disseminating information. Many blogs allow visitors to make comments or ask questions on them. Most persons consult with financial consultants and commentators on financial blogs before the researcher chooses to invest in a commodity. Likewise, online searchers and visitors research medical sites looking for the one they feel comfortable with that provides them with the information or services they need.
If you are not sure which subject to write on, recall events of the last week. What questions did your patients ask most often? You could have a frequent questions column or page. You might have a page that features discounted vitamins or discounted medical apparatus such as back supports, walkers and the like.You could offer repeat patients a discount for future appointments, thus saving them funds.You can refer visitors from your website to your blog for additional information. Having two sites (including a blog) will increase your ability to be found in an online search on Bing, Google, or Yahoo search engines.
• Outsource it: Oftentimes you can't find enough time to do the quality job you want done. This is one reason so many busy business persons turn to outsourcing. They have found paying a person in a foreign country to do the work costs less and still delivers quality work. Businesses online operate similar to regular brick and mortar businesses in that wages for employees have to be calculated against how much work will the employee accomplish in an eight hour workday?
A user-friendly website, that is functional and easy to navigate will win friends and attract more business in the long run and thereby earn a better return for the website owner. A website online is actually the electronic image of your medical practice.
If one keeps these tips in mind they will create a website that is friendly and memorable that your visitors and patients will enjoy and return to which will help to build up the medical practice. Never forget your website is your business face to the world and as such acts like an online salesman for your services and products. Wherefore, it needs to be the best salesman at the job. Websites work day and night just like an investment in precious metals or the stock market. All investments need your frequent attention to keep them fine tuned for optimum ROI. The medical practice is a business and your website is similar to a small billboard online. Make it the best you can with the appropriate time and money invested to create your best image. Your website is a business and will return a better ROI than most commodity investments if it is managed properly.

If you want to know more about related subjects, subscribe to the newsletter of Josh' blog. Not only can you read more amazing articles, you may be lucky to win product giveaways.
Explore and discover what you're missing. Visit Josh's blog at http://www.financialmoneytrends.com
Grab your Free copy of a 96-Pg Ebook on Facebook Marketing at Josh's Blog.
Best wishes,
Josh Holliday.

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Medical Transcription: Converting Voice Files to Medical Information

By Kelvin A Smith

All clinics, hospitals, nursing homes and physicians' offices produce reports, results of tests, etc. This is called medical transcription and it also encompasses office chart notes, letters, initial office evaluations, history and physical examinations. Through this documentation, information can be given to insurance companies in an orderly manner. It is important to keep in mind that these records should be organized in a sequential manner. They should also include the following:

• History of the patient
• Doctor's evaluation
• The illness
• The objective of the treatment
• Prescriptions
• Results after taking the prescribed medicine

Forms
Medical transcription can be stored in two forms: digitally or in printed form. At times, it is stored digitally as well as in the printed format. Whichever method of storage is used, transcriptions are hospital property and stored in files.
In the current era of modern technology, medical transcripts are usually stored on computers via the internet. Not only is the internet a component of medical transcription but voice recognition as well.
Transcription incorporates data dictated by doctors as well as a variety of other things such as:

• Patient history (which includes physical and mental reports)
• Clinical/Office notes
• Reports related to operations and their results
• Consultation reports
• Discharge summaries
• Evaluative reports
• X-ray/Test results
• Pathology reports

Since doctors themselves are very busy they usually hire people to organize their transcription records.
Who Carries Out A Transcription?
As mentioned earlier, doctors are busy and usually hire people to carry out their transcription needs. Such a person is known as a transcriber. A transcriber or transcriptionist is the person who translates the transcribed notes into a type written format. The confidential information of any given patient is given to the transcriptionist who converts it to a legible, written format. The transcriptionist is dictated by the doctor via a variety of methods which include dictation through the tape, digital system or even voice files. These are produced through either a digital recorder (linked to a digital phone system which the dictator uses) or through the telephone.
Tools/Skills
In order to be a transcriptionist the following are essential and these equipment should always be of good quality:

• Earphones
• Foot pedal
• Stop control
• Word processing program

With respect to the transcriber's personal skills, the following are very important in a transcriber-

• Listening/language proficiency
• Speech recognition
• Computer skills
• good grammar/punctuation
• Knowledge of medical terms and anatomy
• Adequate knowledge of diagnostic procedures and pharmacology
• Knowledge of Assessment of Treatment
• Knowledge of Legislative and ethical areas of medical reports
• Proofreading capability (which involves editing to clarify and rectify mistakes/inconsistencies)

After the transcriber has proofread the data, it is sent to a proofreader for any grammar/clarity issues. After the information has been transcribed, it is sent to the doctor/dictator who goes through it to authenticate it and add his signature. After the dictator gives the go-ahead, the document is incorporated into the patient's permanent record file. At times, the process is shortened due to an audio typing service. Such a service does away with the need for a dictator to dictate all the information.
How It Takes Place
Transcription involves three steps. These are-

1. The preliminary step of transcription starts when a patient visits the doctor. The doctor discusses medical history and diagnosis with the patient. The doctor may also ask for additional tests or diagnostic studies. The doctor then discusses his diagnosis with the patient.
2. After the doctor/patient discussion, the doctor physically records the information via a voice recording device. The file is changed to a WAVE format and sent to foreign transcription centres via satellites. The transcriber then listens to the file and transcribes it and sends it for inspection to a quality control person who corrects any discrepancies and requisite corrections are made.
3. Once the transcribed report has been approved, it is sent to the doctor in the form of a word file. During transmission the document should be accurately formatted, edited and reviewed as a medical transcription document. Wrong diagnosis/medication would result in dire consequences for the patient. Thus, it is important the doctor himself reviews the document.

It is both the doctor and the transcriptionist's responsibility to ensure that the transcribed document is up to the mark.
Potential Challenges
The transcribing profession may seem to be easy but it has many challenges. The transcriptionist needs to keep up with an ever-changing information base, as there are new medications and procedures every day, while medical terminology is also constantly changing. As such, this profession requires excellent audio, visual, tactile and cognitive coordination. The transcriptionist needs to be diligent, enthusiastic and dedicated.
The language if the transcript is also important. The decorum of language should be kept up which gives the report more authority.

The business of medical transcription service is very lucrative. If you need audio typing service for your firm, you can contact us.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelvin_A_Smith

iPhone Medical Apps - For Accessing Urgent Medical Information Right on Your Palms

By Maxx Power

Health is Wealth. Where there is no good health everything else that follows just falls apart which concludes that it is significant for every individual to be well alert and updated about ones good health requirements and find the right source of information to provide optimum facilities to themselves or their loved ones with immediate medical care in case of emergencies. With the rapid growth in communication and information technology we have been bestowed upon with miraculous gadgets that do almost all our important day-to-day chores and facilitate a convenient lifestyle. These gadgets involve a computer, a netbook, a mobile phone and so on. Amongst these varied technological marvels, the one gadget that stays with you 24/7 no matter where you go is your mobile device. It is handy and ready to be used irrespective to where you are located.
iPhone and Android phones are highly advanced smart phones that offers you a sea of features. With these phones you can always access a number of applications that are made readily available in the iPhone application store. Everybody tries to come up with a new innovative idea for the varied applications now available that can be easily ported in to the iPhone and made readily available to the user. There are times when you find yourself or your near and dear ones facing some severe health related symptoms or allergies of some kind. Although hospitalization may not be needed at that point of time due to lower risk situations, you would still want to know what is going on. Especially when you are on the move or simply away from your PC the only source of information then happens to be is your smart phone.
It is essential to have some medical reference handy and when it is readily made available in the form of a medical application for your iPhone or Android Phone, what more can you ask for? A host of medical applications are available for varied smart phones but a survey of most of these mobile users shows that iPhone is the preferred smart phone in the medical enterprise. You are exposed to well organized information on innumerous symptoms and the diseases they are related to plus the kind of medical procedures that are recommended for the same. You also are provided with directories containing important contact information of hospitals, clinics, emergency cares, pharmacies and doctors. You are also facilitated with GPS that gives you directions according to the IP address or zip code provided.
If you are a medical student or a practitioner you can also look up research papers written on the varied diseases that exists, learn about medical procedures and so on. You immediately are guided through web pages that contain detailed information on the diseases with a list of its signs and symptoms, the diagnostic tests required and the subsequent treatment the patient is subjected to in ideal conditions. This information is followed by an elaborate search for the suitable medical providers in your locality and also get cost information. Thus with the information so conveniently available at your discretion a lot of time is saved in the process and time is significant when it comes to medical procedures.

The author of this article deals with iPhone Medical App. The author has written many informative articles on Android Medical app and iPhone Medical Apps.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maxx_Power

Keeping Your Parents' Medical Information Safe

By Sharon Mahoe

Sometimes we get desperate phone calls from an adult child in another state inquiring whether we know the name of a certain health insurance company. The parent has recently been hospitalized or passed away, and they have no idea what health insurance coverage they had, whether a long term care policy or, even who is listed as the beneficiary. Can you imagine, sitting at the kitchen table with a couple of city yellow page directories having to guess whether the insurance company is large enough to be well-known, located or still in business? And where would you start?
And think how many seniors have been taken by predator salespeople who have signed them up for policies they could never understand let alone use.
My mother passed away from Alzheimer's disease a few years ago. My father has had two stent procedures and soon turns 90. So I have learned the importance of keeping track of their medical papers, and this of course includes their health insurance policies.
If your parents are older, making an effort to live together and manage by themselves, here are two things you can do to keep their health information safe and to make it easier on yourself should you need to step in.
Copy and distribute papers
It would be good to get together their medical information, and then to copy and distribute it to your siblings or other responsible parties. In a crisis, you will be able to quickly locate their information. Your parents may be stubborn or protective of their information and not realize how they could be jeopardizing their welfare by keeping their papers from "prying eyes." This is vital information which should be accessible at some urgent future time.
Display vital information in a well-accessed place at home
A good suggestion is something that I have seen in other homes; a plastic, file holder of some kind in red, something easily seen, perhaps held by a magnet to the side of the refrigerator, with folded papers listing medications, blood pressure readings, addresses and contact information for the doctor(s). This could be found by first responders or by a neighbor who is calling for help because their friend has fallen or has had a heart attack and who does not know what medication information is needed to give the doctor's office.

Sharon Mahoe is a Customer Service administrator with Good Neighbor Insurance that represents 10 international health insurance companies and provides international health and travel insurance for every country in the world. Email us to get a health insurance quote.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sharon_Mahoe

What Skills Are Needed to Become a Great Medical Information Officer?

By Johnny E Smith

This role is quite demanding and it requires the individual to have a vast knowledge of the medical industry. It takes a few years of solid experience to truly know the industry inside out.
A large amount of organisations need to stay on top of what is going on in the medical industry and be provided with vital medical advice to successful run their company. Medical information officers provide a support link between various teams and organisations. For example, they may be asked to convey information from the NHS to a range of businesses.
They might have to deal with both internal and external enquires and answer important questions. In order to provide adequate answers they are sometimes required to produce detailed reports and presentations. Any candidate wanting to take on this role must have excellent written and verbal communications. Presentations need to be of a high standard and they must be appropriate for the audience that they are being made for. Medical officers must be able to take highly complex and confusing information and condense it down so that people with limited medical knowledge can understand it. A great deal of medical documents use far too complex language that people don't understand.
Medical information officers are also employed to provide valuable information to marketing teams. They provide interesting and topical content that has the potential to enhance brand reputation and establish a company as a key competitor in the medical industry. This information must be relevant and current information that will generate interest. Therefore, anyone wishing to pursue a career as a medical information officer must perform constant research into the latest developments and hot topics in the industry. Moreover, a medical information office must have the ability to produce both scientific and technical information.
If you are looking to become a medical information officer then you should seriously consider doing a degree in life science or something similar. This will provide you with relevant education that can be applied to practical experience. It is also essential to obtain some experience in the medical information profession. Some people get great experience by working as assistants in medical firms and taking on various junior roles.

Search for the latest Medical Advisor Jobs with Hobson Prior who specialise in Life Science Recruitment!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Johnny_E_Smith

Acne Medication Information - Important Hints on Medication For Acne

By Sasha Smitt

Acne medication will not work well if you are under a lot of stress. A high stress level worsens the condition like you don't want to know, and it causes many acne medications, even those prescribed by top specialists in the field, to fail. Look for ways to lower your stress levels. As a matter of fact, that is a medication all by itself.
Some of the best acne medications out there are nature based. You can find them if you look hard enough, and in the right places. One thing I can tell you though is that they aren't in those TV commercials you are so fond of. These nature based acne treatments can be obtained in your homes. Yes, even some of the foodstuffs you have stored in your pantry can help you out on acne treatment.
You can't expect to get different results by doing the same thing all the time. The medications you have been trying since you first found out that you suffered from serious acne cannot be the same ones you are still trying without results. See, the medication rests a bit on the diet that you consume. If you want it to work well, work on your diet also.
The medications for acne that work the best are the ones that have been around the longest. Through the course of history, you will find that people have always suffered from the conditions, and various acne medications were tried then that have been perfected by now. Those are the ones you should look to, not the new ones that spring up every day.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sasha_Smitt

Checking Your Past Medical Information

By Henry Fredericks

Other than medical history questions, your doctor will also ask you a bunch of different questions. They will specifically ask you what has happened in the past.
Before you go to the clinic or hospital to answer these questions, read this article to gain insights or to refresh your memory on the things your doctor will ask you.
Medications
Do you take any medications? These can include pills, medicines that you buy over the counter and so on. Do you take any supplements (vitamins and minerals)? It would be best if you can bring bottles of your medication to show it to your doctor. Otherwise, you can write them all down onto a paper.
Past and current medical conditions
Did or do you have diabetes or high blood pressure? Ask yourself whether you have any syndromes or conditions since your childhood.
Hospital trips
Have you even been to the hospital? If yes, how many times? What are the reasons for your hospitalizations? How long were the durations? All these might seem like small details to you, but they are highly important to the doctor.
Surgical history
Have you even faced the knives before? This information is vital and serves as a useful base later on.
If you are a woman; menstrual cycle and reproductive history
Tell your doctor everything including your birth period, number of children, abortions and miscarriages.
Jobs in your lifetime
How many jobs did you have? What occupations were they? Most importantly, what was the working environment like? Did you body stress itself a lot during work?
Your relationship
You should also let your doctor know about your love life too. This way, your doctor can understand the stress levels you go through.
Alcohol and drug usage
If you commit these vices, you should also tell your doctor. This includes smoking too.

If you have read this article, then you know what doctors will ask regarding your medical past. If you have the time, read on these zero gravity chair or anti gravity chair articles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Henry_Fredericks

The Medical Informer

By Christopher Brock

Unless you have an exceptional health care provider, usually when you get a diagnosis and a treatment plan that is all you get. Many times the inner workings of a diagnosis are a mystery to us as we don't have the backgrounds to understand exactly what is happening with our bodies.
You leave your health care providers office full of questions, or at times not even knowing what questions to ask. So the next step for most people is to turn to the vast amount of information on the internet.
Trying to do research on your condition this way can be a daunting task. There are so many articles to sift through and most of them are filled with medical terminology that you then have to go and do research on to understand what is being said in the article. It can be frustrating to say the least.
It is important for you to understand your condition so you may aid your doctor in your proper treatment. It is also important to understand just what questions to ask him when you visit his office in order to insure you are doing everything you can to minimize your condition.
Thankfully there is a place where the research has been done for you and is explained in easy to read and understand articles. A place dedicated to helping people who do not have a medical background be involved and informed about their medical condition. Don't get frustrated... get informed. Hope this helps.

Evan Wooldridge owns and operates [http://www.the-medical-informer.com]
The Medical Informer [http://www.the-medical-informer.com]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_Brock

Medical Information Affects Our Health

By Dl Hoh

All of us need to acquire ourselves with some knowledge about medical. We may need it at one time or another. Some of these information may even decide death or life. Unfortunately, all these information can be costly. Also, they can be quite difficult to understand. As medical research advances, much of the information also quickly become outdated.
Due to the cost, not many people would want to buy these books from book stores. Those who are pursuing their education in medical field are those who will be greatly affected. Many would just rely on articles published in newspaper. Even though there are plenty of free medical magazines that is available for subscriptions, many are not even aware of them. Instead, they rely on pamphlets that may be collected from hospitals.
With the advance of information technology, a lot of things changes. You can now easily search for any information easily. Just use a search engine and type in whatever information that you may need. Not only it is convenient, it is cheap and speedy too.
Advance in information technology also enabled the automation of patient's records. Doctors can easily pull out any related information quickly. They can also quickly update the latest development through a computer in their room. Publishers are also making full use of the latest technology to update their books.
The problem that many people find with online searching is that most of the information required is all over the place. It can sometimes be frustrating trying to find the relevant information. There must be some ways to make things easier. You may try the following tips on how to quickly find your necessary resources.
First, you need to know for sure what you are looking for. Be as specific as you can. Try limiting your search area to geographic location. This is all the more true if you are looking for services that you can assess to.
Searching for stuffs over the internet is just the first step. You should try to verify if the information that you have obtained is correct. Always have an inquisitive mind. Only rely on things that sound logic. It may be a hassle to always verify information, but this will not only benefit you, but your family as well.
Compare articles that you have read with articles written by someone else. The problem is, sometimes we just take in all the information that is presented to us. Check it out with any other healthcare journals that you can find. You may also ask your family doctor if what you have read is accurate.
For serious matters, you may even seek another doctor's opinion. Clarifying with another sources will certainly put your heart at rest. At least, all the additional comments that you received will help you to shape your own opinion on the issues.
If you obtained your information through publication, you can always write to the editor to seek clarification. You can also write directly to the author of the article. Just imagine the consequences of misinterpreting the information that has been presented to us.
When buying medical equipments, try to compare the prices and products between different merchandiser. Always check the reputation of the merchandiser. In the market today, there are always bad copies of good products.

One of the most economical way for you to continuously get updates about the latest medical research updates is to subscribe to free medical magazines. There are plenty of free magazines subscriptions that is available for anyone's subscriptions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dl_Hoh

Medical Information for Foreign Travelers

By Herb Williams

If an American citizen becomes seriously ill or injured
abroad, a U. S. consular officer can assist in locating
appropriate medical services and informing family or
friends. If necessary, a consular officer can also assist in
the transfer of funds from the United States. However,
payment of hospital and other expenses is the responsibility
of the traveler.
Before going abroad, learn what medical services your health
insurance will cover overseas. If your health insurance
policy provides coverage outside the United States, REMEMBER
to carry both your insurance policy identity card as proof
of such insurance and a claim form. Although many health
insurance companies will pay "customary and reasonable"
hospital costs abroad, very few will pay for your medical
evacuation back to the United States. Medical evacuation can
easily cost $10,000 and up, depending on your location and
medical condition.
THE SOCIAL SECURITY MEDICARE PROGRAM DOES NOT PROVIDE
COVERAGE FOR HOSPITAL OR MEDICAL COSTS OUTSIDE THE U.S.A.
Senior citizens may wish to contact the American Association
of Retired Persons for information about foreign medical
care coverage with Medicare supplement plans.
To facilitate identification in case of an accident,
complete the information page on the inside of your passport
providing the name, address and telephone number of someone
to be contacted in an emergency.
A traveler going abroad with any preexisting medical
problems should carry a letter from the attending physician,
describing the medical condition and any prescription
medications, including the generic name of prescribed drugs.
Any medications being carried overseas should be left in
their original containers and be clearly labeled. Travelers
should check with the foreign embassy of the country they
are visiting to make sure any required medications are not
considered to be illegal narcotics.
A listing of addresses and telephone numbers of U.S.
embassies and consulates abroad is contained in Key Officers
of Foreign Service Posts . This publication may be obtained
through the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Also available from
the Government Printing Office is Health Information for
International Travel by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC). This contains a global rundown of disease
and immunization advice and other health guidance, including
risks in particular countries. The CDC maintains the
international travelers hotline at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747), an automated faxback service at
1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299) and a home page on the
Internet at http://www.cdc.gov .
For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases
abroad, consult the World Health Organization's (WHO) web
site at http://www.who.int/en. The WHO also provides travel
health information at http://www.who.int/ith.
For detailed information on physicians abroad, the
authoritative reference is The Official ABMS Directory of
Board Certified Medical Specialists published for the
American Board of Medical Specialists and its certifying
member boards. This publication should be available in your
local library. U.S. embassies and consulates abroad maintain
lists of hospitals and physicians. Major credit card
companies also can provide the names of local doctors and
hospitals abroad.

Herb Williams has been in the Financial Services Profession for the last 38 years. He and his wife Marsha run a full financial services Allstate Agency in Chicago. [http://www.auto-home-insure.com/go.php?travel&ezinemed]

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