Personal Injury and Social Security Disability Blog

Featured Link - Case Management Resource Guide

The Case Management Resource Guide is an online listing of  over 100,000 individual medical facilities, programs, companies, and organizations. The site is sponsored by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.

April 2nd Is World Autism Awareness Day

Today is World Autism Awareness Day. One of many good resources for family members of those with autism is the AutismSpeaks Web site. Here are excerpts from the Wikipedia entry on autism:

Autism is a brain development disorder that impairs social interaction and communication, and causes restricted and repetitive behavior, all starting before a child is three years old. This set of signs distinguishes autism from milder autism spectrum disorders (ASD) such as Asperger syndrome.^[1]

Autism is highly heritable, although the genetics of autism are complex and it is generally unclear which genes are responsible.^[2] In rare cases, autism is strongly associated with agents that cause birth defects.^[3] Other proposed causes, such as childhood vaccines, are controversial and the vaccine hypotheses lack convincing scientific evidence.^[4] Most recent reviews estimate a prevalence of one to two cases per 1,000 people for autism, and about six per 1,000 for ASD, with ASD averaging a 4.3:1 male-to-female ratio. The number of people known to have autism has increased dramatically since the 1980s, at least partly due to changes in diagnostic practice; the question of whether actual prevalence has increased is unresolved.^[5]

Autism affects many parts of the brain; how this occurs is poorly understood. Parents usually notice signs in the first two years of their child's life. Early behavioral or cognitive intervention can help children gain self-care, social, and communication skills. There is no cure.^[6] Few children with autism live independently after reaching adulthood, but some become successful,^[7] and an autistic culture has developed, with some seeking a cure and others believing that autism is a condition rather than a disorder.^[8]

Government Now Helps Patients Compare Hospitals

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has just published a Web site that allows citizens to compare patient satisfaction with various hospitals. The site was described in a Dallas Morning News article today. Here are excerpts:

For the first time, the agency that runs Medicare and Medicaid posted online information (at hospitalcompare.hhs.gov) about patients' satisfaction with their care at particular hospitals. Most hospitals in the Dallas-Fort Worth area are included.

The information about hospital staff responsiveness, pain management, cleanliness, communication about taking medications and what to expect after discharge came from a 27-question survey that more than 2,500 hospitals around the country gave to adults sent home between October 2006 and last June.      

The goal was for each hospital to survey at least 300 patients, though some surveyed many more, said Herb Kuhn, the acting deputy administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

The patient data joins other information already available on the site comparing how hospitals perform on various treatments for heart attacks, heart failure, pneumonia and surgery.

"The ... data provides just one of many perspectives that a consumer can use when they assess with their physician what the right hospital is for their care," said Steven Campanini, spokesman for Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare Corp.

"Many factors go into selecting a hospital."    

American Hospital Association president Rich Umbdenstock hailed the emergence of "a much more balanced scorecard for the public."

He said it will help hospitals improve care and customer service.    

In the health care industry, Mr. Leavitt said, there's no way for consumers to compare prices and judge who's good.      

Though banks and airlines have adopted standard measurements for consumers to use, together with easy-to-use Web sites, health care providers have not, he said.

The survey and the other online information announced Friday are a step toward giving consumers the same kind of measurement for the health care industry, he said.

Featured Link - The American Chronic Pain Association

The American Chronic Pain Association has a great deal of information and resources on their Web site. Many of our personal injury clients and Social Security disability claimants must deal with chronic pain for long periods of time, and sites like this help our clients cope with their pain.

Here is the Mission Statement of the American Chronic Pain Association:

• To facilitate peer support and education for individuals with chronic pain and their families so that these individuals may live more fully in spite of their pain.
• To raise awareness among the health care community, policy makers, and the public at large about issues of living with chronic pain.

Medical Insurers Agree To Pay For Online Doctor Visits

Here's a potentially exciting development in the area of health insurance -- carriers may start paying for online medical consultations. More and more doctors and clinics are making themselves available to their patients online, usually for simple questions. This process can save the hassle and the expense of an in-office medical visit. If carriers will pay for these consultations, more people may use them and we'll have fewer people walking around sick because they can't take the time to visit the doctor in person. Here are excerpts from a Dallas Morning News story on the subject:

Since the dawn of e-mail, patients have been pleading for more doctors to offer medical advice online. No traffic jams, no long waits, no germ-infested offices.

There was always one major roadblock: Many health insurers wouldn't pay for it.

Until now.

In recent weeks, Aetna Inc., the nation's largest insurer, and Cigna Corp. have agreed to reimburse doctors for online visits.

Other large insurers are expected to follow, experts say.

These new online services, which typically cost the same as a regular office visit, are aimed primarily at those who already have a doctor.

The virtual visits are considered best for follow-up consultations and treatment for minor ailments such as colds and sore throats.

But some specialists, including cardiologists and gynecologists, also see these e-mail visits as ideal for periodic checkups that don't require in-person presence.

"People can wait a long time to get in to see their primary-care doctor and longer for a specialist. ... To have immediate access is huge," said Dr. Melissa Welch, Aetna's medical director for northern California.

"Paying doctors to do more patient care over the Internet is a small but important step in a good direction," said David Cutler, a Harvard University health care economist. "It increases patient access and could significantly improve their satisfaction."

A New Way To Locate Missing Alzheimer Patients

A new company has come up with what seems to be a unique solution for the increasing problem of Alzheimer patients who wander away. The company provides a wristband that can be remotely activated, and will then link to a GPS satellite and reveal the location of the patient. Check it out at EmFinders.com.

The EmFinders solution combines two critical technology elements:

●         FCC-mandated network technology and

●        The new generation of low-cost, small, and efficient wireless devices

The EmFinders' solution enables a caregiver to remotely activate 911 emergency location features on a discrete wireless device that is worn or carried by a person under their care, as depicted in the diagram below. 

The EmFinders' solution is designed to leverage existing emergency responder technologies and processes, so municipalities are not required to install new systems. The core capabilities of this solution have been demonstrated and verified through joint testing with the Alzheimer’s Association and Public Safety communications officials.

Link of the Day - Heart Surgery Forum

The Heart Surgery Forum is a "cardiothoracic multimedia journal" where visitors can watch videos related to heart surgery, and join discussion groups about cardiac diseases.

Link of the Day - Holiday Gifts For People With Alzheimer's Disease

A recent issue of the newsletter of the Silverado Senior Living facility in Sugar Land, Texas contained an interesting article about gifts to patients with Alzheimer' disease or dementia. Here are excerpts:

What kind of gift do you give someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease? There are more than 19 million family members in the United States, each asking themselves that very question this holiday season. Holiday shopping for people suffering with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia is not an impossible task. Here are some gift ideas that may help you to spread the cheer this holiday season.

Everyone wants to feel warm and loved. How about these gifts of warmth and comfort?
Soft micro fleece blanket
Hand made quilt
Warm shawl or scarf
Warm-up suit with zipper and pockets

What did your loved one like to do? Try these gifts of fun and adventure:
Outing to a garden center
Fishing trip
Movie and lunch

Everyone loves to feel pampered. How about a gift certificate for a beauty shop visit, manicure, and/or pedicure? How about a massage to relieve anxiety?

Personalized and inspirational gifts are always appropriate. Try a coffee mug with the grandkids pictures imprinted on it or a monogrammed blanket. Often times, those suffering from
Alzheimer’s or dementia can be calmed and redirected with soothing music. Why not give an inspirational CD or book?

Link of the Day - Fee Dental Care At Baylor College Of Dentistry

Unfortunately, many of our personal injury clients and Social Security disability claimants simply cannot afford proper medical care. The Baylor College of Dentistry helps somewhat by offering dental care to a limited number of patients. Here is information about qualifying for dental care:

How to Become a Patient

The first step to becoming a patient at Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry is to undergo a preliminary screening conducted by the dental school.  This screening will determine your treatment needs. In general, we accept patients needing comprehensive treatment as opposed to those who require a single procedure.  But sometimes even those with comprehensive treatment needs will not be assigned students.   

Screening appointments are generally assigned on a first come, first serve basis. For more information about screening dates and times, please call 214-828-8441.

If you are “accepted” as a result of your initial screening, you will be assigned to one of two treatment tracks.

If your dental issues are fairly complex, you will be referred to one of our graduate specialty clinics.  There, you will undergo a second screening after which you will be notified if you are assigned to a graduate dental student. A $16.00 non-refundable fee is charged patients who are referred to specialty clinics.  The fee is non-refundable, even if you are not accepted for treatment.

If your dental issues are more general, you will be put on a list for possible treatment by an undergraduate.  Not everyone who is placed on this list is assigned to a student, however.  Should you be selected, you will receive a phone call to set up an appointment.  After 12 weeks, if you have not been assigned, you will receive a post card asking if you would like to remain on the list.  If you return the card, you will stay on the list another 12 weeks.  If you have not been assigned a student at the end of that time period, you will receive a letter notifying you to seek the services of a private dentist or be re-screened at a later date.

Link of the Day - Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Support Group

LifeRaftGroup.org is a support group for victims of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor, or GIST. Here is information from the Web site:

The Life Raft Group (LRG) is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization providing support, through information, education, and innovative research to patients with a rare cancer called GIST (Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor). Since we received our non-profit status in June, 2002, we have expanded our outreach efforts to many thousands of patients, and their doctors. Local chapters have formed in a growing number of cities throughout the world.

Membership in the LRG is free as is access to our website, our Newsletter and our office based assistance programs.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) belong to a group of cancers called soft tissue sarcomas. Sarcomas are a rare type of cancer that can occur in connective tissues, bones, muscles, fat, nerves, blood vessels, and cartilage. Sarcomas are derived from the general class of cells known as "mesenchymal cells". In contrast, most of the "common" cancers, such as lung cancer, skin cancer, and prostate cancer, are derived from a different type of cell, known as "epithelial cells", the cells which line the body's many surfaces. Why does this distinction matter? Because carcinomas and sarcomas behave very differently and are treated differently. Sarcomas are much less common than carcinomas. As a result, there are relatively few oncologists who specialize in treating sarcomas.

Although the exact incidence is still somewhat unclear, it is now estimated that, in the United States, between 5,000 and 10,000 people each year develop GISTs.

About 40-70% of GISTs arise from the stomach, 20-40% arise from the small intestine, and 5-15% from the colon and rectum. GISTs can also be found in the esophagus (<5%). Sometimes GISTs develop outside the intestinal tract in the abdominal cavity.