Health News
Features
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Pop Quiz: Test your knowledge of managed-care plans
Preventing health insurance mishaps by knowing how you’re covered THERE’S NO GETTING around the fact that healthcare insurance plans can be complicated and confusing. There are many different types of plans, such as managed-care plans, and each has its own set of rules and requirements. However, having the right information — down to the smallest…
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Health insurance update: Who falls in the coverage gap and how can they get insured?
“I think most of the providers that volunteer feel a moral and ethical obligation to help take care of those people.” — Dr. David Loewy, volunteer with We Care of Polk County LOCAL RESIDENTS who have issues getting health insurance coverage are fortunate in that there are many agencies here that offer a wide range…
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Medicare and end-of-life care: What’s changing?
New proposed policy encourages the process of advanced-care planning END-OF-LIFE DECISIONS are complicated and fraught with emotion, but a recent announcement by Medicare will hopefully offer some clarity to those facing such tough decisions. In early July, Medicare announced plans to pay doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician’s assistants for conversations with patients concerning end-of-life care.…
Columns
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PCMA Letter: Matters of the heart
FEBRUARY is not just known for cupid and Valentine’s Day, but in the medical community, this time of year is set aside to emphasize another matter of the heart. Right now we are participating in a national initiative called American Heart Month. Plus, February 6 is National Wear Red Day, a part of the American…
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Medical Advice: Find your ‘inner quitter’
WE ARE WELL ON OUR WAY into the new year and, as usual, many have begun their long list of New Year’s resolutions. Despite best intentions, some of those resolutions have probably fallen by the wayside. However, here is one that’s worth the extra effort this year — quit smoking.
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Stay Fit Focused: Exercise tips for the New Year
THE HOLIDAY SEASON is special, but it is also a time when you can experience serious weight gain. November and December are jam-packed with parties, holiday activities, and get-togethers that minimize your time for exercise and also feature calorie-filled feasts, desserts, and candy.