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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…
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…
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.…

Your Skin Type Can Offer Clues for Care

Knowing your skin type isn’t always easy, but it is essential knowledge to have when seeking out solutions, skin-care products, or dermatology services. There are four main skin types: oily, dry, combination, and sensitive. While a dermatologist can help you determine your skin type, there are some simple tests you can do at home to…
Risk Factors for Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis is a serious medical condition that affects millions of people but thankfully is preventable. This is a condition in which a blood clot forms in a deep vein of the body, usually the thigh, leg, and rarely the arm. The worst complication is that the blood clot can break off and travel…
Kybella Injections Target Fat in Chin, Neck

If you’re self-conscious about the appearance of your chin and neck area, Kybella might be for you. Kybella is the commercial name for deoxycholic acid, a product that kills fat cells. This acid actually already exists in our bodies, just in the digestive system. It breaks down fats so they’re more easily digested. It can…