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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.…

Vascular Manifestations of COVID-19

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to wreak havoc around the world, with 88 million confirmed cases and more than 2 million deaths as of January 8, 2021. In the United States, the number of infections has risen dramatically since the first week of March, and the US now has more confirmed cases and deaths than…
Smoking Can Lead to Amputations

While most people are familiar with the devastating consequences of smoking on their lungs (COPD, cancer), heart (coronary artery disease) or brain (stroke), its direct relation to limb loss escapes public attention! For far too many smokers, the first time they learn of the connection with limb loss is when a vascular surgeon diagnoses them…
Glaucoma and Dry Eyes

Eye doctors are excited this year with 2021 rolling in. It’s an excellent opportunity for us to shine some light on eye care topics that we would like to highlight. January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. Over 2 million Americans are affected by glaucoma. With proper treatment, the vast majority will not go blind from…