Still playing catchup on our lists of disciplined doctors and other medical professionals. Here's the list of docs sanctioned (or whose licenses have been reinstated) by the Maryland Board of Physicians in May and June:

Shirley E. Brown-Ornish, M.D.
Area of Practice: Internal Medicine (Mitchellville, MD)
Reinstatement of license; Probation for 3 years subject to terms and condition. The Board has determined that it is appropriate to reinstate the physician’s license, however, subject to probation with terms and conditions. Date of Action: May 6, 2009

Michael Q. Durry, M.D.
Area of Practice: General Surgery (Randallstown, MD)
Reinstatement of license; Remaining terms and conditions of the 12/19/07 Consent Order continue in effect; Probation for 5 years subject to terms and conditions. The Board has determined that the physician’s circumstances justify a reinstatement of his medical license, however, subject to conditions that the Board believes necessary to ensure protection of the public. Date of Action: May 8, 2009

Mark H. Eig, M.D.
Area of Practice: Internal Medicine (Silver Spring, MD)
Reprimand; Probation for a minimum of 2 years subject to terms and conditions. The Board found that the physician failed to keep adequate medical records in his care and treatment of 6 patients. Date of Action: May 6, 2009

Charles O. Folashade, M.D.
Area of Practice: Internal Medic ine (Salisbury, MD)
Summary Suspension; The Board determined that the public health, safety, or welfare required emergency action based on the physician prescribing drugs for illegitimate medical purposes, his sale of drugs to patients for financial gain, dispensing prescribing medications without a permit, and failure to provide medical records to another physician
for continuity of care. Date of Action: May 15, 2009

Richard C. Habersat,, M.D.
Area of Practice: Internal Medicine (Parkton, MD)
Reprimand; Probation for a minimum of 2 years and until terms and conditions have been satisfied. The physician failed to carefully monitor and aggressively treat adverse side affects of a patient on multiple narcotics when changing the patient’s medications. Date of Action: May 28, 2009

Kevin R. Kellman, RRT
Area of Practice: Respiratory Therapy (Frederick, MD)
Suspension for 30 days; No direct patient care; if practitioner elects to resume patient care, notification to the Board in writing of the place of employment; Probation for a minimum of 2 years with terms and conditions. The practitioner engaged in unprofessional conduct and failed to meet standards of quality care for, including but not limited to, initiating a test on a patient without a physician’s order. Date of Action: May 27, 2009

David R. Leaverton, M.D.
Area of Practice: Psychiatry (Arnold, MD)
Suspension for one month; Probation for 2 years and until terms and conditions have been satisfied. The Board concluded that the physician engaged in boundary violations with a patient, prescribed medication to another patient prior to doing an initial evaluation, failed to maintain adequate documentation in regard to these patients, and in one instance billed one of the patient’s visits to the other patient. Date of Action: May 28, 2009

Kathy A. Mesbahi, M.D.
Area of Practice: OB/GYN (Rockville, MD)
Probation for 1 year subject to terms and conditions; cease and desist from the practice of laser surgery; fine of $20,000; and cease and desist from aiding unlicensed individuals in the practice of medicine. The Board determined that the physician aided 2 unauthorized individuals in the practice of medicine. Date of Action: May 11, 2009

Continue reading "Disciplined Doctors: Naughty Business of the Week" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Healthcare, Naughty businesses/NBotW
        

Being organized about your health care could save you from some potentially lethal side effects down the road.

Consumer Reports now offers My Medication Tracker, software you can download to your computer. Use it to enter info about your prescriptions, including when you started, the dosage and the price you paid for it. 

When it's time to visit your doctor, you can print out a list with all the information so you won't be fumbling for details when he or she asks for them. That way the physician will have a clear picture of what you're ingesting to avoid reducing the efficacy of any one drug or worse, a harmful drug interaction. Or, maybe it will prompt a discussion of whether all the prescriptions are even necessary.

Don't forget to add information about any over-the-counter medicines or supplements you are taking, too.

As the comments note ... 

Continue reading "Track your medicines: Consumer Web Site of the Week" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Consumer safety, Healthcare
        

Why do insurance costs go up year after year? How would you fix health care? What reforms will work, which won’t? Is a public option a necessity? Join the live, and let's hope, lively discussion Monday — Sept. 21 — on health care reform. Our guest will be Lisa Dubay, an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

The chat begins here at noon. You can submit comments or questions in advance to me at eileen.ambrose@baltsun.com.

Posted by Eileen Ambrose at 8:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Healthcare
        

Why do insurance costs go up year after year? How would you fix health care? What reforms will work, which won’t? Is a public option a necessity? Join the live discussion Monday — Sept. 21 — on health care reform, open enrollment and any other health care topics on your mind.

Our guests will be two health care policy experts from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

The chat begins here at noon. You can submit comments or questions in advance to me at eileen.ambrose@baltsun.com.

Posted by Eileen Ambrose at 10:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)
Categories: Healthcare
        

Open enrollment will soon be here, and the debate on health care reform wages on. Tuesday's live chat at noon here will discuss what workers can expect from their employer plan for 2010 and your thoughts on health care reform.

Meanwhile, if you have questions about health care or thoughts about reform, let us know here and we will include them in the chat.

Posted by Eileen Ambrose at 9:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Healthcare
        

Sometimes the ignorant remarks about reforming health care are just scary. I’m not talking about comments made in the heat of passion at town hall meetings.

I mean Maria Bartiromo. The CNBC anchor, apparently no fan of a public option, doesn’t know what Medicare is as you’ll see from this item and video posted on Huffington Post.

In an interview with Bartiromo, New York Congressman Anthony Weiner explains that the United States already has a public option — Medicare — which offers consumers a wide choice of doctors and is popular with beneficiaries. Bartiromo’s stupefying comeback: “How come you don’t use it? You don’t have it. How come you don’t have it?”

Clearly Weiner is under age 65. Huffington Post says he celebrates his 45th birthday this week. Weiner explains Medicare is for those 65 and older. Even then, Bartiromo seems to think he’s giving her a flimsy excuse. Yikes! Let's hope CNBC viewers aren't counting on her to inform them on health care.

Weiner is correct. Beneficiaries love Medicare.

Recently, an insurance executive visited the Baltimore Sun and we got to talking about health care reform. He talked about how bad a government- managed plan would be. I said that in all the years I have covered personal finance, I have never heard from a reader complaining about Medicare. They expressed frustration of signing up for Medicare Part D, but never a harsh word for Medicare. He then acknowledged that his mother is on Medicare and it’s very good insurance.

Posted by Eileen Ambrose at 5:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
Categories: Healthcare
        

Be prepared.

No matter how old you are, you should make decisions about how you would want to be treated near the end of your life --- and make those decisions known, says Sun personal finance columnist Eileen Ambrose.

Unfortunately, you can't predict when that information will be needed, so give your loved ones and friends a break by filling out the necessary paperwork ahead of time so they're not left guessing at tough emotional moments.

The rules differ from state to state, but thankfully you can get everything done without a lawyer. Check the Maryland Attorney General's office for health decisions information, as well as marylandadvancedirectives.com for forms.

One more tip: fill out the forms early, but review the information as your life changes. For example, my choices might be different than my sister's, who has offspring to consider.

Then make sure that people who need to know --- your health care agent, doctor, lawyer and family --- all have copies of these documents handy.

Posted by Liz Kay at 8:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Healthcare
        

You may have heard that more than 130 Zicam nasal spray users had lost their sense of smell, according to the Associated Press. The Food and Drug Administration has recommended people stop using the product, which contains zinc. Zinc can cause temporary or permanent damage to nerves needed to smell, the store states.

Consumers might have missed the tiny "homeopathic" label on the packaging of the product, marketed as a cold remedy. But these and other homeopathic products are on pharmacy shelves without Food and Drug Administration testing for side effects or efficacy, according to the Associated Press.

The Associated Press analyzed FDA side effect reports and found more than 800 situations where people may have gotten ill from homeopathic remedies.

What are these products? According the AP story: 

Continue reading "Zicam users lose sense of smell: Naughty Business of the Week" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Consumer safety, Healthcare, Marketing/Advertising
        

Free skin cancer screenings are available this month thanks to the American Academy of Dermatology, according to Consumer Reports.

In Maryland, there are three medical professionals offering screenings, two on May 21, so make your appointments early --- they are bound to fill up fast. None are in Baltimore --- Chevy Chase, Randallstown and Waldorf. 

As CR states, the screening wouldn't take the place of an exam by your own doctor if you've got something on your skin that you're worried about, but it's a good choice if you don't have health insurance.

UPDATED:  The AAD has offered these screenings as part of Skin Cancer Awareness Month. There's a site in Westminster as well:

Posted by Liz Kay at 1:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Healthcare
        

Put your haggling skills to work in these three situations and you might get what you need for a lot less.

What's the key to negotiating? Be nice, respectful and realistic, said one business owner in a Marketplace Money story about bargaining in retail stores:

She says start by asking if there's any flexibility on the price. And don't forget to smile and maintain eye contact as you wheel and deal.

But where is it wise to negotiate a price? Americans are accustomed to haggling when it's clear there's a commission involved, such as on a new car or furniture. But what about ...

Continue reading "Negotiate in 3 unexpected places: Cheap Trick Thursday" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 7:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Banks, Budgeting, Cheap/Frugal, Healthcare, Personal finance, Shopping
        

Is the recession keeping you healthy? Statistics cited by health reporter Meredith Cohn in her story about the recession being good for your health suggests that people are smoking fewer cigarettes and drinking less alcohol --- perhaps because they can't afford them.

And people drove 3 percent less in 2008 than in 2007, so one could assume some people are walking or riding bikes. Even taking public transportation probably requires more physical exertion than hopping in your own car.

On the flip side ...

Continue reading "Recession making unhealthy habits unaffordable" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 8:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Healthcare
        

As promised, here are the doctors and other medical professionals sanctioned in February by the Maryland Board of Physicians:

Francyne O. Anderson, M.D.
Area of Practice: Family Practice (Cheverly, MD)
Fine of $25,000; terms and conditions; the physician may not apply for reinstatement until terms and conditions have been met. The physician practiced medicine without a license. Date of Action: February 26, 2009

Michael A. Cadogan, M.D.
Area of Practice: Diagnostic Radiology (Princeton, NJ)
Reprimand; terms and conditions. The Board concluded that the physician failed to
meet the standards of quality care in that he failed to correctly identify and diagnose the
abnormal mass on a patient’s CT scan. Date of Action: February 19, 2009

Shireen R. Collins, R.T.
Area of Practice: Radiation Therapy Technology (Sharpsburg, MD)
Stay of Suspension of the February 27, 2008, Consent Order is lifted; Certificate
therefore is suspended. The healthcare practitioner violated the February 27, 2008,
Consent Order by testing positive for cocaine and her admission that she ingested cocaine
prior to being scheduled for a chemical screening. Date of Action: February 10, 2009

Adrienne Feldman
Area of Practice: None (Baltimore, MD)
Fine of $1,000 to be paid in full no later than 30 days from date of order. The
individual practiced medicine, attempted to practice or offered to practice medicine; and
represented or implied she was a physician assistant. Date of Action: February 17, 2009

Debra J. Freeman, M.D.
Area of Practice: Pediatrics (Oldsmar, FL)
Revocation. The Board’s action is based on the physician’s psychiatric conditions,
criminal conduct, and care and treatment of a newborn. The February 14, 2008, Order
for Summary Suspension is now moot because the physician’s license is by this order
revoked. Date of Action: February 2, 2009

Maria C. Gaviria, M.D.
Area of Practice: Internal Medicine (Glen Burnie, MD)
Suspension; suspension stayed and probation for 2 years subject to terms and
conditions that include to cease and desist from internet prescribing. The Board
found that the physician violated the standards of quality care, failed to maintain adequate
medical records, and engaged in unprofessional conduct in the practice of medicine based
on her practice of internet prescribing. Date of Action: February 26, 2009

Continue reading "Disciplined doctors, February edition: Naughty Business of the Week" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 1:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Healthcare, Naughty businesses/NBotW
        

Some doctors are taking action to protect themselves against a patient population increasingly accustomed to online research.

The docs are apparently asking  patients to sign waivers promising not to post an online review of their treatment or the doctor's expertise, as first reported by the Associated Press. If patients don't like it, they suggest they find a different healthcare professional.

NPR's On the Media tackled the First Amendment implications of physician review waivers on its show last week, as well as the value of such online reviews, which are often anonymous and can easily descend into vitriol.

Although there are questions about whether physician review agreements would hold up in court, I'm curious how you'd react if presented with such a document.  

Whether you would or wouldn't sign such a form, check out Consumer Reports' advice for choosing a doctor, including how to check a doctor's credentials. Then, read the list of the doctors and medical professionals sanctioned by the Maryland Board of Physicians in January, and stay tuned for the February list later today.

Continue reading "Disciplined Maryland doctors, January edition: Naughty Business of the Week" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 6:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Consumer protection, Healthcare
        

Out-of-work Americans will pay a lot less for COBRA health coverage under the stimulus plan, thanks to a government subsidy that will reimburse former employers for nearly two-thirds of the cost for nine months, according to Excellent Eileen's Sunday column.

Normally COBRA allows out-of-work employees keep their former health coverage for up to 18 months by letting them play their share as well as the amount the employers used to pay, as well as an administrative free. 

That can be an amazingly expensive outlay of cash each month, particularly when you're not receiving your regular paycheck.

Of course, there are a number of things to keep in mind, Eileen said.

Continue reading "COBRA stimulus subsidy questions: Consumer Sundays" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 8:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Healthcare, Taxes
        

Replace your toothbrush every three months, says Consumer Reports.

I can't say I've always been vigilant about this, but the American Dental Association agrees that replacing toothbrushes every three months or earlier if bristles become frayed is a good idea because your mouth is full of bacteria. Not just your mouth, but all of our mouths.

And so, switching up your brush every three months will help prevent bacteria from building up and re-entering your mouth the next time you attend to your oral hygiene.

And that's important because ...

Continue reading "Replace toothbrush every three months: Cheap Trick Thursday" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 1:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Healthcare
        

Here's part two of the Naughty Business of the Week: doctors and other medical professionals disciplined by the Maryland Board of Physicians in December. 

(photo: Jed Kirschbaum/Baltimore Sun)

Continue reading "Naughty Business of the Week: disciplined doctors, December edition" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 11:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Consumer safety, Healthcare, Naughty businesses/NBotW
        

I've got doctor and health ratings on the brain this week. 

Last week I got to attend a health blogger summit at Consumer Reports, which has recently stepped up its Consumer Reports Health offerings with comparisons of the best diet tips to test results on the latest infomercial exercise equipment.

After all that discussion, it seemed timely to post the latest list of physicians and medical professionals sanctioned by the Maryland Board of Physicians. Check them out below: 

Continue reading "Naughty Business of the Week: disciplined doctors, November edition" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 8:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Consumer protection, Consumer safety, Healthcare, Naughty businesses/NBotW
        

Have you ever googled your doctor?

That was one of the intriguing questions discussed at a health blogger summit at Consumer Reports' headquarters in Yonkers, N.Y. yesterday during a panel on health ratings --- of physicians, hospitals and drugs. (Check out the twitter feed from the health summit here.)

Certainly if you search the Internet for "doctor ratings" you'll get a number of Web sites that purport to catalog independent reviews of medical professionals. Unfortunately, some of this information is contradictory or may have little impact the kinds of outcomes you could expect as a patient.

But could you, or should you, rely on whatever ratings your Google search pulls up?  Probably about as much as you would for any online review, understanding that folks who write such reviews are a self-selecting group that reflect a limited subset of a patient pool. And you have to wonder why people might be motivated to write -- are they fueled by a bad experience?

So, how should you go about looking for a new doc? 

Continue reading "How to pick a doctor" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 6:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Healthcare
        

Safeway supermarkets have become the latest chain to jump on the bandwagon and to offer a 14-day supply of free generic antibiotics to customers through March 31, following the lead set by Giant and Wegmans.

Now, Consumer Reports' health blog warns that antibiotics should be used only when necessary. The planet already has a big problem with antibiotic resistance and the drugs aren't even effective on viral infections.

And remember, this is, like all promotions, an attempt to attract you to the store and spend money on something else. The director of CR's health ratings center writes that people could really benefit from free medication for high blood pressure, for example, but that's a chronic condition. Antibiotics are taken only for a short period of time.

Posted by Liz Kay at 7:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Healthcare
        

Got the sniffles from a sinus infection or other ailments curable by antibiotics? Don't spend your precious cash filling that prescription or even covering the co-pay.

Two local supermarket chains have announced they will fill prescriptions for generic antibiotics for free.

Yes, you can stop off at Giant for free antibiotics before March 21 or Wegmans to fill a prescription free before March 31.

Got other recurring prescription drug costs for non-generics? 

Continue reading "Cheap Trick Thursday: free antibiotics at Giant, Wegmans" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 6:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Healthcare
        

Here's what I forgot to mention in my earlier post about cheap exercise and fitness tips:

If you're going to start running, consider joining a running group to get some company --- and perhaps a little friendly pressure to keep on track. MarylandRunning.com has a list of Maryland running clubs as well as upcoming Maryland races.

Also, running veteran Helen suggests that new runners get a good pair of running shoes from a running store for serious athletes. Consumer Reports concurs with this advice, even though you may pay more than at a discount or department store. Experts at running stores can analyze your gait and fit you for shoes to avoid injury.

If you do decide to buy a machine, here are Consumer Reports' tips on how to choose exercise equipment.

But you don't need special equipment to build strength.

Erin Huffstetler at the Frugal Living blog recommends using canned goods for weight training or climbing stairs instead of buying a stepper. How about bottles of water? She also recommends self-checkout and cleaning your house but I'm not certain of the caloric impact of those activities ...

Here's an unusual ambition that I am toying with claiming as my own: J.D. over at Get Rich Slowly, who also blogs about his quest to Get Fit Slowly, is one of many people who have taken on the 100 Pushup Challenge --- getting to 100 pushups even if you can't even complete a single one right now.

There's something to be said for setting a goal that has nothing to do with pounds on the scale or inches around the middle.

Continue reading "Cheap Trick Thursday, New Year's edition: cheap fitness tips, part II" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 12:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Healthcare
        

New Year's is a popular time for people to make resolutions to take better care of themselves, but is it possible to get and stay fit without spending a ton of money?

I think we can ease more workouts into our lives without laying out a fortune --- and without investing in some exercise contraption from a late-night infomercial.

Frankly, you might be able to save money and save your health at the same time. If you spend less money on processed food in supermarkets or restaurant meals, you'll have more cash to devote to other areas of your life. Some forms of protein (beans) are cheaper and have fewer calories and fat than meat.

And what's a better alternative: paying whatever it costs to join a gym, or having to buy prescription drugs to treat conditions that some people can control through diet and exercise?

Sorry, that sounded way more preachy than is called for (and a little hypocritical for someone who hasn't laced up her sneakers in a week and a half), but you get the point.

Here's some frugal ideas for ways to get on the fitness bus without going broke:

Continue reading "Cheap Trick Thursday, New Year's edition: cheap fitness tips" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 6:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Healthcare
        

Well, I hope Eileen's column reassured you about what benefits bankrupt or belly-up businesses must pay --- traditional pensions are protected, as are 401(k) plans.

However, there is plenty that isn't guaranteed, like health insurance, and life insurance. So it's worth it to factor that potential uncertainty into your financial plan --- and your emergency fund.

This week's Watchdog sought out the reason why northbound Aisquith Street between Baltimore and Fayette streets has been closed for months. 

It turns out ... 

Continue reading "Consumer Sundays: benefits from bankrupt businesses and details about detours" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 6:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Budgeting, Healthcare, Retirement, Watchdog
        

Momof2 got me wondering yesterday if I really had the flu last year after I got the flu shot or if I just had a really really bad cold?

So (index finger to my chin and eyes scrunched in deep thought), I said: hmmmm.

Seeing as how I'm not a doctor and I don't even play one on TV, I went to WebMD, which is a great site. Be warned, though, if you spend enough time on there you're going to convince yourself that you have some rare, incurable disease. I'm not kidding.

WebMD says that the way to tell the difference between a cold and the flu is that when you have the flu, you feel flu symptoms sooner than you would cold symptoms, and they come on with much greater intensity.

With the flu, WebMD says you may feel very weak and fatigued for up to 2 or 3 weeks. You'll have muscle aches and periods of chills and sweats as fever comes and goes. You may also have a stuffy or runny nose, headache, and sore throat.

Continue reading "Is it a Cold or is it the Flu? Check your Symptoms." »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 7:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Healthcare
        

You may have "Googled" the phrase "flu symptoms" the last time you thought you were coming down with the bug. If so, your query probably became part of a vast storehouse of information that Google's philanthropic arm is mining in an effort to identify flu trends as they emerge across the United States.

Google's calling the project/application simply: Google Flu Trends.

The basic thinking behind it is that people who search for certain flu-related keywords and phrases are at the leading edge of a flu outbreak.

Continue reading "Got Flu? Check out Google Flu Trends" »

Posted by Gus Sentementes at 9:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Computers, Healthcare, Technology
        

I got a flu shot. Reader Holly did not get a flu shot. Let's see which one of us stays healthy this year. Holly, please let us know if you come down with the flu and I'll do likewise. This will just be our incredibly unscientific test of the flu shot and whether it makes you sick or not. 

Meanwhile, if you're thinking you want to join in our totally unscientific experiment, or you just haven't gotten around to getting a flu shot yet, click on the jump to get a list of free shots available in the Baltimore. If you're not a city resident, just search online for your local health department for a list of free clinics in your jurisdiction. I'm not sure if FluMist, the nasal spray is offered at these clinics so you may want to check. Also, Medicare Part B pays for the flu shot so don't forget your Medicare cards, seniors.

Continue reading "Free Flu Shots in Baltimore" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 2:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Healthcare
        

Are you convinced the flu shot gives you the flu? Do you think you're not at risk? Do you believe the shot is ineffective? Consumer Reports says stop with your namby-pamby flimsy excuses. Here's why:

1. Excuse: It’s better to build your own natural immunities (67 percent).

Reality: The body’s innate immune response against the flu virus is short-lived, usually just a few months. Moreover, the virus that causes the flu often changes from year to year. So any protection your body develops during one flu season is usually gone by the next. (That also explains why, unlike most other vaccines, you need a fresh flu shot each year.)

Continue reading "Top 12 Flimsy Excuses to NOT get the Flu Shot" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 1:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Consumer protection, Healthcare, Insurance
        

If the answer is yes, you are skipping the flu shot, Consumer Reports says that decision could be a big mistake, especially if you want to stay healthy this year.

According to a survey of 2,011 adults conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center in October, more than half of Americans said they were foregoing a shot this year. The survey also found that parents who skip the shot also seldom get their kids vaccinated, even though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone age 6 months and over should get the shot each year.

Says CR:

People who get vaccinated cut their risk of developing the disease by roughly 20 to 90 percent, depending on their age and overall health, as well as how well the vaccine matches the flu virus that actually emerges. And even when the shot doesn’t prevent the flu it often makes the symptoms less severe, making it less likely that you’ll have to skip work or that your kids will miss school, or that you’ll have to be hospitalized.

Continue reading "Are You Skipping the Flu Shot This Year?" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 12:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Healthcare
        

Happy Monday, everyone. I don't know about you, but I'm sick of candy already. I was visiting my Mom's and they had all of 9 trick or treaters so they were letting the kids grab handfuls from the candy bowl.

(ahem) I might have snuck a couple Junior Mints and M&Ms into my purse.

Anyhow, so did anyone going to the Waverly Farmer's Market notice how long that light is at Barclay Street? Well, thanks to Liz, the Department of Transportation has a fix set for the end of this month that will make those long car lines leaving the market go away faster. I feel like I need to go around the city and write down all the traffic signals that make me crazy because they're either way too long or way too short. 

There's one near Hopkins Hospital that is an accident waiting to happen since people run the left turn signal ALL the time. 

But I'm going to save my traffic light rant for another time. I don't want to start our Monday ranting... unless you feel like ranting?

Besides, I can't get to uppity since I have a confession to make about Social Security Number requests. I have to tell you that as much as I rail against companies that demand your SSN during a transactiion, I caved recently when I tried to renew my Verizon Wireless contract. The guy at Best Buy said he couldn't sign me up without it and I was pressed for time so instead of standing my ground and saying, "NO," I asked him if I could type it in myself... I hang my head in shame. 

Continue reading "Consumer Sundays: Green says go, Social Security Numbers and Open Enrollment" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 7:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Complaints, Credit cards, Healthcare, Identity theft, Personal finance, Watchdog
        

Just a taste of what you'll have to look forward to this weekend....

Find out which traffic signal in town was driving people nuts at a local farmer's market in Liz's Watchdog column.

Find out in my Consuming Interests column how American Express drove me nuts when I called them to help with a customer's complaint about a request for his Social Security Number.

Find out what Eileen says you can expect in open enrollment this month so healthcare surprises don't drive you nuts this year.

Tune in Sundays!

 (www.freefoto.com)

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 1:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Complaints, Credit cards, Healthcare, Personal finance, Watchdog
        

 Raise your hand if you've gotten an e-card in your e-mail Inbox, only to delete it because you're worried it could contain malicious software or other virus just waiting to muck up your computer?

I don't really know of anyone who sends e-cards, do you? I don't think I've ever opened one for fear of what might be in it.

Now if those e-greeting cards aren't bad enough, I just saw this U.S. News & World Report story online about a Web-based system that allows you to electronically tell people that they may have contracted a sexually-transmitted disease.

No. I am not kidding. Yes. It's true. Read about the you've-possibly-been-exposed-to-an-STD-e-card story here.

Imagine opening up a card that says:

Continue reading "An E-card You Might Not Want to See in Your InBox" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 11:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Consumer protection, Consumer safety, Healthcare, Technology
        

Anyone who knows me, knows that I have a fondness for watching cheezy infomercials.  They used to air late at night, but now there are entire channels devoted to them.

So I often find myself lingering far too long, when I'm channel surfing, on the dozens of client affirmations for Proactiv, Cindy Crawford's buy-these-beauty-products-and-never-age-like-me schtick, and that one doo-dad that makes hot pockets out of any kind of food you want to eat. I have just one word for that last infomercial: awesome.

One infomercial, however, drives me up the wall. Which one, you ask? Any infomercial that involves Kevin Trudeau and whatever book he's shilling on natural cures or weight loss. Why does this dude bother me?

Because a federal judge has banned Kevin Trudeau from infomercials in which he has an interest for three years. He's also been ordered to pay more than $5 million in profits from his book, "The Weight Loss Cure 'They' Don't Want You to Know About." This recent ruling in August confirms a 2004 contempt finding against Trudeau -- the second time he's been found in contempt of court in the past four years.

Judge Robert W. Gettleman of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois affirmed his 2007 ruling that Trudeau "clearly, and no doubt intentionally," violated a provision o a 2004 stipulated court order that prohibits him from misrepresenting the content of his books in his infomercials.

Continue reading "The 3-year FTC Ban that Kevin Trudeau Doesn't Want You to Know About" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 7:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cable/Satellite/TV/Comcast/FiOS, Complaints, Consumer protection, Consumer safety, Healthcare, Marketing/Advertising, Naughty businesses/NBotW
        

Seniors will be happy to note that their Social Security benefits will increase 5.8 percent starting in January, the highest annual cost-of-living adjustment since 1982. The boost comes in response to higher prices for food and energy.

The increase will mean about $60 extra for seniors nationwide. The 786,000 Marylanders receiving Social Security benefits on average as of December 2007 received about $1,020 a month, according to the Social Security Administration.

But a reader called with a question I'd like to answer in case others were wondering, too: what about Medicare premiums for 2009?

It turns out that although Social Security benefits are rising ...

Continue reading "Social Security benefits go up, Medicare premiums stay the same" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 10:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Healthcare, Social Security
        

It's been a tough week, yes? The stock market is waaaaay down. We might be headed for another depression. And C-Mart is closing (ok, maybe I'm the only one who is really bummed about that). 

(sigh)

But look, if you find yourself with the money or need to shop soon, think about putting that money to good use while you're indulging in a little pick-me-up. Hopewell Cancer Support, a community for cancer patients, is holding the 2nd Shop for Hope event from Oct. 16 to Oct. 25. More than 50 local merchants along the Falls Road corridor are offering customers a 10 percent discount and they'll make a 10 percent donation to benefit Hopewell. Proceeds benefit programs and services for individuals living with cancer, their families and caretakers.

Continue reading "Don't Despair. Shop for Hope" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Healthcare, Shopping
        

I know, I know. It's lunchtime, so you're not thinking breakfast food probably. But this morning, I was going to eat a bowl of cereal to start off my day and then I remembered the new Consumer Reports test on breakfast cereals.

Are you like me? I always buy a box of Special K or some good-for-you cereal in my cupboard. But every once in a blue moon, I like to buy a box of Golden Grahams or Corn Pops. mmm mmmm corn pops.

Unfortunately, CR now tells me that:

Continue reading "Might as well eat a glazed donut for breakfast" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 12:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Consumer protection, Food, Healthcare
        

Remember the good old days when you'd eat just any old thing without worrying about what you were popping into your mouth? Ah. Ignorance was bliss, or so we thought until we realized what all that fat, salt, trans fat and calories we were ingesting was doing to our bodies.

How many of you out there read food labels more carefully now?

How many of you buy food based on whether it's organic, or trans fat-free, or natural? I'm betting a lot more people read food labels and worry more about where their food comes from than we used to.

Anyhoo, the Food and Drug Administration issued draft guidelines last week for approving genetically engineered (GE), sometimes referred to as genetically modified (GM), produced food.

As the FDA press release on GE food explains:

Genetic engineering generally refers to the use of recombinant DNA (rDNA) techniques to introduce new characteristics or traits into an organism. When scientists splice together pieces of DNA and introduce a spliced DNA segment into an organism to give the organism new properties, it's called rDNA technology. The spliced piece of DNA is called the rDNA construct. A GE animal is one that contains an rDNA construct intended to give the animal new characteristics or traits.

Continue reading "Food for thought: Frankenanimals" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 2:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Consumer protection, Consumer safety, Food, Healthcare, Marketing/Advertising, Technology
        

Have you been following the battle heating up over consumer plastics and whether a hormone-like chemical contained in those plastics are a health hazard?

USA Today is reporting that scientists and the Food and Drug Administration are fighting over whether bisphenol A, or BPA, should be taken out of food packaging. The FDA says it's not a danger at the level that people are commonly exposed to BPA. Scientists disagree.

BPA has been detected in the bodies of virtually all Americans tested, USA Today says.

The story also says:

The newest research — the first large study in humans — links BPA to both heart disease and diabetes in adults. Adults with the highest BPA levels in their urine were more than twice as likely to have heart disease or diabetes than those with the lowest levels, according to the study of 1,455 people, published online Tuesday in The Journal of the American Medical Association. The total number of people with these conditions was small: 79 had heart disease and 136 had diabetes.

Continue reading "Consumer plastics a health risk?" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 11:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Consumer protection, Consumer safety, Healthcare
        

Here's some disturbing news last month in case you missed it from NewsInferno.com:

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning to consumers who filled prescriptions at The Medicine Shoppe pharmacies located at 8035A Liberty Road and 5900 Reisterstown Road, both located in Baltimore, Maryland. The FDA is reporting that such consumers may have received defective drugs that were either expired or suspected counterfeit and is concerned because some of the drugs are for serious diseases and could have an adverse treatment effects. At this time, no other Medicine Shoppe pharmacies seem to be involved.

Because the safety and efficacy of the listed drugs has not been established, the FDA is strongly advising consumers “who filled prescriptions for these drugs at these two pharmacies to contact their prescribing physician immediately for new prescriptions. Additionally, consumers in possession of the above listed prescription drugs from these pharmacies should call FDA at 800-521-5783 for further information on how to dispose of the drugs.” The medications include:

Continue reading "Bad drugs sold in Baltimore" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 7:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Consumer protection, Consumer safety, Healthcare, Naughty businesses/NBotW
        

Here's the July 2008 list of physicians disciplined by the Maryland Board of Physicians:

George M. Hricko, M.D., License # D05500. Area of Practice: Plastic Surgery (Dover, MA) -- Termination of probationary terms and conditions imposed by the Consent Order dated February 26, 2004. The physician has complied with the terms and conditions precedent. Date of Action: July 2, 2008

Mark Davis, M.D., License # D23760. Area of Practice: Internal Medicine (Bel Air, MD) -- Revocation for a minimum of 3 years; the Board will not entertain an application from the physician any earlier than three years from the date of this Final Decision and Order. The physician provided substandard care to patients in his weight management practice and continues to disregard basic medical norms. Date of Action: July 8, 2008

Richard G. Yeron, M.D., License # D41717. Area of Practice: General Practice (Frederick, MD) -- Summary Suspension. The Respondent engaged in a pattern of excessive and unjustifiable prescribing of Schedule II opioid analgesics, that placed his patients at risk for potentia lly serious or life-threatening consequences such as habituation and/or addiction. Date of Action: July 9, 2008

Continue reading "Disciplined Docs in Maryland, Part II" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 11:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Complaints, Consumer protection, Healthcare, Naughty businesses/NBotW
        

We've told you about naughty attorneys, naughty real estate professionals, businesses fined by the state Department of Environment, and all manner of other businesses misbehaving, deceiving the public or disciplined by various federal and state agencies.

Today, we bring you the physicians and physician assistans who you allow to poke, prod, and peer at you in your most vulnerable state... er... you ladies and gents know what I mean if you've been good about getting your annual exams. Do read this carefully because some of them are a doozy. Let's hope your current doctor isn't among those listed.

Here are the June 2008 sanctions from the Maryland Board of Physicians:

Victoria Bagby, RT, License # M00011. Area of Practice: Radiation Therapy (Baltimore, MD) -- Revocation. The Board found that the health care practitioner violated the Medical Practice Act based on her attempt to provide health care services in a condition in which she was unable to complete her assignment, repeated unexcused absenteeism at two medical employers, refusal of a reasonable and proper order to report for health evaluation, and her false answer on an application. Date of Action: June 25, 2008

Jeffrey R. Beck, D.O., License # H55156. Area of Practice: Emergency Medicine (Edgewater, MD) -- Revocation. the Board will not entertain any application for reinstatement for 10 years; order for summary suspension vacated as moot. The Board found that the physician committed unprofessional conduct when he instructed a nurse to remove 2 CDS tablets from a hospital supply and falsified records; prescribed CDS for a friend without maintaining medical records; for rude and insulting behavior to his patients and other health care workers in the hospital workplace; and used his status as a physician to further a prurient relationship with a person whom he believed to be a fourteen-year-old boy. The Board also found that the physician falsified medical records and fraudulently and deceptively used his license in regard to hospital incident involving removal of 2 CDS tablets from a hospital supply. Date of Action: June 25, 2008:

Continue reading "Disciplined Docs in Maryland, Part I" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 6:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Complaints, Consumer protection, Healthcare, Naughty businesses/NBotW
        

Will health savings accounts be enough for your medical needs in old age?

Don’t count on it, according to a study released today by the Employee Benefit Research Institute.

A health savings account must be paired with a high-deductible insurance policy. You can set aside tax-free dollars into the account each year to cover the deductible and other medical costs. You won’t pay taxes on the withdrawals if you use the cash for health care.

EBRI’s study says a 55-year-old couple would be able to save $115,000 in a health savings account by 2018 if they made the maximum contributions allowed under law.

But that couple would need to save $325,000 to $654,000 by the time they reach age 65 to have enough money to cover premiums and out-of-pocket costs half the time. They would need $511,000 to more than $1 million if they wanted a 90 percent chance of having enough money to cover those expenses.

EBRI goes on to explain that one of the limitations of health savings accounts is that contributions are capped.

But that doesn’t seem to be the issue to me. If EBRI’s figures are right, you might have to more than $1 million to cover health care costs in retirement. That’s on top of the big nest egg you’re supposed to have to live on.

We don’t need the contribution cap on health savings accounts to be raised. We need a health care system where you don’t have to be a millionaire to afford care.

Posted by Eileen Ambrose at 2:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Healthcare
        

Ignorance is bliss, right? Well, health officials in New York City think ignorance will kill you. So recently, the Big Apple became the first city in the country to force chain restaurants to post the calorie count of each food in the same size and font as the price.

Yikes.

As this msnbc story on calorie sticker shock says, consumers aren't so sure they want to be jarred into awareness when their tummy is growling for food.

Here's the top of the story:

Nora Cara was flabbergasted.

Continue reading "Restaurant menus dishing up calories" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 10:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Consumer protection, Food, Healthcare
        

In this case, it's not naughty businesses, but individuals.

Paris G. George, 54, of the 1100 block of Dulaney Gate Circle in Cockeysville, pled guilty to charges of felony theft and felony exploitation of a vulnerable adult last week, according to the Office of the Attorney General.

George entered his guilty pleas before Baltimore County Circuit Court Judge Patrick Cavanaugh, just before the start of a week-long jury trial. Judge Cavanaugh imposed the disposition agreed upon by the State and Defendant’s counsel, and sentenced George to five years in prison with all but three years suspended.

The OAG says that George committed 15 thefts, amounting to $33,210, between Dec. 2000 and May 2006. Homeowners and one church in need of wheelchair lifts and stairlifts responded to local newspaper ads placed by George using various company names.

George responded to each sales call, agreed to provide the necessary medical equipment and required a large deposit prior to delivery. George never supplied the equipment, but kept the money he received from 15 customers, the OAG says.

Kudos to Assistant Attorney General Kate O’Donnell for her work on the case.

Continue reading "More NBotW: Healthcare provider and wheelchair salesman" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 3:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Healthcare, Naughty businesses/NBotW
        

Anyone catch Sick Around the World, the Frontline report on healthcare in five countries and how it compares to our healthcare system in the U.S.? I only caught the second half, but it was definitely fascinating on how other countries achieved universal healthcare for residents.

If you missed it, you should check it out. You'll learn how the United Kingdom, Japan, Taiwan, Switzerland and Germany deliver healthcare to everyone. Click here to read a synopsis how how each country does it.

It's not all socialized medicine out there. Many countries provide universal healthcare with private insurance, private hospitals and private doctors using market ideas. But the main point is that these capitalist countries don't trust healthcare completely to the free market. They all impose limits. The three main ones that correspondent T.R. Reid found:

Insurance companies must accept everyone. They can't make a profit on basic care.

Everybody is mandated to buy insurance and the government pays the premium for the poor.

Doctors and hospitals must accept one fixed standard of set prices.

Can Americans accept ideas like that? Reid says America already uses these ideas to cover some segments of the population. We just don't use them to universally cover everyone. Definitely some intriguing ideas worth looking into, especially when you find out that in these five other countries, it's practically unheard of for anyone to go bankrupt due to healthcare costs.

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 10:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Healthcare
        

Here's a no-brainer. If you went into a hospital to get your appendix removed and they amputated your left leg instead, would you have to pay for that horrible mistake? Or, if you went in for surgery and found out the doctor left a doo-hickey inside of you, again, do you think you'd have to pay for that botched-up service?

Turns out, the answer is yes. You most certainly have to pay for it! Sounds preposterous, but it's true. But it's a ridiculous practice that may not go on for much longer since Medicare announced that starting in October, it won't pay for certain types of hospital mistakes anymore. That move was soon followed by other major insurers.  

According to the story, the movement to get hospitals to clean up their acts has been building since 2005. That was when HealthPartners of Minnesota said it would not pay for hospital errors. Since then, Pennsylvania's Department of Public Welfare, Minnesota and Massachusetts and large insurers like Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield have followed suit to make hospitals absorb the cost of making mistakes.

Continue reading "Paying for hospital mistakes" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 11:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Healthcare
        

You guys are probably sick of me going on  and on about the smoking ban and how it treats smokers like second class citizens. Again, before you all yell at me... here's my disclaimer: I am not a smoker. I have never been a smoker. I have no interest in smoking. I think smoking is bad for you so I choose not to smoke.

But see that word there? Choose. I choose not to do it. I have a choice. Just as all smokers should have a choice on where they spend their time and money, and bar owners should have a choice whether they want to allow smokers or not.

I just don't like the idea of government telling us what to do in every single aspect of our lives because I worry about where all that meddling ends. Think I'm worrying for no reason? Guess again. First it's smokers who are banned. Now, obese people are the target.

A state lawmaker in Jackson, Miss., wants to ban restaurants from serving food to fat customers! Chew on that while you're eating your lunch today!

Continue reading "Banning fat people" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 11:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Complaints, Consumer protection, Healthcare
        

Healthcare guru (and my noted pod-mate) Bill Salganik is writing a very interesting story for tomorrow about CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield launching a new program that will pay higher fees to doctors who rank well in patient care.

On the face of it, it sounds like a good thing. As Bill says in his story: Doctors can earn up to 7 percent above CareFirst's standard fees for meeting standards of process (if women get needed mammograms), service (if there are weekend or evening hours) and outcomes (if patients lower their cholesterol).

I don't have a problem with ranking physician performance. I agree that more information for consumers is good. But why am I worried (besides the fact that I am a natural born worrier from way back)? Read this WPost story on insurers ranking physician performance and how it can go horribly wrong.

Continue reading "CareFirst rates physician performance" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 5:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Healthcare
        

Thanks to Reader Joe for pointing this out:

http://www.tanglewoodwellnesscenter.com/staff.php

(This appears to be current?  Note the 301 area code in the contact information!)

If you missed it, this question is related to my earlier post about two "docs" that the Maryland Board of Physicians sanctioned for practicing medicine without a license.

I called the 301 area code number up and got "the" Loren Lockman on the phone. He then told me that...

Continue reading "He's no Doc!" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 11:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Healthcare
        

The Maryland Board of Physicians whacked the two "docs" at Tanglewood Wellness Center, where individuals went to stay "from periods ranging from several days to several weeks to engage in supervised water-only fasting with the purpose of promoting the self-healing of the body."

If you think that sounds like a bunch of hooey, the board did, too.

They issued public cease and desist orders to Loren Eric Lockman and Timothy Scott Trader (don't those names sound like they come out of a cheesy soap opera?) for practicing medicine without a license and representing to the public that they were authorized to practice medicine.

Tanglewood first opened in Bethesda and then later, Thurmont, the state board says. The facility where these two were working is no longer operating, but...

Continue reading "Naughty businesses Part III --- Health practictioners" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 10:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Consumer protection, Consumer safety, Healthcare, Naughty businesses/NBotW
        

Ha! Just kidding. I'm not dying... although I'm sure you're all just sick of my pity-me-woe-is-me-I'm-so-ill-(cough cough)-whiny prattling. But in keeping with the health theme, I was surfing the Web and remembered this terrific site where you can check the background of any doctor in the state.

I am searching for a new doctor in the city and I'm open to any suggestions. Since my dog isn't giving me any good tips, I figured a good place to find one would be here at the Maryland Board of Physicians' Web site. Type in any name and it'll tell you where your doc was schooled, what specialty board certifications they earned and whether they have an active license.

That's not all.

Continue reading "Find me a doctor, stat!" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Healthcare
        

Boy, oh, Boy. Am I wishing that I had been smart enough to get a flu shot. I kept putting it off and putting it off... and last Tuesday, WHAM-O. I got whalloped with the flu. That's my excuse for the blog going dark since Tuesday. I hope you guys will forgive me for not updating more often.

I just couldn't stop coughing up a lung long enough to type.

I'm on the mend, though, so to start off slowly, I thought I'd tell everyone to go get a flu shot. Pronto. Not sure where? All the pharmacies I've seen (and ignored, sadly) were offering flu shots and if not there, then check here for a flu shot. Don't wait. Just do it.

Seriously. You'll thank me for it.

Continue reading "Fighting the flu" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 12:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Consumer protection, Healthcare
        

(Image courtesy of USDHHS)

Do you love to procrastinate? Are you a fan of that saying, "Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow?" Well, Healthcare Guru Bill Salganik has a warning for seniors out there who are putting off signing up for Medicare until the last minute. Granted, you have until the end of the year to sign up, but do so at your own risk. Bill says:

Although the deadline is Dec. 31, experts advise seniors to make sign-up decisions sooner, ideally by about Dec. 8.
If you wait and switch plans on New Year's Eve, it may take some time for the Medicare and insurance and pharmacy computers to get updated, and you may have problems getting prescriptions filled in early January.
If you're not changing plans, a late decision won't matter -- but you need to check soon to see whether you need to switch plans. Many have increased their premiums and co-payments and changed their lists of approved drugs, so the plan that was good for you this year might not be the best choice for next year.

Continue reading "Medicare slow filers" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 4:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Healthcare