I am pleased to share with you a podcast in which I participated with Jodie Jackson, Jr. on his program, “Quality Talk.” Among the issues covered were the challenges physicians face in the new value-based reimbursement system called MIPS and some of the subjects discussed in my blog posts on “Burdens and Burnout” and “A [...]
Some doctors are losers in this zero-sum game Although retired from my practice of ophthalmology, I still keep up with the latest developments from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as they impact my former specialty. A decades-long reimbursement system based upon relative value units for exams and procedures is part of the [...]
After finishing the pitch for my book at a recent Harvard Writers’ Conference in Boston, I felt relieved and encouraged by the judges’ comments. As I waited for my turn at the podium, I glanced above my notes over the faces of 300 of my fellow attendees who had accomplished so much in their respective [...]
I was glad to hear my former chief technician’s son, a recent college graduate, had received multiple job offers. Some would argue that with low unemployment and a strong economy, his odds were good for finding a job. That observation, based upon macroeconomics, ignores the character of the job seeker. While one position was an [...]
Paul Pender, MD published on KevinMD.com May 3, 2019 During a recent walk at Crystal Cove, a splendid California State Park with miles of pristine coastline, I encountered two young women sitting on a bench with a magnificent view of the ocean. Yet their only view of interest was their cell phone screens. One of [...]
Writing and speaking about the changes in health care that have occurred in the last few decades have spawned a cottage industry online. On the social media website for physicians founded by Kevin Pho MD, we learn about what issues concern doctors and patients. The exchanges posted seem to foster a sense of group therapy—and [...]
So much of what I read from the futurists is the stuff of science fiction without the humanity. We now have cellphones with facial recognition for identification (and to create effective and personal emoji’s). Artificial intelligence is being developed to gauge the emotional state associated with facial expressions, something physicians have developed over years of [...]
It’s NOT about where you studied; it’s about what you do with it. Or is it? See the article in the WSJ from November 27, 2018 by Allan Ripp, “Take It From an Almost-Harvard Man.” Prestigious brands and labels can open doors, but it’s really about what you do after you cross the threshold. As [...]
An Emergency Physician, LS, came to me for an eye problem. After diagnosing and treating him, we talked about his current assignments. He covers hospital emergency rooms in two towns and the urgent care centers affiliated with the parent hospital. Lately, he has had to tell patients in an urgent care setting that a study, [...]
By Paul Pender MD Published on Linked-In June 22, 2018 Atul Gawande MD, a practicing surgeon and best-selling author, has been named CEO of the yet-to-be-formed health care plan envisioned by leaders of three of the most prominent companies in America: Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway and JP Morgan Chase & Co. Jeff Bezos, Warren Buffett and Jamie [...]