Tag Archives: evidence-based medicine

Navigating Board Certification: Finding a Balance Between Knowledge and Practicality

In the dynamic realm of medicine, the pursuit of knowledge is a fundamental pillar for dedicated professionals. Particularly in a field where information continually advances and evidence-based practices shape patient care, the importance of maintaining board certification is a crucial consideration. However, as physicians navigate this landscape, a fundamental question surfaces: Does board certification genuinely reflect a physician’s… Read More »

Obesity Continues to Plague our Healthcare Systems

We continue to battle the epidemic of obesity and we have tried countless tactics to impact the ever-growing issue. Unfortunately, effective treatment remains elusive, no matter what models we utilize. Whether it is diets, behavioral modification, or even bariatric surgery, we seem to continue to have a minimal impact. The idea of self-activation and engagement continues to be… Read More »

Feedback Makes a Difference When Requesting Diagnostic Imaging

As we continue to focus on the cost of healthcare and delivering value, there has been an ongoing interest in ordering ambulatory testing, especially regarding musculoskeletal complaints. What is driving this cost, is the volume of tests ordered and the unit price of those tests. Undoubtedly, it’s worth spending time discussing the degree of pricing; however, it is… Read More »

Will Diagnostic Artificial Intelligence Ever Become a Real Thing?

The desire to improve diagnostic accuracy, efficiency, and safety is always on the minds of clinicians. Suddenly, artificial intelligence (AI) arrives, and everyone believes we have found nirvana and a solution to all problems. Unfortunately, despite multiple peaks of excitement, AI still has failed to meet our expectations. When we delve into the reasons concerning diagnostic accuracy, it’s… Read More »

Changing the Language We Use for A Transient Ischemic Attack

In the past, those who had a transient episode of cerebral ischemia, marked by symptoms that resolved quickly, were informed they had a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). Over time, this was translated by the lay population as a “mini-stroke” or “almost a stroke.” And, consequently, these events became minimized as they were deemed “not that bad.” Unfortunately, recent… Read More »

Is Evidence-Based Medicine Being Used in Drug Step Therapy?

Pharmaceutical costs continue to rise and are increasingly becoming a significant portion of medical spending for care. There have been many attempts to stem this ever-increasing portion of the total cost of care including, increased generic utilization, value-based incentive models, and the use of drug step therapy protocols. Specifically, this latter model requires the administration of specific agents… Read More »

Taking a Look at What Causes Low-Value Care

Low-value care is defined as the utilization of health services that harm or in which the costs outweigh the possible benefits and there are many reasons for these actions. The desire for clinicians to eliminate situations that might cause harm is a driving factor. Although they may be unable to inform you of precisely what is occurring in… Read More »

Cognitive Assessments Can Help Identify Needed Care

As we age, cognitive impairment becomes more likely. Simultaneously, our natural living conditions increase isolation and distance from support networks, including mitigating treatments that can negatively impact mental stability. Unless we deliberately and diligently assess those we serve, we have no awareness of such needs. Although cognitive decline tends to occur insidiously, repetitive assessments are still necessary. With… Read More »

Why Are We Slow to Stop Inappropriate Care?

One of our shortcomings as health care professionals is our acceptance of evidence-based medicine, especially when the data proves that abandoning practices is required.  And despite robust, research cataloging practices, that add little value, such activities remain widespread at a considerable cost and increasing the likelihood to harm. As professionals, the question remains, “Why are we so slow… Read More »

Addressing Societal Health Issues at a Root Cause Level

As we continue to grapple with various disease states like obesity and diabetes, which impact a significant number of people, our ability to change human behaviors is minimal. We continuously design interventions that include education and behavioral modification with limited results. In essence, we appear to be attempting to prevent water from streaming out of the hose by… Read More »