Topic: Health Planning

nursing home
Mar 16 2021

Five things to consider when choosing a nursing home

Family Caregiving  •  By Miles Varn, MD

Although it’s an emotionally difficult decision to make, more than half of older adults in the U.S. will spend time in a nursing home. Some will be there for a shorter stay to recover and undergo rehabilitation after a serious illness or injury. Others may need to stay longer if family and friends are no... Read More

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health advisory
Feb 16 2021

Should health advisory be part of your health strategy?

Health Risk Management  •  By Miles Varn, MD

You have health insurance and a great primary care provider. Are there other resources that could help you build a personalized strategy to manage your health and wellbeing? Health advisory services are one option to explore. Health advisors do not provide medical care. Instead, they offer a range of services and resources that expand and... Read More

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kidney disease
Jan 12 2021

Should you say yes to becoming a medical power of attorney?

Health Risk Management  •  By Miles Varn, MD

If a family member or friend asked you to serve as her or his medical power of attorney, what would your answer be? Many people say yes without a second thought, but you should take some time to understand what your responsibilities would be, why the person has chosen you, and what potential complications and... Read More

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virtual seconc opinions
Dec 15 2020

The pros and cons of virtual visits

Disease Management  •  By Miles Varn, MD

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, you may have tried a virtual visit through an online app or a service provided by your health insurer. Many primary care physicians and specialists around the country didn’t even offer virtual visits as an option, but 2020 changed that. Because people were concerned about potential exposure to the virus at... Read More

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surgeon's experience
Dec 1 2020

Your surgeon’s experience can mean the difference between a good outcome and a poor one

Health Risk Management  •  By Miles Varn, MD

If your doctor has recommended surgery, there are two important steps you should take before agreeing to undergo any procedure. First, seek a second opinion from a physician who has extensive experience treating people with your diagnosis. A second opinion can change or confirm your diagnosis and treatment plan and may provide you with other,... Read More

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second opinions
Oct 27 2020

Second opinions: Five situations when you should get one

Second Opinion  •  By Miles Varn, MD

Second opinions can help lower your risk of experiencing a medical error or misdiagnosis, allow you to learn about all treatment options and their benefits and risks, connect you with physicians who have experience and success treating people with your condition, and provide you with peace of that mind that your diagnosis and treatment plan... Read More

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overcome healthcare challenges
Oct 20 2020

Three challenges to getting the care you need and how to overcome them

Health Risk Management  •  By Miles Varn, MD

Many people assume that if they have a good health insurance plan, that’s all they need to get access to the care they need. Unfortunately, health insurance is only one part of the care access equation. Even with a great health plan, it can still be difficult to get the care you need when you... Read More

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genetic testing
Sep 23 2020

What you should know about the potential unintended consequences of genetic testing

Health Risk Management  •  By Miles Varn, MD

I recently talked with KevinMD on his podcast about the potential unintended consequences of genetic testing. You can learn more about the subject in this post.   Clinical and direct-to-consumer genetic testing are much less expensive and more common than they used to be. You can buy a genetic test kit at Walmart or your... Read More

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COVID-19
Sep 1 2020

Strategies to help you manage the high cost of care for COVID-19

Health finance  •  By Miles Varn, MD

There’s no doubt the cost of the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 is high. Data collected by FAIR Health found costs that ranged from approximately $37,000 to more than $93,000 per patient, depending on age, location, and whether the patient had other health problems that increased the risk of complications from the virus. Early in... Read More

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preventive care
Aug 18 2020

Preventive care: Should you skip checkups during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Preventive Care  •  By Miles Varn, MD

Depending on where you live and whether cases of COVID-19 are rising, stable, or falling, you may get a reminder from your doctor and dentist that you’re due for a preventive care appointment or a recommended cancer screening. Even in areas of the country where the number of new COVID-19 cases are staying about the... Read More

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