Posted by GruntDoc on 15th December 2008
Dr. Glauser at EMNews vents his spleen a bit about a general feeling that Primary Care needs more funding:
Say what? Fund physicians to promote primary care? Why throw good money after bad? If ever there was a group that has failed in providing care, it is our primary care system. To fund such a venture for groups that are singularly inept at performing anything of value to society is pure folly and a waste of precious health care dollars.
This did not pass unnoticed by an excellent primary care blogger, Dr. Rob at Musings of a Distractible Mind:
This guy is not arguing, he is ranting. Why? My suspicion is that he sees the fact that increased reimbursement for primary care physicians means potentially decreased reimbursement for emergency physicians. That does not mean you shouldn’t trust his arguments – he could use the same against me.
Read them both, and join the argument. I’m for paying primary care better, because they need some more flexibility (though I have my concerns, too).
Posted in Policy, Rants | 6 Comments »
Posted by GruntDoc on 15th December 2008
Hmm, I’ve not seen this at work in the ED (though I have injured myself at home with similar problems, so I won’t say it doesn’t happen.
HEALTH & SCIENCE
Ho ho woes: Wrap rage results in lacerations and bad tempers
Emergency department doctors report that thousands get medical attention annually for wounds related to packaging.
By Victoria Stagg Elliott, AMNews staff. Dec. 22, 2008.
Images of colorfully wrapped presents under a Christmas tree are not supposed to trigger feelings of frustration and risks of possible injury. But trends in the packaging of many popular gifts have been diagnosed as the cause of this scenario — what sometimes is called "wrap rage."
The real culprit, of course, is the "clamshell" or "oyster" packaging that encases many toys, electronics and other products. These hard plastic containers have emerged as a favorite of manufacturers and retailers because they protect items during shipping and prevent theft from store shelves, while still allowing shoppers to see what they are buying. The problem for consumers, though, is that these coverings are intensely difficult to remove — often requiring tools, muscle and swearing. Sometimes the experience results in a trip to the hospital.
Get a package opener (I have one, and it works terribly well).
Posted in Emergency, Family, Medical | 5 Comments »
