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The previous discussions of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) described the potential benefits of EHRs in the U.S. Health Care system as well as the specific means by which health care providers document a patient’s medical information via a comprehensive note called a History & Physical or an abbreviated SOAP note. Part III of this discussion reveals the true impact of EHRs on modern medical practices, which often does not enhance ... Read More >>

A middle-aged woman saw her primary care physician for a cough.  The diagnostic testing at that time, including a chest x-ray, was normal.  She returned approximately 6 months later for further evaluation of her cough which had not responded to any treatment.  The news she received was overwhelming, “you have metastatic lung cancer.”  Feeling helpless, this woman and her son contacted PHA for guidance. “I just wanted to take a ... Read More >>

A midwestern woman’s healthy, 29-year-old son suddenly developed stroke-like symptoms and had to go to the closest hospital for treatment.  He lived thousands of miles away in a major metropolitan area on the West coast.  In the initial hours of his hospitalization, his family was unable to contact him or his doctors to find out what was happening.  The information they eventually did receive was unclear and confusing.  With no ... Read More >>

When, at 38, this man had severe chest pain and difficulty breathing, he realized on multiple levels that he did not want to become a mere statistic. At some point in all of our lives, a major medical symptom or complaint will develop.  At that moment in time, all people realize their vulnerability to medical conditions that are beyond the control or influence of an individual.  The stakes can be ... Read More >>

A 40-year-old man was first seen by a family physician for mild respiratory symptoms, but then had rapidly progressive shortness of breath, cough, and difficulty breathing.  Within a short period of time, he needed to be seen in an emergency department in a local hospital.  Prior to becoming ill, he was affiliated with PHA and contacted his professional medical counsel when things became worse. “Recently I was hospitalized for a ... Read More >>

A 50-year-old woman with a family history of lung cancer was concerned about an abnormality found on a recent CT scan of her chest.  She was dissatisfied with explanations she was receiving from her physicians and wanted to obtain another opinion but did not know where to turn. “I went to see the doctor you referred me to on Tuesday. He feels the nodules are benign but wants me to ... Read More >>

A 43-year-old woman was involved in a car accident and suffered debilitating symptoms for more than a year, despite being seen by many physicians, including several subspecialists.  She had severe light-headedness, frequent disabling headaches, and persistent nausea. Her doctors could not offer her effective treatments or explain why she had these symptoms.  Eventually, she was dismissed by the treating physicians, who told her that a “real medical problem” could not ... Read More >>

During these difficult economic times, many businesses have to cut costs and limit health and wellness services to their employees.   PHA offers a value added service that extends well beyond typical health and wellness initiatives; PHA has the ability not only to dramatically help people in their times of need, but also to provide considerable benefit to a company’s bottom line.  Below is the testimonial from the President and CEO ... Read More >>

The answers to specific medical problems are not always clear.  There are often many possible solutions to any medical problem, however, no best single approach.  In some in cases, the treatment may be worse than the disease.  These realities, at times, are difficult for physicians and their patients to accept.  A full appreciation of the true risks, benefits, and alternatives of certain medical treatments is complicated and hard to achieve.  ... Read More >>

Part I of this series discussed the benefits associated with the use of Electronic Health Records (EHR) in modern medical practice. Part II is focused upon how the structure of the patient medical record impacts modern medical practice. The Medical Note – is it the heart and soul of patient care? The medical note has undergone a metamorphosis over the past several decades from a tool used primarily to assist ... Read More >>