Who says we can't look pretty AND teach & learn at the same time? This Registered Health Information Administrator and Educator sets the societal norms on THIS page, my dear!
Thanks for stopping by!!!!!!
Nothing sparks a learning environment like a little rhythm. Five of the 7 patient rights that we discussed in class today
were covered in the attached Youtube video. It was a fun and "hip" way to reinforce the importance of ensuring that the right patient gets the right drug and the right dose at right time through the right route. Medication errors can be decreased when these "rights" are correct ;-)
To jam and learn like we did earlier, click the title above, "Course material & rhythm."
Thank God for letting me find my niche and bask in it!
$4.1 Billion! That's a lot of money. A program called "Health Care Hustle" is airing right this moment on CNBC that discloses testimonials and details on arrests of health care providers for defrauding our federal government out of billions of dollars. Attorney General Eric Holder is shown making a speech, disclosing that $4.1 Billion have been recovered, though there are more funds to be recovered.
Basically, health care providers, such as the doctors and nurses identified on this TV show use people like me, professionals with medical billing, coding, & pharmacy background, to report more services than were actually provided. In exchange, health care providers are reimbursed at a generous rate and pocket the money.
This reminds me of a chapter (Two-timing millionaire) in my third book, "Tell-tale signs of a train wreck." I've also written an article on this topic in the past, which can still be found on Florida Today's website. FYI: click the title above (Health Care Hustle) to access my Florida Today article.
I'm proud to be an ethical health care professional ;-)
OIG, you can count on me to do the right thing!
As I continuously emphasize, stress kills! Stress contributes to strokes and heart attacks, otherwise known as cerebrovascular accidents and cardiovascular accidents (cardiac arrests).
Leading up to strokes and heart attacks, patients often experience problems with blood clots (thrombus) and/or blood clots that travel (embolism). Physicians often prescribe aspirin (ASA) to patients with a history of strokes, heart attacks, blood clots, and/or traveling blood clots. In instances where physicians refer patients to a drug store to pick up "Baby Aspirin," I often get an opportunity to chat with them.
The question I usually get is, "Where is the baby aspirin?" Sometimes, they will present with a 325 mg bottle of aspirin saying, "My doctor told me to buy a bottle of 'Baby Aspirin' and to take one every day for my heart."
Both scenarios are an opportunity for me to point out the difference between "Baby Aspirin" (81 mg tablet) and adult/regular aspirin (325 mg tablet). Since aspirin is categorized as a "blood thinner," anyone can understand the big difference between a 81 mg tablet ("Baby Aspirin") and a 325 mg tablet (adult/regular aspirin).
Unless advised by your physician, aspirin is not a drug that should be taken everyday. Conditions such as Reye's Syndrome can develop, when aspirin is taken inappropriately.
So, when your physician tells you to stop by a drug store and pick up a bottle of aspirin, get that advice in writing and take it with you for reference, so that you don't accidentally grab the wrong bottle and overdose yourself.
And that's my tip for today ;-) HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!!!
Reportedly, nearly 75% of students in Brevard County Public Schools fail the writing portion of the FCAT. I would like a role in the new standards strategy. How fortunate I am to have the gift of writing♥
I know some folk who wish they could have their surgeries done for free! Don't you? Starting October 1, 2012 certain Floridians will finally get their wish, as long as they get it done outside the United States, in countries such as India, Turkey, and Singapore. So, if you're a Floridian working as a county employee, check with your benefits coordinator to see if you qualify. One never knows... a joint replacement, cardiac bypass, or weight loss surgery may be a complimentary surgery. Sometimes, if you don't ask, you'll never know ;-)
I love it when you visit me. Thanks for stopping by!
Well, we are more than half way through the month of May. Depending on what I get to witness, I may amuse you with a QUESTION OF THE MONTH post for the month of May. Metoprolol tartrate, the generic for Lopressor (Beta-blocker anti-hypertensive) is a VERY commonly filled prescription drug and one of the first anti-hypertensives learned by a pharmacy technician; that is if the technician was ever formally trained/educated. So, when I hear a question like, "Does metoprolol have a diuretic in it?" It causes me to pause and think, "Really?"
My tip to uneducated technicians who manage to slip through the cracks is to be more careful how you treat those of us who are educated and properly trained, as we can all learn from one another ;-)
I'll leave you with a saying that my Grandma Lottie used to tell me alllll the time... "You can learn something from anybody, even a fool."
Click on the title above to read more about metoprolol, which is used for hypertension and other conditions, such as migraine headaches, but it is NOT a diuretic ;-)
I know what makes me happy. Researching pharmacy and health laws, writing, and teaching bring me the most joy and happiness. I love it when topics I've written about tie directly into my lectures. I usually take advantage of teachable moments like that =) The feeling I get is like when I watch a distinct arrangement of Dominoes flow like an ocean wave!
So what's next? Another series of pharmacy and health-related articles and BOOK #4 coming up soon. Stay tuned!
Now, click on the title above (WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY) and jammmm with me!
Exclusivity is something almost every lady desires. She is usually adored more than usual, when she is well dressed, well behaved, and classy. Accessories at Rita’s Shoe Closet provide the touch of class that can elevate any ensemble to the next level. As owner of the classiest shoe and accessory boutique in Brevard County, Rita Brown set and achieved her goal by “Bringing a touch of class to Cocoa.” In executing her goal, ladies in Cocoa, and Brevardian ladies in general, now have access to classy, jazzy, not-so-cookie-cutter shoes and accessories.
At Rita’s Shoe Closet, Brevardian ladies (and those outside of Brevard) shop for shoes with elegant designs and fierce colors. Whether ladies want high heels or flats, there is surely a unique pair of footwear to meet individual and special taste in fashion. Styles vary from leopard print, solid colors, swirl heels, no heels, spike-studded fabric, faux snake skin, and patent leather, just to name a few.
Hand bags, and jewelry are also a major part of Rita’s inventory at Rita’s Shoe Closet. For example, “Body Jewelry” is a new trend in Brevard, thanks to Rita’s Shoe Closet. Body Jewelry is worn over clothing, draped across the shoulders and dangles as far down as a lady’s waist, depending on the piece. Some pieces are asymmetrical, covering one shoulder instead of two. Some pieces cover the mid-section, including the chest and back. Whether gold, silver, or rhinestone-studded, any ladies’ body can be accented with body jewelry from Rita’s Shoe Closet.
In addition, and more importantly for some, Rita’s Shoe Closet offers exclusivity of exotic and rare shoes and accessories. When shoppers finally find the treasures for which they have been seeking, they can also rest assured that every other lady in town will NOT be wearing the same! At Rita’s Shoe Closet, hundreds of the same item are NOT ordered, sold, or recycled, which helps ensure that fewer ladies will encounter someone else in her shoes.
Visit Rita, shop for shoes, and possibly meet a local author at her boutique. In March 2012, Rita Brown hosted her first of more book signings to come, featuring Domanique Culpepper and her third book, “Tell-tale signs of a train wreck.”
Visit in person or by clicking on the title above (Exclusivity for ladies).
Life is a funny thing. As it begins to come full circle, we realize what truly matters. Community Involvement is an integral piece on my "What Matters" list.
This photo was taken at my alumni association's annual scholarship gala. Our guest speaker and FAMU's Director of Alumni Alumni Affairs, Carmen Cummings-Martin (left) and Dick Blake (center), Chapter President and City Councilman accompany me. The Brevard County Chapter of Florida A&M University, National Alumni Association, Inc. Scholarship Gala, yielded 7 more scholarships. This comes in addition to the half-dozen scholarships awarded in January of this year, during our Recruitment Reception at Harris Corporation.
It's an amazing feeling to share myself and my time with my community.
Cheers!
Beyonce is clearly one of a kind! Yes, I am a fan. She is a talented entertainer and I love to listen to her sing and watch her dance. I mean, who else can do what she does?!
Health comes into play when listening to her music, which makes me and others feel good, as her music stimulates the release of happy hormones called "endorphins." You want this kind of release because it can help balance stress levels and boost your immune system.
If you're crazy enough to try Beyonce's dance moves, then you will get quite the workout. Everyone knows that exercise is good for your health =)
As an educator, I am extremely pleased to hear that Beyonce is going back to school. Education can synergize her natural wit, making her even more clever and successful. Besides, she's a mommy now, and I'm sure she would want to set a stellar example of achievement in all areas of life!
Next time, maybe I'll get the first call to help with her curriculum. Besides, I'm pretty good at what I do, and passionate about it, too.
I've been walking a tightrope all week, not realizing that I've been walking a tightrope all the while. Newsflash: It's the journey, not the destination ;-)
Click on the title above (Another tightrope? Okay!) to enjoy my 2012 Anthem. FYI, It's First Lady Michelle Obama's fave, too ;-)
Do you ever take a second to consider the competency of the pharmacy staff responsible for filling your prescriptions. Did it ever occur to you that some of the staff do not know the difference between an anti-hypertensive (blood pressure) medication and analgesic (pain) medication. It's true! I have seen it, time and time again!
So, why is this happening? Is it cheap labor for the company? Is it because they've been with the company for so long? Well, I've formed an opinion about this, and it seems to me that certain pharmacies keep mediocre staff members on the payroll because of just that; cheap labor and longevity.
The way I see it, many of the technicians working in pharmacies lack the formal training necessary to make them a competent and effective pharmacy technician. Although they may be "super-tech," when it comes to procedural tasks, they are clueless about drug indications, categories, side effects, and incompatibilities. Yet and still they tend to run off most of the newcomers with intimidation; unless of course, intimidation does not work. Then newcomers are typically labeled as "confrontational" or "difficult to work with," simply due to the expectation of excellence and compliance with statutes, regulations, and federal laws, sprinkled with the slightest bit of professionalism.
Regarding management/pharmacies, they must identify the dynamics of their workplace and maintain order and organization within the pharmacy. In doing so, perhaps training opportunities may come about for technicians. This may help turn a mediocre technician into a more competent technician, which may hopefully steer their focus from less important things (competition/ego) toward the mission at hand. The mission should be to administer the correct medication to the correct patient at the correct time.
I could be wrong, but that's how I see it!
Looking forward to augmenting my 8+ years of experience as a Certified Pharmacy Technician with additional training from UF in Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy. Yeah, I'm on the right track ;-)
First, let me reiterate how thrilled I am to be an instructor of a pharmacy technician training program. Also, as a new Gator, in the Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy Program, I had to share this bit of good news!
A married couple, whose passion for pharmaceutical outcomes matches mine, contributed a significant amount of resources to the study of medication errors. Take a look at "Preventing Medical Errors in Hospitals through an Endowed Professorship," by clicking the title above, "MEDICATION ERRORS." As technology advances, we must keep up, while also keeping down medication errors.
From the looks of things, George Zimmerman may have some company in his new government home. It will be interesting to see how many more Trayvon Martins there have been in these United States. Unfortunately, there has been at least one in Palm Bay, Florida of Brevard County. Take a look at my article, "Should've, Would've, Could've," published in this month's edition of Ebony News Today...
Trayvon Martin is gone. There is nothing anyone can do or say to bring him back or relieve his family of their loss. Clearly, Trayvon Martin’s murderer should have been arrested and immediately imprisoned, according to the general consensus. Locally, officials and citizens have been discussing the manner in which Trayvon Martin’s murder is being handled.
On April 2, 2012, the first publicly organized roundtable discussion took place. The committee of attorneys and activists responsible for the discussion, which took place at Greater St. Paul Baptist Church in Cocoa, Florida, were led by Councilman Kendall Moore, Esq., as he facilitated the discussion. Attendees were asked to share their concerns in the form of a question, and local officials and candidates were prepared to answer. In a gist, questions were primarily asking what should’ve, would’ve, and could’ve been done differently in response to Trayvon Martin’s murder. All candidates, who were present, explained their hypothetical plans. However, the manner in which the Trayvon Martin case is handled will perpetuate Trayvon’s name and set a precedent for future homicide cases.
Surprisingly, the word on the street varies quite a bit, and race does not seem to be a common denominator. People are also saying that…
Jeanie Watson Coleman (White female): “I think Zimmerman is lying to stay out of jail and trouble but he didn't count on the public outlash. He thought that he could lie and that stupid Florida law would protect him and with Trayvon dead, who would say he did anything differently.
Ebony (Black female): “Basic police procedures were ignored in this case and at the crime scene. The shooter or murderer made this ‘racial’ from his 911 telephone call, when he said, ‘if it smells like a cover up, walks like a cover up, it is a cover up.’ Otherwise, why hide Trayvon’s body 3 days with his cell phone, while his father requested assistance from the police? Laws must apply to all people all the time! Trayvon Martin was a young 17 year-old boy, who was stalked and murdered, like an animal.”
Summer Varrichio (White female): “Zimmerman saw a young African American male wearing a hoodie, walking in his neighborhood and he immediately thought that Trayvon was ‘on drugs or something.’ Perhaps, he conjured up crime and criminals in the area when there really weren't. Zimmerman was looking for an adrenaline rush, and wanted to encounter something. He wanted to be a hero and save the community from criminals. I do think he was racist. He uses the ‘n-word’ like it's a casual, normal, everyday word for him. Zimmerman had not worked in law enforcement professionally, though he was preparing to do so. But, if Zimmerman were African American and following people with a firearm, he would’ve been pulled over and arrested immediately. I'm also upset about the lack of police investigation. The police DID NOT interview his girlfriend, who was on the phone with Trayvon when the murder took place. She still has yet to be interviewed.”
Lennox Francis (Black male): “Trayvon was stalked and pursued by Zimmerman. A confrontation transpired, causing Zimmerman to shoot and kill Trayvon, out of fear.”
Marshall Frank (White male): “Opinions are being manipulated by the media. Americans, along with the mainstream media, better start cooling their heels. The blame for all this hatred does not lie with George Zimmerman. But he probably did provoke and shoot Trayvon, instead of backing off.”
Mrs. Stanton (White female): “Zimmerman wasn’t supposed to have a gun, anyway. He was just a neighborhood watch guy. He definitely should have been arrested. I think they will eventually arrest him.”
So, yes, the general public is indeed responding to the senseless death of Trayvon Martin. Perhaps, the tragedy of such will help shed light on other injustices, such as that endured by a local teen, Darrick Washington, Jr. of Palm Bay High School. Though his case has been investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), and allegations against Darrick Washington have been proven untrue, Brevard County Schools have not permitted his return to school, according to the teen’s mother, Andrea Johnson.
Though Ms. Johnson’s son, Darrick Washington, Jr., was shot in the chest by an Indian River Deputy, who first claimed that Washington shot at him, he survived after a 23-day hospital visit. Indian River County’s Deputy Kevin Keitz, who has a history of shooting suspects, shot Darrick Washington, Jr. in October of 2010, and has not been arrested. Meanwhile, a now 18 year-old Darrick Washington, Jr. is still awaiting justice, as he spends every day on house arrest. Each day that passes pushes Washington further away from his recent football and academic achievements and even further away from his dreams of attending college.
To date hospital bills are unpaid and Ms. Johnson is unsure of exactly what is being done to ensure that justice prevails, mainly because each of the three reports that she has in her possession disclose different findings and very little information is being shared with her. Ms. Johnson further explained that every time a court hearing is set, it is ultimately rescheduled, and nothing seems to get accomplished.
Since Ms. Johnson has been seeking legal counsel and support from local officials, civic organizations, and community leaders throughout Brevard County and beyond for more than a year now, it is no wonder that concern for her son seems to be growing exponentially. When asked about the status of the case, “The investigation is still ongoing. Internal Affairs is still investigating,” she said. “At this point, I just want justice. I’m mostly concerned about my son’s future. I’d like to see him become an active member of society.”
Ms. Johnson is desperately seeking support in pursuit of justice for her son, Darrick Washington, Jr.
Interested parties may contact Ms. Andrea Johnson at 321.557.8933
Just a quick reminder for everyone to check their insurance plans prior to visits to the doctor and pharmacy. Failure to do so could result in a lengthy conversation over the amount owed! Therefore, insurance plan documentation should be kept in a safe, but accessible location. Having knowledge of copay/coinsurance amounts helps minimize the element of surprise, once it's time to pay up ;-)
Another tip that can help ease the flow of visits to the doctor and pharmacy include access to the most current formulary or menu of drugs for each insurance company. Patients should take a copy of the most recent version of their insurance company's formulary with them to doctor's appointments. That way, when the physician or health care provider chooses a medication regimen, both the patient and physician can discuss the best options for the patient.
When physicians are made aware of medications covered by insurance, they are better equipped to help patients meet their medical needs. In turn, patients' knowledge of their insurance coverage can make for a more successful pharmacy visit, too!
In other words, make sure your physician is writing prescriptions for you that ARE covered by your insurance plan. Otherwise, expect a delay at the pharmacy and an overall more expensive price on your prescription label ;-)
Then, you may go on, more efficiently, about your day!
My beloved cat turned 18 years old this month! He's my BFF and the best kitty in all the land. I dread the day he goes home to Glory, which may not be far off ... =(
However, in focusing on the positive and wonderful times we have shared, I thought it to be important enough to share with the world that having a pet is good for your health!
At this point, it's probably common knowledge that pets help decrease stress and bring more happiness to a household. However, I found some details through the New York Times that confirm the positive health benefits of exposure to pets. I prefer cats myself, but dogs are pretty awesome, too!
The New York Times article, to which I am referring, explains the positive health impact of dogs in individuals enduring Autism, speech pathology, depression, and Alzheimer's.
Click the title above, "Healthy Pet Love" for the full story.
The bottom line is all Americans need access to quality care.Yes, everyone should be required to have health insurance, and here's why.When the average uninsured person gets hurt or becomes sick, their first stop is the emergency room instead of a physician's office.It is common knowledge that health care services cost much more at an emergency room than a physician's office.Common sense should also reveal that a person's right to choose whether or not to have health insurance is less important that the social burden the lack of health insurance poses on the public, as well as health care facilities as a whole.
Though the Hill-Burton Act, which later became Title XVI of the Public Health Service Act, was enacted for the purpose of subsidizing health care costs for the indigent, its purpose would be non-existent if everyone had health insurance in the first place.Sure, there are some who can afford to pay for health care services without health insurance.Perhaps, those individuals may go about financing their health care in a different manner.But for the bulk of the American population, who can not pay cash for annual exams or cardiac catherizations, mandatory health insurance coverage should indeed be in place, and it will, once 2014 comes around.
When focusing on the content of the new federal law that requires everyone to obtain and maintain health insurance, and not the name of it, perhaps the advantages of it will become more noticeable.Two key advantages of the Affordable Care Act include the expansion of health care coverage and improvementof the quality of health care services.In other words, everyone will have access to health care services, which in turn should facilitate the ability of health care providers to properly treat patients in a timely manner.The idea is that preventative maintenance can help control certain diseases, while preventing others.However, the American people must not expect President Obama to solve every single problem (inherited or otherwise), especially when some of the tools are within the power of the people.
Regarding power, coverage is expected to vary from one state to the next.This makes sense becausedifferent health conditions affect people in various parts of the United States.Another advantage of the Affordable Health Care Act is that small businesses will not be forced to provide insurance for their employees and contractors.Other major advantages include the removal of penalties for pre-existing health conditions and tax credit for the purchase of a health insurance plan.
Whether this plan is referred to as “ObamaCare” or not, all Americans need to access to quality health care.That is the point.To learn more about how to estimate your health care costs visit www.healthcare.gov
