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We met cute. Classic Hollywood. America caught a glimpse of healthcare reform about a year ago--but only in passing, a little flirtatious hair-toss. Couldn't really see anything, veiled and shadowy, but God did she look great.

This retired physician owns several annuities that generate few if any returns. However, before she cashes out, she must determine whether the benefits of a new investment will outweigh any withdrawal taxes and penalties.

I have stayed away from saying much about the health care reform debate so far, but based on the healthcare reform plan passed yesterday, I'd have to say, "Gosh, that doesn't look too bad."

Robert Reich and others have noted that, compared with the impact that Medicare had on the lives of every senior in American, the current healthcare reform legislation will affect comparatively fewer Americans. Which is all well and good, but the bill does not help me be a better doctor.

If you've read my first three blogs you've gleaned that I complain a lot, and I think I do it fairly well... LOL. But this last week was a pretty good one, from my perspective anyway.

Sunday evening, the House of Representatives voted 219 to 212 to approve the Senate version of the health reform bill. Lost in all the hoopla surrounding backroom wheeling and dealing and arcane parliamentary procedures has been the response from the physician community, which has been decidedly mixed.

The healthcare sector will see an increase of 4 million jobs by 2018. Unfortunately, we'll continue to see shortages on the doctor's side, meaning that to take advantage of growth, doctors will need to cultivate a strong supporting cast. Here's how to do it.

A new a study, published by BioTrends, finds rheumatologists are eager to use Roche-Genentecha's Actemra in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

While most low-risk investments provide paltry interest rates, the dividend yields on stocks in solid companies can be very attractive.

The results of a new study suggest that children who exhibit bipolar-like symptoms may fare better with an emerging diagnostic approach.

Simple approach overcomes difficulties of previous tests in measuring serum fructose levels. Developers urge further testing to establish guidelines for safe consumption of fructose.

"Statin" (HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, used for dyslipidemia) use in the US is very high and climbing. As the population becomes fatter and even some children become extremely obese, these agents are often prescribed to address elevated LDL and other lipid perturbations.

Hospital administration is a complicated, taxing job. So many decisions, so many changes, and so much data collection. Practicing physicians, like myself, are confronted with new systems, new process, and the new world of computer based health delivery systems.

A new website provides data on how healthy-or unhealthy-every county is.

I challenge you to think about your own bucket list. What are the things you want to do, say, or be? And the bigger question is what's stopping you?

An orally active, peripherally-restricted opioid antagonist designed to aid in the treatment of opioid-induced constipation, will be initiated into a multidose phase 1 clinical study by Alkermes, Inc.

During the first months of my internship at Milwaukee County Hospital, a distraught family asked me to remain with their loved one while he died. An elderly male with total pulmonary failure, his soul was tethered to earth only by IPPB-assisted respiration.

Buffett's investing wisdom boils down to seven key points, though it may not even matter what they are. The one question you must really consider is whether you can actually do the things he recommends without getting emotionally involved.

A child's risk for bipolar disorder or schizophrenia may be directly impacted by having one or more parents with the condition.

The quality of life of GERD patients may be more significantly improved with stomach wrap surgery than with medication, at least in the short-to-medium term.

An oral, controlled-release formulation of hydrocodone without acetaminophen will be the focus of a pivotal phase three clinical trial initiated by Zogenix, Inc.

Gouging customers for overdrawing even the smallest amounts of money has caught up with the banking industry as Washington tightens consumer protection laws. Here's how the changes will affect you.

The stock market recently observed two significant anniversaries: the birthday of the current bull market and the high-water mark of the NASDAQ. The two key lessons learned have...

Let's all look for the luck of the Irish as we watch visible pushes toward better nutrition and healthcare for the nation's children this week.

Myeloma patients with non-osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (NOVCF) experience a reduction of pain, medication use and disability when treated with vertebroplasty, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Tapentadol, a drug prescribed for pain management, will now be detectable through an oral fluid test developed by Forensic Laboratories.

Over-the-counter medications containing acetaminophen provide adequate relief for postpartum pain, according to a review headed by Dr. Doris Chou, medical officer with the department of reproductive health and research at the World Health Organization.

A recent study found that the mortality rate of patients with mild to moderate hypoglycemia, a condition previously considered clinically unimportant, was twice as high as those who did not have the condition.

Even though the recession has cut into the average cost of a wedding, it has also hurt the ability of people to pay for it. If you're footing the bill, here are a few strategies for reducing the per-plate cost.