Unexpected Bills Come as Nasty Postsurgical Surprise
Around 20 percent of insured patients were faced with unexpected bills after surgery that should have been in-network. What's going on?
Is Frenzy in the Pharmacy Putting Patients at Risk?
Has the soul of pharmacy been sold? Are understaffing and time pressure in the pharmacy putting patients at risk of mistakes? How can you protect yourself?
Insider Blows Whistle on Mail Order Med Deliveries
Mail order med deliveries may sit in a cold or hot mailbox for hours. That's not good. But have you thought about shipping conditions even before that?
Have Pharmacists Become Cheerleaders for Drugs?
Economic forces seem to explain why pharmacists are cheerleaders for drugs, even when there is some evidence that the medicines carry risks.
Why Free Samples Make Prescriptions Pricier
Free samples seem like a good deal for those who get them, but they help drive costs up over the long run. Companies use them to market pricey drugs.
Why Do Electronic Health Records Have So Many Mistakes?
Do you read your electronic health records? Most people don't. The really important information is likely missing unless the health system offers OpenNotes.
Flip Flops on Fish Oil: Omega 3 Fats Now Have Heart Benefits
Studies of supplements rich in omega 3 fats have reached conflicting conclusions. The latest analysis concludes that they reduce the risk of heart disease.
You Have Likely Been the Victim of Diagnostic Mistakes
Diagnostic mistakes are surprisingly common. They can lead to disability or death. A new study identifies the most common conditions that are often missed.
Do You Read OTC Medication Labels? You Should!
Most people believe that nonprescription drugs are safe. That's why they may not read OTC medication labels. What if we told you OTC drugs can harm or kill?
The BIG Business of Getting You to Take Your Pills
Health professionals have a terms for "good" patients. They are "compliant." Do you take your pills? If so, you are compliant. Reminders are big business!
Your Newsletter Reading List Is Back!
Many subscribers missed the newsletter reading list. We've brought it back for your convenience. You'll find it at the bottom of each post.
Is Google Censoring Drug Side Effect Information?
Many health websites have been buried by a new Google algorithm update. Search is fruitless. We provide drug side effect information. Why can't you find it?
Pharmacist Challenges Concept of Chronic Conditions and Maintenance Meds
Pharma has a financial incentive to convince people that many ailments are “chronic conditions" even though much is known about preventing those conditions.
Prescriptions on Demand from Online Doctors
Do you ever buy anything online? Would you consider visiting online doctors or prescriptions on demand? Online prescribing and dispensing are expanding.
Can You Save Money by Importing Drugs from Canada?
The government has recently done an about-face on importing drugs from Canada. For years we were were told this is a terrible idea. Maybe now it will be OK.
A Pharmacist Condemns Pharma’s Approach to Health
Pharma (the pharmaceutical industry) views the human body as a machine that is constantly prone to breakdown and needs shoring up with synthetic chemicals.
Is It Now Legal To Import Drugs from Canada?
Saving money on medicines has become a hot political football. There's a lot of smoke but very little action. Can you really import drugs from Canada?
Drug Advertisements, Scary Side Effects and Cognitive Dissonance
How do pharmacists and the general public react to the reality of potentially very serious adverse effects? Is denial a common coping mechanism?
Will Politicians Ever Lower High Drug Prices?
Drug prices are going up! Surprised? We didn't think so. Politicians keep promising to lower high drug prices and keep failing miserably. It happened again!
Why Are Pharmacists Silent about Generic Drug Quality?
Some writers have raised serious questions about generic drug quality, but most pharmacists don't seem very interested in the topic. Why not?