You're probably aware of the dangers associated with smoking and second-hand smoke. But so-called third-hand smoke, the chemical residue left behind on surfaces and clothing after smoking tobacco products, may also be a health risk--particularly to children--according to a study published in Tobacco Control.
Can eating potassium-rich foods like bananas help keep hypertension in check? According to a new study, eating a diet rich in potassium seems to counteract the effect of foods with too much salt on blood pressure.
Almost 50 percent of American adults have high blood pressure. Hypertension is a leading cause of heart disease and premature death, as it’s well documented that high blood pressure raises the risk for heart attack, stroke, aneurysm, kidney disease, vision issues, metabolic syndrome and dementia.
For years, people have been forgoing an ingredient found in many breads because they believe it to unhealthy. But gluten, the umbrella term for proteins in found in wheat, rye, barley and triticale (a wheat-rye hybrid) isn’t necessarily unhealthy, unless you fall into the small percentage of people who have Celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity.
Most MDVIP-affiliated primary care practices accept insurance (your physician can tell you whether they accept your specific insurance plan). Your annual fee pays for preventive care medical services that insurance usually doesn’t cover (e.g., advanced diagnostic testing and screenings). Your MDVIP-affiliated physician will continue to bill your insurance and charge copays, co-insurances and deductibles as he or she currently does for other medical services like sick visits.
The MDVIP Wellness Program includes lab tests, screenings and diagnostics that go beyond what is typically included in a basic physical exam. These tests, for example, have been shown to identify 40 percent more people at risk for heart attack or stroke compared to standard cholesterol tests. The detailed results of this additional testing, in combination with one-on-one counseling with your doctor, will be used to develop your customized wellness plan.
Yes. Most MDVIP-affiliated practices accept Medicare. Your doctor can discuss the coverage his or her practice accepts.
Doctors affiliate with MDVIP because they want to practice medicine the way they were trained. They want to have time with their patients, they want to focus more on preventing disease rather than just treating symptoms, and they want have more innovative tools available to them. These doctors want to make a real impact on their patients’ health, but the current healthcare system has gotten in their way, creating long waits, red tape and too little time for meaningful interaction.
No. The annual fee for a membership in an MDVIP-affiliated practice pays for services not typically covered by your insurance and is not reimbursable by insurance.
Most MDVIP-affiliated physicians perform the labs and diagnostics (such as the EKG, vision and hearing, body composition and spirometry as well) at their office. For some, you may have to go to a local lab to have your blood drawn.
MDVIP-affiliated physicians may check on patients at the hospital. This may include one or more visits, cell phone calls or discussions with relatives. Some MDVIP-affiliated physicians practice at the hospital. If so, they may also treat you at the hospital. Either way, they want to support you during your stay. Remember, your physician may not automatically know that you are in the hospital, so please don’t hesitate to inform him or her.