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Medical Issues: Articles
What Is...the Asthma/Acetaminophen Link? :
For some time, parents and doctors alike have been alarmed by the dramatic increase in childhood asthma. One obvious factor in the increase is better detection by doctors, but recently, some doctors have started to examine a possible link between use of acetaminophen by children and an increased risk of developing asthma, as well as an increase in severity of symptoms of asthma. Before exploring this interesting development, some background information on both asthma and acetaminophen may be helpful.
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Holocaust or Nazi Victim Reparations -- Effect on Medicaid, SSI and other Federally Funded and New York State Benefits :
Under a 1994 law, (h.r. 1873 or public law 103-286), Holocaust compensation payments made to individuals based on their status as victims of Nazi persecution are excluded from being counted as income and resources in determining both eligibility for and the amount of benefits to be provided under any Federally funded program based on financial need. This means payments made to victims of Nazi persecution do not increase the countable income, and therefore do not increase the Medicaid "spend-down" of Holocaust survivors and other Nazi victims. Savings accumulated from reparations are not counted as resources. The same exemption applies to Supplemental Security Income, Food Stamps and Federally subsidized Housing programs.
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What Is...the Mental Status Exam? :
The mental status exam (MSE) is the cornerstone in the evaluation of any patient presenting with a medical, neurologic or psychiatric disorder that affects thought, emotion or behavior. The exam is also important in assessing changes in thought processes caused by use of medication.
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Calling All Medical Experts :
We have heard horror stories of vocational experts (VEs) testifying by cell phone while driving across the New York State Thruway. How about medical experts (MEs) by phone? HALLEX I-2-5-42 states that live medical expert testimony in person, by video conference, or telephone conference are the preferred methods, although written interrogatories may be used.
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The Medicaid Buy-In for Working People With Disabilities (MBI-WPD) :
he Medicaid Buy-in for Working People with Disabilities (MBI-WPD) is a special program for individuals with disabilities under age 65 who have work income. Under MBI-WPD, individuals are eligible for full Medicaid benefits at much higher incomes than individuals who are not working. This allows them to earn more income without the risk of losing health coverage.
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What Is...Migraine Related Nausea :
Many people with migraines also experience stomach problems and nausea with their headaches. In fact, migraines are the type of headache most likely to make patients nauseated. Eight out of every 10 people in the U.S. who are diagnosed with migraines report experiencing nausea. Although millions of people suffer from migraines with nausea, scientists have not yet been able to determine exactly why.
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Medicaid Managed Care Drug Coverage Changes Loom :
Beginning in October, Medicaid managed care recipients, as well as individuals getting Family Health Plus, will get their prescription drugs through their managed care plan, rather than through fee-for-service Medicaid. This change affects approximately 3 million Medicaid and FHP recipients across New York State and may make it more difficult for your DAP clients to access their prescription drugs.
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Keeping Medicaid after Cash Public Assistance or SSI Benefits Are Terminated :
Susie is 49 years old and single, with no children. She has been receiving cash public assistance and Medicaid for three years, while she appeals the denial of Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits ("SSD" or "DIB"). She finally was approved for SSD, and will start receiving $2000/month in SS DIB benefits each month. She will also receive a retroactive benefit of $48,000 because she was found to have been disabled as of two years ago.
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What Is...Adjustable Gastric Banding :
We have been hearing in the news that obesity is a growing global health threat affecting more than 25 percent of industrialized nations. In our own country, looking around confirms that more than 72 million Americans are obese. For many obese people, because traditional dieting has been unsuccessful, they are looking at more drastic measures to lose weight and improve their overall health. One such measure is a procedure known as gastric banding, or a “lap band” surgery.
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What Is... :
A transdermal patch is a medicated adhesive patch that is placed on the skin to deliver a specific dose of medication through the skin and into the bloodstream.
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