Pre-analytical source of errors

by Dr. Ramaz MitaishviliPre – analytical – involves all issues from test request to processing samplePatient Identification and labeling "zero tolerance" for patient misidentification (positive patient identification is the No. 1 step in the entire phlebotomy practice)identification bracelet and room numberwhen the patient is comatose or cannot communicate

Complications in Blood Collection

by Dr. Ramaz MitaishviliBrief Lecture Plan for Medical School Instructor•    Excessive Bleeding•    Petechiae•    Neurological Complications•    Mastectomy•    Edema•    Obesity•    Intravenous Therapy•    Damaged, Sclerosed, or Occluded  veins•    Burned or Scarred Areas•    Infections

RMGH NEWSLETTER

Guidelines for the Management of Post-MI Patients in the Outpatient SettingsRamaz Mitaishvili, MDGina Gagua, LAc, PhD Introduction Compelling clinical trial evidence exists that antiplatelet, ß-blocker, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, and lipid-lowering therapies reduce the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events, hospitalization, and heart failure and substantially improve survival in Post MI patients. Despite this evidence as […]

Desicion about Health Care

Any decision you make about your health care is important–including deciding whether to use acupuncture. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has developed this fact sheet to provide you with information on acupuncture. It includes frequently asked questions, issues to consider, and a list of sources for further information. Terms that are […]

Policy and Disclaimer

Privacy Policy Notice (As of December 13, 2005) Thank you for visiting our web site and for reviewing our Privacy Policy. Our policy is clear: We collect no information about you, other than information automatically collected and stored (see below), when you visit our web site unless you choose to provide that information to us. […]

What should I expect during my first visit?

During your first office visit, the practitioner may ask you at length about your health condition, lifestyle, and behavior. The practitioner will want to obtain a complete picture of your treatment needs and behaviors that may contribute to your condition. Inform the acupuncturist about all treatments or medications you are taking and all medical conditions […]

Will it be covered by my insurance?

Acupuncture is one of the CAM therapies that are more commonly covered by insurance. However, you should check with your insurer before you start treatment to see whether acupuncture will be covered for your condition and, if so, to what extent. Some insurance plans require preauthorization for acupuncture.                                                                                             

How much will acupuncture cost?

A practitioner should inform you about the estimated number of treatments needed and how much each will cost. If this information is not provided, ask for it. Treatment may take place over a few days or for several weeks or more. Physician acupuncturists may charge more than nonphysician practitioners.                                                                                              

How do I find a licensed acupuncture practitioner?

Health care practitioners can be a resource for referral to acupuncturists. More medical doctors, including neurologists, anesthesiologists, and specialists in physical medicine, are becoming trained in acupuncture, TCM, and other CAM therapies. In addition, national acupuncture organizations (which can be found through libraries or Web search engines) may provide referrals to acupuncturists. Check a practitioner's […]

How might acupuncture work?

Acupuncture is one of the key components of the system of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In the TCM system of medicine, the body is seen as a delicate balance of two opposing and inseparable forces: yin and yang. Yin represents the cold, slow, or passive principle, while yang represents the hot, excited, or active principle. […]