The Flawed, Idealized Metrics of Lists Like WalletHub's '2019 Best & Worst States for Doctors'

By Jamie Wells, M.D. — Apr 03, 2019
Our culture likes lists. Websites and media entities recognize people click on them often. The problem is that they routinely skew reality, rather than reveal it.

Our culture likes lists. Websites and media entities recognize people click on them often. The problem is that they routinely skew reality, rather than reveal it.

Mick Jagger's 'Start Me Up' Choice in Valve Surgery

By Chuck Dinerstein, MD, MBA — Apr 03, 2019
The upcoming surgery for the Rolling Stones' 75-year-old, legendary front man offers a choice between the gold standard operation (which is now 60), and a cutting-edge contender that non-invasively achieves the same result.

The upcoming surgery for the Rolling Stones' 75-year-old, legendary front man offers a choice between the gold standard operation (which is now 60), and a cutting-edge contender that non-invasively achieves the same result.

You Don't Have a Penicillin Allergy

By Alex Berezow, PhD — Apr 03, 2019
About 10% of people report a penicillin allergy, but only 10% of them actually have it. The other 90% who thought they had an allergy are just fine. What's going on?

About 10% of people report a penicillin allergy, but only 10% of them actually have it. The other 90% who thought they had an allergy are just fine. What's going on?

Pay to Play Both Far and Near

By Chuck Dinerstein, MD, MBA — Apr 02, 2019
Here are two reports about bribery and health-care enterprises. Greasing the wheels of government with cash is another contributor to high medical costs.

Here are two reports about bribery and health-care enterprises. Greasing the wheels of government with cash is another contributor to high medical costs.

Not All Headaches Are Brain Tumors (But Some Are)

By Jamie Wells, M.D. — Apr 01, 2019
A young woman ultimately diagnosed with a brain tumor claims "crippling headaches" were repeatedly dismissed as migraines. Headaches come in many forms, from benign to unsettling. So what are the red flags?

A young woman ultimately diagnosed with a brain tumor claims "crippling headaches" were repeatedly dismissed as migraines. Headaches come in many forms, from benign to unsettling. So what are the red flags?

The Cell: Most Energy Efficient Thing on Earth?

By Alex Berezow, PhD — Apr 01, 2019
The cell is amazingly energy efficient. Capable of trapping about 38% of the energy that it receives from sugar, it may be the most energy efficient machine on Earth.

The cell is amazingly energy efficient. Capable of trapping about 38% of the energy that it receives from sugar, it may be the most energy efficient machine on Earth.

Philadelphia's Tax on Sugary Beverages Hits a Snag

By Chuck Dinerstein, MD, MBA — Apr 01, 2019
It was about two years ago that this northeastern city imposed a tax on sugary beverages to raise revenue and hopefully help improve the health of its residents. Of course, in terms of health, there have been no reports as to whether it made a difference. But there were some surprises, at least for the policymakers.

It was about two years ago that this northeastern city imposed a tax on sugary beverages to raise revenue and hopefully help improve the health of its residents. Of course, in terms of health, there have been no reports as to whether it made a difference. But there were some surprises, at least for the policymakers.

An 'Interview' With Dr. Andrew Kolodny

By Josh Bloom — Apr 01, 2019
The self-proclaimed expert on opioids and addiction "agreed" to sit down with me and answer some tough questions about his background, medical insight and plans for the future. (Keep in mind that this "interview" took place on April 1.)

The self-proclaimed expert on opioids and addiction "agreed" to sit down with me and answer some tough questions about his background, medical insight and plans for the future. (Keep in mind that this "interview" took place on April 1.)