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Filed under: Ask a Doctor, Drugs and Pharma, Experts Invited, Glossary Terms, Health Economics, Health Insurance, Healthcare Finance | Tagged: cold, corona virus, flu, flu virus, food, health, Laura Goeggel, NEJM, paradox, patients, rhinovirus, Technology, travel, virus | Comments Off on PARADOX: Cold Weather Flu & Sickness
By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd
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Health is often thought of as the result of medical care, but in reality, it is deeply influenced by the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. These conditions, known as social determinants of health, include a wide range of social, economic, and environmental factors that shape health outcomes. They are responsible for many of the differences in health status between individuals and communities. Understanding these determinants is essential for promoting fairness in health and designing policies that reduce disparities.
Economic stability is one of the most powerful determinants of health. Individuals with steady income can afford nutritious food, safe housing, and preventive healthcare. Conversely, poverty increases vulnerability to chronic diseases, mental health challenges, and limited access to medical services. Families with fewer financial resources may struggle to afford medications or healthy diets, leading to higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Unemployment or unstable work further exacerbates stress, which itself is linked to poor health outcomes. Economic inequality directly translates into health inequality.
Education shapes health both directly and indirectly. Higher educational attainment is associated with better employment opportunities, higher income, and improved health literacy. People with more education are more likely to understand medical information, adopt healthy behaviors, and navigate healthcare systems effectively. Limited education can perpetuate cycles of poverty and poor health. For instance, children who grow up in underfunded schools may face restricted opportunities, leading to lower lifetime earnings and poorer health outcomes. Education is therefore a critical lever for breaking intergenerational cycles of disadvantage.
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The environment in which individuals live plays a crucial role in determining health. Safe neighborhoods with clean air, accessible parks, and reliable transportation promote physical activity and reduce exposure to pollutants. In contrast, communities with high crime rates, poor housing, and environmental hazards contribute to stress, injury, and illness. Food deserts—areas with limited access to affordable, healthy food—are a striking example of how environment shapes health. Residents in these areas often rely on processed foods, increasing risks of obesity and related diseases. Housing quality also matters: overcrowding, mold, or lead exposure can lead to respiratory illnesses and developmental delays.
Access to healthcare is a fundamental determinant, but it is shaped by social and economic factors. Insurance coverage, affordability, and cultural competence of providers influence whether individuals receive timely and effective care. Marginalized groups often face barriers such as discrimination, language differences, or lack of nearby facilities. Even when healthcare is available, disparities in quality persist. For example, minority populations may receive less aggressive treatment for certain conditions compared to others. Addressing these inequities requires systemic reforms that prioritize inclusivity and affordability.
Social relationships and community support networks significantly affect health. Strong social ties provide emotional support, reduce stress, and encourage healthy behaviors. Communities with high levels of trust and civic engagement often experience better health outcomes. Conversely, discrimination, racism, and social exclusion undermine health by increasing stress and limiting opportunities. Social cohesion and equity are therefore vital for fostering healthier societies.
The social determinants of health highlight that medicine alone cannot ensure well-being. Economic stability, education, environment, healthcare access, and social context collectively shape health outcomes and drive disparities. Addressing these determinants requires a holistic approach that integrates public health, social policy, and community action. By investing in education, reducing poverty, improving neighborhoods, and ensuring equitable healthcare, societies can move closer to achieving health equity. Ultimately, health is not just about treating illness—it is about creating conditions in which everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
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SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com
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Filed under: "Doctors Only", Ask a Doctor, Glossary Terms, Health Economics, Health Insurance, Health Law & Policy, Healthcare Finance, Quality Initiatives, Touring with Marcinko | Tagged: david marcinko, Ethics, health, healthcare, mental health, Population Health, public health, SDH, social determinants health, wellness | Leave a comment »
By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd
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Doctors use loss leader tactics—offering discounted or free services—to attract new patients and build long-term loyalty. These strategies are increasingly common in competitive healthcare markets.
In today’s healthcare landscape, physicians and clinics face intense competition for patient attention. Traditional referral systems are no longer sufficient, as patients increasingly rely on online reviews, social media, and digital advertising to choose providers. To stand out, many doctors have adopted loss leader marketing tactics—a strategy borrowed from retail where a business offers a product or service at a loss to attract customers and stimulate future sales.
A loss leader in healthcare typically involves offering free consultations, discounted exams, or low-cost procedures. For example, aesthetic clinics might advertise free skin evaluations or reduced-price Botox sessions. Primary care practices may offer complimentary wellness screenings or discounted flu shots. These services are not intended to generate immediate profit but to introduce patients to the practice, build trust, and encourage them to return for more comprehensive—and profitable—care.
This tactic works particularly well in specialties where patients have discretionary choice, such as dermatology, dentistry, chiropractic care, and cosmetic surgery. By lowering the barrier to entry, doctors can attract hesitant or price-sensitive patients who might otherwise delay care. Once inside the practice, patients experience the quality of service firsthand, increasing the likelihood of repeat visits and word-of-mouth referrals.
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Digital marketing amplifies the effectiveness of loss leader strategies. Physicians use platforms like Google Ads, Facebook, and Instagram to promote their offers to targeted demographics. A well-designed landing page might advertise a “$49 New Patient Exam” with a clear call to action and online booking. These campaigns often include retargeting ads and email follow-ups to nurture leads into loyal patients.
However, loss leader tactics must be carefully managed. Offering services below cost can strain resources if not paired with a clear conversion strategy. Doctors must ensure that the initial offer leads to higher-value services, such as diagnostic testing, treatment plans, or elective procedures. Additionally, practices must maintain ethical standards and avoid misleading promotions that could erode patient trust.
Reputation management plays a crucial role in sustaining the benefits of loss leader marketing. Positive patient experiences from initial discounted visits often translate into glowing online reviews, which further attract new patients. Conversely, poor execution—such as rushed appointments or upselling pressure—can backfire and damage the practice’s credibility.
Ultimately, loss leader marketing is not about giving away services indefinitely. It’s a strategic investment in patient acquisition, brand building, and long-term growth. When executed thoughtfully, it allows doctors to showcase their expertise, differentiate their practice, and foster lasting relationships with patients.
In conclusion, loss leader tactics have become a powerful tool in the modern physician’s marketing arsenal. By offering low-cost entry points to care, doctors can attract new patients, build trust, and grow their practice sustainably.
As competition intensifies, those who master this strategy—while maintaining quality and transparency—will be best positioned to thrive in the evolving healthcare marketplace.
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SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com
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Filed under: "Doctors Only", Ask a Doctor, Career Development, Drugs and Pharma, Glossary Terms, Health Economics, Health Insurance, Healthcare Finance | Tagged: david marcinko, DC, DDS, DO, doctors, DPM, Free consultations, loss leaders, Marketing Tactics Used by Doctors to Attract Patients, medical competition, physcians, reputation management | Leave a comment »
By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd
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The singularity promises to revolutionize medicine by accelerating diagnostics, treatment, and longevity—but it also demands ethical vigilance and systemic transformation.
The concept of the technological singularity refers to a hypothetical future moment when artificial intelligence (AI) surpasses human intelligence, triggering exponential advances in technology. In medicine, this could mark a turning point where AI-driven systems outperform human clinicians in diagnosis, treatment planning, and even biomedical research. While the singularity remains speculative, its implications for healthcare are profound and multifaceted.
One of the most promising impacts is in diagnostics and precision medicine. AI systems trained on vast datasets of medical images, genetic profiles, and patient histories could detect diseases earlier and more accurately than human doctors. For example, algorithms already outperform radiologists in identifying certain cancers from imaging scans. As we approach the singularity, these systems may evolve into autonomous diagnostic agents capable of real-time analysis and personalized recommendations, tailored to each patient’s unique biology.
Another transformative area is drug discovery and development. Traditional pharmaceutical research is slow and costly, often taking over a decade to bring a new drug to market. AI could dramatically shorten this timeline by simulating molecular interactions, predicting therapeutic targets, and optimizing clinical trial designs. With superintelligent systems, the pace of innovation could accelerate to the point where treatments for currently incurable diseases—like Alzheimer’s or certain cancers—become feasible within months.
The singularity also opens doors to radical longevity and human enhancement. Advances in nanotechnology, genomics, and regenerative medicine may converge to extend human lifespan significantly. AI could help decode the aging process, identify biomarkers of cellular decline, and engineer interventions that slow or reverse it. Some theorists even envision a future where aging is treated as a curable condition, and mortality becomes a choice rather than a biological inevitability.
However, these breakthroughs come with serious ethical and societal challenges. Data privacy, algorithmic bias, and access inequality are critical concerns. If singularity-level AI is controlled by a few corporations or governments, it could exacerbate global health disparities. Moreover, the replacement of human clinicians with machines raises questions about empathy, trust, and accountability in care. Who is responsible when an AI makes a life-altering mistake?
To navigate this future responsibly, medicine must embrace interdisciplinary collaboration. Ethicists, technologists, clinicians, and policymakers must work together to ensure that AI systems are transparent, equitable, and aligned with human values. Regulatory frameworks must evolve to keep pace with innovation, and medical education must prepare practitioners to work alongside intelligent machines.
In conclusion, the singularity represents both a promise and a peril for medicine. It offers unprecedented opportunities to enhance human health, but also demands careful stewardship to avoid unintended consequences.
As we edge closer to this horizon, the challenge will be not just technological, but deeply human: to harness intelligence beyond our own in service of healing, compassion, and justice.
COMMENTS APPRECIATED
SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com
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Filed under: Ask a Doctor, Career Development, Drugs and Pharma, Ethics, Glossary Terms, Marcinko Associates | Tagged: AI, artificial intelligence, Artificial Intelligence Medicine, david marcinko, Drugs, Ethics, genomics, health, healthcare, Lifespan, medicine, singularity, technological singularity, Technology | Leave a comment »
By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd
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Retirement planning has evolved significantly over the past several decades, with employers and employees seeking solutions that balance security, flexibility, and predictability. Among the various retirement plan options available today, cash balance plans stand out as a hybrid design that combines features of both traditional defined benefit pensions and defined contribution plans. Their unique structure makes them an attractive choice for employers aiming to provide meaningful retirement benefits while maintaining financial predictability.
At their core, cash balance plans are a type of defined benefit plan. Unlike traditional pensions, which promise retirees a monthly income based on years of service and final salary, cash balance plans define the benefit in terms of a hypothetical account balance. Each participant’s account grows annually through two components: a “pay credit” and an “interest credit.” The pay credit is typically a percentage of the employee’s salary or a flat dollar amount, while the interest credit is either a fixed rate or tied to an index such as U.S. Treasury yields. Although the account is hypothetical—meaning the funds are not actually segregated for each employee—the structure provides participants with a clear, understandable statement of their retirement benefit.
One of the primary advantages of cash balance plans is their transparency. Employees can easily track the growth of their account balance, much like they would with a 401(k). This clarity helps workers better understand the value of their retirement benefits and fosters a sense of ownership. Additionally, cash balance plans are portable: when employees leave a company, they can roll over the vested balance into an IRA or another qualified plan, ensuring continuity in retirement savings.
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From the employer’s perspective, cash balance plans offer several benefits as well. Traditional pensions often create unpredictable liabilities, as they depend on factors such as longevity and investment performance. Cash balance plans, by contrast, provide more predictable costs because the employer commits to specific pay and interest credits. This predictability makes them easier to manage and budget for, particularly in industries where workforce mobility is high. Moreover, cash balance plans can be designed to reward long-term employees while still appealing to younger workers who value portability.
Despite these advantages, cash balance plans are not without challenges. Because they are defined benefit plans, employers bear the investment risk and must ensure the plan is adequately funded. Regulatory requirements, including nondiscrimination testing and funding rules, add complexity and administrative costs. Additionally, while cash balance plans are generally more equitable across generations of workers, transitions from traditional pensions to cash balance designs have sometimes sparked controversy, particularly among older employees who may perceive a reduction in benefits.
In recent years, cash balance plans have gained popularity among professional firms, such as law practices and medical groups, as well as small businesses seeking tax-efficient retirement solutions. These plans allow owners and highly compensated employees to accumulate larger retirement savings than would be possible under defined contribution limits, while still providing benefits to rank-and-file workers. As such, they serve as a valuable tool for both talent retention and financial planning.
COMMENTS APPRECIATED
SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com
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Filed under: "Ask-an-Advisor", Accounting, Ask a Doctor, finance, Financial Planning, Glossary Terms, Investing, Portfolio Management, Retirement and Benefits, Taxation, Touring with Marcinko | Tagged: cash balance plans, david marinko, defined benefit plans, doctors, Financial Planning, Investing, personal-finance, physicians, retirement planning, retirement plans, tax, taxes | Leave a comment »
By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd
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For centuries, doctors have occupied one of the highest earning and most respected positions in society. Their extensive education, specialized knowledge, and critical role in preserving human life have traditionally guaranteed them financial security and social prestige. Yet in recent years, a growing conversation has emerged: could skilled tradesmen—electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters, and other hands‑on professionals—eventually out‑earn doctors in the future? While the answer is complex, shifting economic dynamics suggest that the gap between these professions may narrow, and in certain contexts, tradesmen could indeed surpass doctors in earnings.
One of the most significant factors driving this possibility is supply and demand. The medical profession requires years of schooling, residency, and licensing, which creates a steady pipeline of doctors but also limits entry. By contrast, skilled trades have suffered from declining interest among younger generations, many of whom were encouraged to pursue college degrees instead of vocational training. As a result, there is now a shortage of tradesmen in many regions. When demand for services like plumbing or electrical work rises but supply remains low, wages naturally increase. Already, some master tradesmen charge hourly rates that rival or exceed those of general practitioners.
Another consideration is student debt and overhead costs. Doctors often graduate with hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt, and many must work in hospital systems or private practices with high administrative expenses. Tradesmen, on the other hand, typically face lower educational costs and can enter the workforce much earlier. Many start their own businesses with relatively modest investments, allowing them to keep a larger share of their earnings. In an era where entrepreneurship and independence are highly valued, tradesmen may find themselves financially freer than doctors burdened by debt and bureaucracy.
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The changing economy also plays a role. Automation and artificial intelligence are beginning to reshape medicine, with diagnostic tools, telehealth, and robotic surgery reducing the need for certain human tasks. While doctors will always be essential, parts of their work may become less lucrative as technology takes over. Skilled trades, however, are far harder to automate. Repairing a leaking pipe, rewiring a house, or welding a custom structure requires physical presence, adaptability, and problem‑solving in unpredictable environments—skills machines struggle to replicate. This resilience against automation could make tradesmen’s work increasingly valuable.
That said, doctors will likely continue to command high salaries in specialized fields such as surgery, cardiology, or oncology. The prestige and necessity of medical expertise ensure that society will always reward them. Yet the notion that tradesmen are “lesser” careers is fading. In fact, many tradesmen already earn six‑figure incomes, particularly those who own successful businesses or operate in regions with acute labor shortages.
Ultimately, whether tradesmen will out‑earn doctors depends on how society values different forms of expertise. If current trends continue—rising demand for trades, shortages of skilled labor, resistance to automation, and lower educational barriers—it is plausible that many tradesmen will match or surpass doctors in income. The future may not be defined by one profession dominating the other, but by a more balanced recognition that both healers and builders are indispensable to modern life. In that sense, the financial gap may close, reflecting a broader cultural shift toward valuing practical skills as highly as academic ones.
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SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com
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Filed under: "Ask-an-Advisor", Ask a Doctor, economics, Financial Planning, Glossary Terms, Health Economics, Marcinko Associates | Tagged: AI, david marcinko, DDS, DO, doctoirs, doctors physicians, DPM, electricians, future doctors, labor, physicians, pipefitters, plumbers, salary, skilled tradesmen, skillked trade, trade unions, welders | Leave a comment »
By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd
BASIC DEFINITIONS
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The Direct Reimbursement Payment Model allows physicians to receive payment directly from patients or employers, bypassing traditional insurance systems. This model emphasizes transparency, autonomy, and personalized care, offering an alternative to fee-for-service and managed care structures.
The Direct Reimbursement Payment Model is a healthcare financing approach in which physicians are paid directly by patients or sponsoring entities—such as employers—rather than through insurance companies or government programs. This model is gaining traction as a response to the administrative burdens, opaque billing practices, and fragmented care often associated with traditional insurance-based systems.
One prominent example of direct reimbursement is Direct Primary Care (DPC). In DPC, patients pay a recurring fee—monthly, quarterly, or annually—that covers a broad range of primary care services. These include routine checkups, preventive screenings, chronic disease management, and basic lab work. By eliminating third-party billing, DPC practices reduce overhead costs and administrative complexity, allowing physicians to spend more time with patients and focus on quality care.
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Employers have also embraced direct reimbursement models to manage healthcare costs and improve employee wellness. In such arrangements, employers reimburse physicians or clinics directly for services rendered to their employees, often through a defined benefit structure. This can be part of a self-funded health plan or a supplemental offering alongside high-deductible insurance policies. The goal is to provide accessible, cost-effective care while avoiding the inefficiencies of traditional insurance networks.
Key advantages of the direct reimbursement model include:
However, the model is not without limitations. Direct reimbursement may not cover specialist care, hospitalization, or emergency services, requiring patients to maintain supplemental insurance. Additionally, the model may be less accessible to low-income populations who cannot afford recurring fees or out-of-pocket payments. Critics also argue that widespread adoption could fragment care and reduce risk pooling, undermining the broader goals of universal coverage.
Despite these concerns, the direct reimbursement model aligns with broader trends in healthcare reform, including value-based care, consumer empowerment, and decentralized service delivery. It offers a viable path for physicians seeking autonomy and for patients desiring personalized, transparent care. As healthcare continues to evolve, hybrid models that combine direct reimbursement with traditional insurance may emerge, offering flexibility and choice across diverse patient populations.
In conclusion, the Direct Reimbursement Payment Model represents a meaningful shift in how healthcare services are financed and delivered.
By prioritizing simplicity, transparency, and patient-centered care, it challenges the status quo and opens new possibilities for sustainable, high-quality medical practice.
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SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com
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Filed under: "Doctors Only", Ask a Doctor, Career Development, Funding Basics, Glossary Terms, Health Economics, Health Insurance, Health Law & Policy, Healthcare Finance, Insurance Matters, Managed Care, Marketing & Advertising | Tagged: ACOs, david marcinko, direct primary are, direct reimbursement payment, DO, doctors, DPC, DPM, health, healthcare, MD, mental health, physicians, value based csare, VBC | Leave a comment »
By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd
SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com
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Physicians are increasingly facing car repossessions in 2025 due to rising debt, high vehicle prices, and economic pressures that are reshaping the financial landscape for medical professionals.
Traditionally viewed as financially secure, doctors are now among the growing number of Americans struggling to keep up with auto loan payments. The surge in car repossessions—expected to reach a record 10.5 million assignments by the end of 2025—has not spared the medical community. While physicians often earn higher-than-average incomes, they also carry significant financial burdens, including student loan debt, practice overhead, and personal expenses. These pressures are being amplified by macroeconomic forces such as inflation, high interest rates, and stagnant reimbursement rates.
One of the key contributors to this trend is the soaring cost of vehicles. In 2025, the average price of a new car in the U.S. surpassed $50,000, a dramatic increase from just a decade ago. For physicians who rely on vehicles for commuting between hospitals, clinics, and private practices, owning a reliable car is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. However, the combination of high sticker prices and elevated interest rates—averaging 7.3% for used cars and 11.5% for new cars—has made financing increasingly difficult.
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Even high-income professionals are not immune to the broader auto loan crisis. Subprime auto loan delinquencies reached 6.6% in early 2025, the highest rate in over 30 years.While physicians typically fall into the prime or super-prime credit categories, many are still affected by cash flow disruptions, especially those in private practice or rural areas where patient volumes and insurance reimbursements have declined. Additionally, younger doctors with substantial student debt may find themselves overleveraged, making it harder to keep up with car payments.
The emotional and professional toll of a car repossession can be significant. Beyond the embarrassment and logistical challenges, losing a vehicle can disrupt a physician’s ability to provide care, attend emergencies, or maintain a consistent work schedule. This can lead to further income loss, creating a vicious cycle of financial instability.
To combat this trend, some physicians are turning to financial advisors to restructure their debt, refinance auto loans, or downsize to more affordable vehicles. Others are advocating for systemic reforms, such as student loan forgiveness, higher Medicare reimbursements, and better financial literacy training during medical education.
In conclusion, the rise in car repossessions among doctors is a stark reminder that no profession is immune to economic volatility. As the cost of living continues to climb and financial pressures mount, even those in traditionally stable careers must adapt to protect their assets and livelihoods.
Addressing this issue requires both individual financial planning and broader policy changes to ensure that physicians can continue to serve their communities without the looming threat of personal financial collapse.
COMMENTS APPRECIATED
SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com
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Filed under: "Ask-an-Advisor", Accounting, Ask a Doctor, finance, Financial Planning, Funding Basics, Investing, Marcinko Associates, Taxation, Touring with Marcinko | Tagged: auto costs, auto loans, automobiles, books, car repo man, car repossessions, cash flow, david marcinko, DDS, DO, doctor casr repossessions, doctor debt, DPM, interest rates, MD, medicare, physician debt, physician repossessions, sports, Technology | Leave a comment »
By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd
SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com
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The singularity promises to revolutionize medicine by accelerating diagnostics, treatment, and longevity—but it also demands ethical vigilance and systemic transformation.
The concept of the technological singularity refers to a hypothetical future moment when artificial intelligence (AI) surpasses human intelligence, triggering exponential advances in technology. In medicine, this could mark a turning point where AI-driven systems outperform human clinicians in diagnosis, treatment planning, and even biomedical research. While the singularity remains speculative, its implications for healthcare are profound and multifaceted.
One of the most promising impacts is in diagnostics and precision medicine. AI systems trained on vast datasets of medical images, genetic profiles, and patient histories could detect diseases earlier and more accurately than human doctors. For example, algorithms already outperform radiologists in identifying certain cancers from imaging scans. As we approach the singularity, these systems may evolve into autonomous diagnostic agents capable of real-time analysis and personalized recommendations, tailored to each patient’s unique biology.
Another transformative area is drug discovery and development. Traditional pharmaceutical research is slow and costly, often taking over a decade to bring a new drug to market. AI could dramatically shorten this timeline by simulating molecular interactions, predicting therapeutic targets, and optimizing clinical trial designs. With superintelligent systems, the pace of innovation could accelerate to the point where treatments for currently incurable diseases—like Alzheimer’s or certain cancers—become feasible within months.
The singularity also opens doors to radical longevity and human enhancement. Advances in nanotechnology, genomics, and regenerative medicine may converge to extend human lifespan significantly. AI could help decode the aging process, identify biomarkers of cellular decline, and engineer interventions that slow or reverse it. Some theorists even envision a future where aging is treated as a curable condition, and mortality becomes a choice rather than a biological inevitability.
However, these breakthroughs come with serious ethical and societal challenges. Data privacy, algorithmic bias, and access inequality are critical concerns. If singularity-level AI is controlled by a few corporations or governments, it could exacerbate global health disparities. Moreover, the replacement of human clinicians with machines raises questions about empathy, trust, and accountability in care. Who is responsible when an AI makes a life-altering mistake?
To navigate this future responsibly, medicine must embrace interdisciplinary collaboration. Ethicists, technologists, clinicians, and policymakers must work together to ensure that AI systems are transparent, equitable, and aligned with human values. Regulatory frameworks must evolve to keep pace with innovation, and medical education must prepare practitioners to work alongside intelligent machines.
In conclusion, the singularity represents both a promise and a peril for medicine. It offers unprecedented opportunities to enhance human health, but also demands careful stewardship to avoid unintended consequences.
As we edge closer to this horizon, the challenge will be not just technological, but deeply human: to harness intelligence beyond our own in service of healing, compassion, and justice.
COMMENTS APPRECIATED
SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit a RFP for speaking engagements: MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com
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Filed under: "Doctors Only", Ask a Doctor, Drugs and Pharma, Ethics, finance, Investing, Portfolio Management, Research & Development, Touring with Marcinko | Tagged: AI, artificial intelligence, data privacy, david marcinko, diagnosis, Drugs, Ethics, finance, health, healthcare, Investing, medicine, precision medicine, singularity, Technology | Leave a comment »
By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd
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Ricardian economics, rooted in the theories of 19th-century economist David Ricardo, emphasizes comparative advantage, free trade, and the neutrality of government debt—most notably through the concept of Ricardian equivalence. While these ideas have shaped macroeconomic thought, their relevance to medicine and healthcare policy is less direct. Still, exploring Ricardian principles offers a provocative lens through which to examine the fiscal sustainability and efficiency of modern healthcare systems.
At the heart of Ricardian equivalence is the idea that consumers are forward-looking and internalize government budget constraints. If a government finances healthcare through debt rather than taxes, rational agents will anticipate future tax burdens and adjust their behavior accordingly. In theory, this undermines the effectiveness of deficit-financed healthcare spending as a stimulus. Applied to medicine, this suggests that long-term fiscal responsibility is crucial: expanding healthcare access through borrowing may not yield the intended economic or health benefits if citizens expect future costs to rise.
This insight could inform debates on healthcare reform, especially in countries grappling with ballooning medical expenditures. Ricardian economics warns against short-term fixes that ignore long-term fiscal implications. For example, expanding public insurance programs without sustainable funding mechanisms could lead to intergenerational inequities and economic distortions. Policymakers might instead focus on reforms that align incentives, reduce waste, and promote cost-effective care—principles that resonate with Ricardo’s emphasis on efficiency and comparative advantage.
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However, Ricardian economics offers limited guidance on the unique moral and practical dimensions of medicine. Healthcare is not a typical market good. Patients often lack the information or autonomy to make rational choices, especially in emergencies. Moreover, the sector is rife with externalities: one person’s vaccination benefits the broader community, and untreated illness can strain public resources. These complexities challenge the assumption of rational, forward-looking behavior central to Ricardian equivalence.
Additionally, Ricardo’s theory of comparative advantage—where nations benefit by specializing in goods they produce most efficiently—has implications for global health. It supports international collaboration in pharmaceutical production, medical research, and telemedicine. Yet, over-reliance on global supply chains can expose vulnerabilities, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic when countries faced shortages of critical medical supplies.
In conclusion, Ricardian economics provides valuable fiscal insights that can inform healthcare policy, particularly regarding debt sustainability and efficient resource allocation. Its emphasis on long-term planning and comparative advantage can guide reforms that make medicine more resilient and cost-effective. However, the theory’s assumptions about rational behavior and market dynamics limit its applicability to the nuanced realities of healthcare. Medicine requires not just economic efficiency but ethical considerations, equity, and compassion—areas where Ricardian economics falls short. Thus, while it can contribute to the conversation, it cannot “save” medicine alone.
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SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com
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Filed under: "Ask-an-Advisor", Ask a Doctor, economics, Glossary Terms, Health Economics, Health Insurance, Healthcare Finance, Insurance Matters | Tagged: david marcinko, david ricardo, DO, doctors, DPM, economics, economy, finance, healthcare, macro-economics, MD, medicine, Population Health, public health, Ricardian economics | Leave a comment »
By A.I.
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The Pitfalls of Capitation in Medicine
Capitation, a payment model in healthcare where providers receive a fixed amount per patient regardless of the services rendered, has been promoted as a way to control costs and incentivize efficiency. However, despite its theoretical appeal, capitation medicine presents significant drawbacks that can compromise patient care, distort provider incentives, and exacerbate systemic inequities.
One of the most concerning aspects of capitation is the potential for under-treatment. Since providers are paid a set fee per patient, regardless of how much care that patient requires, there is a financial incentive to minimize services. This can lead to situations where necessary tests, referrals, or treatments are delayed or denied in order to preserve profit margins. Patients with complex or chronic conditions—who require more frequent and intensive care—may be especially vulnerable under this model. The risk is that medical decisions become driven by cost containment rather than clinical need, undermining the ethical foundation of healthcare.
NURSING CAPITATION: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2024/07/07/on-nursing-capitation-reimbursement/
Capitation also introduces challenges in maintaining quality standards. Unlike value-based care, which ties reimbursement to outcomes, capitation focuses solely on cost predictability. Without robust oversight and accountability mechanisms, providers may cut corners or avoid high-risk patients altogether. This can result in cherry-picking, where healthier individuals are favored, and sicker patients are subtly discouraged from enrolling. Such practices not only distort the patient pool but also deepen health disparities, particularly among marginalized populations who already face barriers to care.
Furthermore, capitation can strain the provider-patient relationship. Physicians may feel pressured to limit time spent with each patient or avoid costly interventions, leading to a sense of transactional care rather than personalized attention. This erosion of trust can diminish patient satisfaction and reduce adherence to treatment plans. In a system where providers are rewarded for doing less, the intrinsic motivation to go above and beyond for patients may be compromised.
Operationally, capitation demands sophisticated infrastructure to manage risk, track utilization, and ensure compliance. Smaller practices or those serving underserved communities may lack the resources to implement such systems effectively. This can create a two-tiered system where well-funded organizations thrive while others struggle to deliver basic care. Additionally, the administrative burden of managing capitation contracts, monitoring performance metrics, and navigating complex reimbursement rules can divert attention from clinical priorities.
Critics also argue that capitation may stifle innovation. When providers are locked into fixed budgets, there is little room to experiment with new technologies, therapies, or care models that might improve outcomes but carry upfront costs. This conservative approach can hinder progress and limit access to cutting-edge treatments.
CAPITATION HISTORY: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/09/15/capitation-reimbursement-a-historical-economic-review/
In conclusion, while capitation medicine aims to control costs and streamline care, its inherent risks—under-treatment, inequity, and diminished quality—make it a problematic model when not carefully regulated. To truly reform healthcare, payment systems must balance financial sustainability with ethical responsibility, ensuring that every patient receives the care they need, not just the care that fits a budget.
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Filed under: "Doctors Only", Ask a Doctor, business, Glossary Terms, Health Economics, Health Insurance, Health Law & Policy, Managed Care | Tagged: capitated medicine, capitation, DDS, DO, doctors, financia pitfalls, managedcare, MD, medical payment models, physicians | Leave a comment »
By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd and Copilot A.I.
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The Baylor method of nurse payments is a scheduling and compensation model that allows nurses to work weekend shifts while receiving full-time pay and benefits, offering flexibility and helping healthcare facilities address staffing shortages.
The Baylor method, also known as the Baylor Plan or Baylor Shift, originated at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, as a strategic response to nurse shortages and burnout. It was designed to retain experienced nurses by offering a more flexible work schedule that still met the demands of patient care. Under this model, nurses typically work two 12-hour shifts on the weekend—Saturday and Sunday—and receive compensation equivalent to a full 40-hour workweek.
This approach has become increasingly popular in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare settings. The core idea is simple: by concentrating work hours into the weekend, nurses gain more time off during the week while employers maintain adequate staffing during traditionally hard-to-fill shifts. For many nurses, this arrangement provides a better work-life balance, allowing them to pursue education, spend time with family, or take on additional employment during the week.
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Financially, the Baylor method is attractive to both nurses and employers. Nurses benefit from full-time pay and benefits—including health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off—while only working two days per week. Employers, on the other hand, can reduce turnover and improve weekend staffing without increasing overall labor costs. Some facilities even offer Baylor shifts with added incentives, such as shift differentials or bonuses, to further encourage weekend coverage.
However, the Baylor method is not without its challenges. Working two consecutive 12-hour shifts can be physically and emotionally demanding, especially in high-acuity units. Nurses may experience fatigue or burnout if they are not adequately supported. Additionally, because Baylor nurses are paid for 40 hours while only working 24, scheduling extra shifts during the week can complicate overtime calculations. Typically, overtime pay only kicks in after 40 actual hours worked, not hours paid, which can lead to confusion or dissatisfaction if not clearly communicated.
From an operational standpoint, the Baylor method helps facilities maintain consistent staffing levels during weekends, which are often underserved due to lower availability of part-time or weekday-only staff. It also allows for more predictable scheduling and can improve patient outcomes by ensuring continuity of care. Facilities that adopt the Baylor model often report higher nurse satisfaction and retention rates.
In conclusion, the Baylor method of nurse payments is a creative and effective solution to some of the most persistent challenges in healthcare staffing. By offering full-time compensation for weekend work, it provides nurses with flexibility and financial stability while helping facilities maintain high-quality care. As healthcare continues to evolve, models like the Baylor shift demonstrate the importance of innovative scheduling strategies that support both caregivers and patients.
COMMENTS APPRECIATED
SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com
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Filed under: "Doctors Only", Ask a Doctor, Ethics, Glossary Terms, Health Economics, Health Insurance, Healthcare Finance, iMBA, Inc., Retirement and Benefits | Tagged: baylor method, Baylor Plan, Baylor Shift, david marcinko, Health Insurance, nurse, nurse payments, nurses, nursing, payment plan, photography, RN | Leave a comment »
By Health Capital Consultants, LLC
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An October 2025 Health Affairs study found that payment equity between facilities owned by hospitals, known as hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs), and independent outpatient facilities such as ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), is still far from reality. Comparing payments for common procedures, researchers found commercial prices were 78% higher in HOPDs compared to ASCs, although payment differentials varied considerably.
This Health Capital Topics article reviews the article and potential policy implications. (Read more…)
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Filed under: "Doctors Only", Ask a Doctor, Drugs and Pharma, Experts Invited, Glossary Terms, Health Economics, Health Insurance, Health Law & Policy, Healthcare Finance | Tagged: ambulatory surgery center, ASC, ASCs, Health Affasirs, Health Capital Topics, HOPDs, hospital outpatient departments, hospitals, Jessica Bailey-Wheaton, TODD A. ZIGRANG | Leave a comment »
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By Health Capital Consultants, LLC
On October 23, 2025, both Democratic and Republican lawmakers expressed support during a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing for reforming the 340B Drug Discount Program. Although senators acknowledged that any reform would necessitate an intentional, considered approach to mitigate unintended consequences, the bipartisan agreement (particularly during a government shutdown deadlocked on healthcare) indicates that changes to the program may be on the horizon.
This Health Capital Topics article outlines the 340B program, discusses issues that have made the program controversial, and discusses potential reform options. (Read more…)
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Filed under: "Doctors Only", Alerts Sign-Up, Ask a Doctor, Drugs and Pharma, Glossary Terms, Health Economics, Health Insurance, Health Law & Policy, iMBA, Inc. | Tagged: 340B, 340B drug discount program, drug discount, drug discount program, EDUCATION: Books, HCC, Health Capital Consultants LLC, Health Capital Topics, HELP, Jessica Bailey-Wheaton, TODD A. ZIGRANG | Leave a comment »
By Dr. David Edward Marcinko; MBA MEd
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Classic Definition: In “The Exercise Paradox,” Herman Pontzer asserts that greater physical activity does not allow people to control weight. He goes on to describe studies on how the human body burns calories that help to explain why this is so.
FINANCE PARADOX: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/05/26/financial-paradox-compounding-interest-and-time/
Modern Circumstance: But in one of these studies, “couch potatoes” expended an average of around 200 fewer calories a day, compared with moderately active subjects. A difference of 200 fewer calories a day equates to more than 20 fewer pounds a year. Year after year after year, that really adds up.
GENDER PARADOX: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/05/19/gender-two-modern-paradoxes/
Paradox Example: Cyclists participating in the Tour de France are said to ingest more than 5,000 calories a day. This would seem to be way too much. So why do they do it? And why don’t they become obese?
PHYSICIAN PARADOX: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/04/23/liar-liar-the-physician-paradox/
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The Medical Executive-Post is a news and information aggregator and social media professional network for medical and financial service professionals. Feel free to submit education content to the site as well as links, text posts, images, opinions and videos which are then voted up or down by other members. Comments and dialog are especially welcomed. Daily posts are organized by subject. ME-P administrators moderate the activity. Moderation may also conducted by community-specific moderators who are unpaid volunteers.
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Filed under: Ask a Doctor, Contest Entrance, Health Insurance, Healthcare Finance, LifeStyle, Touring with Marcinko | Tagged: calories, couch potatoes, cyclists, exercise, exercise paradox, fat, Herman Pontzer, Marcinko, obese, obesity, physical activity, Tour de France, weight | Leave a comment »
By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org
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A paradox is a figure of speech that can seem silly or contradictory in form, yet it can still be true, or at least make sense in the context given. This is sometimes used to illustrate thoughts or statements that differ from traditional ideas. So, instead of taking a given statement literally, an individual must comprehend it from a different perspective. Using paradoxes in speeches and writings can also add wit and humor to one’s work, which serves as the perfect device to grab a reader or a listener’s attention.
But paradoxes can be quite difficult to explain by definition alone, which is why it is best to refer to a few examples to further your understanding.
A good paradox example is in the famous television show House. Here, Dr. House is a rude, selfish, and narcissistic character who alienates everyone around him, even his own colleagues. However, he is also a brilliant doctor who is committed to saving lives. Regardless of his mean exterior, Dr. House is a moral and compassionate man who cares about his patients. The paradox here is how the character strives to save people’s lives despite his ruthless personality and behavior.
Modern health care appears to be rich in contradictions, and it is claimed to be paradoxical in a number of ways. In particular health care is held to be a paradox itself: it is supposed to do good; but is also accused of doing harm.
Most people tend to confuse a paradox with an oxymoron, and it’s not hard to see why. Most oxymoron examples appear to be compressed version of a paradox, in which it is used to add a dramatic effect and to emphasize contrasting thoughts. Although they may seem greatly similar in form, there are slight differences that set them apart.
A paradox consists of a statement with opposing definitions, while an oxymoron combines two contradictory terms to form a new meaning. But because an oxymoron can play out with just two words, it is often used to describe a given object or idea imaginatively. As for a paradox, the statement itself makes you question whether something is true or false. It appears to contradict the truth, but if given a closer look, the truth is there but is merely implied.
The Paradox in Medicine and Health Care
Dr. Bernard Brom [Editor: SA Journal of Natural Medicine] suggests modem medicine is riddled with paradoxes. Most doctors live with these paradoxes without being aware of the conflict of interest that these paradoxes represent. Intrinsic to a general understanding of science is the idea that science frees us from misunderstanding and guides us towards clear decision making.
Most veteran doctors with experience know that medical science still does not give definitive answers, that each individual is unique, that one can never be sure how a patient will respond to a particular drug, or what the outcome of a particular operation will be. Human beings are not machines and therefore do not respond according to Newtonian logic, and therefore a paradox in medicine is not surprising. Medicine is an art which uses scientific techniques and approaches. It is, however, important to face these paradoxes. It is both humbling and enlightening, enriching those who consider the implications deeply enough.
The Compensation versus Value Paradox
Regardless of specialty, degree designation or delivery model, private practice physician salary is traditionally inversely related to independent medical practice business value.
SALARY: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2024/07/21/medicare-doctor-salary-rates-would-cut-pay-3/
In other words, the more a doctor takes home in compensation from his practice, the less ownership in a private practice is worth, and vice versa.
VALUE: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2008/01/11/how-to-maximize-medical-practice-value/
Higher doctor salary equals lower practice appraisal value.
BROKE DOCTORS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/08/02/doctors-going-broke-and-living-paycheck-to-paycheck/
This is the difference between a short-term and long-term compensation strategy.
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SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com
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Filed under: "Advisors Only", Ask a Doctor, CMP Program, Drugs and Pharma, finance, Funding Basics, Healthcare Finance, Investing | Tagged: broke doctors, CMP, doctor compensation, medical practice ownership, paradox, physician compensation, physician salary, practice appraisals, practice value, private practice doctor, rick doctors, value paradox | Leave a comment »
By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd
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Cryonics is a scientific and philosophical endeavor that seeks to preserve human life by freezing individuals at ultra-low temperatures after legal death, with the hope that future medical advancements may allow for revival and healing. Though still a speculative and controversial field, cryonics has captured the imagination of futurists, scientists, and ethicists alike.
Cryonics involves the process of cryopreservation—cooling the body, or sometimes just the brain, to -196°C using liquid nitrogen. The goal is to halt all biological activity, particularly decay, immediately after death. This is not the same as freezing; rather, it involves vitrification, a process that turns bodily fluids into a glass-like state to prevent ice crystal formation, which can damage cells. Once preserved, the body is stored indefinitely in a cryogenic chamber until such time that revival is theoretically possible.
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Despite its futuristic appeal, cryonics remains highly experimental. No human has ever been revived from a cryopreserved state, and current technology cannot reverse the damage caused by the preservation process itself. While scientists have successfully frozen and revived small biological samples like sperm and embryos, scaling this to entire human bodies presents enormous challenges.
The hope lies in future breakthroughs in nanotechnology, regenerative medicine, and artificial intelligence that could repair cellular damage and cure the diseases that led to death in the first place.
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Filed under: Ask a Doctor, Ethics, Marcinko Associates | Tagged: AI, cell damage, cold, cold body, cryonics, Ethics, freezing individuals, legal death, Marcinko, preserve human life, search human life, ultra low temperatures | Leave a comment »
By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd
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In the evolving landscape of digital health care, Amazon Pharmacy and GoodRx have emerged as two leading platforms offering consumers affordable and convenient access to prescription medications. While both aim to simplify the process of obtaining prescriptions, they differ significantly in their approach, pricing models, and user experience.
Amazon Pharmacy, launched in 2020, is a full-service online pharmacy that allows customers to order medications directly through Amazon. It offers fast, free delivery for Prime members and integrates with most insurance plans. One of its standout features is RxPass, a subscription service available to Prime members for $5 per month, which covers unlimited eligible generic medications. This model is particularly attractive to individuals who take multiple generics regularly, as it can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
In contrast, GoodRx, founded in 2011, operates primarily as a price comparison and discount platform. It does not dispense medications itself but partners with local and mail-order pharmacies to help users find the lowest prices. GoodRx provides coupons that can be used at thousands of pharmacies nationwide, often resulting in substantial savings—especially for those without insurance. It also offers GoodRx Gold, a paid membership that unlocks deeper discounts and telehealth services.
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When comparing the two, pricing transparency is a key differentiator. GoodRx excels in showing users a range of prices across different pharmacies, empowering them to choose the most cost-effective option. Amazon Pharmacy, while competitive, typically offers fixed prices and focuses more on convenience and integration with its broader ecosystem.
Convenience is another area where Amazon Pharmacy shines. With its streamlined ordering process, automatic refills, and integration with Amazon’s delivery network, it appeals to users who prioritize ease and speed. GoodRx, while convenient in its own right, requires users to present coupons at the pharmacy or use mail-order services, which may involve more steps.
Insurance compatibility also varies. Amazon Pharmacy accepts most major insurance plans, making it a viable option for insured individuals. GoodRx, on the other hand, is often used by those without insurance or with high deductibles, as its discounts can sometimes beat insurance copays.
However, both platforms have limitations. Amazon Pharmacy’s RxPass is restricted to generic medications and excludes certain states due to regulatory issues. GoodRx’s discounts may not apply to all medications, and prices can fluctuate depending on location and pharmacy.
In terms of user experience, Amazon offers a seamless, tech-driven interface with customer support and medication management tools. GoodRx provides educational resources, price alerts, and a mobile app that helps users track savings and prescriptions.
Ultimately, the choice between Amazon Pharmacy and GoodRx depends on individual needs. For those seeking a one-stop solution with predictable costs and fast delivery, Amazon Pharmacy may be ideal. For users who want to shop around for the best deal or lack insurance, GoodRx offers unmatched flexibility and savings.
As digital health continues to grow, both platforms are reshaping how Americans access medications—making prescriptions more affordable, transparent, and accessible than ever before.
COMMENTS APPRECIATED
SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com
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Filed under: Ask a Doctor, Drugs and Pharma, Glossary Terms, Health Economics, Health Insurance, Health Law & Policy, Marcinko Associates | Tagged: Amazon Pharmacy, david marcinko, drug discount platform, drug price comparison, drug refills, Drugs, GoodRx, goodRX gold, health, Health Insurance, healthcare, insurance, Managed Care, medicare, prescriptions, price comparisons for drugs, RxPass, teleHealth, telemedicine | Leave a comment »
By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd
SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com
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The global healthcare sector faces mounting challenges: rising costs, inefficiencies, limited access, and bureaucratic entanglements. In response, some economists and policymakers have turned to Austrian Economics for answers. Rooted in the works of Ludwig von Mises and Friedrich Hayek, Austrian Economics emphasizes individual choice, market-driven solutions, and skepticism toward centralized planning. But can this school of thought truly “save” healthcare?
At its core, Austrian Economics champions the idea that decentralized decision-making and free-market mechanisms lead to more efficient and responsive systems. In healthcare, this would mean reducing government control and allowing competition to drive innovation, lower costs, and improve quality. Proponents argue that when patients act as consumers and providers compete for their business, the system becomes more accountable and efficient. For example, direct primary care models—where patients pay physicians directly without insurance intermediaries—reflect Austrian principles and have shown promise in improving care and reducing administrative overhead.
Austrian theorists also critique the price distortions caused by third-party payers like insurance companies and government programs. According to them, when consumers are insulated from the true cost of care, demand becomes artificially inflated, leading to overutilization and waste. By restoring price signals—where patients see and respond to the actual cost of services—Austrian economists believe the market can better allocate resources and curb unnecessary spending.
However, critics argue that healthcare is not a typical market. Patients often lack the information, time, or capacity to make rational choices, especially in emergencies. Moreover, healthcare involves significant externalities and moral considerations that pure market logic may overlook. For instance, should access to life-saving treatment depend solely on one’s ability to pay? Austrian Economics offers little guidance on equity or universal access, which are central concerns in modern healthcare debates.
Austria itself provides an interesting case study. Despite the name, Austrian Economics is not the guiding philosophy behind Austria’s healthcare system. Instead, Austria operates a social insurance model with near-universal coverage, funded through mandatory contributions and managed by a mix of public and private actors. While recent reforms have aimed to streamline administration and reduce fragmentation he system remains largely collectivist—contrary to Austrian ideals.
In conclusion, Austrian Economics offers valuable insights into the inefficiencies of centralized healthcare systems and the potential benefits of market-based reforms. Its emphasis on individual choice, price transparency, and entrepreneurial innovation can inspire meaningful improvements. However, its limitations in addressing equity, access, and the unique nature of healthcare suggest that it cannot “save” the system on its own. A hybrid approach—blending market mechanisms with safeguards for universal access—may offer a more balanced path forward.
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SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com
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Filed under: Ask a Doctor, economics, Glossary Terms, Health Economics, Marcinko Associates | Tagged: Austrian Economics, can austrian economics save health casre?, david marcinko, economics, finance, Friedrich Hayek, global healthcare, Ludwig Von Mises Institute | Leave a comment »
By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd
DEFINED
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A physician practice management corporation (PPMC) is a business entity that provides non-clinical administrative and operational support to medical practices, allowing physicians to focus on patient care while the corporation handles the business side of healthcare.
Physician practice management corporations emerged in response to the increasing complexity of running a medical practice. As healthcare regulations, insurance requirements, and operational costs grew, many physicians found it challenging to manage both clinical responsibilities and business operations. PPMCs offer a solution by taking over the administrative burdens, enabling physicians to concentrate on delivering quality care.
At their core, PPMCs are responsible for a wide range of non-medical services. These include billing and coding, human resources, payroll, marketing, compliance, information technology, and financial management. By centralizing these functions, PPMCs can achieve economies of scale, reduce overhead costs, and improve operational efficiency for the practices they manage. This model is particularly attractive to small and mid-sized practices that may lack the resources to manage these functions independently.
PPMCs typically enter into long-term management agreements with physician groups. In some cases, they may purchase the non-clinical assets of a practice—such as equipment, office space, and administrative staff—while the physicians retain control over clinical decisions and patient care. This arrangement allows for a clear division between medical and business responsibilities, which is essential for maintaining compliance with healthcare regulations like the Stark Law and the Anti-Kickback Statute.
A physician practice management corporation (PPMC) is a business entity that provides non-clinical administrative and operational support to medical practices, allowing physicians to focus on patient care while the corporation handles the business side of healthcare.
Physician practice management corporations emerged in response to the increasing complexity of running a medical practice. As healthcare regulations, insurance requirements, and operational costs grew, many physicians found it challenging to manage both clinical responsibilities and business operations. PPMCs offer a solution by taking over the administrative burdens, enabling physicians to concentrate on delivering quality care.
PPMCs: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2019/11/18/on-the-ppmcs-of-yester-year-and-today/
At their core, PPMCs are responsible for a wide range of non-medical services. These include billing and coding, human resources, payroll, marketing, compliance, information technology, and financial management. By centralizing these functions, PPMCs can achieve economies of scale, reduce overhead costs, and improve operational efficiency for the practices they manage. This model is particularly attractive to small and mid-sized practices that may lack the resources to manage these functions independently.
PPMCs typically enter into long-term management agreements with physician groups. In some cases, they may purchase the non-clinical assets of a practice—such as equipment, office space, and administrative staff—while the physicians retain control over clinical decisions and patient care. This arrangement allows for a clear division between medical and business responsibilities, which is essential for maintaining compliance with healthcare regulations like the Stark Law and the Anti-Kickback Statute.
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One of the key advantages of working with a PPMC is access to capital and advanced infrastructure. PPMCs often invest in state-of-the-art electronic health record (EHR) systems, data analytics tools, and revenue cycle management platforms. These technologies can enhance patient care, streamline operations, and improve financial performance. Additionally, PPMCs may offer strategic guidance on practice expansion, mergers and acquisitions, and payer contract negotiations.
However, the relationship between physicians and PPMCs must be carefully managed. While PPMCs bring valuable expertise and resources, there is a risk that business priorities could overshadow clinical autonomy. To mitigate this, successful PPMCs prioritize physician engagement, transparent governance, and aligned incentives. They work collaboratively with physicians to ensure that business strategies support, rather than hinder, the delivery of high-quality care.
The physician practice management industry has evolved significantly over the past few decades. After a wave of failures in the 1990s due to overexpansion and misaligned incentives, modern PPMCs have adopted more sustainable and physician-centric models. Today, they play a crucial role in helping practices adapt to value-based care, population health management, and other emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
In conclusion, a physician practice management corporation serves as a strategic partner to medical practices, offering the business acumen and operational support needed to thrive in a complex healthcare environment. By offloading administrative tasks and providing access to advanced resources, PPMCs empower physicians to focus on what they do best—caring for patients—while ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of their practices.
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SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com
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Filed under: "Doctors Only", Ask a Doctor, Career Development, Glossary Terms, Health Law & Policy, Management, Marcinko Associates, Practice Management | Tagged: Anti-Kickback Statute, david marcinko, health, healthcare, medicine, physician practice management, physician practicement corporations, PPMC, PPMCs, Stark laws, Technology | Leave a comment »
DEFINITION
By Staff Reporters
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Classic Definition: The Boomerang[ing] paradox is a feedback loop or cycle where events come back positively or negatively. It is an interconnection between people that looks like an ecosystem.
Modern Circumstance: When our thoughts and words energetically go out into the world, it has the same effect as the boomerang. It will go all the way out and come back around. That part of the creation model is our thinking and speaking. We’re unconscious and co-creating our reality. The Boomerang effect is everywhere: politics, business, relationships, economics, environment, marketing, psychology and healthcare, etc.
PSYCHOLOGY
Paradox Example: Research has found that teaching people and patients about psychological biases can help counteract biased behavior. On the other hand, due to the innate need for preservation of a positive self-image, it is likely that teaching people about biases they hold, may cause a boomerang paradoxical effect in cases where being associated with a specific bias implies negative social connotations
MEDICINE
Paradox Example: Recent examples of a boomerang paradoxical drug effects is with osteoporosis medications such as Actonel, Boniva and Fosamax. These all belong to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates. They are supposed to strengthen bones, but some doctors report that long-term use of these drugs may actually pose a risk of certain unusual fractures.
ECONOMICS
Paradox Example: A characteristic of advanced economies like Australia is continual growth in household income and plunging costs of electric appliances, resulting in rapid growth in peak demand. The power grid in turn requires substantial incremental generating and network capacity, which is utilized momentarily at best. The result is the Boomerang Paradox, in which the nation’s rising wealth has created the pre-conditions for fuel poverty.
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The Medical Executive-Post is a news and information aggregator and social media professional network for medical and financial service professionals. Feel free to submit education content to the site as well as links, text posts, images, opinions and videos which are then voted up or down by other members. Comments and dialog are especially welcomed. Daily posts are organized by subject. ME-P administrators moderate the activity. Moderation may also conducted by community-specific moderators who are unpaid volunteers.
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Filed under: Ask a Doctor, Career Development, Drugs and Pharma, Ethics, Glossary Terms, mental health | Tagged: boomerang, boomerang paradox, depression, economics, Ethics, feedback, feedback loops, feedbak loop, health, loop, medicine, mental health, paradox, philosophy, psychology | Leave a comment »
By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd
SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org
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Population health and public health are two interrelated disciplines that strive to enhance the health outcomes of communities. While they share a common mission—to reduce health disparities and promote wellness—their approaches, target populations, and operational frameworks differ significantly.
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Public health is traditionally defined as the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private sectors, communities, and individuals. It focuses on the health of the general population and emphasizes broad interventions such as vaccination programs, sanitation, health education, and policy advocacy. Public health professionals often work in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions to implement community-wide initiatives that prevent disease and promote healthy behaviors.
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In contrast, population health takes a more targeted approach. It refers to the health outcomes of a specific group of individuals, including the distribution of such outcomes within the group. This field is particularly concerned with the social determinants of health—factors like income, education, environment, and access to care—that influence health disparities. Population health strategies often involve data-driven interventions tailored to the needs of defined groups, such as rural communities, ethnic minorities, or patients with chronic conditions.
One key distinction lies in scope and granularity. Public health initiatives are typically designed for the entire population, aiming to create systemic change. For example, anti-smoking campaigns or water fluoridation programs benefit everyone regardless of individual risk. Population health, however, might focus on reducing diabetes rates among Hispanic adults in a specific urban area, using targeted outreach and culturally sensitive care models.
Another difference is in data utilization. Population health relies heavily on health informatics and analytics to identify trends, allocate resources, and evaluate outcomes. This evidence-based approach supports precision in addressing health inequities. Public health also uses data, but often at a broader level to guide policy and monitor general health indicators like life expectancy or disease prevalence.
Despite these differences, the two fields are complementary. Public health lays the foundation for healthy societies through preventive infrastructure, while population health builds on this by addressing nuanced needs within subgroups. Together, they form a holistic framework for improving health outcomes across diverse communities.
In today’s healthcare landscape, the integration of public and population health is increasingly vital. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of both approaches: public health measures like mask mandates and vaccination campaigns were essential, while population health efforts ensured vulnerable groups received targeted support.
In conclusion, while public health and population health differ in focus and methodology, they are united by a shared goal: to foster healthier communities. Understanding their distinctions enables more effective collaboration and innovation in health policy, care delivery, and community engagement.
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SPEAKING: ME-P Editor Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com
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Filed under: "Doctors Only", Ask a Doctor, CMP Program, economics, finance, Health Insurance, Healthcare Finance, Information Technology, Marcinko Associates, mental health | Tagged: CMP, covid, david marcinko, health, HIT, IT, mental health, Population Health, public health, self-improvement | Leave a comment »
HOW TO COMMENCE THE FINE ART OF MONEY
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By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org
Investing may seem complicated, but today there are many ways for the newly minted physician [MD, DO, DPM, DMD or DDS] to begin, even with minimal knowledge and only a small amount to invest. Starting as soon as possible will help you get closer to the retirement you deserve.
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Investing often feels like a luxury reserved for the already wealthy physician. Many of us find it difficult to think about investing for the future when there are so many things we need that money for right now; medical school loans, auto, home and children; etc. But, at some point, we’re going to want to stop working and enjoy retirement. And simply put, retirement is expensive.
Most calculations advise that you aim for enough savings to give you 70% to 80% of your pre-retirement income for 20 years or more. Depending on your goals for retirement, that means you could need between $500,000 and $1 million in savings by the time you retire. That may not sound attainable, but with the power of compounding growth, it’s not as hard to achieve as you think. The key is starting as soon as possible and making smart choices.
INVESTMENT TYPES: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/08/26/
The short answer is “now,” no matter what your age. Due to the way the gains in investments can compound, the earlier you start the better. Money invested in your 20s could very easily grow over 20 times before you retire, without you having to do much. That is powerful. Even if you’re in your 50s or older, you can still make significant progress toward meeting your goals in retirement.
Most financial experts say you should invest 10% to 15% of your annual income for retirement. That’s the goal, but you don’t have to get there immediately. Whatever you can start investing today is going to help you down the road.
So, if 10% to 15% is too much right now, start small and build toward that goal over time. You can actually start investing with $5 if you want. And you should. Some investment products require a minimum investment, but there are plenty that don’t, and a lot of online brokerage accounts can be started for free.
BROKE DOCTORS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/08/02/doctors-going-broke-and-living-paycheck-to-paycheck/
The best investments for you are going to depend on your age, goals, and strategy. The important thing is to get started. You’ll learn as you go. If you have questions, a dedicated DIYer or investment advisor can help give you the guidance and options you need.
ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENTS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2022/06/06/risk-aversion-and-investment-alternatives/
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SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com
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Filed under: "Ask-an-Advisor", Ask a Doctor, finance, Financial Planning, Funding Basics, Investing, Marcinko Associates, Portfolio Management | Tagged: budgeting, CMP, DDS, DO, DPM, finance, Investing, Marcinko, MD, money art, personal-finance, physician investing, retirement, young doctors, young physicians | Leave a comment »
By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd
SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com
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Can Socialized Medicine Save U.S. Healthcare?
The U.S. healthcare system is often criticized for its high costs, unequal access, and inconsistent outcomes. With nearly 30 million Americans uninsured and many more underinsured, the question arises: could socialized medicine be the solution to these systemic issues?
Socialized medicine refers to a system where the government owns and operates healthcare facilities and employs medical professionals, funded primarily through taxation. While the term is often used pejoratively in American discourse, countries like the United Kingdom and Sweden have long embraced such models. These systems guarantee universal access to healthcare, regardless of income or employment status.
One of the strongest arguments in favor of socialized medicine is its potential to reduce overall healthcare costs. In the U.S., administrative expenses, profit margins, and fragmented billing systems contribute to exorbitant prices. A centralized system could streamline operations, negotiate better drug prices, and eliminate the need for private insurance middlemen. Countries with socialized systems typically spend less per capita on healthcare while achieving comparable or better health outcomes.
Moreover, socialized medicine could address the issue of healthcare access. In the current U.S. model, losing a job often means losing health insurance. Even with the Affordable Care Act, many Americans face high premiums and deductibles. A government-run system would ensure that healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and that no one is denied care due to financial constraints.
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However, critics argue that socialized medicine could lead to longer wait times, reduced innovation, and lower quality of care. They point to examples in Canada and the U.K. where patients sometimes wait weeks or months for non-emergency procedures. Additionally, skeptics fear that government control could stifle competition and reduce incentives for medical advancement.
Yet, these concerns may be overstated. Many countries with socialized systems still foster innovation through public-private partnerships and maintain high standards of care. France, for example, combines universal coverage with private providers and consistently ranks among the top healthcare systems globally.
Transitioning to socialized medicine in the U.S. would be a monumental task, requiring political will, public support, and a reimagining of healthcare financing. It would disrupt entrenched interests, including insurance companies and pharmaceutical firms. But if the goal is to create a more equitable, efficient, and humane system, socialized medicine deserves serious consideration.
In conclusion, while not a panacea, socialized medicine offers a compelling framework for addressing the deep-rooted problems in U.S. healthcare. By prioritizing access, affordability, and public health over profit, it could pave the way for a healthier and more just society.
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SPEAKING: ME-P Editor Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com
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Filed under: "Doctors Only", Ask a Doctor, Ethics, Health Economics, Health Insurance, Health Law & Policy, Healthcare Finance, Managed Care, Touring with Marcinko | Tagged: ACA, david marcinko, PP-ACA, socialized healthcare, socialized medicine, US haelthcare, US healthcare | Leave a comment »
By Staff Reporters and A.I.
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Dentistry is often perceived as a stable and rewarding profession, yet beneath the surface lies a troubling reality: dentists face disproportionately high levels of stress, burnout, divorce, practice turmoil, and even suicide. These issues stem from a complex interplay of emotional, financial, and professional pressures that uniquely affect dental practitioners.
Emotional and Psychological Strain
Dentists frequently operate in high-stakes environments where precision is paramount. The pressure to deliver flawless results while managing patient anxiety and discomfort can be overwhelming. Many patients fear dental procedures, and this fear often manifests as hostility or distrust, placing emotional strain on the dentist. Over time, the cumulative effect of these interactions can lead to compassion fatigue and emotional exhaustion.
Isolation and Professional Loneliness
Unlike other medical professionals who often work in collaborative hospital settings, dentists typically operate in solo or small group practices. This isolation can limit opportunities for peer support and professional camaraderie. Without a strong support network, dentists may struggle to process the emotional toll of their work, increasing their vulnerability to depression and burnout.
Financial and Business Pressures
Running a dental practice involves more than clinical expertise—it requires business acumen. Dentists must manage overhead costs, staff salaries, insurance reimbursements, and patient billing. The financial burden of student loans, often exceeding six figures, adds to the stress. Economic downturns or shifts in healthcare policy can destabilize practices, leading to turmoil and uncertainty.
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Work-Life Imbalance and Marital Strain
The demanding nature of dentistry often spills into personal life. Long hours, administrative responsibilities, and the emotional weight of patient care can leave little time or energy for family. This imbalance contributes to high divorce rates among dentists. The stress of maintaining a successful practice while nurturing personal relationships can become untenable, especially without adequate coping mechanisms.
Burnout and Suicide Risk
Burnout in dentistry is alarmingly common. A study by the American Dental Association found that 84% of dentists report experiencing burnout at some point in their careers.
Breaking the Cycle
Addressing these challenges requires systemic change. Mental health support, peer mentorship, and business education should be integrated into dental training. Encouraging open conversations about stress and providing resources for emotional well-being can help reduce stigma and promote resilience.
By acknowledging the hidden struggles of dentistry, the profession can move toward a healthier, more sustainable future.
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Filed under: Ask a Doctor, Career Development, CMP Program, Ethics, Health Economics, Practice Management | Tagged: ADA, American Dental Association, CMP, DDS, demtal suicide, dental burn out, dental stress, disabled, DMD, health-wellness, nursing homes | Leave a comment »
By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd
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A paradox is a logically self-contradictory statement or a statement that runs contrary to one’s expectation. It is a statement that, despite apparently valid reasoning from true or apparently true premises, leads to a seemingly self-contradictory or a logically unacceptable conclusion. A paradox usually involves contradictory-yet-interrelated elements that exist simultaneously and persist over time. They result in “persistent contradiction between interdependent elements” leading to a lasting “unity of opposites”.
THE TELE-MEDICINE PARADOX
Classic Definition: Refers specifically to the treatment of various medical conditions without seeing the patient in person. Healthcare providers may use electronic and internet platforms like live video, audio, PCs, tablets, or instant messaging to address a patient’s concerns and diagnose their condition remotely.
Modern Circumstance: This may include giving medical advice, walking them through at-home exercises, or recommending them to a local provider or facility. Even more exciting is the emergence of telemedicine apps which give patients access to care right from their phones or computer screens.
Paradox Examples: Treating certain conditions remotely can be challenging. Tele-medicine is often used to treat common illnesses, manage chronic conditions, or provide specialist services. If a patient is dealing with an emergent or serious condition, the remote provider suggests they seek in-person medical care.
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SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com
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Filed under: Ask a Doctor, Glossary Terms, Health Economics, Health Insurance, Health Law & Policy, Healthcare Finance, iMBA, Inc., Information Technology, Marcinko Associates, Research & Development, Touring with Marcinko | Tagged: AI, Artificial Intelligence Medicine, david marcinko, health, health care, healthcare, medicine, mental health, paradox, paradoxical, tele-medicine, tele-medicine paradox, wellness | Leave a comment »
By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd
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According to the American Medical Association’s Code of Medical Ethics, physicians can charge fees for “missed appointments or appointments not cancelled in advance in keeping with the published policy of the practice”, and they should “clearly notify patients in advance of fees charge” (Opinion 11.3. 2) [28].
And so, if you miss a doctor’s appointment these days, you could get hit with a “no-show” fee of up to $150 — or more for some specialties.
These practices are typically legal. They help businesses ensure they can recoup the lost revenue due to no-shows or last-minute cancellations.
Cancellation fees are permitted, but seldom collected absent unusual circumstances, such as a great deal of work having been provided.
QUESTION: As a doctor [MD, DO, DPM or DDS], do you charge an office cancellation fee? If so, how much is it?
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Filed under: "Doctors Only", Ask a Doctor, Ethics, Experts Invited, Funding Basics, Glossary Terms, Managed Care, Marcinko Associates, Risk Management | Tagged: AMA, cancellation fees, DDS, DO, DPM, Marcinko, MD, medical ethics, medical office, medical office cancellation fees, no show fees | Leave a comment »
By Staff Reporters
SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com
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Why It Is Difficult to Practice Medicine Part-Time Today?
In the past, part-time medical practice offered physicians a flexible way to balance professional responsibilities with personal or family commitments. Today, however, the healthcare environment has evolved in ways that make part-time medicine increasingly challenging. From administrative burdens to economic pressures and patient expectations, the obstacles are both systemic and personal.
One of the most significant barriers is the rise in administrative complexity. Physicians are now required to navigate electronic health records (EHRs), comply with insurance documentation, and meet regulatory standards such as HIPAA and MACRA. These tasks consume hours of non-clinical time, which is difficult to compress into a part-time schedule. Even seeing fewer patients doesn’t exempt part-time doctors from the same documentation and compliance requirements as their full-time counterparts.
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Another challenge is financial viability. Many physicians are paid based on productivity metrics, such as Relative Value Units (RVUs), which reward volume over quality. Part-time practitioners often struggle to meet these benchmarks, resulting in lower compensation and reduced benefits. Additionally, malpractice insurance premiums and licensing fees remain fixed regardless of hours worked, further eroding the financial appeal of part-time practice.
Continuity of care is also a concern. Patients increasingly expect immediate access to their providers, especially in primary care and specialties like psychiatry or pediatrics. Part-time physicians may not be available for urgent issues, leading to fragmented care and dissatisfaction. This can strain relationships with patients and colleagues who must cover gaps in availability.
From a professional standpoint, part-time physicians may face limited career advancement. Leadership roles, academic appointments, and research opportunities often favor full-time commitment. There’s also a perception—sometimes unfair—that part-time doctors are less dedicated or less competent, which can affect peer respect and influence within medical institutions.
Technology, while beneficial, adds another layer of complexity. Telemedicine, remote monitoring, and digital communication tools have expanded access but also increased the expectation for constant availability. Part-time physicians may find it difficult to manage asynchronous messages, follow-ups, and virtual visits without extending their work hours beyond what they intended.
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Lastly, burnout and work-life balance—ironically one of the reasons doctors seek part-time roles—can still be elusive. The pressure to maintain clinical excellence, stay updated with medical advancements, and meet patient needs doesn’t diminish with reduced hours. In fact, squeezing these responsibilities into fewer days can intensify stress rather than alleviate it.
In conclusion, while part-time medical practice may seem like a solution to modern work-life challenges, the reality is far more complex. The structure of today’s healthcare system, combined with economic, technological, and cultural pressures, makes it difficult for physicians to thrive in part-time roles. Addressing these challenges will require systemic reform, flexible compensation models, and a cultural shift in how we value and support diverse medical careers.
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SPEAKING: ME-P Editor Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com
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Filed under: Ask a Doctor, Managed Care, Marcinko Associates, Practice Management, Practice Worth, Professional Liability | Tagged: AI, artificial intelligence, DO, doctor employment, doctors, DPM, eHR, EHRs, EMRs, health, HIPPA, MACRA, Marcinko, MD, medical practice, part time doctor's office, part time doctors, part time medical practice, part time physicians, physician employment, physicians, RVUs, Technology | 1 Comment »
By AI and Staff Reporters
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Alpha Male and Beta Male are terms for men derived from the designations of alpha and beta animals in ethology. They may also be used with other genders, such as women, or additionally use other letters of the Greek alphabet (such as sigma. The popularization of these terms to describe humans has been widely criticized by scientists. Both terms have been frequently used in internet memes.
The term beta is used as a pejorative self-identifier among some members of the manosphere, particularly incels, who do not believe they are assertive and/or traditionally masculine, and feel overlooked by women. It is also used to negatively describe other men who are not deemed to be assertive, particularly with women. In internet culture, the term sigma male is also frequently used, gaining popularity in the late 2010s, but has since been used jokingly, often being used with incel.
Note: Incel is a portmateau of “involuntary celibate”) is a term associated with an online subculture of mostly male and heterosexual people who define themselves as unable to find a romantic or sexual despite desiring one. They often blame, objectify and denigrate women and girls as a result.
PORTMANTEAU: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2019/06/25/what-is-a-portmanteau/
Delta Males are very responsible and keep the world moving. Highly adaptable, deltas are known for their competence and work ethic rather than their leadership and ambition. Delta Males love learning new skills for the sake of improving themselves, not for power or extrinsic successes. Because of this, they often have a very healthy work-life balance. They’re dependable and unpretentious. Common personality traits: hardworking, loyal and responsible. Careers they excel at are accountant, dentist, engineer and firefighter. If you’re a delta male, your work often speaks for itself. People trust you, so consider being more proactive and taking initiative at work; you’ll be rewarded for it and won’t necessarily need to be in the spotlight.
Gammas Males tend to be insecure about status and may overestimate their status. They’re unhappy with their position, so they try to convince themselves that they’re Sigmas. A Gamma Male is described as intelligent, romantic, and empathetic. While he has some female traits, he has difficulty understanding and dating women. But, unlike alphas, gammas avoid conflict at all costs and care deeply about what other people think of them. They lack the leadership skills and confidence to be on top.
Omega Males are skilled introverts who don’t need external validation. Pop culture portrays them as the shyer, more reserved yin to the zeta male’s yang. They’re independent and very comfortable in their own company. They’d rather spend time coming up with (usually brilliant) new ideas and inventions of their own instead of socializing with others. They have uncouth but delightful senses of humor and their theories often change the world for the better. Common personality traits are self-motivated, strategic and quiet. Careers they excel at are chemist, composer, inventor and mathematician. If you’re an omega male, your ideas are likely ingenious.
Sigma Males are rebellious leaders with lots of life experience while delta males are responsible companions who you want by your side. Common personality traits are nurturing and wise. Careers they excel at are entrepreneur, philosopher, professor, or therapist.
Zeta Males are one-of-a-kind progressives. There’s a reason the zeta male is the least talked about personality type in pop culture. They’re rare nonconformists who don’t care what other people think. They know themselves and refuse to change to fit into the rigid social standards of society. Zeta males are fierce creatives who blaze new paths for themselves and others. Zeta Males are nonconformist creatives, gamma males are charismatic nomads, and omega males are sharp intellectuals with boundless ideas. Careers they excel at are actor, artist, musician or writer. Common personality traits are creative, independent and self-aware.
QUESTION: Doctors, Agents, Accountants and Financial Advisors: What is your male personality type?
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Filed under: Ask a Doctor, business, Career Development, curated experts,, Ethics, Glossary Terms, LifeStyle, Management, mental health | Tagged: alpha, beta, ddelta, feminism, gamma, incel, manosphere, memes, mental health, misogyny, omega, Portmanteau, psychology, Relationships, sigma, zeta | Leave a comment »
By A.I. and Staff Reporters
SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org
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ACUTE CARE MEDICINE
Classic: Acute care is a branch of secondary health care where a patient receives active but short-term treatment for a severe injury or episode of illness, an urgent medical condition, or during recovery from surgery. In medical terms, care for acute health conditions is the opposite from chronic care, or longer term care.
Modern: Acute care is active, short-term treatment for a severe injury or episode related to illness, an urgent medical condition or recovery from surgery.
HOSPITAL: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2008/12/08/the-acute-care-inpatient-hospital/
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Examples: The following are considered acute care facilities:
EMERGENT CARE: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/05/03/medicine-emergent-care/
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By A. I.
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In recent years, the healthcare industry has undergone a transformative shift from volume-driven services to outcome-focused care. This evolution is embodied in the concept of value-based medical care, a model that emphasizes delivering high-quality healthcare while controlling costs and improving patient outcomes. Unlike traditional fee-for-service systems, which reward providers for the quantity of services rendered, value-based care aligns incentives with the value of care provided—measured by patient health outcomes relative to the cost of achieving them.
At its heart, value-based medical care is built on several foundational principles:
For patients, value-based care offers a more personalized and proactive approach to health. It encourages preventive screenings, chronic disease management, and wellness programs that lead to longer, healthier lives. Providers benefit from shared savings programs, performance bonuses, and stronger relationships with their patients. Moreover, healthcare systems can allocate resources more effectively, reducing waste and improving overall population health.
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By A. I.
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A trio of scientists — two of them American and one Japanese — have won the Nobel Prize in Medicine for their discoveries concerning peripheral immune tolerance, a mechanism by which the body helps prevent itself from attacking its own tissues instead of foreign invaders.
Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell and Shimon Sakaguchi will share the prize for discoveries that “launched the field of peripheral tolerance, spurring the development of medical treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases,” the Nobel Assembly said in a news release. The trio will now share the prize money of 11 million Swedish kronor (nearly $1.2 million).
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By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
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Hobson’s Choice in Medicine
SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org
Hobson’s choice is a free choice in which only one thing is actually offered. The term is often used to describe an illusion that choices are available. The best known example is “I’ll give you a choice: Take it or leave it”, wherein “leaving it” is strongly undesirable.
The phrase is said to have originated with Thomas Hobson (1544–1631), a livery stable owner in Cambridge, England, who offered customers the choice of either taking the horse in the stall nearest to the door or taking none at all.
A CASE MODEL
Half of Physicians Plan to Change Career Paths
The Physicians Foundation recently conducted a survey on physician practice patterns and perspectives. Here are some key findings from the report:
• 31% of physicians identify as independent practice owners or partners.
• Almost half (47%) of physicians plan to change career paths.
• 78% of physicians sometimes, often or always experience feelings of burnout.
• Nearly a quarter of physician time is spent on non-clinical paperwork.
This result is not a good Hobson’s Choice in Medicine.
Cite: The Physicians Foundation, September 2018
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SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com
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By Staff Reporters
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A paradox is a statement that appears at first to be contradictory, but upon reflection then makes sense. This literary device is commonly used to engage a reader to discover an underlying logic in a seemingly self-contradictory statement or phrase. As a result, paradox allows readers to understand concepts in a different and even non-traditional
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GOVERNMENT HEALTH INFORMATION IS TRUSTED?
Modern Circumstance: Of brands presented to respondents in a Consumer Reports (50 percent), and AARP (37 percent) survey, they outpolled the “US Government Healthcare Quality Reporting Website” (36 percent) and Medicare Website (32 percent).
Paradox Example: The focus groups expressed “mixed reactions and raised doubts about government involvement in quality ratings information. At least one participant in each group expressed skepticism about trusting ‘the government’ to compile information.”
Younger consumers especially questioned the relevance of Medicare measures to the non-elderly population. Yet participants gravitated to “.gov” websites over “.org” websites as a more authoritative source.
CITE: Williams, Jason: Health Affairs, December 28, 2016
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Filed under: Ask a Doctor, CMP Program, Ethics, Glossary Terms, Health Economics, Health Insurance, Health Law & Policy, Healthcare Finance, Retirement and Benefits | Tagged: ACA, AHRQ, CDC, CMP, CMS, Consumer Reports, FDA, goverrnment healthcare, Health information, HHS, HIT, HRSA, Medicaid, medicare, NIH, PP-ACA | Leave a comment »
DEFINITIONS
By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
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SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org
An app, which is short for “application,” is a type of software that can be installed and run on a computer, tablet, smartphone or other electronic devices. An app most frequently refers to a mobile application or a piece of software that is installed and used on a computer. Most apps have a specific and narrow function.
BROKE DOCTORS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/08/02/doctors-going-broke-and-living-paycheck-to-paycheck/
An easy and fairly cheap way for novices to get into investing is to use a robo-advisor. Basically, the funds you contribute will be invested by an algorithm based upon your goals, which are usually determined by taking a survey. This helps keep fees low; the algorithm doesn’t rely on a human expert to make trades, and you don’t have to spend significant amounts of time researching your investments. While this is a good way to start, it may not be the best option in the long run.
More options are becoming available all the time, and they have opened trading to a much larger percentage of the population. That is a great thing, but it’s important to remember that “easier to invest” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s easy to invest well.
Be wary of apps that “gamify” trading and encourage risky choices. Keep in mind that trusted names offer more security, so do your research when you are selecting a platform.
POOR DOCTORS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2024/04/04/why-physicians-do-not-get-rich/
Investing should be taken seriously, and we encourage you to have a good working relationship with a human financial services professional.
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Filed under: "Ask-an-Advisor", Ask a Doctor, CMP Program, Funding Basics, Investing, Marcinko Associates, Portfolio Management | Tagged: CMP, financial advisors, investing apps, investments, Marcinko, online brokerages, robo advisors | Leave a comment »
Doctor of Medicine
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
By Staff Reporters and APMA
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APMA INFOGRAPHIC: https://www.apma.org/apmamain/document-server/?cfp=/apmamain/assets/file/public/about/physician-education-comparison-fact-sheet.pdf
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Filed under: Ask a Doctor, Experts Invited, Health Economics, Health Insurance, Health Law & Policy, Op-Editorials | Tagged: APMA, DO, do education, doctor education, DPM, dpm education, MD, md education, medical education osteopathic education, osteopath, osteopathic education, physician, podiatrist, podiatry | Leave a comment »
BEACH
By A.I. and Staff Reporters
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Let’s talk.
September 23rd is Global Teal Talk Day, founded by Ovarcome.
Over 300,000 women are diagnosed annually with ovarian cancer, worldwide. Gather your friends, wear teal for a day out together and talk. Wearing teal is not enough.
Talk About Ovarian Cancer.
MORE: https://ovarcome.org/events/teal-talk-day/
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Filed under: Ask a Doctor, Glossary Terms, Health Insurance, Insurance Matters | Tagged: BEACH sysmptoms, cancer, Ovarcome, ovarian cancer, Talk Teal Day, Teal Talk Day | Leave a comment »
By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org
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The study of behavioral economics has revealed much about how different biases can affect our finances—often for the worse.
Take loss aversion: Because we feel a financial setback more acutely than a commensurate gain, we often cling to failed investments to avoid realizing the loss. Another potential hazard is present bias, or the tendency to prefer instant gratification over long-term reward, even if the latter gain is greater.
When it comes to money, sometimes it’s difficult to make rational decisions. Here, are three behavioral financial biases that could be impeding financial goals.
ANCHORING BIAS
Anchoring Bias happens when we place too much emphasis on the first piece of information we receive regarding a given subject. Anchoring is the mental trick your brain plays when it latches onto the first piece of information it gets, no matter how irrelevant. You might know this as a ‘first impression’ when someone relies on their own first idea of a person or situation.
Example: When shopping for a wedding ring a salesman might tell us to spend three months’ salary. After hearing this, we may feel like we are doing something wrong if we stray from this financial advice, even though the guideline provided may cause us to spend more than we can afford.
Example: Imagine you’re buying a car, and the salesperson starts with a high price. That number sticks in your mind and influences all your subsequent negotiations. Anchoring can skew our decisions and perceptions, making us think the first offer is more important than it is. Or, subsequent offers lower than they really are.
Example: Imagine an investor named Jane who purchased 100 shares of XYZ Corporation at $100 per share several years ago. Over time, the stock price declined to $60 per share. Jane is anchored to her initial price of $100 and is reluctant to sell at a loss because she keeps hoping the stock will return to her original purchase price. She continues to hold onto the stock, even as it declines, due to her anchoring bias. Eventually, the stock price drops to $40 per share, resulting in significant losses for Jane.
In this example, Jane’s nchoring bias to the original purchase price of $100 prevents her from rationalizing to sell the stock and cut her losses, even though market conditions have changed. So, the next time you’re haggling for your self, a potential customer or client, or making another big financial decision, be aware of that initial anchor dragging you down.
HERD MENTALITY BIAS
Herd Mentality Bias makes it very hard for humans to not take action when everyone around us does.
Example: We may hear stories of people making significant monetary profits buying, fixing up, and flipping homes and have the desire to get in on the action, even though we have no experience in real estate.
Example: During the dotcom bubble of the late 1990’s many investors exhibited a herd mentality. As technology stocks soared to astronomical valuations, investors rushed to buy these stocks driven by the fear of missing out on the gains others were enjoying. Even though some of these stocks had questionable fundamentals, the herd mentality led investors to follow the crowd.
In this example, the herd mentality contributed to the overvaluation of technology stocks. Eventually, it led to the dot-com bubble’s burst, causing significant losses for those who had unthinkingly followed the crowd without conducting proper research or analysis.
OVERCONFIDENT INVESTING BIAS
Overconfident Investing Bias happens when we believe we can out-smart other investors via market timing or through quick, frequent trading. This causes the results of a study to be unreliable and hard to reproduce in other research settings.
Example: Data convincingly shows that people and financial planners/advisors and wealth managers who trade most often under-perform the market by a significant margin over time. Active traders lose money.
Example: Overconfidence Investing Bias moreover leads to: (1) excessive trading (which in turn results in lower returns due to costs incurred), (2) underestimation of risk (portfolios of decreasing risk were found for single men, married men, married women, and single women), (3) illusion of knowledge (you can get a lot more data nowadays on the internet) and (4) illusion of control (on-line trading).
ASSESSMENT
Finally, questions remain after consuming this cognitive bias review.
Question: Can behavioral cognitive biases be eliminated by financial advisors in prospecting and client sales endeavors?
A: Indeed they can significantly reduce their impact by appreciating and understanding the above and following a disciplined and rational decision-making sales process.
Question: What is the role of financial advisors in helping clients and prospects address behavioral biases?
A: Financial advisors can provide an objective perspective and help investors recognize and address their biases. They can assist in creating well-structured investment and financial plans, setting realistic goals, and offering guidance to ensure investment decisions align with long-term objectives.
Question: How important is self-discipline in overcoming behavioral biases?
A; Self-discipline is crucial in overcoming behavioral biases. It helps investors and advisors adhere to their investment plans, avoid impulsive decisions, and stay focused on long-term goals reducing the influence of emotional and cognitive biases.
CONCLUSION
Remember, it is far more useful to listen to client beliefs, fears and goals, and to suggest options and offer encouragement to help them discover their own path toward financial well-being. Then, incentivize them with knowledge of the above psychological biases to your mutual success!
SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com
REFERENCES:
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Filed under: Ask a Doctor, Career Development, CMP Program, economics, Experts Invited, finance, Funding Basics, Glossary Terms, Investing, mental health, Portfolio Management | Tagged: anchoring bias, behavioral economics, bias, CMP, economics, finance, financial advisors, herd bias, Investing, loss aversion, Marcinko, mental health, overconfidency, overconfident bias, personal-finance, present bias, psychology | Leave a comment »
By A.I. and Staff Reporters
SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org
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Despite their high salaries, not all doctors are wealthy, and some live paycheck to paycheck. Here are 5 reasons why many doctors today are broke, according to https://medschoolinsiders.com
The first reason so many doctors are broke is that many doctors believe they are universally smart. While most doctors have deep specialized knowledge, there’s a big difference between being smart in your profession and being smart with money. A physician’s schooling is quite thorough when it comes to the human body, but med school doesn’t include a prerequisite class on how to handle finances.
MORE: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2022/11/18/what-is-the-dunning-kruger-effect/
Graduating medical school is a major feat and certainly demonstrates superior work ethic and cognitive abilities. But many new doctors believe these accomplishments transcend all aspects of life. If you’re smart enough to earn an MD, you’re certainly smart enough to handle your finances, but only once you properly and intentionally educate yourself.
The truth is doctors, especially traditional graduates, haven’t had an opportunity to manage large sums of money until they become fully trained attending physicians and start pulling in low to mid six figures in income. Prior to that, there was very little of it to manage.
Far too many aspiring doctors, and students in general, don’t take the time to learn financial basics, in part because it’s uncomfortable and seems like something they can figure out “later”, whenever that may be. Their poor spending habits and lack of investment knowledge carry over into their careers, causing many to make irresponsible decisions.
MORE: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/07/17/doctors-and-lawyers-often-arent-millionaires/
The second factor is overspending too soon, and this comes up at two points in training.
First, it’s natural to want to start spending more as soon as you get into residency and start making a little more money. After all, you’ve been a broke student for 8 or more years, and now you’re finally making a reasonable and reliable wage. But that’s where young doctors get into trouble. Residency pays, but not nearly as much as you will be making once you become an attending physician. The average resident makes about $60K a year, and if you begin spending all of that money right away, thinking you’ll handle your loans once you become an attending, you delay paying off your medical school debt, which means the compounding effect through your student loan interest rate works against you.
Now that $250,000 in student loans has ballooned to over $350,000 by the time you finish residency. The compounding effect, which can be one of your greatest allies in your financial life, becomes an equally powerful enemy when working against you through debt. But of course, pinching pennies is easier said than done, especially when you’re in residency and are surrounded by peers in different professions. They’ve been earning good money much longer than you have, and they can afford more luxurious lifestyles.
They may not be worried about indulging in fine dining or how much a hotel costs when traveling. Students in college and medical school are often confident they will resist the temptations, but the desire to keep up with your friends and family can be difficult to ignore, which causes many to overspend before they technically have the money to do so.
The same is true of attending physicians. As soon as those six-figure salaries come rolling in, many physicians go overboard with spending, trying to make up for lost time and to treat yourself.
Now, we are not suggesting you shouldn’t reward yourself for completing residency, but that reward shouldn’t be a Lamborghini. It’s best to continue living like a resident in your first few years after becoming an attending to pay off loans, put a down payment on a home, and get your financial foundation built before loosening the purse strings.
Third, doctors continue to make less money than they did before. And this includes nearly all 44 medical specialties. For example, while physician compensation technically rose from $343k to $391k between 2017 and 2022, this rise does not keep up with inflation. The real average compensation in 2022 was less than $325k—a $20k decrease in purchasing power in only six years.
For doctors who are already spending to the limits of their salaries with huge mortgages, car payments, business costs, and other luxuries, a decreased salary can have a huge impact. You might be able to cut back by going on fewer vacations or eating out less frequently, but many accrued costs are locked in, such as a mortgage payment, car loan, or leased rental space for your practice.
In the past, running a private practice was much simpler, but recent stricter guidelines and regulations have made it difficult for solo practices to keep up. While regulations like the Health Insurance Privacy and Portability Act, or HIPAA, and mandatory Electronic Medical Records, or EMRs, are necessary to protect patients, they make costs higher for physicians who run their own private practice. These physicians need to spend their own money to set up and maintain EMRs as well as invest in security to ensure patient data is protected.
With the steep rise of inflation we’ve seen over the past couple of years, everything is more expensive, which means costs, such as business space, equipment, and even office supplies, have gone up for private practice physicians while salaries have not. 2013 to 2020 saw an annual inflation rate of anywhere from 0.7% to 2.3%. This skyrocketed to an annual inflation rate of 7.0% in 2021 and another 6.5% in 2022. In fact, the cost of running a private practice has increased by almost 40% between 2001 and 2021.
These increased costs are exacerbated by another problem plaguing private practices; decreased reimbursement. While costs increased by almost 40%, Medicare reimbursement only increased by 11%. When doctors see patients who are insured, the insurance companies pay the physicians for their time. For Medicare, the new proposed rules for 2023 would cut reimbursement by around 5%. When adjusting for inflation, Medicare reimbursement decreased by 20% in the last 20 years.
These costs add up, making it extremely difficult for physicians to thrive financially while running a private practice.
Lastly, we can’t talk about a doctor’s finances without mentioning the exorbitant debt so many graduating physicians are left with. It won’t shock you to hear that med school is expensive. Extremely expensive. The average cost of tuition for a single year is nearly $60k, with significant variance from school to school, and that’s before accounting for living expenses.
In-state applicants pay less than out-of-state applicants, and students at private schools typically pay more than students at public medical schools. The astronomical costs mean the vast majority of students can’t pay for medical school out of their own pockets. And unless your family is part of the 1%, even with your parents footing the bill, it’s difficult to cover tuition, let alone rent, groceries, transportation, tech, social activities, exam fees, and application costs.
The average total student debt after college and med school is over $250k. But keep in mind that’s the average, which includes 27% of students who graduate with no debt at all. This means the vast majority of students leave medical school owing much more than $250k.
For some perspective, in 1978, the average debt for graduating MDs was $13,500, which, when adjusted for inflation, is a little over $60,000. There are multiple ways to eventually repay these loans, but time and discipline are essential to ensure this money is paid off as quickly as possible.
MORE: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2024/12/03/12-investing-mistakes-of-physicians/
THE FINANCIAL FIX
According to financial advisor Dr. David Edward Marcinko MEd MBA CMP™; consider the following:
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SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com
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SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org
By Staff Reporters and A.I.
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The Memory Palace Fallacy – Learning Styles Don’t Actually Exist
Remember being told you’re a “visual learner” or an “auditory learner”? Well, turns out that whole learning styles theory is pretty much bunk.
Common Learning Myths have been thoroughly debunked by modern educational research, and this is a big one. Studies consistently show that matching teaching methods to supposed learning styles doesn’t improve outcomes at all.
What actually matters is matching the teaching method to the content itself – you learn geography better with maps because geography is visual, not because you’re a “visual person.” It’s like trying to learn piano by reading about it versus actually playing keys. The activity should match what you’re trying to learn, not some made-up category about how your brain supposedly works.
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Filed under: Ask a Doctor, CMP Program, Experts Invited, Glossary Terms, LifeStyle, mental health, Risk Management | Tagged: auditory learner, auditory person, CMP, education, learner, learning myths, memory loss, mental, mental health, palace fallacy, teaching, visual learner, visual perso, what is memory loss?, what is pallace fallacy | Leave a comment »
By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd
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Pure risk is a category of risk that cannot be controlled and has two outcomes: complete loss or no loss at all. There are no opportunities for gain or profit when pure risk is involved. Pure risk is generally prevalent in situations such as natural disasters, fires, or death. These situations cannot be predicted and are beyond anyone’s control. Pure risk is also referred to as absolute risk.
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1. Personal Risks
Now, there are basically 3 types of pure risks that concern individual physicians. These incur losses like loss of income, additional expenses and devaluation of property. There are 4 risk factors affecting them:
2. Property Risks
This means the possibility of damage or loss to the property owned due to some cause. There are two types of losses involved.
For instance, a medical practice that burned down may incur repair costs as the direct loss. The consequential loss is being unable to run the practice business to generate income.
3. Liability Risks
A doctor is legally liable to his wrongful act that cause damage to a third party; physically, by reputation or property. S/he can be legally sued with no maximum in the compensation amount if found guilty.
Knowing how risks are classified, and the types of pure risks an individual is exposed to, will provide a fundamental overview on these risk topics and prepare you to further acquire the knowledge of how to deal with and manage them as a physician executive, leader, or manager.
COMMENTS APPRECIATED
SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com
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Filed under: Ask a Doctor, Glossary Terms, Marcinko Associates, Risk Management, Touring with Marcinko | Tagged: absolute risk, DDS, DO, DPM, financial risk, health risk, liability risk, md risk, personal risk, physician risk, property risk, pure risk, risk, Risk Management | Leave a comment »
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By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org
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DEFINITION
Capitation is a type of healthcare payment system in which a physician or hospital is paid a fixed amount of money per patient for a prescribed period by an insurer or physician association. The cost is based on the expected healthcare utilization costs for a group of patients for that year.
With capitation, the physician—otherwise known as the primary care physician— is paid a set amount for each enrolled patient whether a patient seeks care or not. The PCP is usually contracted with an HMO whose role it is to recruit patients.
ACOs: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2024/12/01/record-breaking-savings-for-acos-in-2023/
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CAPITATION REIMBURSEMENT HISTORY
According to Richard Eskow, CEO of Health Knowledge Systems of Los Angeles, capitated medical reimbursement has been used in one form or another, in every attempt at healthcare reform since the Norman Conquest. Some even say an earlier variant existed in ancient China [personal communication].
Initially, when Henry I assumed the throne of the newly combined kingdoms of England and Normandy, he initiated a sweeping set of healthcare reforms. Historical documents, though muddled, indicate that soon thereafter at least one “physician,” John of Essex, received a flat payment honorarium of one penny per day for his efforts. Historian Edward J. Kealey opined that sum was roughly equal to that paid to a foot-soldier or a blind person. Clearer historical evidence suggests that American doctors in the mid-19th century were receiving capitation-like payments. No less an authoritative figure than Mark Twain, in fact, is on record as saying that during his boyhood in Hannibal, MO his parents paid the local doctor $25/year for taking care of the entire family regardless of their state of health.
Later, Sidney Garfield MD [1905-1984] is noted as one of the great under-appreciated geniuses of 20th century American medicine stood in the shadow cast by his more celebrated partner, Henry J. Kaiser. Garfield was not the first physician to embrace the notion of prepayment capitation, nor was he the first to understand that physicians working together in multi-specialty groups could, through collaboration and continuity of care, outperform their solo practice colleagues in almost every measure of quality and efficiency. The Mayo brothers, of course, had prior claim to that distinction. What Garfield did, was marry prepayment to group practice, providing aligned financial incentives across every physician and specialty in his medical group, as well as a culture of group accountability for the care of every member of the affiliated health plan. He called it “the new economics of medicine,” and at its heart was a fundamentally new paradigm of care that emphasized – prevention before treatment – and health before sickness. Under his model: the fewer the sick – the greater the remuneration. And: the less serious the illness, the better off the patient and the doctors.
VBC: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2018/12/07/the-state-of-value-based-care-vbc/
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Such ideas were heresy to the reigning fee-for-service, solo practice, ideologues of the mainstream medical establishment of the 1940s and ‘50s, of course. Throughout the period, Garfield and his group physicians were routinely castigated by leaders of the AMA and county medical associations as socialistic and unethical. The local medical associations in Garfield’s expanding service areas – the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Portland, Oregon – blocked group practice physicians from association membership, effectively shutting them out of local hospitals, denying them patient referrals or specialty society accreditation. Twice in the 1940s, formal medical association charges were brought against Garfield personally, at one time temporarily succeeding in suspending his license to practice medicine.
Of course, capitation payments made a comeback in the first cost-cutting managed care era of the 1980-90s because fee-for-service medicine created perverse incentives for physicians by paying more for treating illnesses and injuries than it does for preventing them — or even for diagnosing them early and reducing the need for intensive treatment later. Nevertheless, the modern managed care industry’s experience with capitation wasn’t initially a good one. The 1980-90s saw a number of HMOs attempt to put independent physicians, especially primary care doctors, into a capitation reimbursement model. The result was often negative for patients, who found that their doctors were far less willing to see them — and saw them for briefer visits — when they were receiving no additional income for their effort. Attempts were also made to aggregate various types of health providers — including hospitals and physicians in multiple specialties — into “capitation groups” that were collectively responsible for delivering care to a defined patient group. These included healthcare facilities and medical providers of all types: physicians, osteopaths, podiatrists, dentists, optometrists, pharmacies, physical therapists, hospitals and skilled nursing homes, etc.
However, the healthcare industry isn’t collective by nature, and these efforts tended to be too complicated to succeed. One lesson that these experiments taught is that provider behavior is difficult to change unless the relationship between that behavior and its consequences is fairly direct and easy to understand.
Today, the concept of prepayment and medical capitation is to uncouple compensation from the actual number of patients seen, or treatments and interventions performed. This is akin to a fixed price restaurant menu, as opposed to an àla carte eatery.
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SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com
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Filed under: Ask a Doctor, Career Development, CMP Program, curated experts,, economics, Ethics, Experts Invited, finance, Glossary Terms, Health Economics, Health Law & Policy, Healthcare Finance, Marcinko Associates | Tagged: AMA, capitation, capitation economics, CMP, david marcinko, DDS, DMD, DO, doctor compensation, DPM, exchange-server, Health Economics, Health Insurance, HMO, Managed Care, MD, PCP, physician compensation, powershell, primary care provider, Richard Eskow, RN, Sidney Garfield, system-center | Leave a comment »
By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd
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BREAKING NEWS
Law enforcement officials in Utah released a video of the suspected shooter in the assassination of Turning Point USA co-founder and CEO Charlie Kirk, saying that the person wore Converse tennis shoes and left a hand print and a shoe print at the scene.
The suspect in Charlie Kirk’s assassination has been identified as Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old Utah resident. Law enforcement sources told the Daily Mail that Robinson was taken into custody as the alleged assassin who killed Kirk at a rally at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
PODIATRY EDUCATION: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/09/11/education-md-do-and-dpm/
Forensic Podiatry on TV
Before today, forensic podiatry has even made it into the public zeitgeist with the hit TV show “Bones” which premiered on September 13, 2005, and concluded on March 28, 2017, airing for 246 episodes over 12 seasons. The show was based on forensic anthropology and forensic archaeology, with each episode focusing on the mystery behind human body remains brought in for examination and identification.
PODIATRY TYPES: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/07/28/podiatrist-types-specialization-and-salary/
In one show, eight pairs of dismembered feet washed ashore after a flood on the U.S.-Canada border, but things didn’t add up when only seven pairs of feet were identified as research corpses from a nearby university body farm.
When the fictional Canadian forensic podiatrist Dr. Douglas Filmore took the remains back to Canada, he had to form a jurisdictional alliance with the United States to match the pairs of feet and identify the victims. A rare and expensive pair of sneakers led the team to the victim’s murderer.
In 2016, an actual forensic podiatry club was started at the Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine. And, a formal class covering aspects of forensic podiatry is held at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. Students exit the class with an in depth knowledge of forensic podiatry and other legal knowledge applicable to current cases.
More expertly, real-life colleague Michael Steven Nirenberg DPM actually testified in the murder trial of defendants Kailie Brackett and Donnell Dana with the state calling three witnesses to testify, including the podiatrist who claimed Brackett’s footprints match the ones found in blood at the apartment of the victim, Kimberly Neptune. The forensic podiatrist focused on the footprints discovered at Neptune’s apartment, using prints and images of the defendant’s feet taken by law enforcement. After study, he claimed the prints at the scene bore a resemblance to Kailie Brackett’s in the width of the foot. The defense questioned the field of forensic podiatry and pressed Dr. Nirenberg on whether the measurements would be altered depending on how thick the sock covering the foot was woven.
Dr. Nirenberg was also interviewed on National Public Radio’s Morning Edition on April 14th 2023 about the gait of the bombing suspect associated with the capital riot on Wednesday January 6th, 2021. Dr. Nirenberg is president of the American Society of Forensic Podiatry and co-editor of the textbook: “Forensic Gait Analysis: Principles and Practice”. The bombing suspect had placed bombs at the DNC and RNC headquarters in Washington, DC on the night before. NPR asked Dr. Nirenberg to comment on the features of the person’s gait.
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Additionally, Nirenberg was interviewed by Nancy Grace on her TV show Crime Stories. Grace interviewed Nirenberg about his forensic podiatry work in helping to solve the murder of a mother of 3 who was killed in a church. The case remains unsolved. The episode, “Fitness-Mom Missy Bevers Bludgeoned Dead in Creekside Church” aired June 6th, 2024 and is available online at Merit+ TV.
And, Netflix’s 2023 docu-series, “Till Murder Do Us Part”, recounts the killings of Derek and Nancy Haysom by including a series of interviews with a cast of real people. The four-part docu-series revolves around the unpacking of how a wealthy couple was murdered in Virginia in 1985. It also focuses on how the suspects, Elizabeth Haysom, and her boyfriend, Jens Soehring, betrayed each other during the trial. Dr. Sarah Reel DPM was the forensic podiatrist who was involved with Jens’ and Elizabeth’s footprint examination. Dr. Reel pointed out that, statistically, there was no difference “between a bare footprint and a socked footprint.” The doctor suggested that Jens’ reference footprint matched closely with the crime scene footprint.
Cite: Aeron Mer Eclarinal, The Direct [11/9/23]
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SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com
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Filed under: Ask a Doctor, Career Development, Ethics, Experts Invited, Glossary Terms, Health Economics, Health Insurance, Healthcare Finance, Practice Management, Professional Liability | Tagged: "BONES", Barry University Forensics, charlie Kirk, daily mail, david marcinko, DDS, DNC, DO, DPM, foot prints, forensic podiatry, Haysom, MD, Michael Steven Nirenberg DPM, Nancy Grace, physicians, podiatric physician, podiatrist, podiatry, S&P 500, Sarah Reel DPM, turning point USA, tyler robinson | Leave a comment »
DEFINITIONS
By Staff Reporters
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The health care law provides 2 ways to hold insurance companies accountable and help keep your costs down: Rate Review and the 80/20 rule.
Rate Review helps protect you from unreasonable rate increases. Insurance companies must now publicly explain any rate increase of 15% or more before raising your premium. This does not apply to grandfathered plans.
Look up your insurance plan to see its proposed and final rate increase.
The 80/20 Rule generally requires insurance companies to spend at least 80% of the money they take in from premiums on health care costs and quality improvement activities. The other 20% can go to administrative, overhead, and marketing costs.
The 80/20 rule is sometimes known as Medical Loss Ratio, or MLR. If an insurance company uses 80 cents out of every premium dollar to pay for your medical claims and activities that improve the quality of care, the company has a Medical Loss Ratio of 80%.
Insurance companies selling to large groups (usually more than 50 employees) must spend at least 85% of premiums on care and quality improvement.
If your insurance company doesn’t meet these requirements, you’ll get a rebate on part of the premium that you paid.
If your insurance company doesn’t meet its 80/20 targets for the year, you’ll get back some of the premium that you paid.
You may see the rebate in a number of ways:
If you or your employer will get a rebate, your insurance company must notify you by August 1.
If you have an individual insurance policy, you’ll get the rebate directly from your insurance company.
For small group and large group plans, the rebate is usually paid to the employer. It may use one of the above rebate methods, or apply the rebate in a way that benefits employees.
FYI: The 80/20 rebate rules don’t apply when an insurance company has fewer than 1000 enrollees in a particular state or market.
It depends.
For Rate Review: These requirements don’t apply to grandfathered plans. Check your plan’s materials or ask your employer or your benefits administrator to find out if your health plan is grandfathered.
For the 80/20 Rule: These rights apply to all individual, small group, and large group health plans, whether your plan is grandfathered or not.
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Filed under: "Ask-an-Advisor", Ask a Doctor, economics, Glossary Terms, Health Economics, Health Insurance, Healthcare Finance | Tagged: 80/20 rule, group health plans, health, Health Insurance, health plans, healthcare, insurance, insurance policy, insurance rebates, Medical Loss Ratio, medicare, MLR, Paretto Principle | Leave a comment »
By A.I. and Staff Reporters
SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org
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OUT OF POCKET [OOP] EXPENSES
Classic: The portion of medical expenses a patient is responsible for paying.
Modern: Refers to the maximum you will pay during your policy period, which is typically a year, before your plan starts to pay 100% of your allowed amount. The costs of your deductible, co-pay, and co-insurance are included here, but not your premium.
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OUT OF NETWORK [OON] EXPENSES
Classic: “Out-of-network” health care providers do not have an agreement with your insurance company to provide care. While insurance companies may have some out-of-network benefits, medical care from an out-of-network provider will usually cost more out-of-pocket than an in-network provider.
Modern: The amount that a health care insurance plan will contribute toward out-of-network services will vary by your insurance company and is often based on a “reasonable and customary” amount that the service should cost
Example: If you go to an out-of-network dentist and are billed $300 for the service, your insurance company may contribute $200 toward paying this cost because $200 is the amount it has decided is “reasonable and customary” for this service. When out-of-network, any remaining cost above this amount ($100 in this case) may have to be fully covered by the person receiving care. When out-of-network, the usual coinsurance rates that apply in-network may not apply out-of-network. Additionally, out-of-network service costs may not count toward an annual deductible.
CHARGE-MASTER: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2024/11/20/charge-master-medical-bills-paradox/
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Filed under: Ask a Doctor, CMP Program, Glossary Terms, Health Economics, Health Insurance, Healthcare Finance | Tagged: annual deductible, charge-master, CMP, co-insurance, co-payments, deductibles, FEES, Health Insurance, INSURANCE COMPANIES, medical costs, medical expenses, OON, OOP, out of network, out of pocket, premiums | Leave a comment »
Primary – Secondary – Tertiary Care
By A.I. and Staff Reporters
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In medicine, there are four levels of care: primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary. The levels of care refer to the complexity of the medical cases that doctors and healthcare providers treat and the skills and specialties of the providers.
Primary care involves consulting with a primary care provider. Secondary care refers to seeing a specialist such as a dermatologist, neurologist or oncologist. Tertiary care is specialized care in a hospital setting such as brain surgery, renal dialysis or heart surgery.
Quaternary care is thus an advanced level of specialized care.
PRIMARY CARE: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2024/09/27/cms-a-new-primary-care-medicine-model/
QUATERNARY CARE
Classic: Sometimes used as an extension of tertiary medical and surgical care in reference to advanced levels of medicine which are highly specialized and not widely accessed by most patients.
Modern: A higher level of specialized care within a hospital. Experimental medicine and some types of uncommon diagnostic or surgical procedures are also considered quaternary care.
According to the Wonca International Dictionary for General/Family Practice -Quaternary Prevention [QP] – is defined as: ‘Action taken to identify patient at risk of over medicalization, to protect him/her from new medical invasion, and to suggest to him interventions, which are ethically acceptable’.
Examples: Types of quaternary care include: experimental medicine, procedures and uncommon and specialized surgeries. This includes sub-specialty services such as advanced trauma care and organ [heart, lung, liver, kidney, etc] transplantation.
MEDICAL CARE: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2024/07/29/survey-primary-care-doctors-deliver-most-medical-care/
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Filed under: Ask a Doctor, Career Development, Drugs and Pharma, Glossary Terms, Professional Liability | Tagged: doctors, general practice, GP, healthcare providers, hospitals, MD, medical doctors, medicine, primary care, quaternary care, secondary care, surgery, tertiary care | Leave a comment »
By A.I. and Staff Reporters
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A basic financial measurement used in the Affordable Care Act to encourage health plans to provide value to enrollees.
MLR: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2022/07/30/health-insurance-medical-loss-ratios/
If an insurer uses 80 cents out of every premium dollar to pay its customers’ medical claims and activities that improve the quality of care, the company has a medical loss ratio of 80%. A medical loss ratio of 80% indicates that the insurer is using the remaining 20 cents of each premium dollar to pay overhead expenses, such as marketing, profits, salaries, administrative costs, and agent commissions.
The Affordable Care Act sets minimum medical loss ratios for different markets, as do some state laws.
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Filed under: "Ask-an-Advisor", Ask a Doctor, Glossary Terms, Health Insurance | Tagged: ACA, Affordable Care Act, Health Insurance, medical claims, Medical Loss Ratio, MLR | Leave a comment »
By Staff Reporters
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This September, along with survivors, caregivers, advocates, and healthcare professionals, HealthTree is commemorating Blood Cancer Awareness Month!
In this article, you’ll learn why this month receives special attention in the HealthTree community and what they will feature throughout September so you don’t miss a thing.
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Filed under: Ask a Doctor, Drugs and Pharma, Glossary Terms, Media Mentions and PR, Research & Development | Tagged: Blood Cancer Awareness Month, cancer awareness month, healthtree, September | Leave a comment »
Dear Medical Executive-Post Readers and Subscribers
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HISTORY OF LABOR DAY
The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Sept. 5th, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. President Grover Cleveland signed a law on June 28th, 1894, that made the first Monday in September of each year a national holiday, according to the Department of Labor.
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MY SEPTEMBER HEALTH RE-SET
To give my health a boost after Labor Day, I’m taking a complete break from alcohol, sugar, cookies, ice cream, coffee and tea for the entire month of September. Besides that, I’ll also prioritize sleep and increase my exercise from 7 to at least 10 times [hours] a week. This will allow me to focus on my diet and mental well-being. It’s essentially a month of health and wellness rejuvenation.
I’ve chosen to focus on alcohol and sugar because I want to challenge the idea that moderate drinking is part of a healthy lifestyle. In reality, only those who maintain a healthy lifestyle can afford to enjoy alcohol in moderation. But, sugar is everywhere and must be minimized for Type II diabetes and weight control.
Moreover, the long-term and excessive intake of sugary beverages and refined sugars can negatively impact your overall caloric intake and create a domino effect on your health. For example, excess sugar in the body can turn into fat deposits and lead to fatty liver disease.
A low sugar diet can help you lose weight and also help you manage and/or prevent diabetes, heart disease and stroke, reduce inflammation, and even improve your mood and the health of your skin. That’s why the low sugar approach is a key tenet of other well-known healthy eating patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet.
QUESTION: And so, do you also commit to such “factory resets” now and then? Please comments.
Do, enjoy the Labor Day Weekend, Bar-B-Ques with friends, family and colleagues. And, I hope you continue to find the Medical Executive-Post useful!
Many thanks for your likes and referrals.
Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP
[Editor and Chief]
SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com
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Filed under: Ask a Doctor, Ethics, Events-Planner, iMBA, iMBA, Inc., Marcinko Associates, Quality Initiatives, Sponsors | Tagged: alcohol, BBQ, Central Labor Union, DASH diet, david marcinko, Department of Labor, diabetes, diet, Grover Cleveland, health, iMBA Inc, Labor Day, liver disease, ME-P, Medical Executive-Post, mental health, nutrition, physicial health, September, sugar, weight-loss, wellness | Leave a comment »
By A.I.
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Philosophy (‘love of wisdom’) is a systematic study of general and fundamental questions concerning topics like existence, reason, knowledge, value, mind and language. It is a rational and critical inquiry that reflects on its methods and assumptions.
Philosophy is broadly divided into several main branches that explore fundamental questions about reality, knowledge, ethics, logic, and values, each addressing different aspects of human thought and existence.
STOIC: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2022/11/20/stoic-the-philosophy-of-knowing-and-doing/
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Filed under: Ask a Doctor, Ethics, Glossary Terms, LifeStyle, mental health | Tagged: aesthetics, epistemology, ethic, Ethics, language, languages, logic, mental health, metaphysics, morals, philosophy, stoic, wisdom | Leave a comment »
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