Blog & Legal Information - Regan Zambri Long Washington D.C.

The Power And Perils of Telemedicine For Patients

Posted By Regan Zambri Long | Posted on: Mar 25, 2020

A variety of technological solutions have completely transformed the scope of modern health care. Today’s patients can easily get in touch with doctors or other medical professionals by email or text message. This allows many to avoid time-consuming appointments altogether. Unfortunately, telemedicine isn’t exactly risk-free. Before perusing this option, it’s important to be aware of the many opportunities and hazards it poses. Exciting Opportunities At its best, telemedicine improves convenience. It’s a wonderful tool for patients who reside in rural areas or struggle to access transportation. Typically reserved for minor ailments, telemedicine solutions can deliver swift diagnoses for common problems…

Posted By Regan Zambri Long PLLC | Posted on: Mar 24, 2020

Dear RZL Clients: All of us at the firm send our thoughts to you and your families during this COVID-19 outbreak. In this anxious time, we encourage you to practice social distancing, wash your hands often, and take the other steps set forth by the CDC. The goal here is to stay healthy, protect others, and avoid overwhelming our health-care system. We also encourage you to help those less fortunate in your communities. Here are some ideas: call your elderly and infirmed neighbors to see if they need help with groceries, make homemade masks for local distribution, or donate to…

Posted By Regan Zambri Long | Posted on: Mar 20, 2020

Medication errors are unfortunate, potentially deadly incidents that affect over a million Americans annually. Medication errors are a subset of preventable medical errors, the estimated third leading cause of death in America. At pharmacies, medication errors most often occur when an incorrect medication or incorrect strength is given to a patient that does not align with their doctor’s prescription. Quickly misreading a prescription or medication label causes many of the medication errors that occur at pharmacies. Medication errors can occur at many levels within the prescription system (prescribing, transcribing, dispensing, administration, and monitoring) and pharmacists are one of the last…

Posted By Regan Zambri Long | Posted on: Mar 18, 2020

Highways can efficiently get you from point A to point B, but they can prove extremely nerve-wracking in times of heavy traffic. Back roads, although less intimidating, are far from perfect. Not only can they become just as congested, but frequent stops at lights and signs also harm gas mileage and cause significant wear and tear. The following suggestions may make highway driving more manageable: Watch the Speed Posted speed limits vary dramatically from one area to the next. Depending on the location, you could be legally permitted to travel 80 miles per hour or restricted to just 40 miles…

Posted By Regan Zambri Long | Posted on: Mar 16, 2020

Even the most trusted doctors are far from infallible. Errors in diagnosis are shockingly common, even among the industry’s top authorities. As a patient, however, you can reduce your likelihood of falling victim by seeking a second diagnosis. This process may feel intimidating, but it could make all the difference as you pursue the best possible course of action: Top Reasons For Seeking a Second Opinion A variety of circumstances can prompt the common desire for a second opinion. Often, patients simply want more information. In other cases, however, the following factors may be at play: Doubts as to the…

Posted By Regan Zambri Long | Posted on: Mar 13, 2020

Nurses hold an increasingly esteemed position within the health care industry. Many are authorized to handle responsibilities once reserved for doctors. Despite this expanded scope of responsibilities, they remain critical patient advocates. They are there to speak up on your behalf when you’re concerned about specific diagnoses, procedures, or other medical issues. Many will naturally step up to the task, but others require additional guidance. Build Rapport With Your Nurses Nurses provide a valuable combination of physical, mental, and emotional care. Unfortunately, not all patients respond to their efforts to develop meaningful relationships. While nurses should remain supportive regardless of…

Posted By Regan Zambri Long | Posted on: Mar 13, 2020

This year, Daylight Saving Time will begin on Sunday, March 8th. When “springing forward” your clocks, you should also take the time to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors. Proper safety procedure requires that people should test their smoke detectors at least once a month using the “test” button, replace their batteries every six months, and replace the entire smoke detector unit every ten years. To easily track when you replace the batteries, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends you change them as daylight saving time begins and as it ends. Most smoke detectors have an area to write…

Posted By Regan Zambri Long | Posted on: Mar 12, 2020

Few circumstances in a relationship are more frightening than helplessly watching as your partner suffers in the hospital. While you may feel powerless in such situations, your actions can make a difference. Gather Relevant Documentation Amid physical and emotional suffering, your partner may neglect to grab necessary documents, such as ID, insurance cards, or medical records. If possible, obtain copies of these and any other documents you deem relevant. Get Informed Don’t count on hospital staff members to keep you up to date on your partner’s treatment. Your partner may also prove a poor source of information, especially when exhausted…

Posted By Regan Zambri Long | Posted on: Mar 11, 2020

Multiple diagnoses and treatment plans make it difficult for even the most clear-headed and responsible individuals to handle suggested medications and other interventions. Add disorganization or mental incapacity to the mix, and you have a recipe for disaster. As caretaker, managing symptoms and prescriptions may prove your greatest contribution to your loved one’s health and wellbeing. While this burden may initially seem overwhelming, a few small tweaks can make all the difference, as highlighted below: Take Advantage of Smartphone Tools A variety of medication and symptom management apps can make your life easier. These allow you to track when and…

Posted By Regan Zambri Long | Posted on: Mar 09, 2020

The hospital may be our go-to destination for treating severe illnesses or injuries, but it can sometimes be the source of severe conditions. Alarming data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that, in 2015, three percent of patients developed healthcare-associated infections. In that year, a tragic 72,000 patients with hospital-acquired infections died during their hospitalizations. Thankfully, while these infections are alarmingly common, they can often be avoided by adhering strictly to the following precautions: Select Hospitals and Doctors Carefully Rates of hospital-acquired infection vary dramatically from one facility to the next. The potential for infection can also…

Blog

The Power And Perils of Telemedicine For Patients

Covid-19 Our Concerns Go Out To All Families

Dangerous Practices at Chain Pharmacies Could Increase the Risk of Medication Error

Highway Safety: Driving Tips for People Who Avoid Busy Roads

Getting a Second Opinion From a Doctor: When And How to Do It

How to Get Your Nurse to Be an Ally And Patient Advocate

Daylight Saving Time Is Here: Replace Your Smoke Detector Batteries as You Reset Your Clock

Your Partner Or Spouse Was Just Hospitalized — What Should You Do Or Avoid Doing?

Tracking Your Loved One’s Prescriptions And Ailments When They Can No Longer Do So Themselves

Avoiding Germs and Infections at the Hospital