Monthly Archives: January 2016

• A Short Primer on How Access MD Practices Medicine

  Posted on January 30, 2016

  We are sometimes asked how Access MD practices medicine differently than traditional practices.

  The concept is quite simple. Patients receive services above and beyond what they receive from traditional practices. We have fewer patients, so those patients have unparalleled access to Dr. Hashimi. This means patients can schedule same day or next day appointments, and have the Doctor’s cell phone number to call.

  While Access MD files for claims with a patient’s insurance carrier, patient pays a flat annual fee as well. This fee is quite reasonable against ever-increasing premiums and deductibles in the marketplace.

  Our value to patients is great. That is why we are growing every year, almost exclusively from referrals from current patients.

  We want to meet all prospective patients before they join our practice. If you are interested, please call us to schedule a time to meet.

• 

  This Year’s Annual Charity Chase Run Is On January 30th.

  Posted on January 17, 2016

  The Mobile Charity Chase is just two weeks away. The Charity Chase is a 5k race that allows you to compete on behalf of your favorite nonprofit organization.

  If you select Camp Rap-A-Hope upon registration, the camp will automatically receive a portion of your registration fee and it will be able to win even more money based on your performance.

  Top overall male and female finishers will win a Jackpot Donation for their selected charities. Top age division winners will gain additional donations for selected charities such as Camp Rap-A-Hope, courtesy of race sponsors.

  What: 5K Race benefiting Mobile’s non-profit organizations
  When: Saturday, January 30th 2016 at 8 AM
  Where: University of South Alabama Intramural Fields

  Many of Mobile’s nonprofit organizations are participating in the event, but the more participants who choose to compete on Camp Rap-A-Hope’s behalf, the greater the donation the camp will receive.

  More information can be found on the Charity Chase website.

  The Charity Chase is a great way to stay in shape and at the same time help a worthy, local charity.

• 

  What You Should know About Pneumonia Vaccines

  Posted on January 10, 2016

  Pneumonia shots are now being marketed directly to consumers, and more than a few patients asked me about getting a second pneumonia vaccine (PCV-13) after they have received the first one.

  This newer pneumonia vaccine is often recommended if you have had the first vaccine as it assists the body in different ways. However, confusion comes from whether or not Medicare pays for this second shot, and this is important because it can be quite expensive. The updated recommendations are specific to vaccine type, sequence of vaccination and prior pneumococcal vaccination history should be taken into consideration.

  Under certain conditions, Medicare Part B will cover:

  1. An initial pneumococcal vaccine to all Medicare beneficiaries who have never received the vaccine under Medicare Part B; and

  2. A different, second pneumococcal vaccine one year after the first vaccine was administered (that is, 11 full months have passed following the month in which the last pneumococcal vaccine was administered).

  Most of the large national pharmacies are now stocking and administering these vaccines and Medicare does not require that a doctor order the vaccine; therefore, the beneficiary may receive the vaccine upon request without a physician’s order. If you obtain a vaccination at your local Walgreen or CVS, please keep records or have them fax us a copy for your file. We are not keeping the vaccine in stock because it requires special handling, but I am always happy to discuss any questions you may have.

• How To Make New Year’s Resolutions Work For You

  Posted on January 3, 2016

  With the holiday season over and January upon us, most people have thought about New Year’s Resolutions for health and diet reasons.

  The challenge on these resolutions is that they are sometimes too unworkable and cause too much disruption in people’s lives to actually work.

  The key here is to make sustainable plans which are incremental steps in the right direction, whether they are for diet, exercise, or any other health-related issue. Resolutions have to be adaptable to our current lives. Adaptable goals are the ones which can provide long-term changes to our health and well being.

  One timely example of a sustainable resolution for 2016 comes from using FitBit.
  As you may already know, Fitbit is a small wearable monitor (similar to a wrist watch) that can keep you informed as to the number of steps you take in any given day, the hours you sleep, heart rate and other information, which indicates how you are doing with some lifestyle choices. Using FitBit for 2016 can make a real difference.

  If you are using FitBit, please connect to me at “Diana H” as this gives us a chance to provide even better health care advice and coaching.

  Whether your 2016 resolutions include a FitBit or not, Access MD looks forward to helping you make this year as healthy a year as possible for you and yours.

  Sincerely,

  Diana Hashimi, MD