Yearly Archives: 2016

• A Short Comment on a Recent Medical Study

  Posted on May 10, 2016

  A few patients have asked me recently about a well-publicized “study” showing that medical errors are now the third leading cause death in the US, behind heart disease and cancer.

  We did look at the study and found it flawed in some major ways. The study extrapolated from a very small pool of data, and in addition, actually changed the way such medical errors are calculated, thereby showing an increase in deaths related to medical error when that is simply not the case.

  For a more detailed look at the study, we would suggest reading the article at this link.

  The mainstream media could do a bit more “digging” before running with stories that so directly effect readers.

• United Health Pulls Out of Alabama’s ACA Exchange

  Posted on April 30, 2016

  As you probably know, United Health is pulling out of Alabama’s “Obamacare” Exchange for 2017.

  At this point this leaves only Blue Cross Blue Shield as the only player in Alabama’s ACA Exchange. Rates are certain to rise not only for exchange policies but also for other policies as well.

  Clearly Obamacare has not done what its supporters said it would do. Not only are premiums higher, but deductibles have risen dramatically as well.

  If you are a business owner looking at higher premiums and deductibles, please contact our offices to learn how a relationship with Access MD could be of benefit.

  Whether you are self-insured or not, Access MD could help lower your premiums by offering services which can keep your employees from ER visits and hospital stays.

  When we started Access MD four years ago, many observers wondered why people would pay an annual fee just to be able to be an Access MD patient. Now, with costs rapidly escalating, the benefits of concierge medicine have become obvious to all.

• 

  Just a Reminder – Call in to Schedule Your Annual Physical Exam

  Posted on April 19, 2016

  If you are a current patient,  you might have called in to schedule your annual physical but we just wanted to send out a reminder to the rest of you to do so as well.

  Spring is a great time to check in for your annual physical as you make summer travel plans and generally become more active with more outside activities.

  Annual physicals give us “Benchmarks” for your health situation. The tests we run allow us to catalog changes from year to year, and this helps us spot trends which might end up affecting your health.

  Just call our offices to set up a time. We look forward to seeing you.

• 

  A Short Note on the Mobile Events Mentioned in Last Month’s Newsletter

  Posted on April 8, 2016

  You might remember that last month we highlighted three events here in Mobile. They were the Azalea Trail Run, the Festival of Flowers, and a fundraiser for Camp Rap-A-Hope, which as you know is Access MD’s “adopted” nonprofit organization.

  Even with the really bad weather which closed the Festival of Flowers for a few days, all three events were great successes. The Trail Run was once again well attended, and the Wine, Women, and Shoes fundraiser for Camp Rap-A-Hope raised both money and awareness for the Camp.

  Mobile is a a great place to live, isn’t it?

  We look forward to seeing all of you out and about during the spring and summer months!

• The Long Term Value of Access MD for Our Patients

  Posted on March 29, 2016

  The other day a long-time Access MD patient  came in once again for her annual exam.

  Seeing her reminded me that Access MD will shortly be entering its fourth year of existence.

  It also reminded me that while Access MD is providing an excellent service to patients when they have immediate needs, tangible benefits also accrue to our patients over time.

  Since our concierge practice allows us to spend the time necessary to really get to know our patients and their needs, the value of being an Access MD patient increases over time in a way which is rarely the case with a more traditional medical practice. This is the Access MD difference.

  It has been almost four years since Access MD was created, and we are grateful for our practice growth in that time. More importantly though, we are grateful for the long term relationships we are building with our patients.

• Are you on our monthly newsletter list?

  Posted on March 22, 2016

  Access MD sends out a monthly newsletter via email. It’s short and sweet, and covers practice news, a note from Dr. Hashimi, and health and exercise news. If you are not on our list and wish to be just contact us and let us know!

• The 39th Annual Azalea Run is Scheduled for March 19

  Posted on March 13, 2016

  Mobile is a great place to live year round, but quite special in the springtime when the Azaleas are blooming. This makes it a great time to get out and enjoy the Azaleas by running in the 39th Annual Azalea Trail Run.

  Join my husband and I for this run. You can choose between the 2K, Fun Run, 5K, and 10K distances. As you probably know, this event always draws a big crowd and thousands of runners participate each year. The Azalea Trail Run takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of Mobile.

  For more information, click on this link.

  All in all, March is a busy month with lots to do!

• 

  Festival of Flowers Scheduled for This Weekend, Thursday Through Sunday

  Posted on March 9, 2016

  The 23rd Annual Festival of Flowers is scheduled for this Thursday to Sunday.

  If you have been before you know how beautiful the flower displays are. The Festival of Flowers is the largest outdoor flower show in the entire Southeast.

  For more information, click here.

  Parking is free and convenient, and there are many attractions during the entire weekend.

  Festival proceeds will be used to purchase a state-of-the-art high resolution X-ray imaging system for the Providence Hospital surgical suites.

  See the best of Spring here in Mobile and support a great cause at the same time!

• 

  A Benefit for Camp Rap A Hope, This Thursday, March 10, at 6:00 PM

  Posted on March 9, 2016

  A “Wine, Women & Shoes” event to benefit Camp Rap-A-Hope is scheduled for this Thursday at 6:00 PM at the Alabama Cruise Terminal.

  Camp Rap-A-Hope is an organization that provides year-long programming and a week-long summer camp to children between the ages of 7 and 17 who have, or have ever had, cancer. As you know, Camp Rap-A-Hope is one of AccessMD’s favorite charities in the Mobile area.

  At the event you can Slip on your Classy Classic, Posh Platform or Fabulous Fringe & be entered to win “Best in Shoe” competition. I will be one of the shoe judges and winners will receive pedicures, a bottle of wine, a shoe trophy and bragging rights! Sip wine, shop designer fashions, mingle and bid on auctions for an evening of real fun.

  Click here to learn more about this great event.

  Call 251-476-9880 to reserve your seats!

• 

  The Value of Primary Care Through Access MD

  Posted on February 28, 2016

  As you know, Access MD has worked to establish a medical practice which offers tremendous value to its patients. Our objective has been to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients. Given the number of referrals we are now receiving, we think we have been successful.

  Part of the value we offer is our low annual fee. We try to make the annual fee as reasonable as possible, and the following article seems to indicate we have succeeded:

  Click to Read New York Times article.

  According to the article, Mass General Hospital in Boston is now going to offer a concierge medicine membership for $6,000 a year, or about three times our annual fee here.

  Now, we don’t know exactly what Boston General offers as part of their package, and we know the cost of living is higher in Boston than here in the great city of Mobile. But we do think that this information shows we are on the right track of making a difference in our patients’ lives, and doing this in as cost-effective a way as possible.

  A short side note – this link came to me from one of our patients. We are always receiving information from our patients such as the article linked above. We truly welcome and appreciate that communication.