Monday, January 12, 2015

Alternative Therapies - By Cesar Euribe


I came across a patient who asked me if he postpone his traditional injections and pain management to try and see if the use of TART CHERRY JUICE would help his back and leg pain. He had heard from one of his friends who has a hip problem that his pain was gone by using that juice..

After my bruised ego stopped wining, I was able to look into that situation and was surprised by the explanations on-line.

“It’s the ANTIOXIDANTS stupid!!! In my tantrum, I forgot that there is a high content of multiple “good things” in our fruits and vegetables. Sometimes we forget that most medications come from the plants in our wonderful world. They provide us with the wonderful products we know now are essential for a balance feeling of well-being. We directly get co-enzymes, vitamins, antioxidants, prostaglandins steroids, hormones or their most important precursors.

Our grandmother’s were so right when they demanded we eat all our fruits, veggies, cod oil, spices etc etc. Those have been the basis of true homeostasis. Other OTC medicines like chondroitin, calcium pyruvate, magnesium etc are also in fruits and veggies.

My education has been in the traditional western medicine, I have been educated in some of the finest medical centers of the world such as MGH, BCH, Judge Baker, UPCH hospital and a few others. Finest traditional scientific medicine but it now feels at the expense of other disciplines now known as Alternative, Holistic, Eastern, Homeopathic, therapies.

In the last 10 years and because of high demand from the patients we are paying more attention to such alternative therapies.

I will elaborate more on Alternatives in future blogs.


Post By:
Cesar A. Euribe, M.D.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Truth about Addiction - By Cesar A. Euribe, M.D.


 
 
 
       
 
              The Truth about Addiction
 


The disease of addiction is a sad and difficult malady to treat. Ever since it was recognized we learned that the disease of addiction crosses all races, socioeconomic, cultural, educational and gender lines.

 Its diagnoses requires several conditions to be met:

1. - Genetic predisposition

2. - Dysfunctional upbringing

3. - Obsessive use in spite of negative consequences

4. - Mind altering pleasure generating serotonin and dopamine surges produced by drugs, food, sex , activities like gambling, exercise etc.

5. - A loop that goes from high to low and craving that requires more and more use.

 
Pain management is confronted all the time with doubts about is it pain or is it addiction. We are lucky we have Dr. Roger Spencer board certified in Addiction medicine. Also boarded in Anesthesiology and pain management.

 
We can help many patients with our expertise.

Cesar A. Euribe, M.D.

Monday, November 17, 2014

Medical Marijuana - Post By: Cesar A. Euribe, MD


“Medical?” Marijuana

 

I was all excited with the possibility of marijuana becoming legal for medical use here in Florida.

As a physician I would have hoped that the first thought that came to my mind was of joy for how many patients I was going to be able to help their medical conditions like …???___ By prescribing marijuana.  It was not, it was more of wonder as to what was my knowledge or education on the pharmacology and clinical indications for THC.

 I have a lot of anecdotal experience and being a baby boomer know many that during the Vietnam era, Peace and Love and Woodstock were, and some still are, great fans of the product.  My generation never claimed, even with “wide spread” experience that marijuana was medicinal. Then I wonder why was medical therapy and approval of drugs, being defined by “popular vote”.

Practicing pain medicine has been an eye opener for me. I have witnessed many unscrupulous physicians and a great number of patients that either claimed or have actually been hurt by the prescribing of mind altering (dopamine, serotonin, Mu and other mood and pleasure receptor modifiers). Marijuana IS a mood altering receptor modifying drug. Like alcohol I am concluding more and more that Marijuana should be controlled as recreational like alcohol. Lump it there with the ATF. I do not think that as a physician I should be asked to control the use of recreational drugs by VOTING them medical. I have a lot on my plate just trying to make sense of pain killers.

But truthfully my first thought was more like WOW I CAN GET RICH.

Post By: Cesar A. Euribe M.D.

Friday, October 24, 2014

Medical Terms, Post By: Cesar A. Euribe, M.D.


 
Medical Terminology
 
There are several terms that we use in medical practice that may not be very clear for everybody.  Here are some common terms that I have patients ask about frequently.  

-Palliative Care: refers to the type of interventions provided to patients in order to alleviate their symptoms. It usually does little to the disease process but it takes care of specific symptoms. This type of care applies well to patients with cancer. The disease process is managed by the oncologist but the side effects of medications, tumor invasions, radiation treatment, etc, produce many symptoms that require expert attention.

-Pain Management: is the most frequent palliative care intervention. It treats the pain that comes with many disease processes.

-Symptom management: is taking a cough suppressant to reduce coughing spells, it does not cure the cold but reduces the symptoms.

Pain management specialists treat the symptom of PAIN. We use medications, interventions and alternative therapies to achieve relief.

 So this terminology is frequently exchanged but as you can see it also has specific meanings.
 
 

Post By:  Cesar A. Euribe M.D.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Pain Management Insurance FAQ - Post by Teresa McPherson, CEO


 
 
In today’s world and the ever changing coverage and rules of health insurance it is sometimes difficult to know if you are choosing the right medical coverage for yourself.   Here are the most common questions patients ask me:

How can I find out if a doctor is in network with my Insurance plan?
This information can be found online these day’s via your insurance plan website.  If unsure about how to access and find this information as some sites may not seem user friendly you can also call your insurance carrier and inquire.  There is a member phone number on the back of your insurance card.  Once you confirm that your doctor or doctor you are being referred to is in network this means services provided to you will be processed at a contracted fee schedule.  Co-pays, Co-insurance and Deductibles will still apply to the patients responsibly per the plan you have chosen.
Is my doctor’s office responsible for checking my coverage and benefits?
 
No.  As with most insurance the patient’s benefits can be quite vast with all the different plans available to choose from.  Also some insurance plans require prior authorizations for certain or all services rendered depending on your chosen plan such as HMO’s and Managed Care and Replacement plans for Medicare.  However, here at Central Florida Pain Management we verify your coverage and any prior authorization as a courtesy to our patients to help ensure your services will be reimbursed by your plan and also to help eliminate any unexpected out of pocket cost to you.  Remember coverage can change between the time it is verified and services are rendered.  The benefits are the patient’s responsibility to know and understand.
 What if my policy changes?
Your insurance carrier must notify you of any changes to your policy or coverage cancellation.  However, keep in mind it is ultimately the patients responsibility to keep current on any and all changes.
How will I know if I need Prior Authorization?
Some insurance plans require prior authorization for certain or all services in order for the services to be paid. We here at Central Florida Pain Management will call to obtain authorization with the many plans we are participating with.  However, it is your responsibility as the patient to know if your insurance requires prior authorizations.

 
Remember all insurance plans should provide you with a policy and coverage handbook.  You can also contact your health plan via phone by calling the member phone number on the back of your insurance card and customer care will be able to answer any questions you have regarding your policy.
 
 
Blog by: Teresa McPherson, CEO

Monday, August 11, 2014

Bella's second PlayDate!

Bella's second play date. This time with Jazmine.  Ashley, our office mangers, Catahula Leopard Dog. 

Bella is loving her vacation!