A Study on Nose-Picking (You Know You Do It)

Image courtesy of imagerymajestic at  FreeDigitalPhotos.net I could write a lengthy blog about why we pick our nose... but I think the results  below speak for themselves. In this particular study on rhinotillexomania (or compulsive nose-picking), 200 adolescents were surveyed. The conclusion is it's a common behavior. Interestingly, they study found 12% of the survey population picked the nose purely for pleasure.  Other interesting facts (from another study  on nose-picking) incl…

2/08/2015 0

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How Common is Hoarseness?

At some point, we all have suffered from a hoarse voice whether from illness or from yelling. However, it was unclear exactly how common this malady is until now... and apparently, the answer is "very common"... According to a study looking to answer this question, hoarseness affected 17.9 million adults in 2012.   The average age was 49 years old and 63% were women. Overall, 10% saw a health care professional for their hoarseness and 40% were given a diagnosis. Infectious la…

5/04/2014 0

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Forbes Critical of Patient Satisfaction Ratings of Physicians

Forbes on January 2, 2013 published a story critical of Press Gainey and other companies that obtain patient satisfaction scores. Please note that the following is a reprint of prior blog articles ( 2/19/12 and  6/8/12 ) written on this subject by Fauquier ENT. Indeed, much has been made about improving patient satisfaction in the healthcare industry in the belief that greater patient satisfaction equates with better health. To this end, patients are routinely asked to complete a survey b…

1/02/2013 0

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100% Patient Satisfaction Scores

What if I told you this 100% patient satisfaction score was due to a survey of only two people... that I personally picked? Welcome to the big bad world of patient satisfaction scores. Often (well... pretty much all the time), I come across an article, bulletin posting, or meeting where patient satisfaction scores are announced... but no background information to back it up. HOW many people completed the survey? HOW were the people selected? WHO administered the survey? HOW many people …

6/08/2012 0

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Greater Patient Satisfaction At Expense of Better Care?

Much has been made about improving patient satisfaction in the healthcare industry in the belief that greater patient satisfaction equates with better health. To this end, patients are routinely asked to complete a survey based on their impressions on the care they received. BUT... does greater patient satisfaction actually result in or is the result of better care??? According to a recent study ... higher patient satisfaction actually resulted in: • Greater inpatient hospitalization •…

2/19/2012 0

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According to Researchers 35.09 Is Age When Beauty Starts to Fade

©  Luba V Nel  |  Dreamstime Stock Photos My colleague,  Dr. Houtan Chaboki , shared the link to an article in Wmagazine first published in Feb 2011 regarding how Japanese researchers determined 35.09 years is the exact tipping point when beauty starts to fade. 35.09 years is exactly 33 days after the 35th birthday. Hmmmm... I'm not sure about the science here, especially given the researchers work for skincare company SK-II . And proffer their $250 Skin Signature Melting Ric…

8/06/2011 0

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Doctors Don't Always Take Their Advice (ENT Perspective)

Reuters published an interesting story about research that showed doctors don't always recommend treatments to patients that they themselves would pursue if they were sick. In essence, if the doctor was the sick person, they would tend to pursue treatments that carry a higher risk of death but fewer severe side effects whereas patients pursue the exact opposite. Though the clinical scenarios illustrated in the article/research is not reflective of an ENT practice (colon cancer and bird…

4/12/2011 0

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Nurses Followed by Doctors "Need" Coffee the Most According to Survey

CareerBuilder and Dunkin' Donuts performed a survey that was released to public on Sept 27, 2010 that listed those professions who needed coffee the most in rank order. The survey was performed on 3600 workers throughout the United States. According to the survey, the professions with the highest proportions of workers stating they are less productive without coffee vary widely. Those who need coffee the most are: 1) Nurses 2) Physicians 3) Hotel workers 4) Designers/Architects 5…

10/08/2010 0

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