Dr. Niran Al-Agba

CMS + MIPS/APM = Death of the Private Practice Physician.

We should pay physicians for time spent engaging patients in conversation, instead of rewarding them for checking boxes on a computer screen. Physicians were trained to care and comfort people, not chase blood pressure numbers and pain scale scores. Changes masquerading as meaningful have only increased physician workload. We are widgets in the ever expanding assembly line. Do you think the MIPS will give us more time to practice medicine? If you believe it will, then I have a bridge to sell you.

Niran Al-Agba2020-05-03T16:56:12+00:00June 27, 2016|Categories: Policy, Practice|Tags: CMS, Health Policy, Independent Practice, MACRA, MIPS, Physician Advocacy, Physician Autonomy, Rural Care|

Dehydration and the Need for Oral Rehydration Solution

A recent, ground breaking article in the Journal of Pediatrics studied aggressive management for children with Ebola less than 5 years of age. Mortality (death) rate in previous outbreaks was estimated at 75-80%. With this new protocol, during an outbreak in Sierra Leone, they were able to reduce mortality to 31%. That is a HUGE achievement.

Niran Al-Agba2020-05-03T16:57:13+00:00June 23, 2016|Categories: Patient|Tags: Child Advocacy, Dehydration, Ebola, Oral Rehydration, ORS, Pedialyte|

The Promise of a Rainbow

Throughout our careers, we are privileged to share in the overwhelming joy of others, yet bear witness to much human suffering that leaves scars on our souls. I wish these parents knew how deeply their son touched us all in the NICU that day. Rainbows are not just a collection of colors as we look out upon the horizon; they are promises for our hearts.

Niran Al-Agba2020-05-03T16:58:58+00:00June 21, 2016|Categories: Patient|Tags: Child Death, Parenting, Patient Physician Relationship|

Slowing Down…

I have been posting a daily anecdote to catch up with the MommyDoc page on Facebook over the last two months. It seems as if I am writing a new one every (continue reading →)

Niran Al-Agba2020-05-03T16:59:31+00:00June 18, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|

An Extraordinary Case of Pink Eye

Afterward, the surgeon wondered how she determined there was an infection in his neck. She said she thought it was a case of ‘pink eye’, but her doctor refused to call in an antibiotic without examining him first. He commented that decision had saved her son’s life.

Niran Al-Agba2020-05-03T17:01:00+00:00June 17, 2016|Categories: Patient|Tags: Parenting, Patient Advocacy, Patient Physician Relationship, Pink Eye|

Defensive Hiking and Unintentional Drowning

My heart goes out to the families who lost their beautiful sons. Most of you know my older sister drowned in the waters off Brownsville in June 1975; so this issue is near and dear to my heart. Both young men accidentally slipped and were dragged into fast moving water, known in statistics as ‘unintentional drowning.’

Niran Al-Agba2020-05-03T17:02:15+00:00June 16, 2016|Categories: Patient|Tags: Child Death, Child Safety, Drowning, Outdoor Safety, Parent Grief, Prevention, Sibling Loss|

Boys and Weapon Play. Will it Make Them More Violent?

The take home point is weapons used in play can be fun and even constructive, but if used to hurt others can be damaging over the long term. Teaching children the significant differences between the two is crucial. So my slightly apprehensive self, did indeed, find the very important “weapon” for my son’s Lego man. And yes, I confess, it was a small gun. He made lots of “bang-bang” noises right after I handed it to him and it freaks me out less now than it did before writing this.

Niran Al-Agba2020-05-03T17:03:29+00:00June 15, 2016|Categories: Patient|Tags: Child Safety, Gun Violence, Injury Prevention, Parenting, Safety|

My Response to Sarah Kliff: We Are Frustrated, Weary, and Stressed Too.

In my humble opinion, that type of communication provides tremendous value. Paying more to a physician who provides services that benefit patients directly is a metric worth tracking. If physician and patient can work together by rowing in sync on the same boat, maybe we could get those in control of the healthcare system on board with us after all. Medicine is not a one-way road. You are spot on about that.

Niran Al-Agba2020-05-03T17:05:22+00:00June 14, 2016|Categories: Physician, Practice|Tags: Burnout, Physician Advocacy, Physician and Media, Physician Autonomy, Physician Suicide|

In the Trenches with Influenza A

She is completely healthy and thriving, yet has contracted the influenza A virus, which is a serious threat to her well-being. Her mom, who also has influenza, said “I have never been more sick in my entire life.” That pretty much sums up the entire Influenza A experience.

Niran Al-Agba2020-05-03T17:06:54+00:00June 13, 2016|Categories: Patient|Tags: Child Death, Influenza, Vaccine|

The Post-Partum Struggle: My Letter to Every First Time Mom

There are NO wrong decisions you make on behalf of your child. I know you are doing the best you can. I have been there; right where you are right now. After four children, I have made countless mistakes and learned so many lessons. There will be stumbles along the way. EVERY mother wants to throw the baby out with the bath water, run screaming from their house, and nap for 7 days straight without interruption sometimes. Those feelings are totally and completely normal.

Niran Al-Agba2020-05-03T17:07:47+00:00June 12, 2016|Categories: Patient|Tags: Mother, Parenting, Patient Physician Relationship|

Monthly Archives: June 2016