Hopkinsville paper examines doctor shortage, reasons for it

Albert Delaney waits for his wife Agnes in Hopkinsville.
(Photo by Kentucky New Era's Tom Kane)

Nick Tabor of the Kentucky New Era examines Christian County's doctor shortage, with the area averaging just one primary care physician for every 2,000 people. It's the latest health story in the small daily newspaper, which is committed to quality health reporting.

The shortage creates problems for residents, who must either travel to another area to see a doctor or go without preventive services because there is no one to see until serious illness occurs. When that happens, that "puts an undue burden" on the local hospital's emergency room.

The shortage is affected by the fact that "primary care physicians, which rural areas need in higher volumers than specialists, are entering the job market at alarmingly low rates," Tabor reports. "More medical students are becoming specialists, as these jobs promise better salaries and hours." Secondly, it is difficult to recruit doctors to rural areas. "Little old Hopkinsville is up against Boston and Chicago and all of these bigger cities," said Teresa Bowers, Jennie Stuart Medical Center's physician recruitment director. "They're not throwing darts at a map and saying, 'I'm going to Hopkinsville.'"

The problem is not a new one. A 2007 report by the Kentucky Institute of Medicine shows there have been shortage issues for decades. "Even if all the barriers that have prevented a sufficient and well-dispersed supply of physicians were suddenly to disappear, the task of recruiting and educating an ample cohort of doctors would take years to accomplish," it reads.

The problem is liken to worsen, however, if the federal health-reform law is upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, as 30 million more Americans will have insurance to see the doctor. A recent report found medical school enrollment is up by 30 percent, but more residency placements are needed to accommodate the influx. (Read more)

Medicaid managed-care firm Coventry plans to stop paying for expensive drug that curtails addiction

Coventry Cares, one of the four firms that manage patient care for the state Medicaid program, has once again hit the headlines, this time for its plans to stop paying for medicine that helps addicts keep their opioid addiction at bay. State officials quickly condemned the move Thursday and called it a contract violation, reports Beth Musgrave of the Lexington Herald-Leader.

Coventry decided to stop paying for buprenorphine, more commonly known as Suboxone, which helps curtain cravings for drugs such as Oxycontin and Vicodin. A 30-day supply of the drug can cost more than $450, Musgrave reports.

"They will be at risk for relapsing and going back to using illegal opioids," Dr. Michelle Lofwall, an addiction specialist and assistant professor at the University of Kentucky, told Musgrave. "Whenever you are using illegal opioids, there is a risk of overdose and death."

Coventry said it will no longer offer the coverage because only pregnant women, women who recently gave birth and those under the age of 21 are eligible for addiction treatment in Kentucky's Medicaid program. "What we've done is align our coverage with the cabinet's Medicaid policy," said Matt Eyles, a Coventry spokesman.

However, the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services said the decision violates the contract and "cannot take this unilateral action without the cabinet's approval," said Jill Midkiff, a cabinet spokeswoman. 

A company that operates addiction treatment centers across the state was planning to file suit over the move Friday, but, after learning of the cabinet's reaction, "We are going to give them the chance to work this out," Anna Whites, an attorney who represents SelfRefind.

Coventry already caused controversy this week when it informed Baptist Health System wants to renegotiate its contract. The move comes just a week after Coventry and Appalachian Regional Healthcare came to a temporary agreement after Coventry threatened to terminate its contract and ARH sued Coventry. The company has also told King's Daughters Medical Center in Ashland it will terminate its contract after May 26. (Read more)

Cancer battle of UK faculty member to air on KET

A documentary chronicling a former University of Kentucky faculty member's battle with cancer will air six times in May on KET.

Nancy Clauder, an oboist whose research focused on arranging and performance, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2008 when she went to the doctor with what she thought were symptoms of the flu. She was diagnosed with the disease, a rare, blood-related cancer with no cure. Clauder underwent a stem cell transplant, endured high-dose chemotherapy and lost her ability to play her instrument for six months, a UK press release says.

Eventually, she was able play again and recorded a CD with artists from UK and the Lexington Philharmonic. "This is the right time, and I'm so grateful that there was the opportunity to do it through UK, and a grant research program, because I would not be able to afford the musicians," she said.

The documentary "The Ascending Journey" will air at 4 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. May 13; at 10:30 p.m. Thursday, May 17 on KET2; midnight Monday, May 21 on KET2; 5 a.m. Monday, May 28 on KETKY; and 9:30 p.m. May 30 on KETKY. (Read more)

The Importance of Selfish Time For Women

Household chores, careers, and caring for a spouse and children, where is the time to really take care of yourself? I have heard countless stories of women who have let themselves go and have lost themselves because they are so unselfish. It is very common to become so involved in giving to others that we fail to give to ourselves. Selfish care is so important to our emotional, physical and mental well-being, and we can't ignore it. It is time for the busy woman to realize that she can care for others and take good care of herself as well.

Three common pitfalls

"I don't have time for myself." This is the oldest excuse in the book. Don't fall into the trap of believing that there is no way to give yourself undivided time. You do have time; trust me.

"I feel guilty just taking time for myself." This is a common feeling. Just the fact that you have this thought is a sure sign that you are a giving and caring person. Your loved ones have benefited from your dedication. It is time for you to benefit from attention given to yourself. You can actually give more to others if you are at your best.

"I don't deserve self indulgence." Think of the minutes, hours, days, years, weeks, and years that you dedicate to doing things for other people. As long as the amount of giving to others is more than the amount of time spent on yourself, you have every right to treat yourself.

Solutions for the excuses

Make time for yourself. You need to give yourself time alone to focus yourself. This doesn't have to be 2 hours a day. All you need is about 15-30 minutes of undisturbed time. You may only do this one every other day or so. It doesn't have to be the same time everyday. It may also be possible to have an extended 'me time' once a week (possibly for an hour or more). Make it often enough that have this special time before you burn out or become super-stressed.

Sometimes you will need to say no to people. It's okay to do that. There is only so much time in a single day. It is important that you use it wisely. Prioritize, and learn to say no to the things that you just can't do. Reduce the extra favors on your to do list. You are not a favor machine, you can say no.

Forget the guilt. Like I mentioned earlier, you can actually give more to others if you are at your best. Consider 'me time' as the charging of your batteries. You will have more to give if you are whole in yourself. If you feel better, others around you will also feel better. If you don't take care of yourself, you will eventually suffer, and so will the other people that you want to take good care of.

You do deserve it. Taking time for yourself does not mean that you think you are the most important person in the world. It does mean, however, that you are important. You don't have to put yourself at the top of your list, just don't put yourself on the bottom. If everyone else around you is worthy of care and attention, then so are you. You not only deserve this time, but you need it for your own well-being.

What to do for yourself

Physical rejuvenation. There are several ways to rejuvenate the body. Exercise that involves stretching and focused breathing can truly refresh you. Moderate exercise has proven to improve mood and overall health. After a long hard day, there is also nothing like a nice hot bubble bath. There is also nothing wrong with taking your personal time to nap.

Beauty treatment. Make an appointment with the beauty salon. You can get your hair and nails done. You can also book a spa massage. If money is tight, you can always try your own new look, paint your own nails, or just spend a little extra time making yourself look better than you normally do. Looking your best will help you to feel your best.

Listen to music. Put on your favorite music and just tune out everything else. Forget what you have just done and what you will do later. Enjoy the moment and relax.

Have a quiet time. Peace and quiet is sometimes all we need. Just clear your head or think about the things that you have been meaning to think about. You can journal your thoughts or prayers, or you can read. There is nothing like a good book. Reading a novel, short story, poetry or the Bible can be interesting, soothing, and enlightening.

Pray. Taking time to connect with God is a very needed experience. He cares about everything we care about. It is a great time to connect with your spirit and take a bird's-eye view of your life.
By Chesley Maldonado