I believe that it’s a HIPAA violation to allow a parent to make a medical appointment for their adult child (over 18). We are a pediatricians office so this happens regularly – and usually a month or two after the child turns 18. I’m getting pushback and would like to gather other feedback. Please advise.
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Tag Archives: Children
Flint’s Water Crisis Triggers a Lead Lawsuit Affecting 30,000 Children
Flint, Michigan’s water crisis forces screening and in-depth health assessments of 30,000 children who were exposed to lead-tainted drinking water. The water crisis occurred between April 2014-October 2015, when the Flint water supply was switched from Detroit’s treated Lake Huron water to polluted Flint River water. The 18-month exposure to lead-contaminated water may have long-term […]
AAPC Knowledge Center
Medical Symptoms Checker For Bruxism In Children
Do you hear your youngster’s teeth grinding at night? Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is more common in young children but may happen at any age. Bruxism may happen at any time of the day but is more usual at evening and nighttime as one is sleeping and it’s a harmful habit which if not addressed can, overtime, cause damage to the teeth or jaw. This write-up shares facts about the medical symptoms, cause and treatment of this somewhat common nighttime habit.
Teeth Grinding / Bruxism In Children
Kids with this issue will ordinarily begin to grind approximately 3 1/2 years of age and quite a few should by natural means cease by the time they grow to the age of 6 yrs old, though some young children who are starting to get their permanent teeth (approximately around the age of 5) may begin grinding their teeth.
Signs and symptoms may involve loud grinding noise heard by others. Grinding teeth at night can cause consequences, such as wearing down or loosening of the teeth, reduction of the gums, jaw joint (TMJ) soreness and injury, and headaches that may continuethrough the day.
Bruxism is commonly caused by psychological stress or anxiousness. Bruxism may also develop if there is an irregular bite or alignment of the teeth.
A diagnosis will depend on the observation of the earlier mentioned symptoms. If these indicators are noticed by a parent, the youngster ought to be evaluated by a physician or a dentist or dental professional. The evaluation may involve a physical or dental examination and x-rays.
The initial stage in stopping teeth grinding may require the need to decrease stress or create a more positive home atmosphere if these factors are contributing to the problem. A dental practice may have the teeth fitted for a night-guard prosthesis that can be worn in the mouth when sleeping. A medical practitioner may also prescribe a sedative to help ease nervousness or ibuprofen to relieve pain and irritation if the jaw joint is involved.
Bruxism is not unusual in young kids and a lot of youngsters should grow out of the issue, yet the condition must not be disregarded as it can cause a wearing away of the teeth and damage to the jaw joint. Seek advice with a medical practitioner or dental office if you suspect your little one is grinding his or her teeth
Teeth grinding can become a serious medical condition if ignored and you will want to learn all you can about Bruxism so you can be an active participant in your health care.
You can read more about this condition and use a free tool that walks you through your symptoms and leads you to an online diagnosis. Prepare yourself before your doctor’s visit and figure out what your symptoms means using this Medical Symptom Diagnosis Tool.
USPSTF: Screen Children for Obesity
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has released a new recommendation for obesity screening in children and adolescents. The USPSTF recommends clinicians screen for obesity in children and adolescents 6 years and older, and offer or refer overweight individuals to comprehensive, intensive behavioral interventions to promote improvements in weight status. This recommendation is based on the […]
AAPC Knowledge Center
The Reality of Coding from Home with Children
These days I have more going on than audits, updates, and continuing education for CPT and ICD-10 as I eagerly await the arrival of my first child. The beauty of the internet means I can order all kinds of things for my pregnancy and the baby from the comfort of my recliner and have them delivered directly to my doorstep. One recent package included a packet of “stuff” – everything from a baby bottle, to gift cards for obscure things I’m pretty sure I’ll never order, to coupons, to a flyer telling me I can work from home as a medical coder while I take care of my baby.
It was the last item that really jumped out at me and gave me pause. I wasn’t really surprised by the claims about making lots of money while working from home. It wasn’t the statement about the “prestige” of working for physicians. What caught my eye were the pictures on the flyer of women sitting in front of computers with infants on their laps. Because while I don’t know what it’s like to be in charge of a baby all day (yet), I do know what it’s like to be a coder working from home and the job doesn’t lend itself to simultaneous babysitting.
Most days I love working from home. It’s awesome on those days when you know you have to get work done but you don’t really feel like taking a shower or being in public first thing in the morning. So yeah, it’s great if you are not a morning person! On those days, there’s nothing better than shuffling down to my office, coffee cup in hand (okay, so it’s half-decaf these days), flipping the switch on my computer, and easing into my day. Some days I am joined by my eternal lap cat, who could sit on my lap all day if I were a statue. On some days she wants to sit on my lap while I work, which is generally only okay if I am on a conference call where I don’t need to take notes. Which is pretty much never.
Here’s the big secret the flyer doesn’t advertise: coding requires an immense amount of concentration and some days I can concentrate pretty well and block out the world. Other days, I have to shut off all email, the ringer on my phone, and the radio just so I can focus on work. On those days, I shoo the cat off my desk/lap and try to direct her to her bed in the corner. If necessary, I can put her in the hallway and close the door. You can’t really shove your kid aside when you need to concentrate. And you can’t code effectively and efficiently with a kid on your lap. And if you can, then your child isn’t getting the attention he/she needs.
The point: coding from home is a nice perk, but it is not a substitute for child care. Like most other new parents, I’m discovering the joys of budgeting for child care after maternity leave. And I get it – it’s expensive.
Just in case this post hasn’t quite convinced you, maybe this will. Many remote coding contracts include a clause on child care. You may be required to promise in writing that you will not engage in child care when you are on the clock. So if your reason for wanting to code from home is so you can save on child care, coding isn’t the job for you.