The Doctors Roundtable

Since March 2010 when the enrollment period opened up, much has been written, commented on and deciphered about the Affordable Healthcare Act. Still the confusion continues. The new law mandates that every individual have health insurance, but what about the cost? Is it free? Can I keep my existing doctor? What happens if I do not choose to have health insurance? Some of the changes include new rules in the insurance market to increase participation in health plans by expanding eligibility, offering protection against loss of eligibility, improving the quality of services and expanding choices for insurance coverage. Prior to the new law going into effect, there were approximately 50MM uninsured Americans. The new law is expected to decrease that number by over 30MM people. The sources of coverage will also change due to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Previously, the major source of healthcare coverage in the United States came from employers. That will remain the same under the new law only at a lower overall percentage. The newly created insurance exchanges will handle 14% of healthcare coverage, gaining clients from the previously uninsured ranks. While some may choose to continue to proceed without health insurance there will be a penalty in the form of an additional tax starting at $95 per individual or 1% of their taxable income in year one. That penalty will increase in 2015 to $325 per person or 2% of taxable income and will increase once again in 2016. To help translate and answer questions how ACA will affect individuals, employers, and insurance companies, Dr. Karen Minyard from the Georgia Health Policy Center joins us in the studio to share her in-depth knowledge of the new law. A nurse and hospital administrator for over 13 years, Dr. Minyard is the Director of the GHPC at Georgia State University and the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies. Listeners may find more information about the GHPC at www.gsu.edu/ghpc. Dr. Karen Minyard PHD, Business Administration, Georgia State University MSN, Nursing Administration, Medical College of Georgia Bachelor of Science, Nursing, University of Virginia Board Member, National Network of Public Health Initiatives Board Member, Physician’s Innovation Network

Do you see signs of aging on your face? Do you have more wrinkles , fine lines and discolorations than 10-15 years ago? Most of us do not like the idea of showing our age and many of us are busy seeking solutions to not only prevent further skin aging, but to address past damage as well. Some studies say we prioritize beauty treatments in times of economic turmoil. Business results show prove this point-especially in America where we still spend to look good. Beauty spending increased 26.5% from Q3 to Q4 one year ago. Now, with clinical evidenced based products with pharmaceutical grade ingredients, many of us can get professional results at home for improved beautiful skin, completion improvements and correction of skin problems . Symptoms of skin aging include discoloration, dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles, decreased elasticity. Skin types and skin conditions affect what products will work to transform our skin condition and protect it from damage of UV light and pollution. Products that may be used to improve facial appearance and skin condition include: antioxidants, corrective creams, exfoliants, masques, toners, sunscreens, serums, eye and lip care, cleansers and moisturizers. For expertise in this segment, we have sourced our expert from a beauty expert, licensed skin care therapist and self-proclaimed beauty junkie, Gregorie Guillaume,   Gregorie Guillaume Licensed Aesthetician in NYC and LA Beauty Blogger and writer for multiple media outlets Co-Founder of HueKnewIt

Most of us think of dentistry as routine: teeth cleaning, period Xrays for cavities, fillings and the occasional crown or root canal. However, there is an a very specialized area of dentistry that handles such issues as hospital dentistry, dentistry for special needs children (autism, Down’s Syndrome and developmental delays) and dental trauma. These skilled dentists receive rigorous additional training in oral-maxillofacial surgery. It is rarely thought of until it is needed. Many of these procedures are performed in a hospital setting to care for medically compromised patient or patients with adjunct and compiled medical conditions. They treat patients requiring reconstructive surgery, implants, injuries to the head, face and neck. Please join us as Dr. Albert Baawo educates us about the world of “specialized” dentistry! Listeners can learn more at www.tooth11.com. Dr. Albert Baawo (DMD) DMD obtained at Medical College of GA Served as VP of N. GA Dental Society Internship at Emory University (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery) Private practice in Buckhead

Over 20 million Americans will seek chiropractic care this year! Chiropractic care has been around for over 100 years and involves care of the musculoskeletal and nervous system through use of a hands on, drug free, non-invasive and natural approach. Chiropractors have broad diagnostic skills. This type of care has been increasingly covered by health insurance plans in the US and is appropriate for all ages. Typically, patients turn to chiropractic care seeking relief from back pain, neck pain, joint injuries and headaches. However, chiropractic care is appropriate for all ages and for many types of health conditions, both chronic and acute. Chiropractors use such modalities as heat, spinal manipulation (adjustments), nutrition, acupuncture, biofeedback, labs, imaging and exercise to achieve immediate relief and long lasting results. This segment will discuss how this specialty can assist with many other types of health issues that the public may not associate chiropractic care with at first, such as: infant care (birth trauma recovery, growth promotion, colic, chronic ear infections), pre and post-natal pregnancy support (low back pain, pelvic support prior to delivery), carpal tunnel syndrome and acid reflux problems (hiatal hernia, GERD). Goals of this type of treatment include immediate and long term relief, decreased drug and surgical intervention and promotion of general health. In this segment, Dr. Forrest Watts, a Doctor of Chiropractic in Cumming, GA will discuss how chiropractic can help many types of patients beyond neck and back pain. Dr. Watts has also received additional training in acupuncture and sports injuries. Listeners can visit: www.drforrestwatts.com and www.acatoday.org for more information.   Dr. Forrest Watts Doctor of Chiropractic from Life University Special training in sports injuries and acupunture Certified to treat carpal tunnel problems Private practice in Cumming, GA

Intense sunlight, humidity, poisonous plants and biting insects can add up to no fun in the summer sun and problems with our skin. Summertime means more time outdoors, but preparing for the sun with greater thought and planning is worth the prevention to make this outdoor time of year more pleasant. The lack of preventive efforts can allow ultraviolet (UV) rays with sun exposure to leave us with skin problems: sagging, wrinkles, burns rashes and  uneven pigmentation. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Approximately 1:5 Americans will have it in their lifetime and it is 99% treatable if found early. It's important we are aware of heat rash, bug bites, rosacea flare ups, increased acne, excessive sweating and sun exposure considering they are the leading contributors to skin cancer.  These health concerns are greater during the summer. There are many preventive measures and treatments that can help our skin health blossom during the summer time when lifestyles are more focused on the outdoors. In this segment, Dr. Ashley Curtis will discuss prevention, products, some new technologies such as MiraDry and the latest in lasers to help prepare and keep your skin in the best shape. For more information, listeners can visit www.dermatlanta.com.   Dr. Ashley Curtis MD from Medical College of GA Dermatology Residency program completed at Wake Forest University Private practice at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta

Summer time is “prime time” for skin care, for seeing and being seen!  We closely identify who we are with our faces. Taking care of our face and how we present ourselves in the world through our face is the topic of many discussions and actions.  From skin care at any age that can improve our appearance to facelifts that appear to  “peel” back the clock, this radio segment will focus on the skin care and appearance improvements that are possible for the face. Licensed aesthetician Kim Bogash provides tips for a health glow, summer skin care and some noninvasive techniques to freshen the face. Nationally recognized Plastic Surgeon John Connors walks listeners through traditional and new techniques to improve facial appearance - from fillers to facelifts.  The first facelift was performed in 1901 in Europe and the procedure shows no sign of slowing down. Facelifts remain one of the top 5 cosmetic surgical procedures in the US, growing over 5% per year. Half of the recipients are in the 40-55 yr age group and almost 90% are female, although the number of men pursuing this procedure is growing as well.  Topics covered in this segment  will include skin care, minimally invasive improvements available, facelift myths, new procedures and techniques, and recovery post procedure. For more information on this topic, listeners are encouraged to visit: www.plasticsurgery.org or www.johnconnorsmd.com.   John P. Connors III,  M.D. Being double board certified in Surgery and Plastic Surgery, Dr. Connors obtained his MD from Georgetown Medical School, conducted his Residency in General Surgery at Dartmouth and received a Fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Harvard Medical School.  He is the only surgeon in Georgia to offer Precision Vision 4D Patient Imaging, thereby revolutionizing consultations.  Having been featured on CBS, 11 Alive, and Fox News, Dr. Connors is a regular lecturer at surgical society meetings across the US. He is Founder of Emergence Surgical Gifts, Inc, a non-profit offering free reconstructive surgery to children.

This episode explores cosmetic surgery, and more specifically, the in's and out's of body contouring with Dr. Thomas Locke of WISE Medical Center... all brought to you by HealthGate. Body contouring is a way that patients can improve their body shape (hips, flank, abdomen, posterior upper arm, thighs, and chin most commonly) via various liposuction equipment and techniques.   Thomas Locke, M.D./WISE Medical Center Double board certified in Internal Medicine and Emergency Medicine as well certified in Aesthetic Surgery, Dr. Thomas J. Locke, III, was born in Vidalia, Georgia, and raised in SW Atlanta. He did his undergraduate study at Princeton University, graduated from medical school at Howard University, and completed residency training at George Washington University. His practice philosophy centers around all aspects of personal image enhancement services. He has extensive training and professional practice experience in body contouring. To this end, he is also an instructor for surgical equipment vendors, teaching doctors from all over the country who are learning liposuction, fat transfer, and all aspects of body contouring. Other specialty interests include bariatrics, weight loss, hormone replacement therapy, and anti-aging medicine. He currently serves as Medical Director for WISE Medical Center in Alpharetta, GA.

What a show today! The topic is "Breast Augmentation and Rejuvenation: Dispelling the Myths" featuring Dr. John Connors, special guest Ashley Smith,  and brought to you by HealthGate. Breast augmentation is the most common and fastest growing plastic surgery performed in the United States. In 2012, approx. 307,000 women had this surgery and many women are pursuing this option as part of increasing their confidence.  In this segment, Dr. John Connors, a double board certified surgeon, explores all options and dispels some myths surrounding this procedure. He will also discuss  related imaging technologies , new alternatives, and aftercare.   John P. Connors III,  M.D. Being double board certified in Surgery and Plastic Surgery, Dr. Connors obtained his MD from Georgetown Medical School, conducted his Residency in General Surgery at Dartmouth and received a Fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Harvard Medical School.  He is the only surgeon in Georgia to offer Precision Vision 4D Patient Imaging, thereby revolutionizing consultations.  Having been featured on CBS, 11 Alive, and Fox News, Dr. Connors is a regular lecturer at surgical society meetings across the US. He is Founder of Emergence Surgical Gifts, Inc, a non-profit offering free reconstructive surgery to children.   Ashley Smith/Mentor Worldwide, LLC Representing the voice of the industry, Ashley Smith works extensively in the plastic surgery industry with Mentor Worldwide.

Fantastic topic on advances in Cosmetic Dentistry, featuring Dr. Cary E. Goldstein with Goldstein Dental Center.

This weeks show is about Healthcare Consumerism and has three guests on our panel.   David Redding, M.D./Redding Allergy & Asthma Center A premier allergist in the Atlanta area for both pediatric and adult patients, Dr. David Redding with Redding Allergy & Asthma Center is certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology and has been featured on The Weather Channel and the TV show “Diagnosis X” on TLC.   John Linss/MedServ Global Bringing over 30 years of industry experience, John Linss is the  Chairman and Founder of Medserv Global, an organization that connects medical tourism patients to JCAHO facilities (abroad and domestically) and  American trained and English speaking physicians abroad to obtain qualitymedical care abroad for cost savings. John also serves on the advisory board of the Institute for Healthcare Consumerism.   Kimberly Hedzik/Writer A local writer and married mom of three, Kimberly Hedzik participates on the show as a consumer representative.