September 29th, 2010 by CodeBlog in Better Health Network, Health Policy, Humor, News, Opinion, True Stories
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So who hasn’t heard about The Policeman vs. Nurse? A nurse was pulled over for speeding, told the policeman that she hoped he would never end up as her patient, and was subsequently fired when the policeman complained to the hospital she worked at.
Really? I have the utmost respect for the police of course, but put on some big boy undies and get over it. Should the nurse have made that comment? No. Not in front of him, at least. That was pretty dumb. But being fired for saying it is ridiculous in my opinion. Does that cop go complain to the pimp when the hooker he’s arresting makes a sassy comment? Nurse and Lawyer had a pretty good discussion about the whole situation.
Next up: Rapid Response Teams Sign of Poor Bed Management. Really? I think GruntDoc summed it up best in his tweet about it. The article states that rapid response teams (RRTs) are utilized due to overcrowding because sometimes patients aren’t placed in a unit that is appropriate for their needs. Therefore, their condition worsens and they need help. Read more »
*This blog post was originally published at code blog - tales of a nurse*
September 11th, 2009 by GruntDoc in Better Health Network, True Stories
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From an old HS buddy (also a Navy Man) now in healthcare:
Texas law makes almost any item with a doctors prescription exempt from
sales tax.
(most details at : RULE §3.284 Drugs, Medicines, Medical Equipment, and
Devices (Tax Code §151.313) Item 11 is the sort of catch all.
What is most odd item you have been asked for a prescription for purely for
tax-free purposes?
Sellers of the Select Comfort beds, and hot tub/spa dealers are very aware
of this law. Presciption needed for bed, letter and presciption needed for
hot tub/spa.
Oddest request received at clinic where I work: one for in ground pool,
heated and deep enough for water aerobics.
While I don’t notice it on that list, food for helper animals is exempt
from sales tax.
Interesting also, repair parts for devices are exempt, but not
*improvements*. If you replace like for like wheel on a walker, it is tax
free. Replace with improved wheel-taxable.
I’ve never been asked to write a prescription for anything like that in the ED, but I’d be willing to bet my office-based colleagues have. Care to share?
*This blog post was originally published at GruntDoc*