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10 healthcare services Medicare does not cover

10 healthcare services Medicare does not cover

Medicare, a vital lifeline for many, provides essential coverage for various healthcare services. However, the coverage is not all-encompassing, leaving certain healthcare services outside its purview. While Medicare provides essential coverage, beneficiaries must know its limitations and seek solutions to bridge the coverage gaps. By exploring supplementary insurance options, community resources, and alternative financing, individuals can confidently navigate the healthcare landscape and make choices that align with their unique needs and preferences.

Vision care
One of the significant limitations of Medicare is its exclusion of routine vision care. Medicare does not cover eye exams for prescription glasses or contact lenses, nor does it extend coverage for refractive surgeries like LASIK.
Medicare also does not cover any eye examinations and eye care in general. It also includes the cost of contacts, eyeglasses, and more. Medicare Part B only offers coverage for contacts and glasses if you have had cataract surgery. But even here, the deductibles and costs may vary. If you want vision coverage, you can look into a Medicare Advantage plan.

Dental services
Dental care services like routine dental check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and most dental procedures fall outside the scope of traditional Medicare plans. Individuals can consider standalone dental insurance or dental discount plans to bridge this gap to maintain optimal oral health.

Hearing aids and exams
Hearing care services and tools such as hearing aids and routine hearing exams are excluded from Medicare. As hearing loss is a prevalent concern, beneficiaries may need to explore private insurance plans or alternative financing options to address their auditory health needs.

Long-term care
One of the most substantial gaps in Medicare coverage is long-term care, including custodial care and assistance with daily activities. Nursing home stays, assisted living, and in-home care are not covered by Medicare.

Cosmetic procedures
Medicare strictly focuses on medically necessary procedures, excluding coverage for cosmetic surgeries or procedures. Services like facelifts, Botox injections for cosmetic purposes, or elective cosmetic surgeries are not covered. Individuals seeking such procedures must explore private financing options or specialized cosmetic surgery insurance.

Acupuncture and alternative therapies
While interest in alternative therapies like acupuncture is growing, Medicare does not cover most treatments. Beneficiaries interested in holistic approaches to health may need to seek supplementary coverage or explore out-of-pocket payment options for services not included in traditional Medicare plans.

Non-emergency transportation
Medicare coverage is limited for non-emergency transportation. Beneficiaries without reliable transportation may need to explore community resources, local programs, or private transportation services to maintain their health.

Prescription treatment
While Medicare Part D covers prescription treatment options, it doesn’t cover all treatments. Beneficiaries may face high out-of-pocket costs or encounter treatments not included in their plan’s formulary. Supplementing additional prescription treatment coverage or exploring assistance programs can help individuals manage their costs.

Foreign travel emergencies
Medicare coverage is limited regarding healthcare services obtained outside the country. While emergency care in a foreign country may be covered in specific situations, routine healthcare during international travel is not. Travelers should consider supplementary travel insurance to bridge this gap.

Experimental or unproven treatments
Medicare does not cover experimental or unproven treatments, leaving beneficiaries to seek alternative funding or explore clinical trials for cutting-edge healthcare interventions. Individuals considering such treatments should carefully assess the potential risks and costs involved, consulting with healthcare professionals and exploring alternative funding options.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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Understanding Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer's disease, one of the most serious medical conditions, affects one’s memory, ability to think, language skills, problem-solving ability, mobility, and personality. This disease is a progressive condition that worsens with time. The symptoms and progression rate may vary from person to person, but the trajectory is almost the same for everyone. Stages of Alzheimer's disease The progress of Alzheimer’s disease can be broken down into seven stages. Stage 1 Cognitive decline does not occur in this stage, and the disease remains undetectable. Stage 2 During this stage, one starts to forget little things, like where they kept certain things. However, it is hard to detect the condition at this stage as most people start to forget things as they age anyway. Stage 3 The third stage of Alzheimer's disease results in forgetfulness, and one may find it hard to concentrate or find the right words when having a normal conversation. Sometimes, work performance also deteriorates. Stage 4 Early-stage dementia occurs in patients during this time. They start to forget more things, including recent events. Focusing on something becomes harder and they cannot manage to perform challenging tasks. Socialization becomes harder during this period, too. Stage 5 Stage five is when one starts to forget important things, like their contact information and address. They may also require help with everyday tasks, like bathing, making meals, and dressing. Stage 6 This is when Alzheimer's disease becomes completely unmanageable. One may forget the names of family members and friends. They may even forget most parts of their past and recent events. Their speaking ability is also seriously compromised during this stage. Stage 7 One may lose their ability to communicate or speak during the last stage of the disease. They require help with everything as they also lose their psychomotor abilities. Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease The diagnosis of Alzheimer's is possible when the affected person’s family members report the associated symptoms. The doctors can then recommend a few tests to determine if it is Alzheimer's and which stage of progression it has reached. Neurological and physical exams are performed to determine the affected person’s reflexes, coordination, muscle strength, sense of hearing and sight, and balance. The use of neuropsychological testing and brain imaging are also common to diagnose the disease. How to prevent Alzheimer's disease Even medical experts do not have a clear idea of why Alzheimer's disease only affects some people and how it progresses. However, one can still do certain things to get the odds in their favor. Conditions such as high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure should be treated immediately. Regular exercise can also help maintain physical and mental health, which can lower the chances of Alzheimer's disease. Keeping weight under control can also help prevent the disease, as obesity is known to change the brain’s functions in certain ways. The best way to fight this disease is to be aware of its symptoms. Inform the doctor immediately about any sign so that help can be sought.

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Everything you need to know about chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme tiredness and fatigue that does not go away even after resting. The causes of the condition are yet to be known. However, there are some theories indicate several factors which include: Viral infection Stress Or several factors in unison Once the symptoms are identified and the condition is diagnosed, treatment can be taken to get relief from symptoms. Understanding all aspects of the condition, including its stages, diagnosis, symptoms, and prevention can help in managing it effectively. Different stages and phases of chronic fatigue syndrome The patients of chronic fatigue syndrome undergo four phases of the condition. Their response towards the treatment can also vary greatly depending on the phase that they are going through. These phases are: Phase I: Crisis or trauma Phase II: Stabilization Phase III: Resolution Phase IV: Integration During all the phases, a chronic fatigue syndrome patient undergoes some physical, psychological, and social changes that are easily noticeable. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome No one test can diagnose a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome. This is because the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome resemble several other health conditions. Therefore, a lot of patience is required for the diagnosis of the condition.
02

What you should know about depression

Depression is a mental health disorder that results in bouts of continuous sadness. A clinical mood disorder can lead to physical and emotional suffering, and can also change one’s behavior. Frustration, anger outbursts, lack of energy, sleep issues, anxiety, disinterest in eating, concentration issues, and suicidal thoughts are also common symptoms of this disease. Depending on its severity, the illness can challenge one to lead a normal life, too. Diagnosis There are many different methods a medical professional can use to determine if one is affected by depression. Psychiatric evaluation is the most common way to determine if one is suffering from the disease. The mental health doctor will interview the affected person to understand their thought process, mood, and other symptoms. Some doctors may compare symptoms with the ones listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This makes it easier for them to understand the condition. A physical exam is also performed to determine if any physical health issue is caused due to this mental condition. Stages of depression Depending on the level of sadness, the stages of depression can be divided into five stages: Stage 1 Even though the signs of mental disease are hard to miss, for most people, it starts with denial.
03

Important things you should know about diabetes

The pancreas is an important organ in our body that produces insulin. It is required to help the glucose pass to our cells from the blood. That is how energy is created, which is the fuel we require to function. When the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, the glucose level in one’s blood increases. This can result in diabetes, which can lead to organ damage. Types of diabetes There are mainly three kinds of this disease. Type 1 diabetes It can be most commonly seen in children and adolescents. Having said that, it can occur at any age. The insulin production of one’s body decreases with this condition, and they require daily injections to control their glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes Around 90% of people who have diabetes suffer from this type. It is most commonly seen in adults and results in one’s body failing to properly use the insulin that is produced. It can be kept under control by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but one may also require medicine in the advanced stages. Gestational diabetes This can be seen during pregnancy if the glucose level in one’s blood increases. It can affect both the child and the mother.
04

Gout – Diagnosis, stages, and prevention

Gout or gouty arthritis is a form of arthritis that commonly occurs in the joint located at the base of one’s big toe. It can also be seen in other joints and results in swelling, sudden pain, and tenderness. It can happen to anyone and occur at any moment, even suddenly in the middle of the night. The good news is that it can be prevented and treated. Diagnosis of gout Multiple medical tests can be used to determine if one has this form of arthritis. Below is a list of the most common tests. Joint fluid test The doctor uses a needle to collect fluid from one’s joint and test the same under a microscope. If urate crystals are found in the fluid then they have the condition. Blood test For gout detection, the doctor may suggest a blood test. The amount of creatinine and uric acid present in one’s blood indicates if they have it or not. However, the result of the blood test may not always be conclusive. X-ray imaging If one has joint inflammation, the doctor can use X-ray imaging to determine if it is caused by any other reason or gouty arthritis. Ultrasound A musculoskeletal ultrasound test is used to determine if one has gout or any other form of arthritis.

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Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of ADHD

Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of ADHD

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