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6 things Medicare does not cover

6 things Medicare does not cover

Medicare is a federal insurance program that helps those aged 65 and above meet their healthcare expenses. Divided into two parts, Part A and Part B, it covers inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facility care, preventive services, medical equipment, and several other costs. However, the plan is not all-encompassing, so individuals are usually advised to purchase supplemental insurance to be on the safer side. Here are six things Medicare does not cover.

Routine dental care
Both Medicare Part A and Part B do not pay for routine dental care, including the costs for dental checkups, routine cleaning, or other dental maintenance services. The program also does not cover X-rays, fillings, root canals, and dentures. However, in some instances, Medicare may include dental surgery or X-rays. This is especially true during accidents, dental exams needed before kidney or heart surgery, or treatment for mouth cancer.

Several Medicare Advantage plans (also known as Part C) may provide routine dental coverage as an extra benefit over Part A and Part B. However, people must purchase these plans from a Medicare-approved private company and pay an additional monthly premium.

Routine vision care
Medicare does not cover routine vision care. So, despite enrolling in the program, members must pay for eye exams (performed to determine if new prescription eyewear is needed) out of their pocket. Those wanting coverage for routine vision care would have to buy a supplemental plan, as in the case of routine dental care.

One must note that the cost of eyeglasses and contact lenses is also excluded. The only exception is when an individual has undergone cataract surgery, and the eye doctor advises them to use such eyewear. Medicare also does not pay for specific chronic eye conditions, including glaucoma tests and eye surgeries, if someone is at high risk for eye diseases.

Cosmetic procedures
Medicare does not cover the cost of cosmetic procedures like face-lifts and tummy tucks when someone signs up for them voluntarily. But understandably, the program pays for these treatments if they are absolutely necessary for health reasons. So, for example, if someone has met with an accident that has caused injuries that need plastic surgery for recovery, Medicare will cover the expenses. The plan will also bear the costs if an individual undergoes breast reconstruction following a mastectomy.

Cosmetic treatments help enhance a person’s appearance. However, since Medicare does not cover the expenses, individuals can invest in supplemental plans or invest in a savings program to avoid financial hardships.

Hearing aids
Hearing aids and routine hearing exams can cost as much as $3,250 per ear. Luckily, certain Medicare Advantage or Part C plans cover hearing aids and equipment fitting exams. Moreover, some discount plans offer coverage or price cuts to help people save on hearing aids. However, by and large, routine hearing examination and equipment costs are not covered by Original Medicare (Part A and B).

Generally, healthcare professionals advise people to get their routine hearing-related expenses covered by external insurance service providers. Besides considering this option, individuals with inherent, underlying hearing problems for a long time can consider investing in an HSA. Doing so can occasionally enable them to get tax benefits for hearing aids and other out-of-pocket hearing expenses.

Overseas care
People undergoing surgeries or other procedures out of the country usually cannot claim reimbursements through Medicare. The costs are covered in a few circumstances only. For example, if someone undergoes a procedure on a cruise ship within six hours of a country’s port, they can claim reimbursements. Specific Medicare Advantage plans cover emergency expenses incurred abroad, so frequent travelers might want to consider them.

To fully cover themselves, people can also purchase travel insurance policies that cover specific health expenses while away from the country. Doing so ensures one will have to rarely, if ever, pay their bills out of their pocket when traveling abroad.

Chiropractic care
Original Medicare does not pay for most chiropractor tests or services, including X-rays and checkups. However, Medicare Part B does pay for a given chiropractic service: the physical and manual manipulation of a person’s spine done by a qualified chiropractor or other qualified medical practitioner to correct a vertebral subluxation. In this condition, the spinal vertebra is partially dislocated from its usual position.

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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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10 silent signs of lymphoma

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the lymphatic system, which is responsible for producing and utilizing white blood cells to protect the body against infections. There are two main types of lymphomas—Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The symptoms of both these conditions can be vague and vary greatly from person to person. Nevertheless, here are a few silent signs of lymphoma one should recognize: 1. Swollen lymph nodes Lymphoma mainly affects the lymphocytes, i.e., the white blood cells in the bone marrow and lymph nodes—parts of the immune system located in the neck, groin, armpit, and spleen areas. The growth of cancer can cause the lymph nodes to swell or become enlarged. So, one can feel lumps under the skin that may not cause pain or discomfort in most cases. 2. Pain The initial stages of lymphoma are often painless. However, as the condition progresses, some may experience severe pain in certain parts of the body. This symptom generally develops when lymphoma has affected one or more organs. To rule out any serious disease or illness, any unexplained pain lasting longer than 4 days must prompt one to consult a medical professional for a thorough examination. 3. Fever Fever usually indicates the activation of the body’s immune system. However, fevers developing for no apparent reason may be a silent sign of lymphoma. So, one should speak to a healthcare provider to understand the main cause of the problem. 4. Lack of appetite Loss of appetite can also be a silent sign of lymphoma. This may develop in two ways—not feeling hungry or getting full too quickly. The change in appetite may be accompanied by bloating, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. Such symptoms generally occur when lymphoma develops in the abdomen or in the lymphatic tissue in the liver or spleen. 5. Excessive sweating Lymphoma can also cause hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating. Often, the symptom worsens at night (called night sweats), making one wake up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat. Experts believe that this symptom is a result of increased immune system activity in the body. 6. Fatigue As the cancer grows or spreads, one may experience fatigue or weakness. Cancer cells drain the body’s nutrients, causing a lot of tiredness. This fatigue could also stem from anemia—a lack of red blood cells (RBCs) that carry oxygen in the body. Anemia is associated with lymphoma as this type of cancer can lead to an overproduction of lymphocytes, leaving the bone marrow little room to produce other healthy cells including RBCs. 7. Skin irritation As cancer cells multiply in the body, they secrete chemical byproducts that cause acne-like clusters called papules, which can cause skin itching, irritation, or inflammation. So, one may experience itchy patches of skin near affected lymph nodes, lower legs, or the entire body. One of the most noticeable features of this symptom is that the itch never has an apparent underlying cause and is not accompanied by a rash. One should consult a doctor if the irritation begins to affect the entire body or lasts for over two weeks. 8. Shortness of breath Breathlessness is another common silent sign associated with lymphoma. Swollen lymph nodes can affect the respiratory system, reducing the ability to draw a full breath. As a result, those with lymphoma may feel out of breath even after engaging in a relaxing activity such as watching television. Other symptoms may also include sharp, recurrent chest pain and chronic cough. 9. Headaches Lymphoma cells growing in the brain (primary brain lymphoma) can also trigger severe headaches. While they may seem minor at first, they can worsen with time. The aches develop due to the pressure of cancer cells on the brain. According to the American Cancer Society, other symptoms associated with primary brain lymphoma are trouble thinking, weakness in some parts of the body, personality changes, and seizures. 10. Easy bruising and bleeding Recurring bleeding episodes such as unexplained nosebleeds and heavy menstrual bleeding may also be early warning signs of lymphoma. Here, as the body is unable to produce or sustain healthy blood cells due to the cancerous growth of lymphocytes, one may not have enough platelets, interfering with the blood’s clotting function and increasing the risk of heavy bleeding.

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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