Author Archives: ddxdx

About ddxdx

A Family physician, former county coroner and former Idaho State Senator

Health Care Cost Transparency

Posted on November 19, 2019 by ddxdx

Getting the power of the marketplace to have some effect on health care costs has been the holy grail for years. The Trump administration just announced a major move. Let’s look at it. In an announcement Friday, while many were … Continue reading →

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Two Patriots Walk Into a Bar

Posted on November 13, 2019 by ddxdx

Alexander Hamilton was waiting for James Madison at the crowded sports bar. He sipped his pint and barely noted the many screens showing the many games. He frowned at the ring his glass had left on the counter, lost in … Continue reading →

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Helping Out

Posted on November 3, 2019 by ddxdx

This last week I ran into a guy in clinic that made me thankful for Idaho voters. We were able to help him out. You should know about this. It’s not about politics or policy, just about how we were … Continue reading →

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Vending Machine?

Posted on October 28, 2019 by ddxdx

Sometimes when you listen to people you hear the way they think. When we have a problem to solve, how we think about it, how we frame it can determine our ability to find a solution. Many people see government … Continue reading →

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Don’t Take Offense; Remember

Posted on October 24, 2019 by ddxdx

In the middle of my career I was given a gift. The nurse I had worked with for a long time told me she would need to be leaving the office at 4PM each day to deal with family issues. … Continue reading →

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Social Studies Homework

Posted on October 20, 2019 by ddxdx

“You ready?” Blanche called back to Dennis. “C’mon, I want to get to Walmart. Bring your homework, you can do it there.” Dennis came out in his sweatshirt and ball cap. He grabbed his school backpack as he passed the … Continue reading →

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When Will Healthcare Cost too Much?

Posted on October 13, 2019 by ddxdx

Most healthy people think about their health insurance about as much as they do their retirement; not much. It’s hard to value something that you don’t use regularly. But a recent survey showed that the total cost for an employed … Continue reading →

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Favors

Posted on October 6, 2019 by ddxdx

It had been a long day for Brad and Teresa touring the noodle factories of Taiwan. He pulled off his cowboy boots in the Presidential Suite in Taipei wanting to take a break before the big dinner tonight. He clicked … Continue reading →

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Another Waiver

Posted on September 25, 2019 by ddxdx

We have tipped past the equinox so we are officially in fall season. But the passel of work the Idaho Legislature dropped on the Department of Health and Welfare this last legislative session is churning out another waiver request. So, … Continue reading →

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Settlement Colors

Posted on September 18, 2019 by ddxdx

Now that Purdue Pharma has filed for bankruptcy, I wonder if Idaho State Attorney General is smiling or wincing. Either way, he’s shown courage and conviction. Purdue Pharma famously produced Oxycontin, a powerful controlled-release narcotic they marketed as a magic … Continue reading →

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