Author Archives: ddxdx

About ddxdx

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

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 →

Posted in Blanche and Dennis | Comments Off on Social Studies Homework

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 →

Posted in Health Care | Comments Off on When Will Healthcare Cost too Much?

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Favors

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 →

Posted in Health Care, Idaho Politics | Comments Off on Another Waiver

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Settlement Colors

Obituary

Posted on September 11, 2019 by ddxdx

Maybe I’ve grown callous from a career as a family physician. I hope not. Years of talking to people about their aches and pains, their bodily functions, their private feelings and fears might have made me so. I sense people’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Obituary

Do You Really Mean It?

Posted on September 4, 2019 by ddxdx

The national news amplifies our awareness of mass murders. Maybe Idahoans feel immune to the tragedy. But my little Idaho town has had two incidents of at least three people murdered in an event since I have lived here. Maybe … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Do You Really Mean It?

Waiver Season II

Posted on August 29, 2019 by ddxdx

Harvest is well along here on the Palouse, tomatoes are ripe, and it’s the second season for waivers thanks to our state leaders. The open comment period for this round began last Friday and runs through Sept 22nd; you can … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Waiver Season II

Self Reliance

Posted on August 22, 2019 by ddxdx

A lot of people have the dream of a cabin in the woods: peaceful, close to nature. But fire is a part of nature. Most folks woodsy cabin dream doesn’t feature a 50-yard cleared “defensible zone”. But hey, it is … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Self Reliance

Skeptics can Learn

Posted on August 15, 2019 by ddxdx

I was skeptical when the well-dressed drug salesmen told us in the 1990’s the new long acting narcotics (Oxycontin) wouldn’t lead to addiction. I remembered the processes taught to me long ago in medical school how our bodies change the … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Skeptics can Learn