What's a HIPAAcrit?

Let's define HIPAA-crit. Obviously, it's a play on words combining the acronym HIPAA with the suffix crit to create a word that's a homophone for hypocrite. Those of us plying the healing arts know HIPAA all too well. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability (HIPAA) was legislated by Congress in 1996. It has created regulation that deals mainly with patient privacy and confidentiality of patient records. It's not that physicians weren't already careful about concerns of privacy. All we really need is more government regulation and "big brother" looking over our shoulder and breathing down our neck. As I am nearing retirement, these annoyance become less of a concern. However, I pity the younger generation that has to cope with over-regulation and try to thrive in a less than perfect practice environment.

Enough of this rant. Enjoy some of the random musings of this blog. Feedback is alway welcome as long as it's clean and constructive.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

St. Louis or Bust

Today is the commencement of a long road trip. When telling friends that I'm driving from So. Cal to St Louis, MO the initial reaction is, "That's a shame." Then on further reflection, they say, "You're nuts!" Well, I'm actually looking forward to this 21st century "Walkabout". Most of the walking will be to see the sights up close. The rest is driving and driving and driving...

Here are a few hightlights of today's trip.

First stop...Barstow and the Harvey House. This magnificent structure was opened in 1911 and served as a hotel and restaurant. Called "Casa Del Desierto" it now serves as an Amtrak station, railroad museum and Route 66 museum.


A detour from I-40 was taken to view the sights of the old Route 66. Turn off was Ludlow. Not only was Ludlow the southern terminus of the Tonopah and Tidewater Railroad, but the home of this plaque that describes the use of nuclear devices to build the interstate.




Amboy is a small town that time has forgotten.



Kingman, Arizona is the hometown of late actor Andy Devine and this Santa Fe 4-8-4 steam locomotive.












Many trips have taken my family and me through northern Arizona. I have seen the turn off for Wupatki numerous times. This trip finally demanded a stop to see this magnificent Anasazi site.


This proves I was there.












Tomorrow, Monument Valley.