Diabetes month takes on a whole new meaning in Saipan

One of the advantages of home health is that we can take care of not only the immediate concern, but also that we can take steps to address the patients lifestyle and prevent future hospitalizations. Sometimes prescription medication by itself is not enough and the patient may need to add exercise, diet changes, and regular self-monitoring to reduce blood sugar. During the month of November, which is Nationwide Diabetes Month, if you are suffering from diabetes, take steps to successfully attack and defend against the disease. I have personally found difficulty purchasing some test strips here on the island, and recently we had a call from a patient asking for test strips from our office. I would advise first checking PHI or Brabu Pharmacy (not in any order) and if you cannot find the strips locally, you should check online. Amazon.com has ACCU-CHEK Aviva Mail Order Test Strips, 50-Count Box and the One Touch Ultra Mail Order Test Strips, 50 CT on sale. If you are homebound and are having trouble managing your blood sugar, you are eligible under Medicare for home health benefits under Part A, paid for 100% by Medicare and with no co-payment and no deductible. Please give us a call today for more information at 670-234-CARE.

AHA Seven Steps: Blood Sugar from Ideation Films on Vimeo.

CHC Hospital Saipan wants to recruit under J1 visa: submits request for Conrad 30 J1 Waiver

As an update to the severe physician shortage at the Commonwealth Memorial Hospital, "CHC" in Saipan, it appears that things are starting to improve. The CHC hospital recently hired 4 doctors, including an anesthesiologist and a family practitioner, and it is my understanding they are currently waiting for a doctor to finish his residency prior to starting employment in May of 2011. Formerly, it seemed as though CHC hospital was trying everything in its power to hire doctors without increasing their salary. There was even serious discussion about abolishing USMLE restrictions to hire experienced physicians from abroad. From the recent hires of up to $250,000 per year, it seems that CHC hospital and the CNMI Department of Public Health have conceded that they must increase the salary scale enacted 20 years ago in 1993.

There are a number of advantages in working in Saipan. Many hospitals require doctors to pay for malpractice insurance which can cost upwards of $30,000 USD per year. Also taxes in the U.S. mainland can eat up 25% of a physician salary. In Saipan there is a rebate of up to 90% of the income taxes and malpractice insurance does not exist. Malpractice suits are capped at $100,000 and are covered by the CNMI government. Due to the easy access to Asian countries and travel opportunities, and under served area status for U.S. applicants and J1 status for foreign applicants, the CNMI is a great deal for a practicing physician even if the salary is less than the mainland.  For more info, read article in the Saipan Tribune.