Even though it is said as much as half of the over 50 population of the United States has the condition there are only about 500,000 reported annually. The numbers for the overall population are 1 of every 25 people with most of these between 45 and 65.
So how do I know if I have hemorrhoids? One the fastest indicators will be the appearance of bright red blood on toilet paper, that will scare you! It could even be rectal cancer, but it is far more likely to be hemorrhoids. So let's take a closer look at symptoms.
So? What are the hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are like cushions and that is what they look like. They contain blood vessels, small muscles, and very elastic fibers and are also called piles by some people.
How do know if I have hemorrhoids or something else?
Let's look at a couple of hypotheticals. Someone goes to the doctor complaining of rectal discomfort with occasional blood on the tissue and itching in the anal area. This is more than likely an internal hemorrhoid. Another patient is complaining of severe rectal pain as well as prolapsed tissue in the anal area. This is probably going to be external hemorrhoids with the pain coming from a blood clot in the hemorrhoidal tissues.
There are four degrees of internal hemorrhoids. It may be interesting for you to know because first, second and sometime third degree can be treated by banding only. Fourth degree and sometime third degree requires surgery. Do not forget non-hemorrhoid causes of symptoms. The option to check with your doctor is worthwhile because there could be other problems, including cancer or anal fissure. (By the way for anal fissure medical treatment alone may heal it in 90% of cases).
To treat itching or discomfort you may use suppositories, ointments, creams, and gels. These products contain protectant and anesthetics (pain relievers). Local anesthetics numb the area and decrease burning and itching.
Many patient balances forwarded to a medical collection agency are often considered "lost causes," there would be little point in using such services if that were always the case. Some patients simply do not respond to practice statements or internal collection letters. They will, however, respond when a collection agency states it will report their failure to pay to credit bureaus.
It is a given that most medical practices acknowledge the need for collection agency services but they should evaluate and manage this collection method just like any other. Practices should have a full understanding of the terms of the agreement with their collection agency and the results of such arrangements; they must also understand how their own internal processes affect the agency's success.
Here are six questions you should ask when reviewing your current medical collection agency.
What is the total dollar value of accounts placed with the collection agency last year? What is the protocol for turning accounts to collection? What is the average age of transferred accounts? What percentage of transferred accounts had balances less than $50? How much did the agency collect last year? What fees does the collection agency charge? What reports does the agency provide?
Both Gregg Hall & Jr Rooney are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Gregg Hall has sinced written about articles on various topics from Lingerie, Desserts and Mortgage. Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son. Get more information and