Dr F Kahn

Every week at Meditech is exciting. Over the past week, we had therapists in attendance from Brazil, California, and Bermuda. Next weekend, we will be conducting a two-day certification seminar in Edmonton, Alberta for approximately 30 therapists who have signed up for the course.

In recent weeks, we have been providing laser therapy for a number of members of the National Ballet Company , including prima ballerina Evelyn Hart , formerly with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Several of the dancers were so impressed with the results of the therapy that they persuaded the company to purchase two Bioflex Systems for treatment on site.  It is always gratifying to the Meditech team when these events occur.

Fred Kahn, M.D., FRCS(C)

Dr. Gifford-Jones in his syndicated column recently published a very complimentary article regarding the use of laser in wound healing and the treatment of many dermatological conditions.

The research carried out for this article was certainly comprehensive and incisive. In cunjunction with Dr. Gifford-Jones's publication, we recommend that all practitioners who deal with these types of problems evaluate the utilization of low intensity laser therapy for a more effective therapeutic solution in treating these frequently challenging conditions.

Meditech is pleased to appoint Bob Izsak as Senior Vice President of the company. Bob assumed his duties on April 16 and is already making his presence felt. His initial task is to evaluate the various departments in the company, i.e. clinical research and education, the therapeutic division, sales and marketing and engineering. He has already indicated that all require a constant sense of rededication, focus and the maintenance of a consistent level of function.

The company itself now has over fifty employees and this does not account for the manufacturing division under the auspices of RMF, which accounts for another twenty-five. Our particular concerns at this time are the maintenance of technical and clinical support for all BioFlex System users. The establishment of a new department to deal with these issues is contemplated at this time. Improvements in engineering, system function and education of the professionals and the public continue to be our main focus.

Events planned for the next four weeks consist of:

Evening Seminars

• Vancouver, BC - June 7
• Peterborough, ON - June 19
• St Thomas, ON - June 21
• Phoenix, AZ - June 21
• Barrie, ON - June 25

Certification Training

• Toronto, ON - Patient Training for Home Units - June 14
• Toronto, ON - June 15-17
• Toronto, ON - June 22-24

Trade Shows

• World Physical Therapy Congress, Vancouver, BC - June 3-6
• Professional Hockey Athletic Trainers Society , Phoenix, AZ - June 23-24
  

June has been another exciting month at Meditech.

Twelve seminars were scheduled worldwide, most of which were educational. Five of these were certification courses held at corporate headquarters in Toronto, Ontario, Edmonton, Alberta, Santa Cruz, California and Scottsdale, Arizona. The number of therapists that received diplomas was over 120, a new record! 

The clinics exceeded over 800 treatments administered each week, having broken through the 800 barrier, 3 weeks earlier. It is estimated that prior to the end of the year, we will be administering 1,000 treatments on a weekly basis.

Sales of equipment continues to increase by approximately 15% each month and again, a new sales record was achieved. 

As more systems are distributed throughout the world, we see increasingly complex clinical problems, most of which are referred by healthcare professionals. Many of these patients have received years of conventional therapy without any benefit for spinal stenosis, dermatological lesions, wounds and other conditions.

Last November, we added an additional 5,000 square feet of space to our corporate headquarters and currently we are seeking to lease additional space, having outgrown our facilities once again. 

Clearly, all systems are go!

Many people are interested in a synopsis delineating research functions, clinical activities, literature, etc. with regard to the operations of Meditech International Inc. that is brief, but comprehensive. Included in the areas of review are:     

1)                  Website: www.meditech-bioflex.com

2)                  Educational Seminars including Certification Course  

3)                  Choosing a Laser Device

4)                  Sample of Testimonials from Patients and Practitioners

5)                  Textbook, “Low Intensity Laser Therapy in Clinical Practice ”

6)                  Laser Report (published three times annually)

It should be noted that the BioFlex System has a significant number of features differentiating it from other products.  The most important are:

1. Scientifically developed and clinically researched protocols for application to specific disease entities
2. A wide variety of adjustable treatment parameters permitting an infinite number of permutations and combinations of therapeutic protocols
3. The highly effective three stage therapeutic approach 
4. The ability to customize treatment, an invaluable component unique in the industry
5. Flexible large surface treatment arrays
6. Normal and pathology oriented anatomical tutor
7. Hands-free treatment application
8. Total accuracy, flexibility and reproducibility
9. Effective in over 95% of patients treated
10. Operation in both portable and stationary mode with all systems
11. Instant electronic retrieval of patient files
12. Permanent database including all aspects of patient information (i.e. diagnosis, therapy, billing records, etc.)
13. Ongoing protocol updates that are easily incorporated into existing software
14. Safety features ensuring completely safe operation of all systems  
15. Sensors are incorporated in each BioFlex probe and array to indicate activity
16. Systems can only be activated if array/probe in contact with tissues (prevents potential ocular damage)
17. The BioFlex System is designed not only to provide therapy but also to facilitate "clinical research" by therapists (i.e. develop new protocols)

It should be noted that in over two million individual applications to date, a 95% significant improvement/cure rate has been achieved. Moreover throughout this process, no significant adverse effects have been observed. In applying the current standard of evidence-based medicine, it is clear that this System is the most advanced and sophisticated therapeutic device currently available on a global basis.   

The ability to prescribe over an almost infinite range of parameters makes the System unique. For example, if there are several areas of dermatological pathology in the same patient, one can initiate treatments based on standard protocols, utilizing a different approach for each area. This quickly allows the therapist to determine the most effective clinical response, with variations based on genetic and environmental influences.  The System allows a balanced approach permitting the development of protocols on an individualized basis. This process is referred to as "customization."  This method accommodates a variety of factors, some of which may be unknown and will allow the therapist to develop the correct protocols for each situation, particularly when the standard therapy is less than effective or plateaus.

In contrast, today's pharmacological practice prescribes the same dose of medication to the 250 lb. male and the 90 lb. female.  It should be evident to anyone that this is inappropriate, yet most prescriptions are dispensed in this fashion.  By comparing the rationale and elegance of the laser approach, one can easily comprehend the logic for individualization of therapeutic protocols.  Unquestionably, this is one of the most important aspects of effective therapy. 

In summary, the above points are just a few of the characteristics differentiating the BioFlex System from other devices.

Dear Colleague;

It is my pleasure to invite you to the second of our series of Advanced Training Courses in Low Intensity Laser Therapy .

The October event will focus on the treatment of sports injuries, including professional, amateur and recreational performers from the fields of football, hockey and baseball in addition to the performance arts (i.e. ballet, gymnastics, etc.).

The course will cover the appropriate treatment approach for an extensive range of pathological conditions and how to achieve optimal outcomes.

We hope that you will be able to attend and share the knowledge that our select panel of speakers will provide.

Sincerely,

Fred Kahn, M.D., F.R.C.S. (C)

A recent report indicates that one in three Canadians is now living with chronic pain.

A comprehensive population survey revealed that one third of all Canadians (33%) now live with moderate to severe pain as an ongoing part of their lives. One in six (16%) live with constant pain and one in five (20%) experience pain daily. “This research allows us to grasp the immense scope of the problem that pain is causing within Canadian society,” states Dr. Berry Cesil, President of the Canadian Pain Society.  “It is reaching a never before seen prevalence in the general population and is clearly affecting almost every part of the lives of Canadians from work and productivity to emotional health, self-esteem and family relationships.” “Pain is clearly having an enormous impact upon the lives of Canadians,” said Nakita Nanous, President of SES Research, who conducted the study on behalf of the Canadian Pain Society.  A full third of individuals with moderate to severe pain said that they had lost their jobs as a result of the problem and 50% said that they had experienced a reduction in income. Nanous further commented that 30% of patients afflicted with pain developed depression and anxiety, translating into problems with emotional relationships.  Dr. Cesil also stated the concern that Canada’s healthcare system is not equipped to deal with the immense scope of this problem. Additional documentation indicated that access to effective pain management is poor and when you consider that many healthcare professionals chose their careers in order to alleviate suffering, it is ironic that based on these findings, pets are often getting more effective treatment than humans.  The summary of this report can be found at www.painexplained.ca, a collaborative campaign supported by the Canadian Pain Society, Canadian Pain Coalition and the Canadian Pain Foundation.

Incidentally, I always review with great interest the annual publication by The Arthritis Society in the Globe & Mail.  This consists of six pages documented to highlight the Society’s contributions to the advancement and treatment of arthritis, in an effort to solicit more funds for these “good works.”  Although the Society has collected many millions of dollars over the past ten years, there does not appear to have been any significant relevant data revealed, to determine what it is exactly that they are improving.  My view is that the annual publications and efforts of this Society, are particularly skewed to stimulate donations to their cause; indeed, I question what it is they really do?

Each year, billions are allocated by pharmaceutical companies in their laboratories around the world to find the “elixir” of pain alleviation.  None appear to have succeeded with any significant degree of success, although their advertisements would lead one to believe otherwise.  Like insurance companies, pharmaceutical corporations often reveal in small print that 3-4% of patients are helped by their dynamic new medications!  Is this relevant?

More significantly, particularly in “the age of information technology (IT),” a paucity of information exists in the communications industry regarding Low Intensity Laser Therapy.  It is almost as if this technology does not exist.

At the same time, at Meditech International Inc. we report that pain can be completely eliminated by curing the pathology. In other words, as logic dictates, pain, the symptom, disappears as the pathology is reduced in scope or healed. The focus of Meditech International Inc. has been to cure the problem and this has been successful in over 95% of cases treated.

The majority of therapeutic methodologies, including pharmaceuticals, simply modulate pain − the symptom, rather than adopting the more rational, elegant and effective method of approaching this relatively universal problem by treating the cause. The following comments should provide further insight to those who wish to be enlightened.

The Optimal Solution for the Elimination of Pain

The BioFlex Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT) technology provides healthcare practitioners with a highly effective option in the treatment of patients suffering from chronic and acute pain.

The technology utilizes superluminous and laser diodes to irradiate abnormal tissue with photons; these particles of energy are absorbed by a variety of micro-molecules, resulting in the conversion of light into biochemical energy. Multiple positive physiological responses are thereby initiated and normal cell morphology and function are restored. The process is curative with regard to clinical pathologies rather than modulating symptoms, the conventional approach to the management of pain. LILT accelerates the healing process, eliminates dependence on pharmaceutical and more invasive solutions.

The BioFlex System is currently utilized in 35 countries worldwide, in both hospital and private clinical settings. The technology is being extensively adopted by medical practitioners, chiropractors, physiotherapists, naturopaths and many other healthcare professionals.

To date, over one million treatments have been administered without any adverse effects. This is in contradistinction to the use of pharmaceuticals and other procedures that are ineffective and frequently cause complications. LILT is safe, the treatment of choice in many medical pathologies and no adverse effects have been noted.

March 21, 2009

Laser Therapy has been found to be highly effective in the treatment of Dupuytren's Contracture. Fascial thickening of the palms and the fibrous bands extending to the digits have been markedly reduced in thickness and extent following a series of treatments utilizing Laser Therapy. Moreover, they have resulted in diminished pain, improved mobility and more normal configuration of the soft tissues involved.

In order to treat this pathology effectively, appropriately designed equipment must be utilized. The earlier the condition is treated (small nodules and minimal fibrous bands), the more effective the therapy will prove to be. Advanced situations do not preclude the application of Laser Therapy, however the course of treatment may be prolonged.

Revised: April 17, 2009 @ 1:30pm

Recently, a patient who is also a practicing physician came to me with a letter from her insurance company. As I read it, I began to question the validity of the statement. The letter, which contained the advice of the company's medical consultant, denied her claim for compensation, even though she had paid premiums over the course of twenty years - and had never made any claims previously. She was seeking my advice on how to respond to this dilemma.

Philosophically, I have never been a friend of the insurance systems in place and will generalize by stating that they operate in a similar fashion throughout the world. Indeed, many of them are multi-nationals for obvious reasons.

Salesmen extol the virtues of their "comprehensive coverage", in order to obtain substantial commissions. No one ever reads the policies that cover numerous pages of small print, that cannot be read nor are intended to be read. The insurance company then puts the premiums in the till and invests the proceeds to pay for their overhead, enhance shareholder value (bottom line) and to possibly even provide coverage for those who ante up the premiums. Reality indicates that management takes care of management first and basically "to hell" with everyone else. With regard to the payment of claims submitted, the almost invariable response is, "we do not cover this: read the fine print!" - which I would presume eliminates over 90% of supplicants.

As the prevailing economic crisis has revealed, insurance companies through their investment subsidiaries have engaged in extensive speculation in derivative and other unsound financial products - in other words, they are gambling with the money received from premiums and concomitantly reneging on their obligations. This completely refutes the foundation on which insurance was based. Moreover, this particular case highlights the egregious method of abuse practiced by the companies, unchecked by the so-called regulatory bodies, which consist largely of governments and their bloated bureaucracies. It should be noted that many of the biggest contributors to political campaigns of all stripes are insurance companies and those who provide financial services.

Based on good evidence, it appears that money paid to insurers to provide for the payment of claims is in reality used to enhance the compensation of managers, as a secondary priority to increase share value and both last and least, to provide coverage for those who pay the premiums, i.e. the would-be primary beneficiaries. To me, this appears to be totally wrong - if not an outright form of fraudulent activity.

The letter the physician presented to me states that on the advice of an "orthopaedic medical consultant", the claim was denied. Having some understanding of how the world really works, I am left to wonder if this is really true. Did a medical consultant actually review and deny the claim? I suspect that this never occurred and if it did, was merely rubberstamped by a physician in the employ of the insurance company, i.e. a one-way verdict.

Furthermore, it has become increasingly clear that insurance companies are practicing medicine or at least its employees are - no doubt at the directive of senior managers. This is a wonderful game. They collect the premiums, play with the proceeds and issue a letter of denial to the insured, based on whatever evidence the company wishes to cite; moreover, they may or may not have reviewed the issues. Suffice it to say that they refuse to pay the bills for which they are inherently responsible.

It should be noted that in this instance, the patient-physician had consulted many other specialists over the years for her medical problem and had been subjected to a variety of treatments which were universally ineffective. These were of the "approved" variety. Indeed, she had been unable to be functional from a physical perspective and frequently could not attend to her practice. Following ten laser therapy treatments, she was relatively asymptomatic, able to travel abroad, ski and essentially, resume a normal lifestyle.

This issue focuses on our major concern: when were insurance companies licensed to practice medicine and overrule the medical decisions of the competent, licensed physician? What gives them the right to decide what types of treatment are approved, effective or appropriate and how do they obtain that right? The answer - this status appears to be silently conferred by political regulatory bodies influenced by the campaign contributions channeled to their subsidiaries. In essence, it is self-licensing by the insurance companies and until this practice ceases - meaning never, under current standards, it will continue unabated. Solution - collaboration by the public sector and the medical profession to recognize and understand the problem and initiate war on these nefarious practices in a unified manner. As each day passes, more and more patients - particularly now when many individuals have lost their jobs, have run out of savings and lost their investments, directly or indirectly as the result of criminal activities of the financial sector - really require insurance coverage. Collective efforts must be initiated to force insurance companies to cover the medical expenses for which they have contracted and deny their right to make arbitrary decisions, particularly those contrary to the opinions of independent medical professionals.

For the past few years, a significant number of BioFlex System users have been applying superluminous arrays to the scalp for the treatment of male pattern alopecia (MPA). Extrapolating from the results achieved by a number of individuals who have an interest in working in this area, we have been able to develop some basic protocols.

At this time, we are interested in performing some controlled studies in a variety of locations and are soliciting therapists who will undertake this task on an individual basis. Please communicate with me directly with regard to this matter.

F. Kahn, MD

The Doctor Game - W. Gifford-Jones M.D.

For Release -September 13-19, 2009

How would you like to own a racehorse who won hundreds of thousands of dollars? I'm sure we'd crack open the champagne after each race. But how would you feel when the horse develops arthritis and chip fractures in the knee? Then, four veterinarians and two trainers say, "This horse could not and should not run again". This is when we start crying in our champagne. But what has a racehorse to do with our aches and pains? In one word, plenty.

Dr. Fred Kahn, Founder of MediTech Laser and Rehabilitation Clinic in Toronto, told me he inherited this horse in an "exchange ownership" in lieu of paying an outstanding account. But when the horse became lame he decided to see if Light Laser Intensive Therapy (LLIT) would restore his horse's swollen, tender, joints.

Dr. Dennis Potosky, an expert on LLIT at Meditech, began treating the horse three times a week. Two months later the swelling and pain were gone, the horse was walking without a limp, and was ready for the track. Since then it has raced four times and finished first in the last event running six and one eighth furlongs leaving the field behind.

This is an amazing story. Under normal circumstances, this horse would never have raced again. But how does its success affect us? In the past, LLIT was used for several years to treat a variety of common, painful conditions in humans. And like the horse, I've also had first-hand experience with this therapy.

Several years ago I crawled out of bed one morning, unable to stand due to excruciating back pain. An MRI showed two ruptured lumbar discs. A neurosurgeon said he could operate, but there was no guarantee of success. Or I could play for time, hope the protruding discs would heal, and the pain might subside. Fortunately I had read about LLIT, contacted Dr Kahn, and started laser therapy. A few weeks later I returned to my medical practice.

Since that time I've observed the effects of LLIT on several types of patients. Some suffer from pain that has not been helped by conventional medical treatment and have been told they have to learn to live with it. In addition, they're taking toxic pain medication that can cause complications whereas LLIT has no known adverse side-effects.

The majority of patients at Meditech suffer from arthritis involving hip, knee or spine. A large number have degenerative disc disease with bulging discs, or spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the diameter of the spinal canal. Both of these conditions cause pressure on spinal nerves and constant pain. Their quality of life is severely diminished.

Other patients who can be helped are those suffering from the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome due to long hours at the computer. And I've seen dramatic results in patients who have chronic, long-standing diabetic ulcers resistant to the usual treatment.

But it's not just the elderly who are helped by LLIT. The clinic sees patients of all ages who have sport injuries. These problems usually respond quickly to laser therapy. I've also seen dermatology lesions such as psoriasis, allergic contact dermatitis, acne, and herpes lesions fade away after treatment.

Dr. Mary Dyson, Emeritus Professor of Physiology at King's College, London, England, is an international authority on wound healing. She says that "LLIT provides a jump-start to the body's natural healing process." She adds that, "this technology delivers energy to the tissues that is transformed into biochemical energy. This results in increased blood supply and accelerated healing time."

Obviously what gives a jump-start to humans does the same for horses. It's been aptly said that you can take a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. Now, one could add it's possible to treat a crippled horse with LLIT. He still may refuse to drink water. But it appears he will be quite willing to run like hell again and win a race.

LLIT is not available in all parts of the U.S and Canada. If you wish to know of a clinic in your area we may be able to help. Use the e-mail address referrals@bell.net or call the number 416-917-4396

Revised: October 5, 2009 @ 10:45am

Recently, I had the opportunity to listen to Barack Obama's powerful speech on the topic of health care in the US. Although the American President has many detractors with regard to this and other programmes, I am increasingly impressed with his actions, articulated through his words.

Unlike most politicians, his messages are clear, consistent and realistic, despite the often rhetorical stylistic positioning of the media and the opposition.

Most importantly, he has instilled a "sense of reason" and expressed the need for action - "now". In stressing these factors, he has managed to push special interest groups out of bounds or at least off centre stage. He is addressing issues that have been bounced around over the past century by almost every president on the election stump, items which generally die a rapid death shortly after elections are over. In the past, almost all US presidents have capitulated to vested interests, however Obama has made it patently clear that he will not follow that road. As is appropriate, he is insistent that the time to act on these issues is now and whereas solutions may be elusive and require time to achieve - a beginning is paramount. This appears to be his main focus and I concur with that sentiment entirely.

Last week, I had occasion to treat an ex-cabinet minister and impressed upon that individual the need for all politicians to address and resolve important issues, rather than speaking out of both sides of their mouths, while saying nothing. As most of us understand, politicians focus on the moment, i.e. the polls, getting elected, staying elected and doing what is expedient or politically correct. Moreover, they sometimes appear to be in political office only to pursue their own agendas, including generous pensions, prolonged vacations, extensive staffs and privileges, along with overly generous budgets for the purpose of self-indulgence.

Obama, in less than one year in office, has differentiated himself from the norm. Moreover, I am amazed by the energy and ongoing motion that he continually generates. As I frequently state to some of my co-workers, "to succeed, you must commit to your job, address issues, find solutions and implement them." That is the formula for success. Unfortunately, in my experience, less than 10% of the workforce adheres to this code and it is refreshing to see a leader do so, particularly at the highest level. I feel that this is the impetus that the US and the entire world needs and as a global figure - he will establish a standard for others. Leadership must not only be seen but heard and to pursue and complete important agendas, rather than engaging in endless, non-focused discussion, is critical.

During his address, Mr. Obama stressed certain items that previously seemed to be perpetually lost in the shuffle. One - that insurance companies should not be practicing medicine, i.e. making decisions regarding best practice decisions, once upon a time determined by properly trained medical consultants. Two - that insurance companies could no longer make inappropriate exclusions for treatment, which are arbitrarily established unilaterally and brook no protest from the victims.

These two items alone have in large part prevented adequate medical care being provided to patients over the last fifty or more years. That insurance companies by fiat and other questionable methods (control of the purse strings) are able to enforce self-interest rules, while governments idly stand by is outrageous; therein lie many of the problems in health care systems throughout the world, no matter who controls, provides or administers. Ideally, health care services should offer the best possible therapy for the patient's condition, to the exclusion of all other considerations. The Obama approach might not achieve that initially but will certainly be a major step in the right direction, one that has regressed significantly over the last twenty-five years, despite the plethora of technological advances.

As a final comment it should be noted that the increasing reaction to Obama's directives, most of which I deem appropriate, including the health care solution is typical of how unpopular the truth has become. Indeed, it appears to have become almost unpalatable. This is demonstrated daily in the media, the courts and the prevalent political forums. Often, what we know to be the truth is so distorted or even repudiated that falsehoods become the norm. As has been previously stated, "The lie oft repeated becomes the truth." Much of the opposition to Obama is based on that mentality and this too needs to change. Whereas I do not idolize individuals, I am still able to recognize the truth and will always support it. All those capable of thinking independently should be similarly inclined.

Michael Mehak Astride Verne's Baby In Winning Performance - October 30, 2009 - Woodbine Racetrack, Toronto

TORONTO, Ontario [November 1, 2009] Friday, October 30th was an epic day at Meditech. We were able to watch our horse run an absolutely superb race which once again proved that winning is everything. Competing in a 14 horse field against several highly rated entrants and running on a longer course at Woodbine Racetrack, Verne's Baby ran the perfect race. He got out of the gate smoothly and was never worse than fifth. Running unimpeded on the outside once the finish line came in sight, he calmly passed the horses ahead of him and won going away.

This event followed a win at Fort Erie eight days earlier. In both races, the jockey deserves a great deal of credit as he brought the horse from off the pace during that event also, maneuvered him to the inside and won by a nose.

In the October 30th race at Woodbine, I did not expect him to win particularly against younger horses in their prime and running on a longer course. Clearly, this race confirmed that he has returned to top form and guess what - laser therapy made it all possible.

Those who firmly stated that these accomplishments were not possible should be made aware that the "impossible", when intelligently approached, can be attained. Aside from the horse, credit is due to Vito and William Armata the trainers, the jockey Mike Mehak an apprentice who truly bonded with the horse and rode him with a degree of expertise that many jockeys never achieve and Denis our Laser Therapist who applied the therapy. This was a singular event indeed.

An article titled "Some physical therapy may be a stretch" by Gina Kolata in the Globe & Mail published January 8th, 2010, refers to some of the misconception and impediments in the rehabilitation industry today.

First of all, one must remember that nature cures most medical problems given time and rest. For this reason, when any therapy is applied coincidentally, the credit is generally attributed to the treatment, which may be totally erroneous.

Additionally, the economic equation all too frequently encroaches on matters and dictates the type of therapy applied, whether appropriate or not. The gatekeepers who generally restrict prompt initiation of treatment, the selection of the correct treatment, increase costs, negatively impact results and are increasingly intrusive in the healing process.

At this time in my practice, I see approximately fifty new patients each week, many with acute sports injuries and/or chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Most have been subjected to prolonged courses of ineffective therapy, but are forced continue the course imposed by insurance carriers and other influences, non-relevant from the medical perspective.

It must be understood that success can be best achieved if all irrelevancies are eliminated. The focus should always be on establishing a correct diagnosis and the prompt institution of treatment that provides a curative effect.

In our organization over the past twenty years, we have utilized Laser Therapy with appropriately engineered delivery systems, along with scientifically developed protocols that are effective in the rehabilitation process as the basic therapeutic platform. This approach invariably achieves optimal clinical outcomes. Health care professionals, please take note!

Recently an article in the New York Times dated January 25, 2010 caught my attention; the title - "Insurer Steps Up Fight to Control Health Care Cost". With regard to this publication, I state as President Obama did in his healthcare speech late last year, "that this issue must be resolved before healthcare can be delivered with the primary objective of providing the best possible care available, directly to patients."

Increasingly, in my office practice the single most pervasive and negative factor each day are the therapeutic restrictions imposed by insurance carriers. In my personal opinion, patients are entitled to the best care available for any particular problem. This should be the basic platform of quality healthcare, yet insurance carriers have become increasingly obstructive in allowing this process to take its course. If the proposed mode of treatment is not covered, permission to initiate treatment is invariably delayed. Consequently, the healing process is prolonged, is generally less effective, the condition may become chronic and the cost of care is substantially increased. Currently, my office requires one full-time secretary to assist patients in attempting to resolve these issues in order to permit the initiation of proper treatment.

For example - just 3 weeks ago, a patient presented on a Saturday morning having sustained a severe skiing injury to the right shoulder on the previous day. At the resort where this occurred, an X-ray had been taken and interpreted as being normal. The patient was provided with analgesics and a sling and was sent home. On the Saturday morning following the injury of the previous day, the patient presented at our clinic in acute distress. Over the next 3 weeks, 12 laser therapy sessions were administered. This resulted in complete resolution of the problem.

An orthopedic consult, requested initially, has still not reached the head of the waiting line. An MRI performed 2 weeks after treatment had been initiated, reported the presence of a Hill-Sachs fracture and extensive ligamentous and other soft tissue damage.

If the parents of this 15 year old boy had not been willing to short-circuit the system, institution of therapy would have been delayed, the course of treatment prolonged with undoubtedly a less than an optimal outcome. This is a clear-cut example where early treatment consistently applied and monitored can achieve an optimal result, devoid of any other considerations. It has still not been determined whether there is insurance coverage although both parents are high level professionals and are "supposedly" covered by several insurance policies. Incidentally, the patient has made a complete recovery, including a normal pain-free range of motion of the left shoulder, while the insurance battle rages on.

The hours of secretarial time wasted on paperwork and telephone calls required in order to stimulate carriers to honour their obligation is becoming increasingly complex and invasive. As we all know from personal experience insurance companies and their sales minions are happy to sell policies and collect premiums. Their glowing ads promise security, unlimited benefits and infiltrate the media at all levels. At the same time, the series of hurdles imposed on the way to compensation is becoming insurmountable. These imposed economics overshadow the need for both urgent and high quality care, which should be the primary concern. The result - an impasse in the delivery of healthcare, strangled by carriers primarily interested in profit margins. The ramifications of this state of affairs are negative from every perspective, particularly when an immediate and positive approach is so essential. No one appears to be pro-active in the struggle to correct these deficiencies, which play a major role in the breakdown of healthcare delivery systems. Before we can continue to move forward in a positive manner, this impediment must be removed.

Each year the National Post, the Globe and Mail and other national newspapers contain an eight page insert, advertising the wonderful works performed by the Arthritis Society. I always review these publications with great interest, particularly as our clinic administers up to eight hundred treatments each week, many of them for the treatment of arthritis. Despite this and the fact that Laser Therapy is currently being adopted by clinicians who are passionate about wanting to help their patients, laser therapy has never been mentioned in any of these elegant treatises. Indeed, over 70% of the patients that we treat at our clinic suffer from degenerative osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic arthritis and a number of arthritides of varying etiologies.

Our technology is currently utilized in over forty countries worldwide including hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centres and other health care facilities. Moreover, our organization conducts a significant body of scientific research and annually contributes thousands of dollars to worthwhile organizations anonymously. In addition, we provide many thousands of dollars of treatment annually without charge, primarily to needy, elderly citizens, who are often neglected.

It should not be a surprise that I am somewhat perplexed by these newspaper ads whose intent, after many years of reading, I am unable to grasp. I expect it is designed to increase the funds raised for reasons that are largely undisclosed. This organization, much like other fundraising groups, maintains an extensive staff, spends considerable resources on advertising and like most corporations attempts to increase their annual gross, presumably to reward management with generous bonuses, commensurate with their fundraising efforts. At the same time my research and experience leads me to believe that the not inconsiderable contributions, do not appear to provide any direct or indirect benefits to arthritis sufferers. Does anyone ever question what happens to these funds, i.e. where do they end up and why? - nor have I ever seen explanations provided by management. For instance, the most recent insert in the National Post dated January 2010, on its cover features an elegant sketch of the skeletal outline of the spine. At the bottom of the same page, it recommends the use of Rub A535, described as the #1 pharmacist recommended brand. Moreover, it is advertised as being recognized as the most arthritis friendly product and is recommended by the Arthritis Society. What is Rub A535 and what benefit does it actually provide?

On Page 2, it begins with an article written by the President and CEO of the Arthritis Society. In essence, it states that "arthritis is a problem" in our society. It quotes a number of statistics which are meaningless. On most of the pages, there are advertisements which may be misleading, repetitive and appear to have no relevance. Osteoporosis is extensively discussed and we all know that this is a disease associated with aging, lack of activity and poor dietary habits. There are many simple preventative measures that can be followed on a daily basis, to effectively counteract the negative aspects of this condition; i.e. a healthy balanced diet, some vitamin and mineral supplements and a minimum of 30 minutes or more of vigorous daily activity, yet none of these are stressed.

The 8-page compendium in the newspaper reveals nothing that is unknown, provides no effective solutions and concludes with a full page ad sponsored by Abbott Immunology. This infers that Abbott Pharmaceuticals can provide help in these situations, although there is nothing included that specifically states how.

Six years ago, a member of my organization made contact with the CEO of the Arthritis Society. After several discussions, a representative from the society was sent to our offices to explore our technology. Clearly, this was not someone at a significant managerial level and this individual spent most of an hour bemoaning the fact that her boyfriend was moving out of their joint residence and she did not know how to deal with this. She had no knowledge whatsoever of arthritis, laser therapy or medicine.

If the Arthritis Society were truly focused on helping people with arthritis, they would be exploring new therapeutic avenues and actually attempt to help the afflicted, rather than simply raising funds, which to all intents and purposes seem to disappear into the great nowhere.

Insurance carriers appear to demonstrate an undue level of concern with the designation of healthcare professionals administering Laser Therapy. This article is designed to clarify this issue. First it should be noted that Laser Therapy can be administered by a duly trained physician, physiotherapist or chiropractor, based on the knowledge and expertise acquired at our certification course, complemented of course with subsequent experience. Moreover, the above designated healthcare professionals can perform an assessment and prescribe the protocols as required. They can then administer Laser Therapy directly or delegate it to any certified laser therapist under their supervision, someone who may not be licensed to diagnose. Despite this, some carriers will pay a physiotherapist but not the other designations and other carriers will pay the chiropractor but not the other two professionals and so forth. To anyone with a functional IQ, this would appear to be irrational and indeed qualifies under that category. In essence, there is no logical or legal foundation for this position.

At Meditech, a team of healthcare professionals participate in the process of assessment, protocol prescription and the actual administration of the therapy. All the individuals involved in the process are qualified laser therapists and are able to integrate this technology into their therapeutic programmes, as clinically indicated. At our facility, laser therapy is generally utilized as the basic treatment platform, although sometimes complemented by other technologies.

Within the team concept, the various disciplines work collaboratively to provide the "best practice" standard in order to achieve an optimal clinical outcome. It is important that everyone, particularly insurance carriers, clearly understand this process, designed to protect the patients best interests.

To summarize - At Meditech, we offer a comprehensive therapeutic programme designed on an individual basis in order to achieve an optimal clinical outcome. This may include periodic participation by the physician, the physiotherapist and/or the chiropractor, along with those who apply the therapy under supervision. The latter include kinesiologists, laser therapists, massage and exercise therapists, again working on a collaborative basis.

(Globe and Mail Editorial Section)

The article enclosed, titled "Amputating Costs" was published in The Globe and Mail on April 16, 2010. It is timely and written with considerable comprehension of the facts. Moreover, it clearly defines the problems encountered in wound healing, so often leading to amputation. It stresses inefficiencies that serve only to increase the costs of treatment, along with a total disregard of the outcomes.

Managed health care, in essence, imposes relatively rigid parameters which have long been outdated. Personally, I would be embarrassed to treat a wound that did not heal in a timely fashion. Yet, the present system incentivizes prolonged and ineffective care, all too frequently, leading to negative results.

At Meditech over the past decade, we have been aware of the inadequacies of the present conventional approach to wound healing. This sector has therefore become one of the more compelling targets in our efforts to bring about change.

We have always questioned the prevalent methods applied in wound healing that are almost universally enforced.

At the same time, we have developed methodologies that are highly effective in this area.

To illustrate -

• Instead of using bandages of various descriptions, we treat the wounds with open exposure permitting access to the oxygen in the atmosphere.
• Instead of antibiotics, we use saline compresses which have no adverse reactions, are potent bactericidals and are inexpensive.
• Instead of surgical debridement, we use dilute hydrogen peroxide to remove non-viable tissue.
• When available, we also utilize hyperbaric chamber therapy.

The basic approach of our treatment platform is Laser Therapy customized for the individual patient. With this method, the need for analgesics is rapidly eliminated.

We fully endorse the treatment of wounds with an outcome based on resolution and agree that remuneration should be based on clinical results.

In closing, I make one final statement - "bring on the wounds and we will heal them!"

Fred Kahn, MD, FRCS(C)

Part One: http://network.nationalpost.com/NP/blogs/fpcomment/archive/2010/04/23/lawrence-solomon-savour-the-salt.aspx

Part Two: http://network.nationalpost.com/NP/blogs/fpcomment/archive/2010/05/01/lawrence-solomon-shake-that-salt.aspx

The two articles enclosed are realistic commentaries, pertaining to the ingestion of salt. The conclusions stated, with which I concur completely, indicate that salt is essential in our diet for the maintenance of good health. Restriction of the use of salt can lead to physiological imbalances and accomplishes little of merit.

Salt is a vital ingredient in the maintenance of the body's physiological functions. Specifically, it is integral to the maintenance of hydration and electrolyte balance. It has always been my presumption that unless one has significant renal or cardiac dysfunction, the liberal if not excessive use of salt is totally safe and probably essential.

The normal ingestion of fluids will invariably eliminate any excess that may remain. Without question, the restriction of salt in the diet creates more problems than it cures.

Many physicians advise salt-free regimens without adequate reflection. This trend is sometimes based on the commercial aspects of marketing salt-free products. In addition, the confusion that exists with regard to the treatment of hypertension is a significant factor. Hypertension is generally associated with an increase in age and is sometimes necessary in order to permit adequate arterial perfusion of the peripheral areas of the body including the brain. Focusing on the removal of stress in the environment undoubtedly is the best anti-hypertensive therapy available.

It must also be understood that most individuals' blood pressures are highly labile, depending on circumstances. At rest, blood pressures generally return to normal, whereas in the stressful atmosphere of the physician's office for example, they are invariably and inordinately elevated. Frequently, anti-hypertensives are prescribed on the basis of the prevalent, almost hysterical approach to what may be termed the "temporary" elevation of blood pressure and over the past decade particularly, this has become somewhat ingrained in routine medical practice.

Many patients monitor their blood pressures with devices purchased at their local drug store (some of which are highly inaccurate) many times each day and develop an obsession with the readings, resulting in a self-fulfilling prophecy. They may then consult a specialist who may prescribe an additional anti-hypertensive drug, resulting in the inappropriate management of hypertension, whether real or imaginary.

The controversy over salt utilization and the ingrained treatment of hypertension is not that dissimilar to the recent H1N1 crisis. These matters should provoke independent thought and one should be cautioned against the literature promulgated by pharmaceutical companies and governments. "Do not believe everything you may hear or read"; instead cultivate the ability to research widely and interpret correctly.

Whereas inoculation for polio and the other childhood diseases is extremely important, flu vaccination programs have a checkered history at best. Personally, I have never submitted to a flu shot and have been fortunate enough to avoid contracting these multiple disease entities, despite interacting daily with people who are infected and sometimes seriously ill. These contacts strengthen the immune system, much like inoculation.

It was interesting to note that during our recent flu epidemic, when the vaccine was unavailable to the public, panic reigned supreme. Stimulated by the media, the poorly informed clamored for the vaccine incessantly; once it became widely available, the demand evaporated instantly.

Medical fashion varies from one decade to the next as is well-illustrated by the history of the treatment of tonsillitis leading to almost routine tonsillectomies and once upon a time appendectomies were performed to prevent appendicitis. Today, fortunately these trends have fallen by the wayside.

Over the past hundred years, the management of psychiatric patients almost invariably resulted in long-term institutionalization. Beginning in the forties the advent of psychotherapy became the elitist approach. From an economic perspective however, it was problematic to apply this form of therapy widely.

Over the past twenty years, psychiatrists have found it easy to utilize psychomimetic drugs, as patient response can sometimes be dramatic and appears to be beneficial on a short-term basis. This trend, hopefully appears to be nearing its end as the complications engendered by this widely utilized and poorly monitored method are becoming better recognized.

Finally, rest assured that it is totally appropriate to use salt as required and no undue restriction is necessary, except in extreme circumstances.

Fred Kahn, MD FRCS(C)

Meditech is continuously looking at ways to improve its products in terms of optimal performance, clinical efficacy, expanding clinical applications and being user-friendly. With this in mind, Meditech applied for and received, an Interact grant from the Ontario Centre of Excellence (OCE) at The University of Toronto, to study the optical and thermal properties of the LEDs utilized in its treatment arrays.

The Interact Programme was designed to initiate new industry-academic interactions that create collaborative research partnerships between industry and Ontario universities, colleges and research hospitals.

Meditech is working with the Institute for Optical Studies (IOS) to better understand the characteristics of both the diodes utilized and the materials incorporated in the treatment arrays.

The Institute for Optical Sciences (IOS) is a cross-disciplinary research and commercialization centre, embedded in the University of Toronto. It utilizes faculty and students from the departments of chemistry, physics, materials science, polymers, nanotechnology, photonics, and advanced engineering to deliver consulting services to industry. Meditech will use the results obtained from the research project to continue the improvements of the arrays and laser probes for its next generation systems. The new arrays will have a greater range of power output, improved reliability and longevity and utilize state-of-the-art technologies.

Meditech remains committed to providing the most technologically advanced and clinically effective laser therapy systems globally.

Fred Kahn, M.D., F.R.C.P. (C)

The article below is an excerpt from The Toronto Star dated August 16, 2010.

Read the article on The Toronto Star web site

Once again, this article clearly demonstrates the consistently bad judgment exercised by political parties no matter what their stripe.

First, the Liberals criticize the Tories when they are in power and vice-versa - same with the NDP if they had the opportunity. These matters are therefore of no particular import.

The natural reaction of the politician faced with a problem is to deflect criticism. This result in the appointment of a commission or another administrative body, who pretend to resolve the dilemma; this is known as a diversionary tactic.

It would never occur to our political masters that patient care is best delivered when required and that the appropriate therapy be instituted.

Bureaucrats and their organizations have no comprehensive understanding of what medical care should be and invariably complicate delivery at an exceedingly high cost.

Perhaps one day it might dawn on them that it would be best to leave healthcare to the professionals who understand the problems and maintain a sense of commitment with regard to their resolution.

No matter what profession, unless one has an understanding of the problem and the experience to deal with these situations in a capable manner, all efforts even if well-intentioned, will fail.

The tax payers of this country of whom I am one, should take note and steps to rectify these problems.

FK/sg/cn