Capitol Hill Dental Group

I finally got around to making an appointment for a routine six month dental check. Based on our experience, it is better to be safer than sorry, so we make every effort to try to make these dates. The nicest thing about going to the dentist here is that the office is located about one block away on First Street - the same path I take to walk to work. In Milwaukee, it was a long ride, a one dentist operation, and took forever to have work done. Three hour sessions were not unusual. Here, right before Bullfeathers, you turn off towards the alley behind the homes and businesses, and take the stairs to the second floor. It's a nice little office with a father-daughter partnership, 4 dentists all together, and it has served us well since we moved. I fell on my face a while ago and thought I broke my front tooth as I landed on the very uneven red brick sidewalk right outside our house. They have state of the art equipment, and the dentists and staff are really great. I had jaw surgery over twenty five years ago so going to the dentist is taxing. They make it nice and easy...even had a crown done in one session. Today I got out with a clean slate. Let's keep it that way.

The Supreme Court Health Care Decision

As I was unable to attend the event because I had to work, my husband diligently took some photos in front of the Supreme Court this morning while on his daily walk. He walks with me from our house to work, which is 2 blocks down the street to the Library of Congress, and then he continues on past the Capitol near to the Washington Monument and back. He's been walking just about every morning since he retired. But the landscape changed from Milwaukee and Grant Park and Lake Michigan, to the sidewalks of the Capitol City. Today was a great example of actually being a part of living history. He generally passes behind the Supreme Court. But the activity was well on it's way this morning, and he promised to pass by the front. I'm not sure exactly what the decision will mean to us. But I have a feeling we won't get any breaks. We both spent our careers in health care, and have never seen spending decrease for anything. Luckily I don't have to deal with that anymore in the work setting, but as a comsumer, we all will have to- whatever that eventually means.

Scooter Crutches

One of my colleagues fell in the metro and broke her big toe. She ended up with a boot and walked with a cane for awhile. It used to be crutches were the only mode of transport if a lower limb was not functioning. Last year I saw several of these "scooter" devices in action. They seem kind of appealing at first, but I think it must be difficult regardless of what you get stuck with. It's bad enough to have the need for it, and technology keeps improving. I think I would prefer a motorized device of some sort. Those hills can be killers, and everything around here and most places must be ADA compliant. May be it is a matter of pride? I had to use crutches one time while in college training to become a nurse. Luckily it was during the psychiatric rotation. It was just awful, and I feel for anyone who has to deal with it. I suppose it builds character, but I can think of a few other ways to do that.

I wonder if it really is easier than crutches?

It's tough climbing up Capitol Hill

I'm glad I'm the observer

Supreme Court Action

On the way to work this morning, we saw a guy in a white lab coat- and we thought he was probably on his way to the Supreme Court. On his way back home from his daily morning walk on the Mall, my husband took his usual route past the Capitol, and the North side of the Supreme Court. There he saw a few of the spectators, and protesters, and news folks. It's one thing to see these events on the news and on the Internet, but another to actually witness it. When we drove by the building on Sunday, there were already people lined up in their folding chairs, waiting in line for tickets to actually get in to the courtroom. We've only been inside the Supreme Court one time, but not when it was in session. We actually went over there for lunch one afternoon. I can only say that one of the reasons we like living where we do is because all these activities are very close by. But for others who work here and have to drive in and get around these sometimes very large and boisterous crowds, it can be unnerving. Luckily, we don't have to deal with that part of it.

Up bright and early in the morning

The activity begins

There are usually helicopters flying overhead

It's a great scene

Washington Hospital Center

It is always an adventure to go to the doctor's office, and not necessarily a good kind of adventure. We need to leave at least an hour ahead of time to go about 2 miles. We always ask for the first appointment right after lunch to avoid rush hour. In spite of that, we just about get there on time because this office is located on the Washington Hospital Center Campus. Also on this campus is the Children's Hospital, and the VA Center, which makes for a very congested location regardless of the time of the year, day of the week, or time of the day. This time we were rear ended (lightly) at a stop sign by a young girl who obviously was not paying attention. Luckily for her, we didn't bother to take any information. And the rear bumper has so many nicks and scratches you wouldn't be able to tell which one was from this incident. At least the appointment only took an hour, which is what any eye appointment minimally takes. But it's another hour to and another hour back that makes it so long. Every time we go, we swear we need to find another doctor and easier place to navigate. But we are too lazy to fine another doctor or place, because we are at least satisfied with her- but not really much of anything else.

A huge campus with many different functions

The backside of a very large VA Center

Kind of an ugly building for a children's hospital

A colorful grouping of row houses

Getting close to home

All the benches are taken on a beautiful Friday afternoon

The Lactation Room

Having worked in hospitals and health care organizations for thirty years, it was not at all unusual to see or have lactation rooms for employees. And we obviously had highly trained staff who helped new moms learn how to manage breastfeeding. At one point in my career the largest Neonatal Intensive Care, Labor and Delivery, and Pre Natal Assessment Centers all reported to me, along with all the other critical care units. So it was nice to see that the lactation room was finally completed and open for use this month at the Library of Congress. Apparently there will be or was a ribbon cutting ceremony. Working in the infrastructure services, I heard a lot about all the plans and construction issues related to this project. What's really nice is that a room such as this is even needed in the Library. It certainly gives everyone a very different impression about the age demographics of the folks who work at the Library - and that's a nice thing.

A very long corridor

With a new addition - nice logo!

One less thing to worry about

The Hill Center

We've been watching the construction on the Old Navy Hospital over the last couple of years. It was quite dilapidated and in need of repair. At one time it actually was a hospital, and I believe it was completed right after the Civil War ended. The front faces the direction of the Marine Barracks and Navy Yard by the Potomac River, which is not that far away. The backside faces Pennsylvania Avenue. All the iron works have been replaced or refinished. Some of the neighbors thought they could save some of history by taking pieces of the fence. In the end, the building is now a community center and houses an art gallery, among many other things. It was recreated to reflect the original state and color scheme. Capitol Hill feels like a close community, and this is an example of the types of things that get done around here that benefit everyone who lives here. The history and location are the only difference. The concern for a better living space is universal.

Along Pennsyvania Avenue

A small outbuilding for refreshments

Standing alone on a city block

The front entrance

This tree must have witnessed a lot of action

The neighborhood

Disappointed With the Dentist

We have been going to Capitol Hill Dental since we moved here and have been very happy with the service, and the caretakers. The location is excellent - just one block away. But we are not very happy with a recent experience. One of us recently had significant work done. And like when you take the car in, or do just about anything else, you get an "estimate" of the work that is proposed. The "estimate" was provided to us in hard copy, but was generated on the office computer, and we are certain is a part of the record. It even says how much the insurance will probably cover. Based on that estimate, you decide how much of the work you want or need to have done. So the procedure was done, but the bill we received was no where near the estimate. In fact, it was about double. It really doesn't matter that we have additional out of pocket coverage with very expensive quarterly renewals. So we waited for the explanation of benefits to arrive.... because we did not quite understand the HUGE discrepancy, we called the office on Tuesday. And of course, did not hear back from them. So we called again today, and still have no reasonable explanation. The unfortunate thing is is that for whatever reason, we cannot seem to locate our hard copy- and they claim not to have one. I always keep outstanding documentation until I know a matter is resolved. But this time, we are out of luck. We really don't have a problem with paying what we owe- we have a problem with the run around. This town is full of it.

There is something fishy here

And there is nothing we can do about it

Flu Clinic

This has been an exceptional week for heath care related appointments. The flu shot my husband got yesterday did not like him at all. He was quite ill all night and well past the afternoon with temperature, body aches and respiratory distress- almost as bad as having the flu. I thought about calling the doctor office to let them know- and his answer was "why would they care?" This afternoon, he was feeling well enough for the follow up eye exam that usually takes an hour to get to to travel just 2 miles away. Things were in good order getting there, having the exam, and coming home. Now he is resting and getting some Z's. I had my flu shot through the Library a couple weeks ago. The only reaction I had was a very sore arm. But the setting was much better than the doctor office. It was in the beautiful Madison Hall. There was no waiting, the staff were very pleasant, and it was very convenient. Can't say the same about the doctor office. We also got this service at the health care organization I worked for in Milwaukee. I'm beginning to wonder about all this preventative medicine... is it really all necessary? It's very hard to say.

Probably a good idea

Sign on the dotted line

Wonder what Madison would think of it?

The Doctor Visit

September and October have been the months for doctor and dentist visits. Yesterday I went to the dentist for a routine check, and it is always so uneventful - as these things can be. It is only one block away, the staff are very pleasant, you get in on time, and leave in short order. I've even had a crown completely done in one session! Today we needed to go to the doctor office. My husband needed a flu shot, and I needed a blood draw (following thyroid pill poisoning!)...whenever we go to the doctor office, it is a completely different story. It's only a few blocks away, but we need to take the car and find parking- not easy to do during rush hour. The staff are not very nice, you always have to wait, and it is always unpleasant. Tomorrow we need to go for a recheck at the eye doctor- that's the place that takes an hour to go 2 miles. The only thing good about having all this health care stuff done at one time of the year is to get it over with, but it sure is annoying, no matter where or what it is. On second thought, I got to be away from work a few more hours- and that is not such a bad alternative!

Close to the house and very modern, up to date

Very confusing and unpleasant

I prefer using on line services as much as possible

Capitol Hill Club Protesters

As I crossed the street from the Madison Building to the Capitol Hill Club, I heard a ruckus- then noticed a gurney with a person on it- covered in a sheet, with two caretakers standing next to her. She said if I passed by her, she would die, because of Medicare cuts. I thought someone had an accident and was being attended to. But then I heard the chanting, and the signs, and the group of protesters circling in front of the Capitol Hill Club. Their issue was Code Blue- what are the patients going to do? They were blocking the sidewalk so I had to walk in the street. Several people took pictures. This is getting to be a routine scene in the neighborhood. Things are heating up. By the time I went back to work after lunch, they were gone. And everything was back to normal - until the next time.

Primarily female- 40-50's... probably nurses

Must be using their lunch break

Do you think anyone noticed?

The New Wheelchair- Walker- Scooter

The other day I saw a young woman on the street using a peculiar "scooter" of sorts. She was resting one knee on a platform, and paddling her way along with the other foot. She had a cast on her leg. Yesterday I saw another young man with the same contraption, and a cast on his leg. Today I saw the same little device tooling through the hallways in the Library. I've seen a lot of medical devices over the years, and know by first hand experience that walking on crutches is difficult at best. There seem to be a lot of leg injuries lately, and this new mode of transportation may just be the best thing since sliced bread- as long as it's not raining, or snowing, or climbing a hill.

Works best on a flat surface

Washington Radiology Associates

Today I got my mammogram results in the mail. This year was unusual in that the order to have it done was messed up, so what is usually a diagnostic test turned in to a screening test. That means that the radiologist does not look at or tell you the results right after the exam. Last year, several additional views needed to be taken for a suspicious spot. And that ordeal was very unnerving. You see your life flash in front of you, thinking of the worst. And we know too much, as my husband is a retired surgeon and I am a nurse. The actual exam was last Thursday, and the thought of having to go back for more views has been in the back of my mind since then. Luckily, it was normal, and I can breathe a sigh of relief. One of our friends just had to undergo some tests for a potential problem, and that turned out okay too. We all have something to celebrate because we should know that life is really too short, and should appreciate every healthy day. It doesn't matter where you live.

I ripped the letter open before I walked in the door

Eye Appointment

We both had annual eye appointments scheduled today at the Washington Hospital Center Physician Office. And since my husband was in the emergency room there two weeks ago for an eye problem, they came at a perfect time. I always try to make the appointment for the first exam after lunch to avoid all the waiting. And have learned never to make early morning appointments because of rush hour and, I don't like getting up in the morning anyway. So we left the house 45 minutes before the appointment time to travel about 3 miles. And as usual, along the way is always some construction, the parking structure is always full and slow. but scenes along the way are always interesting. Once in the building, for security purposes, we needed to sign in.  I could hardly read the chart on the wall- the portable eye exam glasses were fitted poorly, and the person giving the exam was even worse. And as always, we both got peripheral vision screening. The doctor told me "you'll know" when you need to have cataract surgery. Us nearsighted folks are just so lucky. I also have "drusen" are on the optic nerve, and floaters, and what else? - and the doctor would like her residents to see it as a classic example. So, my husband needs to come back in a month - I can get away with another year. I just made sure the appointment is set on a work day, so I can have the afternoon off. And no matter where you get an eye exam, there is still not a way to undilate your eyes. And if you don't have sunglasses, there are some really chic ones that you get for free. I can barely see what I'm doing now, but it could be much worse. At least I know it is temporary.

Refrigerator or treadmill anyone? How about Dracula?

Construction and BBQ turkey along North Capitol

Prefer a small place to a huge medical campus

Reminds us of our past lives

Those classy free sunglasses

The usual traffic going to and from