Online publications that allow anyone with Internet access to become an instant publisher. Content can range from personal thoughts (diary or journal) to news to analysis or political rants. Also known as weblogs . When physicians or health care workers participate, it is referred to as medical blogging or medblogging . Under HIPAA compliance regulations, patients’ names and clinical information cannot be used in blog messages.

Number of unreplaced pints of whole blood or units of packed red blood cells given to a Medicare patient that he or she is responsible for. A Medicare patient is responsible for paying for the first three pints of blood used in each calendar year unless they are replaced. This policy applies to Medicare Part A and Part B benefits. The Part A blood deductible is reduced to the extent that the blood deductible under Part B is satisfied.

Measure of the amount of urea in the blood, which is the major breakdown product of protein metabolism and is removed by the kidneys. It is determined by a blood test. During kidney failure, urea accumulates in proportion to the degree of kidney failure and to the amount of protein breakdown. Symptoms of uremia correspond roughly to the amount of urea in the blood.