Health

Selin Sakarcan | The Best Writing Advice I Ever Received

Published

3 years ago

November 7, 2022

Selin Sakarcan is an award-winning journalist and the author of several books, including the New York Times bestseller The Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce. In this post, Selin shares some of the best writing advice she ever received. In case you haven’t noticed, writing is important. It’s necessary not just for journalists like Selin, but for anyone who wants to communicate their thoughts and ideas effectively. And although there are a lot of great resources available online, sometimes you need something more personal in order to sink in. That’s where Selin’s story comes in. She tells us about a time when she was struggling with a particularly difficult piece of writing and how a friend helped her get through it. Although Selin’s story is specific to her situation, it provides valuable insight into the power of friendship and support when it comes to writing. If you’re having trouble getting started or finding motivation, read Selin’s story and see if it can help you out.

Table of Contents

What is Selin Sakarcan?

Selin Sakarcan is a Turkish-American journalist, blogger and essayist who writes about writing, feminism, politics and culture. Selin has been published in The New York Times, The Guardian, Elle, Cosmopolitan and other publications. She is the founder of the website Feministing.com and the author of the book “Write Now: A Writer’s Companion.” Selin’s writing is reflective and thoughtful, often examining how society impacts what we write. She writes passionately about feminism and its importance to society as a whole.Selin is also a frequent guest on NPR’s “Fresh Air,” where she discusses her work as a journalist and writer. In this interview from 2014, Selin shares some of her best writing advice:

“Be curious about everything around you.”
“Investigate your own assumptions.”
“Don’t be afraid to experiment.”

What Kind of Writer is Selin Sakarcan?

Selin Sakarcan is a writer, journalist, and editor who has worked for publications such as The New York Times, Elle, and GQ. In her writing, Selin explores the intersections of gender, race, and class in modern society. She has also taught writing at Columbia University and Princeton University.

Here are four pieces of advice from Selin that will help you become a better writer:

1.Start with your gut: When you’re starting to write something, don’t worry about whether or not it’s perfect—just start writing. If something feels wrong or weird to you, trust your instincts and go with it.

2. Find your voice: When you start to write, don’t try to imitate other writers—find what makes your voice unique and own it. You might be surprised at how simple this sounds but often we forget how important it is to find our voice when we start writing.

3. Be willing to experiment: Don’t be afraid to try something new with your writing—even if it risks failure. As long as you learn from the experience, experimentation can be a very valuable tool in your writer’s arsenal.

4. Be patient: Writing isn’t easy—but it’s worth it in the end! Keep working at it until everything starts to come together—even if it takes some time.

How to be a Better Writer

When it comes to writing, there are many people who would tell you one thing and many others who would say something completely different. Some of the most common pieces of advice that people give are “write what you know” or “find your voice”. However, these pieces of advice are not always helpful or accurate.

The best writing advice I ever received was to write what you want to read. This may seem obvious, but oftentimes writers write what they think their readers want to read. If you want to write a thriller, then write a thriller. If you want to write about relationships, then write about relationships. Don’t try to cater your writing to someone else’s idea of what is good writing- go out and find what makes you excited and passionate about writing, and channel that into your work.

Another piece of advice that I found helpful was the “pantser’s rule”. This rule states that if you haven’t figured out what the plot will be by the time you reach the end of your first draft, then there is probably not going to be a plot in your work and you should start over from scratch. This is a difficult rule to follow, but it is one that I have found helpful in my own writing career. As soon as I realized that I didn’t have a concrete plot for my work yet, I would start brainstorming ideas for future installments and work on developing the characters more fully.

The Writing Process

As a writer, you know that the process of composing a piece of writing can be difficult, if not downright frustrating. But there is always hope. The best advice I ever received was to never give up on your work. Even if it feels like your project is taking forever and you don’t have the energy to continue, don’t stop. Keep going until the end, even if you only have a few paragraphs left to finish. You may be surprised at how much progress you make when you finally force yourself to keep going.

The Importance of Editing and Revision

Editors and revisionists are key to any good piece of writing. That doesn’t mean they’re always easy to find or that they always have time for you. But if you want your work to be worth reading, it needs a good editor and plenty of revision. Here’s why:

Editing is the process of making corrections and improvements to a piece of writing. It’s important because it ensures that the text is accurate and error-free. If your text contains errors, your readers will be lost in translation.

Revision is the act of making changes to a text after it has been edited. Revision helps improve the flow of the narrative, eliminates awkward phrasing, and makes sure all the pieces fit together well. If you don’t revise your work, readers will see inconsistencies in both its structure and its message.

Both editing and revision are necessary steps in any writing project – even if you only have a few minutes to spare each day. By paying attention to these crucial steps, you’ll make sure that your words ring true with your readers and hold their attention from beginning to end.

The Formatting Process

When it comes to writing, there are a few things that can help make your work look better. However, the best advice I ever received was to keep everything simple and easy to read. This means using clear, concise language and following standard formatting guidelines.

One of the most important things to remember when formatting your work is to use headings and subheadings whenever possible. This will help readers navigate your content more easily and make it easier for them to find the information they’re looking for. Additionally, always use bold when necessary to draw attention to key points or highlight important passages.

Another way to improve your writing style is by using active voice instead of passive verbs. This will make your work sound more lively and engaging, as well as easier for readers to follow. Finally, keep paragraphs short and punchy so that readers don’t have to WAIT for you to finish a sentence!

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your work looks professional and easy to read.

Tips for Avoiding common Writing Errors

When it comes to writing, there are a few things you should always keep in mind. Here are some tips to help you avoid common writing errors:

1. Use proper grammar and punctuation

One of the most important things you can do when writing is to make sure your grammar and punctuation are correct. If your sentence doesn’t have proper grammar or incorrect punctuation, it will likely be difficult for readers to understand what you’re trying to say.

2. Structure your sentences carefully

Another key element of good writing is ensuring that your sentences are well structured. In order for readers to understand what you’re saying, they need to be able to follow the logic of your argument. Make sure each sentence follows a specific pattern and flows naturally from the one before it.

3. Pay attention to word choice

One of the most important aspects of good writing is choosing the right words. Whenever possible, choose words that will convey your message in an effective way without being too complex or hard to understand. Make sure all words are used in a reasonable manner and avoid using terms that are outdated or unlikely to be understood by your audience.

Conclusion

When I was first starting out as a writer, I felt like my writing was terrible. I had no idea what made good writing or how to improve my skills. Selin Sakarcan is one of the most talented writers out there, and she generously offered some of her best advice on how to become a better writer in this short video. If you are still struggling with your writing, be sure to watch it and take heed. After all, learning from the best isn’t a bad thing.

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Health

Redefining Healthcare Documentation: The Promise of Autonomous Medical Coding

Published

1 hour ago

May 29, 2025

Shiekh Fazzi

The healthcare industry is undergoing a radical transformation powered by digital technologies, and one of the most significant changes is occurring behind the scenes—in the realm of medical coding. This essential process, which converts detailed clinical narratives into standardized codes used for billing, reporting, and analytics, is being revolutionized by autonomous medical coding, an AI-driven innovation with the potential to reshape the way healthcare organizations manage data.

Table of Contents

What Is Autonomous Medical Coding?

Autonomous medical coding refers to the use of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and natural language processing (NLP) to automatically interpret clinical documentation and assign accurate billing codes with little or no human intervention. Unlike traditional manual coding or even computer-assisted coding (CAC) tools, autonomous coding systems are designed to work independently by “reading” electronic health records (EHRs), extracting relevant information, and applying the correct codes based on clinical content and coding standards.

This technological leap not only boosts operational efficiency but also lays the groundwork for more consistent, scalable, and intelligent coding practices.

From Manual to Machine: The Evolution of Coding

Historically, medical coding has been a labor-intensive process. Trained coders manually reviewed physician notes, lab results, and treatment plans to determine the appropriate diagnosis and procedure codes. As healthcare regulations grew more complex and coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT evolved, the need for precision and speed became even more pressing.

Enter AI.

Autonomous medical coding uses sophisticated algorithms trained on millions of real-world healthcare documents. These models are capable of identifying subtle linguistic nuances, such as differentiating between “history of cancer” and “active cancer,” or understanding context around procedural timing and location.

Key Technologies Powering the Shift

Several technological pillars support the development and effectiveness of autonomous coding:

Natural Language Processing (NLP): NLP algorithms allow machines to understand and process human language in clinical narratives, including shorthand, abbreviations, and varying terminologies used by different providers.
Deep Learning Models: These systems are trained using vast datasets, learning patterns and associations between clinical language and medical codes. They improve over time as they encounter more documentation.
Rules-Based Engines: To complement AI learning, these engines apply regulatory and payer-specific rules to ensure compliance with billing and documentation standards.
Contextual Analysis: AI systems consider the broader patient context—such as prior conditions, medications, and demographics—when determining the most accurate codes.

The Advantages: Why Healthcare is Moving Toward Automation

Autonomous medical coding addresses several longstanding challenges in the healthcare system:

1. Efficiency Gains

AI-based systems process records far faster than human coders. What once took hours can now take seconds, significantly accelerating revenue cycle operations and reducing administrative lag.

2. Higher Accuracy

AI models can reduce common coding errors, omissions, and inconsistencies by applying standard rules and identifying patterns in documentation that a human may overlook due to fatigue or complexity.

3. Cost Optimization

Hospitals and clinics spend millions annually on medical coding operations. Automating this process can lead to significant cost savings by reducing labor needs and improving billing accuracy, which reduces claim denials and rework.

4. Scalability

As healthcare systems expand and encounter fluctuating patient volumes, autonomous systems can scale effortlessly without the hiring and training bottlenecks of human staffing.

5. Real-Time Support

Some systems can provide immediate feedback to physicians during patient encounters, promoting better documentation habits and capturing details that might otherwise be lost.

Current Applications and Success Stories

Autonomous coding is no longer just theoretical. It is being tested and adopted in real healthcare environments:

Emergency Departments: Due to their high volume and repetitive coding scenarios, EDs are ideal environments for autonomous coding pilots, achieving up to 90% accuracy in many cases.
Outpatient Clinics: Primary care providers use real-time coding assistants embedded in EHR systems, reducing the need for follow-up documentation and manual code review.
Revenue Cycle Management Firms: Companies offering RCM services now integrate autonomous tools to optimize billing workflows and maximize claim acceptance.

These early adopters report improved coder productivity, faster claims submission times, and reduced audit risks—all indicators of the technology’s growing maturity.

Potential Limitations and Risk Factors

While promising, autonomous coding is not without its caveats:

1. Complex Clinical Scenarios

Not all medical records are straightforward. Ambiguous cases, rare conditions, or multiple comorbidities can confuse even the most sophisticated AI models, making human oversight necessary.

2. Data Sensitivity

Medical data is highly sensitive. Autonomous systems must comply with strict privacy laws such as HIPAA and maintain airtight cybersecurity protections.

3. Explainability and Auditability

Payers, providers, and auditors must understand how a code was generated. AI systems must therefore be transparent, offering a trail of logic that supports each coding decision.

4. Provider Trust and Adoption

Clinicians and coders may resist automation due to concerns over accuracy, job security, or lack of control. Education and transparent implementation are essential for adoption.

Human-AI Synergy: A Collaborative Future

Despite fears of job replacement, the future of medical coding is not fully autonomous, at least not yet. A hybrid model is emerging, where AI handles routine and straightforward cases while flagging uncertain ones for human review. Human coders, in turn, evolve into high-level reviewers, auditors, or AI trainers.

This synergy enhances overall coding quality while allowing AI to improve continuously under human supervision. It’s a collaborative model that merges efficiency with expertise.

The Road Ahead: Innovation and Integration

Shortly, we can expect autonomous coding tools to become more integrated into clinical workflows. Innovations on the horizon include:

Voice-to-Code Systems: Leveraging speech recognition and NLP to automatically generate code from spoken documentation.
Predictive Coding: Systems that suggest codes based on past visits, current symptoms, and clinical trends, before a diagnosis is formally documented.
Cross-Platform Integration: Autonomous tools embedded directly into EHR platforms, billing systems, and patient portals to enable seamless data flow and real-time decision support.

These developments are poised to create a more intelligent, responsive, and transparent healthcare documentation ecosystem.

Conclusion

Autonomous medical coding is not just a technological upgrade—it’s a paradigm shift. Automating a core administrative function it allows healthcare providers to reduce waste, improve documentation accuracy, and focus more on what matters most: patient care.

Blog

5 Emergency Dental Situations and How to Handle Them

Published

6 hours ago

May 29, 2025

Linker Hub

Dental emergencies can arise unexpectedly, require prompt attention, and a visit to an emergency dental service to prevent further complications. Whether caused by trauma, decay, or other factors, knowing how to respond to these situations is fundamental. Let’s explore common dental emergencies, provide practical advice for immediate care, and share helpful prevention tips.

Table of Contents

1. Knocked-out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies. Acting quickly can increase the chances of saving the tooth. Gently pick up the tooth by the crown, avoiding the root. Rinse it with clean water and attempt to reposition it in the socket. If this is not feasible, store it in a container of milk or saline. Contact an emergency dental service immediately for professional assistance.

2. Chipped or Fractured Tooth

A chipped or fractured tooth can range in severity from minor cosmetic damage to structural compromise. Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area, and if swelling occurs, apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth. Promptly scheduling an appointment with your dentist is key to assessing the damage and determining a solution.

3. Severe Dental Pain

Sharp or throbbing dental pain can indicate underlying issues, such as decay, infection, or injury. Start by thoroughly rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater to reduce discomfort and inflammation. Floss the affected area to clear any trapped debris that might be contributing to the pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage the discomfort, but it is helpful to consult a dental professional to address the root cause.

4. Signs of Infection and Abscess

Signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or a persistent bad taste in the mouth, can point to a serious condition. These symptoms may be accompanied by a fever or difficulty swallowing. Rinse your mouth with a mild antiseptic solution and avoid applying heat to the area. Immediate evaluation by a dentist is key to diagnosing and treating the infection appropriately.

An abscess is a painful, pus-filled swelling caused by a bacterial infection, often at the root of a tooth. Left untreated, it can lead to severe complications. Rinse with a saltwater solution several times daily to manage discomfort and draw the pus to the surface. Dental intervention is fundamental, as treatment may include draining the abscess and prescribing antibiotics.

5. Lacerations to Soft Tissues

Cuts or injuries to the soft tissues inside the mouth can occur from accidents or biting down improperly. Rinse with saltwater to clean the area, and apply gentle pressure with clean gauze or a cloth to control bleeding. A cold compress can minimize swelling. For deep lacerations or excessive bleeding that does not stop, seek immediate medical attention.

Tips to Prevent Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can often be avoided with a proactive approach to oral health and safety.

Wear a mouthguard during sports activities to protect against injuries.
Maintain good oral hygiene practices to prevent cavities and infections.
Avoid chewing on hard objects that can cause chipped or fractured teeth.
Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings for early detection of potential issues.
Address any signs of discomfort or sensitivity promptly to prevent escalation.

Prevention strategies, when consistently followed, can minimize the likelihood of dental emergencies occurring.

Discover Emergency Dental Services Near You

Being prepared and informed is helpful when dealing with dental emergencies. Quick and efficient responses can significantly impact the outcome. Connect with a local emergency dental service near you for dental emergencies. Addressing dental emergencies promptly is key to resolving issues and protecting your long-term oral health.

Health

Understanding Bone Grafting at Tooth Implant Dental Queens

Published

2 days ago

May 27, 2025

Prime Star

John had been missing a tooth for years. When he finally decided to get a dental implant, he was surprised to learn he didn’t have enough bone in his jaw to support it. His dentist recommended a bone graft before placing the implant. Unsure of what that meant, John turned to Tooth Implant Dental Queens for guidance—and it changed everything.

At Tooth Implant Dental Queens, patients receive advanced care in a friendly, trusted environment. From affordable dental implants to complex bone grafting procedures, this top-rated dental clinic in Elmhurst, NY, offers full-service support for restoring healthy, beautiful smiles.

Table of Contents

What Is Bone Grafting and Why Is It Needed?

Bone grafting is a common procedure used to rebuild or strengthen the jawbone. It’s often required before getting tooth implants, especially if the jawbone has shrunk due to missing teeth, gum disease, or injury.

At Tooth Implant Dental Queens, the team explains every step of the bone grafting process to ensure patients feel informed and confident. This affordable dental clinic near me helps patients who are preparing for single tooth dentist implants, implant dentures, or all-on-4 dental implants.

If you’re wondering why your dentist is recommending a bone graft, it’s usually to create the strong foundation needed for a permanently replace missing teeth solution.

When Bone Loss Becomes a Barrier to Dental Implants

Missing teeth can lead to bone loss over time. Without roots to stimulate the jaw, bone tissue begins to shrink. This can make it difficult to place affordable tooth implants or secure implant dentures properly.

That’s where Tooth Implant Dental Queens comes in. As a top-rated dental implants provider, their skilled team of experienced dental implant dentist professionals can perform bone grafting to restore lost bone and get you ready for a successful implant.

The process involves placing new bone material in the jaw, which later fuses with your natural bone. This is essential for long-lasting results with best dental implants or mini dentist implants.

The Bone Grafting Process Explained

Many patients ask, “Is bone grafting painful?” or “How long does it take?” At Tooth Implant Dental Queens, located at 8708 Justice Ave STE C7, Elmhurst, NY 11373, the procedure is done using advanced techniques and local anesthesia to minimize discomfort.

Once the graft is placed, the healing period can take several months. However, the team offers same-day dentist implants in qualifying cases, depending on the health of your jaw.

Whether you need single tooth replacement or full mouth dental implants, your journey starts with a thorough dentist implant consultation and digital imaging. The staff ensures each patient is comfortable with the process and understands the cost of dentist implants, including any bone grafting involved.

To learn more or schedule your visit, call (347) 344-5838 today.

Trusted Dental Implant Specialists in Queens

Bone grafting is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. That’s why working with a dental implant specialist is so important. At Tooth Implant Dental Queens, you’ll receive care from an affordable dentist implants expert who evaluates your needs and offers tailored solutions.

This local dental clinic is known for helping patients with even the most complex cases. If you’ve searched for the best dental implants near me or cosmetic dentist dental implants, you’ll appreciate the skilled team and high-tech tools used at this best dental clinic near me.

They also offer affordable dental implant procedures and break down the treatment steps in detail, including guidance on how much do dental implants cost?

Combining Cosmetic and General Dentistry with Implants

While bone grafting is usually a part of implant dentistry, it also plays a role in improving facial structure and smile aesthetics. That’s why Tooth Implant Dental Queens also functions as a cosmetic dental clinic and family dental clinic, offering full-service dental care.

From teeth whitening and root canal treatment to tooth implants near me, you’ll find everything under one roof. They also provide dental care for the whole family, making them a top choice for those needing both family dental clinic and best dentist implants near Elmhurst.

Call (347) 344-5838 to speak with a team member or schedule your initial consultation.

Local, Affordable, and Accessible Dental Care

Finding the right place for implants and bone grafting is easier when you have access to a local dental clinic like Tooth Implant Dental Queens. Whether you’re looking for a dental clinic near me, affordable dental near me, or a top-rated dentist, their reputation speaks for itself.

They serve patients seeking affordable dental, affordable tooth implants near me, and best dental office experiences, all while ensuring you receive care that’s personal and professional.

The clinic proudly supports new patients and walk-ins. If you’re thinking about implants, bone grafting, or other procedures, this best dentist for dental implants is here to help.

Conclusion: Start with the Foundation of a Healthier Smile

Bone grafting may sound complicated, but at Tooth Implant Dental Queens, it’s the beginning of a strong, confident future. By rebuilding the foundation of your jaw, this essential step paves the way for successful, long-lasting dental implants.

With the support of an experienced dental implant dentist and a trusted local team, your dream smile is within reach.

To get started, visit 8708 Justice Ave STE C7, Elmhurst, NY 11373, or call (347) 344-5838 to book your dentist implant consultation.

Are you ready to rebuild your smile from the ground up?