Medical Justice Blog

The information presented on this site is for general educational purposes only. It is not specific medical or legal advice. Nothing on this site should be construed as establishing a doctor-patient or attorney-client relationship.

Who Answers the Phone at Your Medical Office Matters—A Lot

Who Answers the Phone at Your Medical Office Matters—A Lot

Hell hath no fury like a dental patient scorned.   One recent news flash:  A woman in Lincoln County accused of slashing tires on 18 vehicles outside a dentist’s office has been arrested and charged, Lincolnton Police confirmed with Queen City News on Tuesday.  Officers responded … Read more

A Tough Ethical Conundrum

The NY Times hosts a column each Sunday called the Ethicist. Readers send in their real-life ethical conundrums, and the columnist weighs-in with advice.   Recently, a doctor wrote that “years ago” his patient was having headaches. The patient finally confessed that he committed a … Read more
Medical Justice

Lufthansa Provides Benefits to Doctors for On-Board Medical Care

How often do we hear the phrase – Is there a doctor on-board? I recall hearing that phrase at least 4 times on flights – probably more. Different doctors have different attitudes toward stepping in. In general, an uncompensated doctor is protected from liability via … Read more
Medical Justice

FL Bill Trims Who Can Be an Expert Witness

Earlier this week the Florida State Legislature passed a bill which would require expert witnesses testifying against a physician in a medical malpractice case to practice in the in the exact specialty of medicine as the defendant physician. This is an important piece of legislation … Read more
Medical Justice

Your Patient is a Criminal. Carrier Denies Payment. Now What?

Most doctors have taken care of patients who were medically impacted by their illegal act. Some of these patients actually have third party insurance. I know, you’re skeptical. OK, how about a rock star who overdoses? Maybe he’s not come to your ER. But, he … Read more
Medical Justice

What Does it Mean to be Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s Doctor?

First, let’s dispense with political correctness. I will not use the words “alleged” or “suspect.” We’re all adults here. Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is the younger brother whose bombs killed 3 innocents or maimed scores of participants or bystanders in the Boston Marathon.   I was proud … Read more
Medical Justice

Online Treatment of Dogs and Cats

Doctors are testing various models of telemedicine. Every state treats the online practice of medicine differently. And, it’s unclear how this will shake out over time. Patients can even obtain sex therapy from a certified therapist – online. As one therapist’s site note: “If the … Read more
Medical Justice

Notes from a Plaintiff’s Attorney: Preventing and responding to complaints

By Dr. JD, a plaintiff’s attorney, practicing in the Northeast   We continue our series of articles penned by one attorney, an MD, JD, giving you a view of the world through a malpractice plaintiff attorney’s eyes. This attorney is a seasoned veteran. The series … Read more
Medical Justice

Notes from a Plaintiff’s Attorney: Keeping good deeds unpunished – Good Samaritan Laws

By Dr. JD, a plaintiff’s attorney, practicing in the Northeast   We continue our series of articles penned by one attorney, an MD, JD, giving you a view of the world through a malpractice plaintiff attorney’s eyes. This attorney is a seasoned veteran. The series … Read more
Medical Justice

Supreme Court Rules Family Entitled to More Money in Malpractice Settlement

This week, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that the state of North Carolina had over-reached and pried the states fingers away from a large portion of a medical malpractice settlement.   A little background.   In February, 2000, Emily Armstrong was born at Catawba Valley … Read more
Medical Justice

Physician Executives Skeptical Any Patients Read Online Doctor Reviews.

I ran across a poll published by the American College of Physician Executives in January. They queried 5,500+ members. The majority believed that patients’ use of online review sites by patients was low. About 55 percent believed 25 percent or fewer patients have used an … Read more
Medical Justice