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 Bad Day for Allergan
Michael J. Sacopulos, Esq. A federal jury on Thursday awarded 67-year old Douglas Ray Jr. of Fredericksburg, VA a $212 million verdict. This award included $200 million in punitive damages against Allergan. Ray Jr. claimed injections of the wrinkle-smoothing drug Botox to treat hand tremors … Read more
Study Confirms Hungover Surgeons Make More Mistakes
Jeff Segal, MD, JD, FACS The April edition of Archives of Surgery confirms the answer to a nagging scientific question. Can hungover surgeons perform adroitly? I had guessed that a metaphorical ice-pick in the temple would have an impact. Now we know the answer. It … Read more
“Film” Stars Privacy Breached
Michael J. Sacopulos, Esq. Recently, we read of the release of approximately 15,000 individual’s (read more Fox News) private health information. These individuals happened to be involved in the “adult entertainment” industry. Always one for public health, the adult film industry utilizes the “Adult Industry … Read more
Complimentary Membership Program for Residents and Fellows
A Message to Residents from Jeff Segal, MD, JD, FACS I was a resident not too long ago – although it was longer ago than I want to admit! I remember what it was like. I spent 6 years learning how to operate as a … Read more
One Murder; Two Medical Malpractice Claims
Michael J. Sacopulos, Esq. Jeremy Pompeneo, a recovering methamphetamine addict, sporadically went to the Verde Valley Guidance Clinic in 2005 and 2006 for counseling and prescriptions for psychiatric medication. Additionally, he went to another facility for inpatient psychiatric care because of “psychotic episodes induced by … Read more
Isn’t the Pot Calling the Kettle Black?
I must confess. I’m flattered. First I learn that a professor of Internet law at an Ivy League School referenced the Medical Justice agreements as a final exam question. I am a regular reader – and fan – of Eric Goldman’s cyber-law blog. Earlier this … Read more
It’s All Just a Game, Isn’t It?
We search the web every day for interesting, relevant or unusual stories that would be of interest to physicians or could have an impact on their practices. This headline caught our eye; Guess the Verdict to Support Your Favorite Charity A New York personal injury … Read more
Must Physicians Make Their Website Accessible to Visually Impaired Patients?
Michael J. Sacopulos, Esq. Several years ago, the National Federation of the Blind filed a suit against the retail store, Target. The issue centered around Target’s website allegedly not being compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. National Federation of the Blind v. Target Corp., … Read more
Trash-Talking a Competitor Can Land You in Hot Water
Jeff Segal, MD, JD, FACS It’s a strange world of language in which skating on thin ice can get you into hot water. ~ Franklin P. Jones It’s almost irresistible. A prospective patient comes to your office. The prospect says her friend just had surgery … Read more
Defensive Medicine and Disposable Helmets
Jeff Segal, MD, JD, FACS A lot has been said and written about defensive medicine. Some pundits have stated, “If I’m a patient, I want you to practice defensive medicine.” This is where the misunderstanding begins. There is universal agreement that doctors should do what … Read more
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