Not Picture Perfect: Shark Bites and Lawsuits
Todd Murashige was surfing off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii on September 9, 2009. He was attacked by a 12 foot tiger shark. The injury to his leg was life threatening. Murashige was rushed to Queens Medical Center in Honolulu. While in the emergency room, … Read more
Surgeon Sentenced to Jail Time (HIPAA = Need To Know)
… over the next few weeks, his curiosity led him to make remote access of other medical records he was unauthorized to see, including those of celebrity patients …
Though no harm was done and no profit was made, the doctor) was sentenced to four month in jail.
Magazine Proves MD Ratings Are Questionable
Doctor A may simply have the fortitude and compassion to take on risky cases, giving the patient that one last hope, while Doctor B only takes cases that are a sure success. Which was the better surgeon? There’s still no way to know. What we do know is that Doctor B may shine in the comparison, but if one went by that, many patients would be denied Doctor A’s excellence, and that one last chance he had to offer.
Patience is the Hunter’s Greatest Weapon
You’re a doc, and even if wolves didn’t raise you, you’ve been in stressful situations when people were trying to die and you prevented that from happening. If someone dies, you can’t exactly appeal the decision. You’re in a better position to block an attack than the other lawyer is. Remember that.
Curbside Consults are Kosher: A Breath of Fresh Air
How often are we told as doctors? You can’t do this. Don’t do that. We are sometimes made to feel as if we are two-year-olds. Now for the good news. An article published by Victor Cotton, MD, JD* pushes the opposite position. Curbside consults. If … Read more
Recent Case Highlights the Importance of Protecting Your On-Line Reputation
Michael J. Sacopulos, Esq. Last month, a trial was conducted in Queens, NY. The facts of the case are not particularly unique and it was the type of trial that could be conducted in most courtrooms across our country on any given day. The judge … Read more
Tort Reform Is Dead. Now What?
The most direct and functional solution is for physicians to employ their own defensive tactics. In other words, simply protect themselves from unwarranted litigation, Internet defamation, etc. Medical Justice and Dental Justice exist for that exact purpose. Medical Justice is here to provide relief from the pain. What pain? Not knowing how to protect oneself from frivolous lawsuits and all the hells that come with them.
Other Concealed Faults of the New HCR; The Case For Universal Healthcare
Well-intended though it may be, in the real world, this is a disaster. Those lower income persons who already couldn’t afford coverage will soon be forced to pay $150 a month for NO coverage, as the lesser, more affordable evil. But surely there’ll be someone to appeal to, right? Ever tried appealing to the compassion of an IRS auditor?
Be Careful What You Say to a Patient’s Family Members
by Michael J. Sacopulos, Esq. A recent case from Missouri highlights the importance of keeping patient’s medical information confidential — even from that patient’s family members. A 23 year old female sustained injuries to her right arm. While being treated for these injuries, a patient … Read more
Some Hidden Gems in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
Given the wordiness of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, it is no surprise that some surprises lurk deep within. A few selected pearls: Providers must return any Medicare overpayment within 60 days after identifying such an overpayment. An overpayment not returned during the … Read more
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Healthcare Reform HIPAA & Patient Privacy Legal Medical Malpractice News/Announcements Patient Safety Reputation Management Risk Management
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