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.

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.
Medical Justice

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.
Medical Justice

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
Medical Justice

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
Medical Justice

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.
Medical Justice

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?
Medical Justice

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
Medical Justice

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
Medical Justice

Report Expects Medical Malpractice Costs To Rise

U.S.-based hospitals are expected to face more than 44,000 claims arising from incidents occurring in 2009 … Any time a frivolous medical malpractice suit can be stopped in its tracks, that’s a victory — both for the individuals named, and for the health care industry as a whole. In the final analysis, it is the patient who pays the bill.
Medical Justice

Win the Battle; Lose the War

We heard of a doctor who performed a routine injection on his patient. No written consent. Should have been plain-vanilla and without consequence. Until he dropped her lung. The patient was sent to the ER, had a chest tube placed, and was out of the … Read more
Medical Justice