As Shakespeare once posited: “To drain or not to drain. That is this the question.” Perhaps it wasn’t him. Surgeon preference typically dictates whether a drain makes sense. Keeping a hematoma from forming means avoiding one additional nidus of infection. But, a drain (even a closed drain), can also serve as a nidus of infection. … Read more
Many years ago, a mentor taught me a surgeon spends an entire residency learning how to operate. Then the surgeon spends the rest of one’s career learning how NOT to operate. This includes when not to operate. A plastic surgeon called me recently, and described a recent patient visit. The woman, in her mid-40’s, confessed … Read more
We often worry about complications from difficult procedures. What might happen if a patient has anesthesia for 12 hours. Or, operating on a redo-redo cervical spine. And we’re right to be cautious.
But, even simple things can be fraught with hazards; hazards that are easily prevented.
I received a call from a general surgeon in California. He was re-credentialing for hospital privileges. He was re-credentialing for his in-network status with insurance companies. And, renewing his medical license was around the corner.
Credentialing questions have gotten longer and more detailed.
Over the years, I have seen many lawsuits where a specific operation ended in a complication. Two come to mind. An ob-gyn performs a hysterectomy or uterine repair and a ureter is sutured. A general surgeon performs a laparoscopic cholecystectomy and the common bile duct is clipped. Some of these cases turn into lawsuits. Some … Read more
Every month I receive a letter from my electric company. It shows how much power I am consuming relative to my peers – my neighbors. Studies have shown such data, when presented in a non-confrontational way – can impact behavior. In those studies, total energy consumption went down. In the letter I receive, no allowance … Read more
I can understand why a Medical Board investigates a practice for allegations related to patient safety. I get it when the Board responds to concerns a doctor may be taking advantage of patients sexually. The main purpose of the Medical Board is to protect the public.
What I don’t understand is when a Medical Board stretches its mandate in “protecting the public.”
Case in point, Donovan Dave Dixon, MD.
Remember the movie War of the Roses. Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas play married characters. They hated each other. But, neither wanted to part with their opulent house. So, they stay put. No one moved. They continue to spew hate and back it up with hateful actions. Recently, a Medical Justice member said they cared … Read more
Illegal immigration is now the buzz of the political ball. Candidates are talking about building a wall, rounding up and deporting undocumented immigrants, and its economic ramifications.
What happens when undocumented workers are injured and need long term medical care? What must hospitals do? What do hospitals do?
Scenario #1: Some doctors believe, incorrectly, that if a patient has already disclosed protected health information on the Internet, his doctor can “correct” the record online. In other words, if a patient slams a doctor online, and attaches his name or picture to the review, many doctors believe the toothpaste is out of the tube, … Read more
