by Medical Justice | Jun 3, 2016 | Healthcare Reform
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...
by Medical Justice | May 13, 2016 | Healthcare Reform
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...
by Medical Justice | May 6, 2016 | Healthcare Reform
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...
by Medical Justice | Apr 29, 2016 | Healthcare Reform
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...
by Medical Justice | Apr 22, 2016 | Healthcare Reform
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...
by Medical Justice | Apr 15, 2016 | Healthcare Reform
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....