Beginning October 1, 2008, Medicare, and many health insurance companies, will no longer pay hospitals for the additional services needed for patients who suffer from “never events.” Never Events, as defined by the National Quality Forum, are those events which should never happen to a patient. There are 28 errors on the list ranging from […]
Never Events — Shooting the Messenger Read More »
I had lunch today with a long-time friend, Mindy. (No, of course that’s not her real name…) It’s been at least a year since we saw each other, and probably two since we had a long conversation. My heart broke as I learned that her daughter, Lindsay (not her real name either) has, for lack
Ulterior Motives for Eating Disorders, Too Read More »
Last January I posted three stories I had been told, all within a few days of each other, about patients who had acquired MRSA in the hospital and had been revictimized by the system that would not treat them, listen to them, or help them get well. Over the next several days, I was condemned,
MRSA: Patients Ignored, Left to Die – Redux Read More »
I’ve added another guest post this morning — one that will break your heart, too. John T. James, PhD, a dad — and now a fixer — posted about his son Alex, a seemingly healthy 19-year-old college runner who one day collapsed, was hospitalized, and died a few weeks later. The problem is, of course,
A Sea of Broken Hearts – Dad Posts About the Loss of Alex Read More »
(The post below was put online this morning at 8:15 EDT. An update at 10 AM — Randy Pausch died this morning. My prayers are with his family.) ………………………………………………….. Because so many of you, my readers, have checked here to learn more about Randy Pausch, I bring to your attention a comment made by Claudia,
July 2008 – Update on Randy Pausch Read More »
As more and more questions are being asked about how we Americans can possibly continue to pay for our healthcare, a documentary has surfaced that will help us citizens better understand why the American Healthcare System is on the ropes, and ready to implode. A new website called Snagfilms is now offering documentaries, independent films,
Peter Jennings, Healthcare Reform, Asking the Tough Questions Read More »
Sometimes the best way to accomplish the most is to get good heads together for conversation, brainstorming and more. Some of those names we hear over and over again in the patient safety world were able to join forces at a picnic in Aiken, South Carolina, on July 4th. Organized by Dianne Parker, the group
Patient Safety Day, “Independence” Takes on a New Meaning Read More »
[To catch up on previous chapters of Heather’s story, link here (post #1) and here (post#2.)] Heather had her first oncology appointment today. She was lucky to get in so quickly after her primary care physician ditched her (that still makes me shudder) and she was prepared. Last week, after my post about her diagnosis
Heather, SPTCL, the Next Chapter – Hang on to Your Hat! Read More »
