Michael Skolnik, age 22, was playing the with family dog when he blacked out. A series of errors ensued, including neurosurgery by an inexperienced doctor who already had a malpractice claim against him in another state. After two years of hell, during which he couldn’t walk or talk, Michael died. Do you realize that it’s
Malpractice Goes Online Read More »
I was contacted by a news reporter who is doing a story to help patients advocate for themselves in emergency room situations. She is looking for people who live in Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio or Western NY to interview. Can you help? Of so, please contact me by email and I will forward your contact information
Emergency Room Nightmares: Tell Your Tale Read More »
The COURAGE study has caused a flutter. A perfect example of my continual assertion: American Healthcare is not about health or care: it’s about sickness and money. Yesterday, for my radio show, I interviewed Dr. Robert Carhart, a cardiologist from University Hospital in Syracuse, NY. During the show we like to go behind the medical
Stents, Angioplasty and the Almighty Dollar Read More »
A disclaimer here: my opinions have nothing to do with politics. Those who know me know I am NOT a political being. My opinions are about people and their healthcare decision-making. ………………………………. At least a dozen people have asked me what I think of Elizabeth and John Edwards decision to keep campaigning despite the recurrence
The Edwards’ Decision: Their Business Read More »
Earlier this year I shared with you the story of my mother-in-law Helen who, after many months of stomach upset, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Because she went so long without a diagnosis, despite complaining of vague symtoms for more than six months, her options are few. At 86 she had surgery, but once they
Women’s Cancers: Still Invisible Read More »
A press release put out by Dr.Score.com says that the #1 indicator of patient satisfaction with their doctors is the amount of time the doctor spends with them. More time spent equals higher level of satisfaction. Well — of course! I can’t imagine too many folks are surprised at this. My email from patients backs
Listen Doctors! No surprise: more time = more satisfaction Read More »
The other day I blogged — again — about MRSA and other hospital-acquired infections and asked you to contact your legislators to ask them to pass legislation to require hospitals to disclose their infection rates. These superbug infections kill 100,000 Americans per year, and infect almost 2 million others — all unnecessary because controlling the
MRSA Disclosure Legislation: Act Now! Read More »
Dr. Jerome Groopman holds a chair at Harvard Medical School, writes for the New Yorker Magazine, and has just published a book, How Doctors Think. I haven’t read it yet, but I’ve read at least a dozen reviews. What I most appreciate is that Dr. Groopman — a doctor held in high esteem by his
Of Groopman, Misdiagnosis and Dr. Phil Read More »
