Please note that this column appeared in the Syracuse Post Standard on September 13, 2011. It addresses the recently issued New York State Hospital Report Card. You don’t need to be a resident of Central New York, or even New York State to gain benefit from this column. Resources for you are found below. …………………………. […]
An Open Letter to Hospitals Read More »
(as published in the Syracuse Post Standard August 16, 2011) Recently I was chosen to participate in a new writing project. There were some basic details and responsibilities I was expected to agree to, including a specific number of articles, average number of words, and some other typical expectations. I was given a contract to
Informed Consent Requires Clarity – Do You Have It? Read More »
When it comes to TV and video, Al Roker provides one of my favorite quotations: “They say the camera adds 10 pounds. OK. So I figure I must be standing in front of 10 cameras.” Oh, yes, Al. I know how you feel…. However — I’ve decided to come out of my video-avoidance closet to
Uh-oh Video! (Can’t escape it…) Read More »
It’s been awhile since I posted — but you’ll understand why. My father suffered a mild heart attack a few days ago, and (thanks for asking) is doing as well as can be expected. In his 80+ years, he has never had any indication he had a problem with his heart! A variety of other
Hospital Gets a Plus, Communication a Minus Read More »
A new post by my blog guest Anonymous, poses a question, “Informed consent is just a cruel joke, isn’t it?” This gentleman, who underwent surgery, was given Versed as anesthesia, despite stating that he did not want to be given any drug that would render him unconscious. So, not only did he deny consent, he
Informed Consent Called Into Question Read More »
Not sure what it looks like where you live, but it’s cold outside where I live in Upstate NY, and we’ve got plenty of the white stuff on the ground. Whereas some friends might curl up with a good book, I tend to gravitate to puzzles and thought provokers when I’m indoors and have some
Some January Healthcare Thought-Provokers Read More »
I don’t usually write about local or state news because my work is really more broad than that — however — an article in my local newspaper about a local hospital and wrong-site surgery just begged for some additional information! Wrong site surgery — a “never event” that takes place an estimated 100 – 200
Wrong Site Surgery — What Happens Next? Read More »
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 »
