Side note: The Illinois Professionals Health Program, the same organization that has drawn criticism for its lack of transparency while monitoring health professionals with records of substance abuse, has been made responsible for the monitoring of doctors with a history of sexual misconduct. Opponents charge that the “off-the-book”, secretive nature of the program does not […]

Side note: The US Justice Department announces recently that it will be working with medical professionals in the formation of professional organizations. Accountable care organizations, or ACOs, are a main focus of the recently passed health care reform bill. The ACOs will be alliances of doctors and hospitals formed to lower costs and increase buying […]

Side note: The Governor of Pennsylvania, Edward G. Rendell, recently vetoed Senate Bill 1280. Bill 1280 would modify Act 13 of 2002, the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error Act, or MCare, by freezing primary medical malpractice insurance limits for seven years. The Bill also would adjust the formula for determining the assessments by […]

Side note: The GOP resurgence in Congress could actually lead to improving Obamacare. As the Republican Party reclaims its voice in congress they are presented with the opportunity to make constructive changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Those expecting the GOP to attempt a repeal of PPACA will be greatly disappointed. […]

Side note: A New Hampshire woman is suing St. Joseph Hospital in Nashua, and two doctors, for 5 million dollars. The medical malpractice lawsuit claims that the doctors failed to properly diagnose her bacterial meningitis leading to her permanent disability. Jane Revells, the plaintiff was a healthy, normal woman who worked as a kitchen designer […]

Side note: A large study, designed in part by Ned Patz, a professor of radiology at Duke University Medical Center, has proven that CT scans given to smokers and ex-smokers can reduce lung cancer deaths by as much as 20%. The study also found that early CT scans reduce death from other reasons by 7%. […]

Side note: Citizens of the state of Connecticut have access to some of the finest health care available in the United States; unfortunately it is also some of the most expensive. The high cost of health care in Connecticut is straining family budgets and draining the state’s coffers as it drives jobs out of the […]

Side note: Prosecuting a “Pill Mill”, individuals who seek out multiple prescriptions of commonly abused prescription drugs for the sole purpose of illegal resale, often requires the same expense and level of expert testimony as a medical malpractice lawsuit. Since prescription drugs are legal the possession of the drugs is not a crime. Criminal intent […]

Side note: We all know that careless and reckless drivers pay astronomical rates for car insurance, if they can get coverage at all. Yet many people fail to realize that the same circumstances apply to doctors. Take the case of Dr. David Giem who recently testified to congress that his medical malpractice insurance rates had […]