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Surgeries on the “wrong side” of a patient’s body – also known as “wrong site surgeries” or “never events” – may be more common than you think. In the United States, from 1990-2010: “Never events” were the subject of 9,744 malpractice settlements. Payments totaled $1.3 billion. About 6 percent of patients died. 32.9 percent suffered...

When being treated at a hospital for an injury, illness, or health condition, the last thing any patient or visitor wants to deal with is further complications. Unfortunately, it does happen, sometimes due to the poor practices of hospital staff or cleanliness of a facility. And sometimes the consequences are fatal. These risks should not...

An $8 million program featuring a special soap is being aimed at combatting a “nightmare” bacteria found in hospitals and nursing homes. The goal of the mission, funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is to stop antibiotic-resistant superbugs that kill thousands yearly, according to National Public Radio. The program involves...

When being treated at a hospital, we’d like to think that medical professionals are providing the best treatment possible, but hospital-acquired infections remain a serious health risk to patients. Over 119,000 people suffered from bloodstream staph infections in the United States in 2017 and nearly 20,000 died, said a report from the U.S. Centers for...

It’s not unusual to receive anesthesia for a medical procedure. Patients may receive local anesthesia for minor surgery. They remain alert. In surgeries that are more complicated, patients may be given general anesthesia and become unconscious. If administered properly, anesthesia does the critically important job of removing the natural response to pain. Sometimes, anesthesiologists make...

Are you aware of the information documented on your medical records? If not, now is the time to find out. Not only is viewing your record beneficial for monitoring your health, but some of the information contained also may not be as accurate as you think. According to the Office of the National Coordinator of...

The case of Gary Matsumura is a cautionary example of a cancer misdiagnosis. Matsumura, an OB/GYN physician, had tests done in November 2017 as part of his follow-up to a bout of lung cancer. Matsumura was devastated when the tests found multiple lesions on both lungs – his original cancer was confined to his left lung...

When a doctor is forced to surrender his or her medical license, it often comes on the heels of serious allegations. This can include unprofessional conduct, surgical errors, improper opioid prescriptions, and sexual misconduct with patients.  Surrendering medical licenses can relieve doctors of further legal complications and social stigma. It may also keep the allegations...

The last nickname you want to be associated with your surgeon is “Dr. Death.” But that was the title of a popular podcast on the career of Dallas neurosurgeon Christopher Duntsch, which illustrates the dangers people face every day in hospitals across the country.  Placing Trust In A Surgeon Between 2010 and 2013, Duntsch performed surgery in a...

The Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, recently published a study of Veterans Affairs surgeons with the intent of tracking and improving communication between surgeons and patients.   The issue at hand was the question of how well surgeons inform patients after something goes wrong with a procedure. The results show...