How Misdiagnosis Can Have Dire Consequences for Children
Misdiagnosis has become a common occurrence in the health industry, and it is an inexcusable tragedy when it happens to our children. According to estimates by the National Center For Policy Analysis, an estimated 10 to 20 percent of all cases are misdiagnosed, and 28 percent of those cases were life-threatening or resulted in permanent disability…. Read more »
Posted in Misdiagnosis
Are Doctors Taking Extra Caution to Avoid Misdiagnosis Deaths?
Researchers from Northwestern University in Chicago have analyzed the responses of over 1,000 neurosurgeons to a survey on defensive medicine. Defensive medicine is the practice of ordering imaging and laboratory tests to avoid potential malpractice lawsuits. Doctors order extra medications and procedures to make sure they do not miss anything that may lead to a… Read more »
Posted in Misdiagnosis
Could CMV Have Caused Your Baby’s Hearing Loss?
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common non-inherited cause of deafness in children. A new study shows that more than 10 percent of babies who contract CMV will suffer permanent hearing loss. How Do Babies Get CMV? Studies have shown that mothers contract the virus from toddlers and pass it along to their fetuses. Women can… Read more »
Posted in Birth Injury, Misdiagnosis
Which Florida Hospitals Are the Safest?
The Leapfrog Group, a business-backed information group focused on patient safety, released a new analysis for Florida hospitals. Their report rated almost half of them an A on error prevention. Brandon Regional Medical Center is Leapfrog’s most-improved hospital, jumping from a D to an A in just six months. The suburban Tampa facility is part… Read more »
Posted in Medical Malpractice, Medical Negligence, Medication Errors, Misdiagnosis, Surgical Errors
How Much Do Readmissions Cost Hospitals?
Based on the new standards outlined in the Affordable Care Act (ACA), hospitals all over Florida will pay millions in fines for high readmission rates. In 2013, almost two million Medicare patients were readmitted to hospitals within 30 days of their initial treatment, costing roughly $26 billion. Healthcare officials believe that they could save Medicare… Read more »
Posted in Medical Malpractice, Misdiagnosis, Surgical Errors
Gainesville VA Hospital Pays Millions in Wrongful Death Lawsuits
The Veterans Affairs hospital in Gainesville paid and settled more wrongful death cases than almost any other medical center in Florida. The Malcom Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville paid more than $5 million in wrongful death settlements in the decade following September 11. The Lake City medical center, operating in the same health system,… Read more »
Posted in Medical Malpractice, Medical Negligence, Medication Errors, Misdiagnosis, Surgical Errors
Florida Couple Wins Birth Injury Lawsuit
A Florida couple sued their doctor and ultrasound technician for failing to tell them their son was disabled before he was born. The young couple was diligent about prenatal care and following doctor’s orders, so they were excited to welcome the new addition to their family. Tragically, the child was born catastrophically disabled, with no… Read more »
Posted in Birth Injury, Medical Malpractice, Medical Malpractice Trial, Medical Negligence, Misdiagnosis
Spinal Injury Center Sues Competitor Over Malpractice Claims
A Florida spine-injury center is suing a rival institute, accusing the doctors there of attracting patients by making false claims. The Laser Spine Institute is one of the busiest spinal injury centers in America, treating about 5,000 patients a year nationwide. The Bonati Institute, a rival spine-injury facility, filed a lawsuit accusing Laser Spine of… Read more »
Posted in Medical Malpractice, Misdiagnosis, Surgical Errors
Does Privatized Prison Healthcare Lead to Malpractice?
When Florida privatized prison healthcare, the move was supposed to save taxpayers millions. Unfortunately, the budget cuts came with substandard care, and for many inmates, their prison term became a death sentence. Doctors are alarmed, saying that prisons are abruptly swapping out prescription pain medication for over-the-counter substitutes. One inmate’s undiagnosed lung cancer was treated… Read more »
Posted in Medical Malpractice, Medical Negligence, Medication Errors, Misdiagnosis
Supreme Court Rules Against Florida Doctor
A Florida Supreme Court judge has overturned a lower court ruling regarding doctor liability in medical malpractice cases. In 2003, a Florida man made an appointment with his doctor complaining of back pain. Dr. Willis Dickens diagnosed the patient with lumbar stenosis. The man then consulted a surgeon, Dr. Guillermo Pasarin, who operated on his… Read more »
Posted in Medical Malpractice, Medical Negligence, Misdiagnosis