Blog
How often are doctors wrong?
You’re worried that you have cancer or another serious condition. Maybe you have been having trouble breathing, and you think it’s lung cancer. Maybe you have a suspicious spot on your face that could be skin cancer. Regardless, you go in and see your doctor. They...
Cancer treatments are more successful when caught early
No matter what type of cancer you have, the rule of thumb is that it is generally easier to treat -- and that treatment is often more effective -- when the cancer is caught early. There are a few reasons, starting with the size of the tumor or cancerous region...
Patients can suffer great harm during “never events”
A “never event” in the medical field is one that shouldn’t happen to patients because it can be prevented if the medical team would use proper protocol during a procedure. Unfortunately, there are times when patients do suffer harm from a never event. These...
Your risk of permanent damage increases when a doctor misses signs of a stroke
Strokes are among the most frightening and debilitating medical events a person can have. Some people experience a sudden loss of motor control, while other people have so-called silent strokes that don't present immediately obvious symptoms. When you know you have...
There is no excuse for poor care in an emergency room
Failing to diagnose a patient in an emergency situation can cause serious harm. When you go to the emergency room, you’re there because you feel there is a significant problem with your health. You may feel that you have the worst headache of your life or be suffering...
Dozens of surgical mistakes happen each week in the United States
Surgery is an invasive medical procedure that involves a skilled physician cutting into your body to remove something, repair something or even add something that wasn't there before, like a pacemaker or hernia mesh. Surgeries are rife with the potential for...
What is sepsis?
Even though most people don’t even know what it is, sepsis is one of the world’s leading causes of death. Sometimes called “blood poisoning,” sepsis is really a deadly autoimmune response to infection somewhere in the patient’s body. In the United States, sepsis is...
Is leaving a bullet in the body a good medical practice?
In some cases, when a person suffers a gunshot wound, the surgeon is unable to remove the bullet or decides there is no need to remove the bullet. He or she will leave those in the body. Many times, doctors will tell patients that there is nothing to worry about and...
Yes, veterans can sue the VA for medical malpractice
There is a common misunderstanding that if a Veterans Administration doctor or other medical worker injures you, you cannot sue for medical malpractice. You cannot fight city hall, people say. But this is not true, thanks in part to a law known as the Federal Torts...
Academic estimates say most medical records contain errors
Anyone who visits a medical facility in Florida has to provide clinicians with health information that they record in medical records. Health care professionals rely on these records to make diagnostic and treatment decisions, so mistakes could harm patients. Errors...
