Uncategorized

Woman Has Unnecessary Hysterectomy, Files Lawsuit and Wins

Published on January 23, 2015

So many of us trust our doctor implicitly. We count on him or her to be knowledgeable of every possible diagnosis and treatment. We trust that he or she has our best interest in mind. And because of this, we’re willing to do whatever it is our doctor recommends. The only problem is: what if Read More…

5 Things You Can Do to Avoid a Misdiagnosis

Published on January 20, 2015

A study published in the journal BMJ Quality & Safety states that approximately 12 million adults who seek outpatient medical care in the U.S. are misdiagnosed. That’s 1 in every 20 adults at risk for serious harm and even death. That’s why it’s best to arm yourself with information to protect you and your family. Read More…

Medicare cuts payments to 721 hospitals with high medical errors

Published on January 12, 2015

Last month, hospitals across the nation saw the toughest crackdown yet on medical errors. The federal government is cutting payments to 721 hospitals for having high rates of infections including bed sores, urinary tract infections and other patient injuries. According to stltoday.com, Medicare will lower payments by 1 percent over the fiscal year for one Read More…

Placental Abruption

Published on January 9, 2015

Placental abruption is a relatively uncommon but serious complication during pregnancy. It effects about 1% of all pregnant women after the 20th week of pregnancy, with most occurring during the third trimester. The placenta is a structure that develops in the uterus during pregnancy to nourish and transfer oxygen to the baby. If the placenta Read More…

ECRI Institute’s Top 10 Health Technology Hazards for 2016 (Part 1)

Published on January 1, 2015

Medical technology has helped make improvements in patient care and outcomes for years, but as technology advances, new risks have come with it. Every year, patients are harmed in hospitals by unexpected technology hazards. That’s why ECRI Institute releases an annual list of top 10 health technology hazards aimed at identifying possible sources of danger Read More…

Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)

Published on December 27, 2014

Soon-to-be parents may have read about Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) online or in books, but it is very difficult to find information that makes HIE easy to understand. First, let’s break each term down. “Hypoxic” means lack of oxygen in the brain or blood. “Ischemic” is an inadequate supply of blood to a part of Read More…

A Couple Learns Why Newborn Son Died

Published on December 22, 2014

David and Karen White were just like any parents – eager for the birth of their baby boy whom they would name Matthew. It was November 3, 2006 when Karen went into labor at Antrim Area Hospital. Five days later, Matthew died from brain damage. Now, 8 years later, David and Karen are finding out Read More…

New device aims to reduce birth injuries during C-sections

Published on December 14, 2014

Every year, millions of proud parents eagerly await the birth of their child. It’s an exciting time, but also a nerve-racking one. Couples may take classes, read books, and scour the web to ensure every step is followed during pregnancy in hopes of a healthy baby girl or boy. Unfortunately, there are some things parents Read More…

Oregon Woman Dies From Hospital Medication Error

Published on December 10, 2014

A hospital in Bend, Oregon is investigating how a patient was administered the wrong medication, leading to her death. Loretta Macpherson, 65, came to the ER earlier this month with medication questions after a recent brain surgery. Upon arrival, doctors determined Loretta needed an intravenous anti-seizure medication called fosphenytoin. Instead, she was accidentally given rocuronium, Read More…

The Dangers of Misread Pap Smears

Published on November 21, 2014

Routine preventive care is the best way to maintain your health with time. If you wait to see a doctor, it may be too late to treat a problem. That’s why pap smears are a vital part of a women’s health checkup. Pap smears are designed to test for cervical cancer in women. It involves Read More…