Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death among Americans. Hospitalization and medical care immediately following a stroke are very costly, as is the rehabilitative care. So the question is how best to prevent a stoke or to help patients recover following a stroke. The National Institutes of Health is…
Thirty-two-year-old Regina Ruff came to the emergency room at Advocate South Suburban Hospital in the morning on July 14, 2007 complaining of shortness of breath. Ruff had a history of congestive heart failure, hypertension, diabetes and non-compliance with the taking of some of her medicine. At about 11:45 a.m., the…
The American Medical Association reports that a growing number of physicians are choosing to be “hospitalists.” These doctors work in the hospital full time, while their colleagues provide care in local offices. The advantage for the patient is that care is not disrupted when the doctor has to rush off…
A new study shows that shoulder dislocation in older patients is more likely to be overlooked or misdiagnosed than among younger patients. The study warned that older patients whose shoulder injuries are not treated can face years of persistent pain and disability. Published in the October 2012 issue of the…
The Obama administration wants consumers to be able to report medical mistakes and unsafe practices by doctors, hospitals, pharmacists and others who provide treatment. Some hospital spokesmen say they are receptive to the idea, although they have concerns about malpractice liability, Federal officials say medical mistakes often go unreported, and…
Most elderly people will tell you they’d rather remain in their homes as they age rather than going to live in a care facility. Now a new study shows that those who live at home are MORE likely to die in a hospital. That’s because the elderly who live in…
When we undergo surgery, we cannot think, breathe, make decisions and advocate for ourselves. We depend on the experts — doctors and nurses — who oversee the surgery to do what’s best for us. Trouble is, that does not always happen. Take the case of Sophia Savage. One night she…
Most of us can remember a time when our doctors scribbled notes on paper inside a folder while talking to us. Now most of us see only our doctor’s back while he or she types information into a computer whenever we visit. The change is due to the introduction of…
One of the biggest problems among patients who live in nursing homes is the development of bed sores or pressure ulcers. The medical profession identifies these as decubitus ulcers. These ulcers commonly occur on the feet, backs and buttocks of ill or elderly patients who spend many hours lying in…
Attorneys know that experts are frequently important in the courtroom to assist them during trial. A doctor, for example, can introduce expertise and experience that an attorney cannot possibly duplicate. The doctor’s testimony can influence the jury in exactly the way the attorney desires. It is important, however, to make…