Potentially fatal fungal infections plague hospitals around New York
Fungal infections are spreading through hospitals across New York at an alarming rate. A particularly nasty strain of fungal infection has been spreading across hospitals throughout New York and New Jersey, sickening patients and frustrating public health authorities. Infections of Candida Auris, a common fungus, first appeared in Japan back in 2009, and traveled to […]
Possible medical malpractice in famed comedian’s death
On behalf of Daniel C. Minc Family considers wrongful death suit after multiple problems found at clinic The sudden death of Joan Rivers in September shocked the public, but it was later revelations that the death might have been preventable that have led to a great deal anger and confusion for her fans and family. […]
Perforated bowel can lead to serious problems and large recovery
Colonoscopies and other similar procedures used to diagnose gastrointestinal problems are considered routine for most adults. However, like any medical treatment, there are risks involved, which sometimes lead to serious injuries. One woman was granted a multi-million dollar judgment in a medical malpractice lawsuit against her doctor. The jury handed down their decision, totaling $12 […]
Patients suffer when cardiologists fail in their duties
Malpractice by a cardiologist can easily result in life-threatening injuries for a patient. All doctors take an oath to do no harm. Unfortunately, that oath is sometimes violated by a physician’s negligence, carelessness or inexperience. When doctors fail in their duties to care for patients properly, patients can easily be injured or even lose their […]
Patients harmed by increase in medical treatments
Recently, doctors and other medical experts have been questioning whether Americans have been receiving excessive amounts of medical treatment. At first glance, additional laboratory tests and prescriptions for medications may seem like a benefit, ensuring the safety of the patient. Unfortunately, unnecessary treatments can sometimes result in negative, unwanted consequences. When physicians practice defensive medicine, […]
New York hospitals fall far behind in latest national rankings
In the latest nationwide hospital rankings, New York’s hospitals have fallen from 40th place to 47th. A recently released ranking of hospitals across the country shows that New York’s hospitals are falling far behind in terms of patient safety. The highly anticipated report by the Leapfrog Group ranked New York in 47th place, down from […]
New study reasserts the importance of PSA testing for men
Recent controversy over prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing for prostate cancer has left many men confused. In May 2012, a report was released with new government guidelines regarding PSA testing. The guidelines discouraged the use of the blood test that looks for PSA in high levels as an indication of prostate cancer. This controversial statement has been challenged by many medical professional who reassert the need for this testing.
The new guidelines
In the new guidelines, the concern was that with routine PSA testing, men were being unnecessarily treated for small tumors that were not life-threatening. With treatments such as surgery to remove the tumor and radiation therapy, patients sometimes risk complications for a tumor that would have been fine if left alone. This study found that only about one out of 1,000 men would survive prostate cancer because of a PSA test discovery.
The recommendation was met immediately with opposition from many doctors and cancer survivors. They warned that skipping PSA testing might be more dangerous than having the testing done. They also felt that the new guidelines were irresponsible because there was no other testing method more effective than PSA testing for men.
New study: Medication mistakes occur in up to 50 percent of surgeries
On behalf of Daniel C. Minc A leading hospital in the U.S. found that incorrect dosage, labeling and other medication mistakes are prominent during surgery. We all know that doctors are human and make mistakes. Likely, you have heard stories about patients having the wrong limb amputated, or having surgical sponges left inside of them […]
Newborn jaundice: New technology aids diagnosis
A new app can help diagnose infant jaundice. This could help reduce the risk of complications that can lead to cerebral palsy and brain damage.
Engineers and physicians with the University of Washington have recently developed a smartphone application that can detect the presence of jaundice in newborns in a matter of minutes. Researchers and developers of the app are careful to note that the tool is not yet an official test, but instead could indicate that a blood test is needed.
To use the app, a photo is taken of the infant with a color calibration card. The photo is then analyzed using a special algorithm and a report is sent to the parent’s phone. Although it is best to rely on the result of a blood test for an official diagnosis, the innovative app does bring renewed attention to a condition that can have tragic complications.
Newborn injuries and their causes
Knowing about common birth injuries and how they are caused can help parents to act appropriately when their newborn is showing symptoms. No new parent living in New York wants to deal with a newborn child suffering from an injury, but, unfortunately, complications can sometimes arise during birth. For those without a deeper understanding of […]