June 15, 2023 Recent News

 

Healthcare

Hospitals

Physicians

Healthcare

Quincy Massachusetts based medical group Compass Medical suddenly closed.  They did not specify a reason but this came after losing a $16 million law suit to Steward Health care System over a partnership breakup.  The judgment has never been paid.  Compass wanted $80 million but the jury found they had committed fraud and awarded Steward the damages.

The London, England Telegraph had a story regarding the poorly run NHS.  They talked about the lack of physicians especially oncologists and the patients needing to go private due to the shortage.  They are months and months behind in treating the cancer patients.  Even their EMR is antiquated and is hindering care.

There is a case in the courts tossing out the Obamacare preventative care provisions.  The administration has worked out a deal allowing these to remain in place during the duration of the suits.

The insurance companies are sending letters to physicians prescribing Ozempic warning them that if they are using the drug off label they may be reported to the authorities.  It is legal to prescribe FDA approved drugs off label.  Anthem will not cover the drug unless the patient has diabetes and tried another drug but the physician may still prescribe it.        Top 

Hospitals

Four physicians have spoken to the press regarding their hospital HCA Florida Bayonet Point accusing them of deficient patient care due to their cost cutting.  They provided photographs showing deficient plumbing and wires dangling.  One physician said there were 18 near misses in the OR.  The hospital responded with the usual non statements.

The Mayo Clinic has suspended without pay a professor who had the temerity to speak to the press regarding Covid without the consent of the censors of the Clinic.  This is an affront to all workers in that institution and as a matter of fact all institutions.  He is appealing the decision.

The house staff of Massachusetts General Hospital has voted to unionize.  They will soon join the CIR-SEIU.  They hope that this will help future house staff with wages and ancillary matters.  

Dr. James Luketich, the chair of cardiothoracic surgery at Pittsburgh UPMC has resigned his position.  He had been accused of doing multiple surgeries at the same time and not being present for the crucial parts of the surgery.  He ahd the system agreed to pay $8.5 million for these sins.  He will remain on the staff.  If he was anyone else in the hospital he would be gone.        Top

Physicians

Dr. Ming Lin of Washington was fired from PeaceHealth's St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham.  He filed suit and his attorneys want him to go to mediation.  He does not want to do that so he has changed attorneys and continues to want to go to trial.  He wants an acknowledgment of right versus wrong which may or may not happen.  He believes this is due to safety concerns that he had taken to the hospital during Covid.        Top

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 DISCLAIMER: Although this article is updated periodically, it reflects the author's point of view at the time of publication. Nothing in this article constitutes legal advice. Readers should consult with their own legal counsel before acting on any of the information presented.