Medical Malpractice News and Research

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Obama's malpractice proposal falls flat for GOP and Democratic contributors

Trial lawyers have used lobbying and fundraising clout to avert malpractice reform for decades, Politico reports. "Given that their political donations went overwhelmingly to Democrats — generally, by a 3-to-1 ratio — this should be a period of respite. But it won't be, now that President Barack Obama has injected tort reform into the health care reform debate" (Cummings, 9/15).

16 Sep 2009

Chief of Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery shares views on medical tourism

In light of the economy and rising unemployment, people are looking to cut costs wherever they can. As the costs of many surgeries and procedures continue to rise in the US, many are looking for cheaper alternatives abroad. This big business is known as "medical tourism," and often promises healthcare options at a fraction of the cost as in the United States. However, this is one area where bargain shopping is not recommended, counsels Dr. David B. Samadi, Chief of Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery at The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City.

15 Sep 2009

First edition: September 15, 2009

Today's headlines zero in on the soon-to-be unveiled Baucus health bill. Reports indicate it likely will address many GOP concerns but also raising new issues for some Democrats.

15 Sep 2009

Senate negotiators find common ground

Health care negotiations progress as bipartisan Senators find common ground and the Senate Finance Committee prepares to release a compromise plan this week.

14 Sep 2009

Baucus plans last attempt at bipartisan bill, Dems acknowledge moderates' key role

This week is crucial for Sen. Max Baucus, who is trying to win bipartisan support from his Senate Finance Committee negotiators. If not, he is likely to join a Democrat-only effort to reform the health care system.

14 Sep 2009

Republicans: Malpractice reform demonstration projects insufficient

The Associated Press: "In his Wednesday speech and again in (a CBS "60 Minutes" interview), the president signaled he was open to so-called tort reform. Under current practice, doctors and hospitals must pay huge amounts to insure themselves against malpractice lawsuits by patients seeking large court-ordered settlements for poor treatment. … 'I would be willing to ... consider any ideas out there that would actually work in terms of reducing costs, improving the quality of patient care,' Obama said in the Sunday interview, which was taped Friday" (Hurst, 9/14).

14 Sep 2009

First Edition: September 14, 2009

Today's headlines indicate that the momentum behind including a public option in health reform may be losing steam.

14 Sep 2009

Gang of Six focus on thorny issues involved in health reform

After a Friday morning meeting, the Senate Finance Committee "Gang of Six" postponed "extensive discussion of the illegal immigration issue until Monday and said aides would be working on language on that and abortion over the weekend," the Associated Press reports.

14 Sep 2009

Post-speech debates: Illegal immigrant coverage, tort reform, abortion funding

President Obama's speech opened the door for experts and lawmakers to examine his proposed health reforms, with questions ranging from how reforms affect illegal immigrants' coverage to abortion funding.

11 Sep 2009

Democrats, bolstered by Obama speech, promise to move reform legislation by fall

Democrats are promising to pass a health care reform bill by this fall after President Obama this week called for action. But in order to do that, the White House is holding meetings with moderates while liberal Democrats are asking for a meeting of their own. Other members are staking out clear positions on key policy issues.

11 Sep 2009

First Edition: September 11, 2009

Today's headlines are full of second-day stories about the policies and politics involved in President Obama's Wednesday night address to Congress.

11 Sep 2009

Majority of Americans want Congress to include lawsuit reform in the health care bill: Survey

A new nationwide poll reveals that a strong majority of America's voters want Congress to include lawsuit reform in any overhaul of the health care system.

11 Sep 2009

Careless practices takes a heavy toll on American lives, says President of SAVE THE PATIENT

Is anyone listening? As this debate rages on about medical reform, patient safety organizations, those of us at the front each and every day, we do not hear about what is happening to the people from the senseless health care devastation throughout our country right now.

11 Sep 2009

BCBSA supports Obama on maintaining health insurance reforms for affordable coverage

Scott P. Serota, president and chief executive officer of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), released the following statement regarding President Obama's address to the joint session of Congress:

11 Sep 2009

Tort reform back on table in health care debate

"Sparked by complaints at town hall meetings last month about the impact of medical malpractice suits on healthcare costs, a battle is brewing between business advocates and lawyers over whether to limit damages in lawsuits against physicians and other medical professionals as part of a healthcare overhaul," CongressDaily reports.

11 Sep 2009

Democrats and Republicans take action, offer more reactions the day after President Obama's speech

Republicans are continuing to react to President Obama's Wednesday night speech while Democrats are counting votes and meeting with key groups within the caucus.

11 Sep 2009

First edition: September 10, 2009

In response to President Obama's joint address to Congress last night, the headlines are chock full of news, analysis, fact-checkers and inventories of cheers and jeers.

10 Sep 2009

The Center for Justice & Democracy opposes President Obama's medical malpractice proposal

The Center for Justice & Democracy strongly opposes President Obama's plan to implement Bush Administration measures to limit the legal rights of severely injured patients, which has become part of the health care discussion apparently as a bargaining chip to reduce Republican opposition to much needed health care reform.

10 Sep 2009

High cost of health care not justified

A policy paper that identifies and analyzes the key drivers of health care costs was released today by the American College of Physicians (ACP). Controlling Health Care Costs While Promoting the Best Possible Health Outcomes provides nearly four dozen recommendations to achieve better quality care to more people.

10 Sep 2009

PDR merges with Health Care Notification Network

The iconic Physicians' Desk Reference (PDR®) found in every physician's office, clinic and hospital is merging with the Health Care Notification Network (HCNN), the only network that delivers FDA-required drug Alerts to physicians and other prescribers online.

From Physicians' Desk Reference (PDR) 10 Sep 2009

Medical Malpractice News and Research

Obama's malpractice proposal falls flat for GOP and Democratic contributors

Chief of Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery shares views on medical tourism

First edition: September 15, 2009

Senate negotiators find common ground

Baucus plans last attempt at bipartisan bill, Dems acknowledge moderates' key role

Republicans: Malpractice reform demonstration projects insufficient

First Edition: September 14, 2009

Gang of Six focus on thorny issues involved in health reform

Post-speech debates: Illegal immigrant coverage, tort reform, abortion funding

Democrats, bolstered by Obama speech, promise to move reform legislation by fall

First Edition: September 11, 2009

Majority of Americans want Congress to include lawsuit reform in the health care bill: Survey

Careless practices takes a heavy toll on American lives, says President of SAVE THE PATIENT

BCBSA supports Obama on maintaining health insurance reforms for affordable coverage

Tort reform back on table in health care debate

Democrats and Republicans take action, offer more reactions the day after President Obama's speech

First edition: September 10, 2009

The Center for Justice & Democracy opposes President Obama's medical malpractice proposal

High cost of health care not justified

PDR merges with Health Care Notification Network

Achieving and maintaining ISO 27001 and BS 10012 certifications

Expanding research and clinical options for children with cancer

Examining how pain could play a direct protective role in the gut

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