Misdiagnosis in Women May Leave Ovarian Cancer Undetected
It is an unfortunate fact that in the doctor’s office, women’s symptoms often are dismissed or underreported. Doctors may attribute indigestion, headaches or chest pain as symptoms of stress; or women may disregard such symptoms…
Are Many Spinal Surgeries Unnecessary?
Spinal surgeries are risky procedures that require hours under anesthesia, and days of hospitalization, so no patient likely takes the decision to undergo such surgery lightly. Most are following their doctors’ recommendations, but such recommendations…
Program Aims to Reduce Medical Errors in Oregon and Nationally
A new partnership between hospitals, clinics, the federal government, and independent health organizations has some ambitious goals for improving the nation’s healthcare system. The Partnership for Patients initiative aims to avert 60,000 patient deaths due…
Oregon Legislature Considers Cap on Medical Malpractice Damages
Representative Jim Thompson (R-Dallas) has proposed two medical liability reform bills. The Oregon House Health Care Committee recently considered both of the bills. The first bill, HB 3228, seeks to reduce the cost of health…
Choosing the Right Doctor is One of Your Most Important Decisions
The importance of selecting the right doctor to perform your surgery should never be underestimated. While most surgeons have only your best interests at heart, there are others who may not. Even though the incidence…
Hospitalists Increasingly Used for Emergency Room and Hospital Care
Hospitalists are doctors who work only in hospitals and specialize in caring for patients in emergency departments and hospitals. An increasing number of hospitals use these doctors, which may result in less contact with patients’…