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Medical tourism: Maine people and companies go abroad to save on surgery

Alison McKellar — Tue, 13 May 2008 14:45:51 GMT

Medical tourism, a growing travel phenomenon that combines international travel with various medical procedures, is the newest indication that Americans are fed up with expensive medical procedures, inefficient hospitals, and sky-high deductibles from insurance companies. Until recently, Americans have had little recourse and few alternatives when facing high-cost surgeries and penny-pinching insurance companies, but a growing percentage of people have found a new and often favorable solution. U.S. News and World Report estimates that anywhere from 5,000 to 500,000 Americans annually are taking their business elsewhere and heading abroad when they have to pay for costly medical procedures.

Mainers and Maine companies like Hannaford Bros. are among the many patients and companies going beyond borders in pursuit of medical procedures at a fraction of the cost. The AP reports that the Scarborough-based supermarket chain now offers employees the option of getting hip and knee replacements in Singapore, at the National University Hospital. The same procedure that can cost $40,000 to $60,000 in the United States ranges from $10,000 to $15,000 in Singapore.

The savings can be so great and the quality of care so high that even insurance companies have started looking into the possibility of covering oversees medical procedures. David Boucher, an assistant vice president of healthcare services at BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina has visited many facilities abroad, and told U.S. News and World Report that he was, “totally amazed not just by the quality of medical care but at the quality of service… the initial driver may be price, but patients’ positive experiences will do a lot to advance the movement.”

However, going outside the country for complicated medical procedures carries with it a whole new set of safety and legal considerations that many people may not anticipate or be prepared to deal with. What happens if someone gets treated abroad and is harmed due to negligence or poor care? Who is responsible? Who do you sue? Who is accountable and who will advocate for you? Oriv Karev, CEO of UnitedHealth Group International, tells U.S. News and World Report that one of the biggest concerns can be getting accurate data and information from hospitals located abroad. It might be extremely difficult to find reliable information on a hospital’s mortality rate or the experience and credentials of an individual surgeon.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Alison McKellar

Maine Senate gives green light to Ignition Interlock in hopes of controlling drunk drivers

Don Briggs — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 14:40:59 GMT

On March 27th, the Maine Senate gave full approval to the implementation of an Ignition Interlock program which would install breath analysis devices in the vehicles of convicted OUI offenders. The devices require drivers to breath into a miniature breathalyzer installed on the dashboard, and, if the driver's blood alcohol percentage is above the programmed limit (usually .02% -.04%), the vehicle will not start.

The systems also administer random tests while the car is in motion to prevent intoxicated drivers from fooling the test by having a friend breath into the device for them. If they exceed the limit, the car will warn the driver to stop the car and then set off the alarm, flash its lights, honk the horn, etc., until the engine is turned off.

So what does this mean for Maine drivers? The details of the plan are still in the works, and procedures differ from state to state, but OUI offenders may face mandatory installation of the devices on their vehicles if Maine follows down the same path as California. Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) launched a campaign in November of 2006 to push for ITD installation for all OUI convictions, even first time offenders, but some criticize the devices, suggesting that they may actually lead to more accidents.
For more information and details on the bill titled "An Act to Reduce Drunk Driving" sponsored by Senator Lynn Bromley, click here.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Don Briggs

Medical Malpractice Suit Filed Against Hospital

Christina Cole — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 03:15:39 GMT

Two years after her Father killed her husband, Ann Meador is blaming West Florida Hospital for the tragedy.

In a medical malpractice suit filed in Escambia Circuit court, Meador is claiming her father, Leslie Johnson, walked out of the hospital wearing nothing more than a blanket prior to murdering her husband, Bill Meador, in the victim's downtown law office.

The lawsuit alleges West Florida failed to document the severity of her father's mental state. It says the hospital should have kept him in the hospital under the Baker Act, which allows involuntary hospitalization of people whom are a danger to themselves and others.

Ann Meador, a lawyer, was seven months pregnant with her first child when her father burst into the victim's Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon law office on Jan. 24, 2005. Johnson fired two gunshots at Bill Meador's head. He then fled and, after ramming a police car, fatally shot himself.

The suit says Johnson was admitted to West Florida after appearing at the emergency room on Jan. 23 seeking treatment for physical and psychiatric symptoms. Michles said a doctor noted on Johnson's chart that he was suicidal. The attorney also said a nurse overheard Johnson saying that he wanted to kill "him" and "them."
"Unfortunately, that was not conveyed to a treating physician," Michles said. A tearful Ann Meador said Wednesday her father and husband had a good relationship and she may never know why the shooting occurred.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Christina Cole

Drunk Drivers, Suspended Licenses, and Fatal Crashes: Does Maine Need the Ignition Interlock System?

Don Briggs — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 09:23:49 GMT

Every ten hours, a driver with a suspended license gets into a crash in Maine. That's according to a recent article from the Kennebec Journal Morning Sentinel. More concerning, still, is that one quarter of these drivers has been drinking or using drugs before the crash.This comprehensive report offers a detailed analysis of the problem and reveals that, not only are suspended drivers getting into crashes, but they are six times more like to be fatal crashes that those caused by properly licensed drivers. Some states have adopted tough laws and new technology to fight the problem. Should Maine do the same?

Suspended drivers, though, aren't the only problem. In many states, like Maine, drivers who have their licenses suspended are eligible to apply for work-restricted licenses that allow them to drive between home and work. The Portland Press Herald reports that there are currently over 1000 Mainers operating under restricted licenses. However, they're difficult to regulate and often abused. Mothers Against Drunk Drivers supports the implementation of an Ignition Interlock System that acts as sort of breathalyser that is installed in the vehicles of repeat OUI offenders. The device requires periodic breath tests that must record a blood alcohol level below a certain limit in order for the engine to start. The devices, which have been implemented in several states, have faced much criticism, and it's clear that the problem of drinking and driving in Maine cannot be solved by technology alone, but it's equally clear that more must be done to keep dangerous drivers off Maine roads.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Don Briggs

Nursing Home Abuse and Financial Exploitation of Elderly is a Serious Problem in Maine

Don Briggs — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:35:52 GMT

Retirement is supposed to be the reward for a long life of hard work, but for many Maine seniors, the golden years are being stolen away by caregiver neglect, physical abuse, and financial exploitation. Whether the abuse happens in nursing homes or is inflicted by the victims own family, it's becoming a big problem in the United States and Maine is no exception.

Retirement is supposed to be the reward for a long life of hard work, but for many Maine seniors, the golden years are being stolen away by caregiver neglect, physical abuse, and financial exploitation. Whether the abuse happens in nursing homes or is inflicted by the victims only family, it's becoming a big problem in the United States and Maine is no exception.

According to the Maine Office of Elder Services, elder abuse often goes unreported because it is difficult to detect, and the elderly often are not in a position to advocate for themselves. In Maine, although the number of reported cases is around 2,200 a year, the Attorney General's Office estimates the number is probably closer to 14,000.

A few examples of reported cases of elderly abuse in Maine include:
â€¢ 95 year old woman, nursing home resident, physically and sexually abused by son-in-law and grandson during visits.
â€¢ 37 year old man, boarding home resident, kicked in groin and stabbed with a paring knife by another resident.
â€¢ 35 year old man with mental illness, involved in a series of violent outbursts toward other patients, including dislocating the shoulder of an elderly patient.
â€¢ 101 year old woman, nursing home resident, slapped by C.N.A. resulting in serious facial bruises.

A few more cases, as reported in an article published in the Kennebec Journal Morning Sentinel:
â€¢ An 88-year-old woman bilked out of thousands of dollars by her nieces.
â€¢ A 78-year-old disabled woman locked inside a room and fed only crackers and yogurt.

Whether the abuse be financial or physical, committed by family members or nursing home staff, elder abuse is finally starting to get some attention in Maine. An Editorial published by the Portland Press Herald states that "Maine's elderly suffer from physical abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The physical abuse overlaps the psychological abuse. Some caregivers threaten to withhold medication, for instance, until they get what they want from the elder in their charge."

Another Maine Sunday Telegram article calls elder abuse a "serious problem" in Maine, explaining that "an abused senior typically does not want to report the abuse for fear of retribution, embarrassment, isolation and not knowing where to go to get help".

WARNING SIGNS
Because the elderly themselves are unlikely to report the abuse, it's essential that neighbors, family members, and friends learn to look for warning signs that something could be wrong. The National Center on Elder Abuse estimates that 5 million seniors are victims of abuse each year and lists these tell tale signs to be on the lookout for:
* Bruises, pressure marks, broken bones, abrasions, and burns may be an indication of physical abuse, neglect, or mistreatment.
* Unexplained withdrawal from normal activities, a sudden change in alertness, and unusual depression may be indicators of emotional abuse.
* Bruises around the breasts or genital area can occur from sexual abuse.
* Sudden changes in financial situations may be the result of exploitation.
* Bedsores, unattended medical needs, poor hygiene, and unusual weight loss are indicators of possible neglect.
* Behavior such as belittling, threats, and other uses of power and control by spouses are indicators of verbal or emotional abuse.
* Strained or tense relationships, frequent arguments between the caregiver and elderly are also signs.

Elder abuse hasn't gotten as much attention as child abuse, and because of this, they are perhaps even more vulnerable than children to neglect and exploitation. Just as society worries about the rights of children, we owe it to the elderly to make sure their rights and dignity are protected during this stage of their life.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Nursing Home and Elder Abuse.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Don Briggs

Dating is dangerous for women

Alison McKellar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:14:55 GMT

Unfortunately, for women, dating, marrying, and living with men may put them at a greater risk than almost anything else. Maine has seen a devastating rise in homicides this year, and tragically, of the 20 murders reported to date, 14 can be attributed to domestic violence, report State Police. Earlier this year, Mid-Coast Mainers were shocked by the stabbing death of 22 year old Jessica Nichols of Waldoboro, but sadly, Jessica’s case is not uncommon. Domestic violence is the leading cause of death for women ages 15-44 according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and murders of Maine women are committed almost exclusively by their boyfriends, spouses, lovers or stalkers.

Pomeroy, 24, of Hope, Maine was indicted last week for intentional or knowing or depraved indifference indifference murder after admitting to killing Jessica. Pomeroy’s engagement to a previous girlfriend had recently been called off, and, according to reports, he told police that he lost his temper when Jessica made a negative comment about his ex-fiancé. Erupting into a state of rage, he hit her over the head with a frying pan before stabbing her repeatedly and putting her body in the trunk of his car.

Cases of domestic violence are prevalent in Maine, and, although they don’t always lead to murder, it’s essential to understand that by tolerating day-to-day domestic violence, we often set the scene for cases such as Jessica’s. When alcohol is combined with hot tempers and a general disrespect toward women, the resulting violence often escalates to new levels.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Alison McKellar

Tests Confirm Toxic Substances In Chinese Drywall

Chrissie Cole — Wed, 20 May 2009 22:10:00 GMT

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released test results on May 21 that confirmed toxic materials in Chinese drywall.

Strontium, a highly reactive chemical, was also detected at levels ten times as high as U.S. drywall, as well as two other organic compounds that are generally found in acrylic paint, , according to a press release by Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL).

As of May 19, there have been 379 complaints received by The Florida Department of Health. Homeowners with Chinese-made drywall problems have a host of medical problems including headaches, dizziness, bronchitis and irritated eyes. Many of the affected houses have a rotten-egg like smell as well.

Overall, between 60,000 and 100,000 homes nationwide may contain tainted drywall. The EPA will continue testing.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chrissie Cole

New Warnings for Kids and Cold Medicines

Alison McKellar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:44:52 GMT

The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) announced today that oral cough and cold medicines sold over the counter should not be used in children younger than 4 years old due to the rare risks of complications linked to inappropriate use. The association, which represents Procter & Gamble Co, Novartis AG, and several other big drug makers, emphasized in their statement that most of the problems reported with the medicines were the result of dosing mistakes and accidental ingestions, not because the active ingredients themselves are dangerous when used properly. The decision was made after extensive consultations with the FDA, but many doctors and consumer advocates have called for stronger warnings, rejecting the use of cold medicines on children as old as 12. They maintain that the drugs have never been proven safe and effective making the risk too great to give them to children. Some reported complications have included seizures, stroke, and other problems.
This week, companies are hard at work pushing out new labels for their products advising parents not to give them to children under four. Still it’s important to remember that older packages on medicines produced before the advisory was issued will not carry the advisory and parents should be careful to check with their doctors if they have any questions.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Alison McKellar

Energy drinks and caffeine dependence: a growing problem

Alison McKellar — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 09:11:51 GMT

Energy drinks have grown enormously in popularity during thelast several years and the number of brands, labels, and manufacturers hascreated fierce competition among marketers, each looking to carve out their ownmarket niche as "the most extreme", "the fewest calories",or "the most used by celebrities".

The United States has some of themost relaxed laws regulating the ingredients and distribution of drinks such asRed Bull, resulting in products that carry anywhere from 50mg to 500mg ofcaffeine and are targeted primarily toward adolescent males as performanceenhancers. Reports of caffeine intoxication have risen sharply, andcaffeine dependence, as well as the combined use of caffeine and alcohol isconsidered to be a real concern by some researchers.

A recent study concludes that energy drinks may need to carry some type of warninglabel similar to those seen on alcohol and tobacco products advising consumersof the risk of caffeine dependence and other possible adverse reactions.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Alison McKellar

Can lawyers help stop childhood obesity?

Alison McKellar — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:00:00 GMT

In a statement released last week Gov. John Baldacci alerted Mainers to the alarming rate of obesity among Maine kids. According to the governor, 30 percent of Maine youths are either obese or overweight, presenting a major health problem that the state must address. The number of obese or overweight young Mainers has doubled over the past 15 years, ranking Maine as the highest obese/overweight rate of the New England states. But Mainers are not the only ones facing this public health risk. The United States as a whole and many other industrialized nations are grappling with tough questions about public health and the legal issues that accompany the regulation of individual choices about what to eat.

One of the main problems is that, while adults are generally able to weigh the costs and benefits and make their own decisions about what to eat, kids end up at the mercy of whatever they are served by their parents or school lunch program, and it's during this time when lifelong habits are developed.

In a recent paper titled Legal Themes Concerning Obesity Regulation in the United States, the authors highlight the various ways that the FDA, the USDA, school lunch programs, non-profits, parents, kids, lawyers, lawmakers, and corporations are responding to the obesity crisis.

They write:

"Litigation in the pursuit of some sort of compensation for obese consumers is increasingly seen as a viable option in the U.S. Cases have been brought against the food industry claiming that it engaged in deceptive practices, inadequately disclosed health risks, or mislead consumers through its advertisements.... A widely-reported case of persons seeking compensation for obesity-related injuries is Pelman v. McDonald's Corp. In 2002, the parents of two obese minors filed a complaint against McDonald's Corporation in New York State alleging deceptive practices, negligence, and failure to warn consumers of the harms of ingesting food at McDonald's restaurants."

Whether we see healthy eating as a social issue, a personal choice, or a matter of corporate responsibility, most of us can agree that kids, at the very least, deserve the option of eating healthy food and should be educated about how their choices affect their health.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Alison McKellar