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The Role of Second Opinions and 3D Models A recent GAO report to Congress highlighted a troubling issue within the VA Community Care Program (VCCP): the presence of low-quality providers within the system. Veterans’ experiences echo this concern, pointing to lapses in care quality and accountability that often leave them vulnerable to poor outcomes. For … Read more
Managing spinal surgery records, tracking your recovery, and staying on top of communication with healthcare providers can be overwhelming. That’s where Evernote shines. With its versatility and powerful organizational tools, Evernote can serve as your personal command center for navigating the complex journey of spinal surgery. This guide will help you set up and use … Read more
Understanding Spinal Surgery Spinal surgery can be a daunting journey, but understanding the basics of spinal anatomy, types of procedures, and the recovery process can empower patients to advocate for themselves and achieve better outcomes. This guide provides a detailed look at spinal surgery, from preparation to long-term recovery, and offers valuable resources to help … Read more
Creating 3D Models from CT Scans: A Guide to Understanding Your Medical Journey 3D models from CT scans are incredibly valuable tools for understanding medical issues, planning surgeries, and holding healthcare providers accountable. With the right software and guidance, you can create detailed, clean, and highly useful 3D models yourself. This guide explains the process … Read more
A Thousand Days of Agony: My Journey Through Pain, Loss, and Resilience This excerpt details a veteran’s harrowing experience with medical negligence, focusing on a botched spinal fusion surgery and the subsequent inadequate care received from the Veterans Affairs (VA). The author recounts the initial surgical error, the prolonged delay in addressing complications, and the resulting severe physical … Read more
The “Deny and Defend” approach in healthcare refers to a traditional strategy where medical institutions deny responsibility for errors, adopt a defensive legal posture, and avoid transparency in communicating with patients and families. While increasingly criticized in modern healthcare for its detrimental effects, this approach continues to harm veterans in the VA healthcare system and … Read more
John Oliver on HBO recently delved into the problematic nature of state medical boards and their frequent inability to safeguard patients from incompetent physicians. He highlighted several disturbing trends: One case involved a doctor in Texas performing surgery on the incorrect part of a patient’s spine. This incident directly relates to my experiences with Dr. … Read more
Dr Patel, UT Southwestern failure to diagnose and treat spine issues after radilogy found loose pedicle screws The UTSW consultation highlights a series of systemic failures in the care of a patient with a history of lumbar surgeries. There were communication breakdowns between the VA and outside providers, a conflict of interest in referring the … Read more
Medical Opinion Summary Joseph David, D.O., a board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist in New Jersey, provides a medical opinion on Michael Stuart, a veteran who served in the US Air Force from 1981 to 1987. Dr. David reviewed extensive medical records, including CT and MRI scans, surgery notes, and statements from Stuart’s family. Stuart … Read more
This article illustrates just how common it is for doctors to hide their medical mistakes and make up excuses. Even this famous surgeon made a mistake and did not tell the patient. The issue of doctors hiding medical mistakes and making excuses is indeed a significant concern in the medical community. It’s been noted that … Read more