AVOID MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
NO FEES UNLESS WE WIN
FREECASE EVALUATION
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BE YOUR OWN HEALTH CARE ADVOCATE TO AVOID MEDICAL MALPRACTICE IN FORT LAUDERDALE
The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), reports medical negligence is the third leading cause of death in the U.S.—following heart disease and cancer. This is an alarming statistic: In 2012, there were over $3 billion spent in medical malpractice payouts averaging one payout every 43 minutes.
Florida was rated number five out of 50 states for medical malpractice payout in 2012 with recoveries of over $200 million. Becker’s Hospital Review statistics for 2012, reported that of the $3.6 billion in medical malpractice payouts nationally for 2012, Florida had $203,671,100 in payouts.
According to Becker’s report, most of the medical malpractice claims consisted of injuries related to diagnosis, surgery, treatment, obstetrics and medication. Is there anything you can do as a Fort Lauderdale resident to avoid becoming one of these unfortunate statistics?
There is. You must become your own health-care advocate and be proactive about your medical care. With the amount of health and medical research available on the Internet there’s no reason to go to your health provider unprepared. Document your symptoms and prepare a written list of questions and then demand full and complete answers.
Sometimes patients are intimidated by the medical system and physicians. Yes, it’s important to place a level of trust in your doctor or nurse, but it’s also important to listen to your body. Consider bringing a family member or friend with you during visits to health-care providers. Sometimes, they will remember things that you forget or have additional questions that can help provide important information about your diagnosis or patient care.
In an interview about medical malpractice in Forbes, a medical malpractice attorney in Virginia, believed that, “Hospital systems and health-insurance companies significantly impact the quality of medical care that patients receive, and, in my opinion, that impact is not always for the best.”
In regard to being your own advocate he stated, “Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion! And don’t be afraid to find a new doctor if you don’t feel that you’re receiving proper medical care. Your health is too important to place in the hands of a provider who hasn’t earned your confidence, isn’t answering questions or isn’t giving you—or your condition—adequate time and attention.”
Currently, the Fort Lauderdale-based EZ Doctor, as reported in Fort Lauderdale’s Sun Sentinel provides patient scheduling and video chats with doctors in order to facilitate better doctor-patient communication so consumers can learn important facts about a doctor, from education and board certifications to malpractice claims and settlements.
However, the company sees its potential money-maker in a bigger market: providing detailed physician reports for consumers researching new doctors.
After getting lots of patients asking if particular doctors were good, the co-owner of EZ Doctor, Marsidi realized they couldn’t really answer those questions. Marsidi said, “We can buy a Carfax report on any used Honda we’re buying, but we can’t do that for a doctor.”
EZ Doctor began setting up a nationwide system to gather information about doctors from states and courthouses, and collecting patient reviews, to provide a report to consumers.
Their reports include a doctor’s education; board certifications; hospital affiliations; average price of a prescription; publication; any disciplinary actions or criminal offenses; malpractice claims, dismissals or settlements; and insurance taken. The reports also give a summary of patient reviews and rankings online. The information is updated monthly.
This is a good way for South Florida and Fort Lauderdale residents to be their own patient advocate.
Dawn Thomas
“I would highly recommend Wolf & Pravato. The whole team was highly professional and helpful. They kept me informed ever step of the way. That actually make you realize you are not just a number but a member of their family that they care what happens with your case. Thank You Richard Pravato and Betsy for all you have done to make this as painless as possible”.
Dawn Thomas, Personal Injury Victim
Katherine K.
“Words cannot begin to explain the gratitude I have for Vincent and Richard Provato and their staff. I have taken a long and hard two year journey through recovering from my accident and they were there with me and for me every step of the way. If you can put your faith in anything, put it in this, that this firm did their job and never had me question their ability to do so once. ”
Katherine K., Personal Injury Victim
Tony Martorano, victim of a car accident
“The $1 million helped me pay my medical bills and my UM coverage...”
Tony Martorano, victim of a car accident
Joan and Gordon Bedall
“The Wolf and Pravato Law firm really went to bat for my wife, who was in a horrible auto crash. Having someone on your side who truly cares about your well being the future good health is worth all the money in the world! ”
Joan Bedall, victim of a car accident