Electronic medical records (EMRs) could be a hazard to your health. In 2009, then-President Bush mandated the use of electronic medical records through the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH).  The aim was to incentivize the healthcare industry to digitize medical records within a decade.  The goals of adoption of EMRs … Continued

Research points to eight relatively simple habits that could add decades to your life depending on when you adopt them. As the saying goes “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.”  With the expense and error associated with some medical care—incorporating healthy habits may increase your lifespan—and your quality of life. New research gleaned … Continued

Recent research underscores the use of a drug that helps the blood clot in women who suffer post-partum hemorrhage. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic drug, that is, a drug that helps blood clot during episodes of bleeding.  During and after childbirth, episodes of bleeding called post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) can occur which are dangerous—and sometimes … Continued

The debate continues about how to reduce the dangers of preterm birth.  A new study suggests an injection of magnesium sulfate to mothers at risk of preterm birth may help reduce risk of cerebral palsy. Does it work? A birth prior to 37 weeks is considered “preterm.” Along with maternal and child morbidity, the US … Continued

Prescriptions written via telehealth are subject to new restrictions announced by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Driven by the pandemic, telehealth services have become mainstream. Many medical practitioners offer remote medical care, which has proved timely and essential for those in rural health and other settings. The rapid advancement of remote medical care … Continued

As the world moves beyond the intense days of the COVID-19 pandemic, research suggests the necessity of long-term medical monitoring for those who suffer infection with COVID-19—whether or not a patient was hospitalized. The term “novel coronavirus” made little sense to many people as panic and protocols swept the world in 2020.  What’s so novel … Continued

High blood pressure during pregnancy is a well-known danger to mom and baby. A new study emphasizes the continuing neurological danger of preeclampsia for mom in later life. High blood pressure, or hypertension, can occur at any time during life or it can be chronic.  Both women and men suffer from hypertension with men slightly … Continued

A common medical device, a duodenoscope, remains a vector for harm and injury for unsuspecting patients. A duodenoscope is a specialized form of endoscope.  An endoscope is a commonly used medical device with a flexible tube, light, and camera that is used to investigate various regions of the body.  Endoscopes can also be used to … Continued

Criticism of a major review of Emergency Department (ED) diagnostic errors began almost as soon as the study was published. The research, spearheaded by Johns Hopkins University Evidence-based Practice Center, made headlines. Titles like “More than 7 million incorrect diagnoses made in US emergency rooms every year, government report finds,” grabbed attention and quickly polarized … Continued