Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a body scan that provides detailed images particularly good for viewing soft tissue (versus a traditional X-ray that’s better for seeing bone). Sometimes, drugs are injected before you have an MRI to add contrast, making the images sharper. But some of the drugs in those agents might be toxic. We….
Continue ReadingArchives for July 2015
Medical Providers Reap Billions from Promoting Products (Updated)
Last year, the federal government launched Open Payments, a database that tracks the dollars that flow from drug and medical device manufacturers to medical providers. Last week, it reported that $6.5 billion was paid last year to doctors and hospitals, for a range of services and, well, graft. More than 600,000 doctors received payments, as….
Continue ReadingSuggested Reading: When It Comes to Heart Attack, Speed Heals
In the 10-year period between 2003 and 2013, the U.S. death rate from coronary heart disease fell about 38%. In a long, anecdote-filled story that was part of its series on heart disease, the New York Times detailed how the decline reflects not only that we’re giving up cigarettes and controlling our cholesterol and blood….
Continue ReadingU.S. Chamber of Commerce Shakes Hands with Death and Evil
I can sort of get why the U.S. Chamber of Commerce would attack the whole concept that ordinary people should be able to sue corporations when said corporations inflict injury and death on the citizenry. After all, lawsuits to enforce corporate accountability are none too popular in boardrooms across America. And so the endless claims….
Continue ReadingWaiting List for Vets Seeking Health Care Grows
Last year the country was shocked to learn the extent of the systemic problems the Department of Veterans Affairs had in delivering adequate health care generally, and, specifically, the grossly long periods vets had to wait to get an appointment. It’s not getting better. Department officials told the New York Times that the number of….
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