As of mid-December, Des Moines had only received about three inches of snow. As of this writing, the forecast wasn’t promising for having a white Christmas. But we all know that slick roads and decreased visibility are likely sooner rather than later, as our average snowfall is about three feet each winter. Keeping yourself and others safe depends on knowing how to handle winter driving hazards. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when the cold and snow arrive. Driving in cold weather First, if you want your vehicle nice and toasty before hitting the road, never warm it up in an enclosed space ..read more

Medical malpractice claims often result from missed or mistaken diagnoses. The AARP says research shows that roughly 12 million Americans are misdiagnosed in outpatient settings each year. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says thousands of unreliable laboratory medical tests contribute to this problem. The agency is proposing a new rule forcing more tests to undergo FDA reviews. The 10 most commonly missed or delayed diagnoses The medical journal BMJ says research shows nearly 800,000 Americans die or suffer severe disabilities due to misdiagnosis annually. Another study published in JAM ..read more

The growth of telehealth has grown exponentially since the advent of the pandemic. A 2017 study reported that only 18% of Americans used online technology for medical purposes. But COVID-19 changed all that. Spending on telehealth services exploded from $306 million in 2019 to $3.7 billion by the end of 2020. Many people are quick to point out the benefits of telehealth: expanding access, especially for those in rural areas, reduced patient wait times, and increased physical safety. But new data shows an alarming increase in medical malpractice claims. A government-funded study outlined the th ..read more

When traversing the picturesque state of Iowa, one might not immediately think of treacherous roads. However, just like any other place, the state has its share of challenging roadways that require a driver’s utmost attention and caution. Below are some of the most dangerous roads that demand extra vigilance. Whether you’re a local resident or a traveler passing through, understanding the hazards that these routes pose can significantly contribute to safer journeys. Interstate 80: The cross-country highway Interstate 80, the iconic cross-country highway traversing the state, showcases the deli ..read more

Although working in medicine is one of the best-paid professions, it is also an incredibly demanding career. Professionals need to commit years of their lives to higher education before they can ever secure a license and then have to work very demanding jobs in most cases. The higher the standards for a position, the fewer people are likely to work to meet those standards. Therefore, many medical facilities in the last few years have had to confront a lack of adequate physician staffing and look into alternative ways to provide support for patients. One of the solutions embraced by numerous or ..read more

In May, Governor Kim Reynolds signed new limits into law that protect trucking companies. First, the law shields them from lawsuits claiming they negligently hired a driver who was involved in a crash. Second, the new law limits compensation for the pain and suffering victims experience in crashes with big commercial trucks. Now, crash victims will only be allowed to receive up to $5 million for their pain and suffering. However, they can still receive compensation for all of their economic losses, including lost wages due to the accident and all related medical expenses. In some cases, they m ..read more

Iowa has joined a host of other states limiting cash awards to victims of medical malpractice. Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the bill in mid-February, placing a $2 million limit on noneconomic damages awarded by juries in cases involving hospitals. The cap is $1 million for awards against independent clinics. The restrictions apply to pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of chance, loss of consortium and other so-called “noneconomic” damages. The cap does not apply to economic damages, which include medical costs, lost wages, physical therapy and other potential financial losses for victims. Ac ..read more

Private equity funds pool investments from wealthy individuals to create companies in several industries. It’s a proven model for Wall Street investors, many of whom have no intent to stick around for the long haul. Most private equity firms slash spending and look to sell in three to five years. What’s troubling to many is that PE funds are gaining footholds in the U.S. healthcare industry, offering a staffing strategy that leaves many hospitals and emergency rooms with fewer doctors. The plan is to replace M.D.s with physician assistants and nurse practitioners. Does the “blended” model work ..read more

Every crash that occurs features unique characteristics. The specific vehicles involved, their speed at the time of the crash and the angle of approach when they collide can all influence the scope of the damage and the injuries incurred by the occupants of the vehicles in question. Certain factors have a known association with poor outcomes, including high speeds and inclement weather conditions. Additionally, a very large vehicle colliding with a smaller, more compact vehicle is also a risk factor for poor outcomes. Bigger and heavier vehicles can do more damage Ever since pickup trucks and ..read more

A recent report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) found shocking rates of misdiagnosis in American emergency departments. About 130 million people go to the emergency department each year, and about 6% of them are misdiagnosed. That works out to approximately 1,400 misdiagnoses per U.S. emergency room per year. Getting the diagnosis wrong often leads to the patient getting the wrong treatment. That incorrect treatment likely has no positive effect on their actual illness. The disease can gain ground during this period of improper treatment, leading to a much less favo ..read more