Virginia Injury Law Blog

One of the nation’s largest health insurers was accused of overcharging millions of Americans for healthcare. The company, UnitedHealth Group, has agreed to pay a $50 million settlement after investigation by the New York State Attorney General’s office. The investigation arose after hundreds of patients complained to the state about medical care and procedures that were not being reimbursed as “usual, customary or reasonable” charges by UnitedHealth Group. UnitedHealth Group justified its withholding of coverage on the grounds that an “independent” company, Ingenix, had reviewed the care and treatment and deemed it outside the coverage. The investigation revealed that Ingenix is owned by UnitedHealth Group and therefore, questions were raised about the independence of its review process. Many of the patient are contemplating bringing a class action lawsuit against UnitedHealth Group.

Pierce & Thornton encourages you to review your health insurance company’s policies so that you are aware of covered and non-covered medical expenses.

Early detection of colon cancer by colonoscopy may be more challenging than prior studies have shown. A recent study in the Annals of Internal Medicine concludes that nearly 30 to 40 percent of colorectal cancers may not be detected by a colonoscopy. This is a prevention rate far less than that reported historically by doctors. The study further concluded that nearly all cancers on the right side of the colon and about one-third of cancers in the left side of the colon are not visible from the study. The study includes data from colonoscopies performed by internists as well as gastroenterologists, which may have some bearing on the outcome. Despite these new findings, researchers still strongly recommend that patients continue to have the test as a preventative measure.

If you or a loved one has concerns that their colon cancer was not timely diagnosed, call Pierce & Thornton to discuss your potential case.

The use of multiple pain and other prescription medications is leading to deadly results for patients. A recent study indicates that there has been a 700% increase in the number of at-home deaths caused by medication overdoses or errors. The age group most affected were baby boomers in their 40s and 50s. The authors of the study attribute the increase to the combination of medical supervision decreasing while the use of prescription painkillers and other powerful medications — many of which used to be available only in the hospital setting– have increased exponentially over the past two decades. Multiple prescription drugs taken at once — like the sleeping pills, painkillers and anxiety drugs that killed “Dark Knight” star Heath Ledger — also play a part.

Abuse of prescription drugs plays a role, but the study did not conclude how much. Valid prescriptions taken in error, especially narcotics such as methadone and oxycodone, were reported to account for a growing number of deaths, according to medical experts who reviewed the study. Another interesting finding was the number of people who loan or give their prescription to others — about 25% have done so — according to the research. Some advocate more education about the dangers of combining certain drugs with other medications (for example, with alcohol) while others believe that these numbers bring home the message that as a society we have become “drug happy” with the notion that medicines can fix everything.

Pierce & Thornton’s lawyers have represented patients and their family members who have sustained serious injury or death from medication errors.

In Virginia Beach and across Hampton Roads, summer is synonymous with going to the beach or pool and catching rays. However, the dangers associated with unprotected sun exposure have been once again highlighted by a government cancer study released yesterday. The study from the National Cancer Institute found that the rate of new melanoma cases in younger women (15 to 39 years of age) has jumped 50% since 1980, while the incidence among males has stayed relatively stable. Sunbed tanning and more exposure to natural sunlight are cited as possible reasons for the dramatic increase in melanoma among younger women. Each year, approximately 62,000 melanomas are diagnosed in the U.S., and approximately 8,300 people die from the disease annually.

Melanoma is a highly aggressive and the most fatal form of skin cancer if not diagnosed and treated before it spreads beyond its primary location in the skin. If diagnosed while it is still a “thin” (less than 1mm thick lesion), the outcome is favorable, as approximately 90% of melanoma patients are cured. The government’s new numbers about the surge in melanoma cases should make everyone think twice about sunbathing or using a tanning bed without adequate sunscreen or other skin protection.

Pierce & Thornton has extensive experience in representing patients and their families in cases where they have suffered the consequences of melanoma or other cancer not being timely diagnosed by their physician. We have worked with top melanoma experts from across the United States who diagnose and treat melanoma and have gone to trial to seek compensation for those who have lost a loved one due to negligent medical treatment. If you, any family member or friend have any questions about melanoma or other types of cancer that may not have been diagnosed when it should have been, call us for a free consultation.