Lauren Ellerman

Many health care provider contracts now contain language that states if a dispute arises between the health care provider, and the patient, all parties agree to arbitration.Well, that doesn’t sound so bad, does it? In my opinion, it is bad. Here is a brief summary of the differences between arbitration…

You remember Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird, don’t you? Access to the justice system is a right we hold dear in the United States. What if you have a dispute with a landlord, credit card company, hospital or nursing home? You go to your local court house to…

Most states require nursing homes and assisted living facilities to do background checks on staff. But what about temporary staff, or those supplied by temp agencies? You call at noon, say we need three CNA’s for the 7a to 7 p shift, think you will have time to do a…

We have family members ask all the time “If I am Mom’s POA, would I have to pay for her nursing home bill if she can’t anymore?” Many of the agreements signed in the admission process, contain language that imposes the duty to make payments on responsible parties, or legal…

I got this hilarious email yesterday – about a woman that decided to take cruises, indefinitely, rather than go to a nursing home… cruise was cheaper, more fun, better food – anyone been on a cruise lately that could tell me the cost? Most nursing homes run about $3000-$8000 a…

We had some freezing rain in Roanoke today, and I slipped in our office parking lot on the way into work. I am grateful I only fell a short distance (short legs help) and have pretty strong bones – but it occurred to me, that we need to be very…

PT Scan says – “no cancer” and so your oncologist is not worried about the large lump found on your head. Get a second opinion.Family history of breast cancer and doctor does not biopsy mass found in ultrasound, because he doubts it could be cancer… Get a second opinion.Failure to…

Been to the emergency room lately? Had an X-ray or CT ordered? Chances are pretty good you didn’t meet the radiologist who read them. Chances are also pretty good that person has never stepped foot into the hospital.More and more, radiologists are reviewing films from their desks – receiving the…

The family of Connecticut man who choked to death while being treated at a nursing home will receive $4 million in damages, a jury has ruled. According to the lawsuit, a replacement worker at County Manor Health Care Center wrongly fed the man meat and potatoes despite doctors’ instructions not…