Advocate Yourself

• Who is caring for you at Carle Foundation Hospital?

  Number of comments: 0
  Here is a current update on the Hospitalists at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois (an earlier link I provided was disabled by CFH).
  
  So let's learn something about the "stranger doctors" who will presumably care for you, coordinate care with your primary care physician and ensure patient safety' [...]
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  Posted: November 26, 2009, 10:22am EST
  by jodigirl1000

• Care-giving in the Raleigh Durham NC area?

  Number of comments: 0
  I have been writing articles about care-giving specifically to the Triangle/Raleigh area of North Carolina.
  
  I hope the articles are helpful for everyone - but they are geared specifically for the Raleigh-Durham NC area. That includes Duke University Medical, UNC-Chapel Hill Hospitals, Wake Med, Rex. It also includes information [...]
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  Posted: November 20, 2009, 8:48pm EST
  by jodigirl1000

• The opportunity to give care reveals character

  Number of comments: 2
  Over the course of the last several years, I have learned a lot about people. I have learned that when we as human beings are faced with crisis, hardships, illness, death, some of us will falter and others of us will thrive. I am just an attorney and journalist. I [...]
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  Posted: November 19, 2009, 10:36pm EST
  by jodigirl1000

• Thank you US Senator Richard Burr (NC) for being a true representative

  Number of comments: 0
  Here are some more photos of US Senator Richard Burr speaking with patriots from NC that traveled up to DC to talk about health care. Senator Burr thought nothing of speaking with and listening to constituents - that what elected officials are supposed to do!
  [...]
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  Posted: November 10, 2009, 9:14am EST
  by jodigirl1000

• NC has a real US Senator in Richard Burr!

  Number of comments: 0
  Not every state is fortunate to have a real
  patriot serve as a US Senator for them.
  
  NC may only have one Senator that listens to constituents - we are proud to call him ours! US Senator Richard Burr (R NC) took time out of [...]
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  Posted: November 10, 2009, 9:07am EST
  by jodigirl1000

• Beware of Carle Clinic Association (Urbana, IL)

  Number of comments: 0
  From (IMHO) terrible, dangerous and unaccountable orthopedic surgeons (Chris Dangles, MD) to pediatric physicians who pose as pediatric oncologists (Mark Musselman, MD) and now a medical cancer researcher is suing Carle Clinic because the facility allegedly fired her after she
  
  . . . believed [Dr. Kendrith Rowland] was [...]
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  Posted: November 08, 2009, 12:26pm EST
  by jodigirl1000

• Health Care Reform - Thanks you Senator Richard Burr (NC)

  Number of comments: 0
  
  To the left is the 11-5-2009 photo taken in DC on the Senate steps of the Capital. The gentleman in the khaki pants and blue jacket is US Senator Richard Burr. He is speaking with NC patriots who drove up on a moments notice to [...]
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  Posted: November 06, 2009, 9:15am EST
  by jodigirl1000

• AAOS Position Statement on Health Care Reform

  Number of comments: 0
  Kudos to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) for providing me with an official position on health care reform:
  
  It's long but important for everyone to understand where the physicians' organizations stand! Thank you to Lauren Pearson, Media Relations Specialist, AAOS for providing information to educate the patients!!
  [...]
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  Posted: October 08, 2009, 4:36pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Dr Hope Uronis is a dangerous oncologist

  Number of comments: 1
  I read an interesting tidbit on Duke's website. http://snipie.com/pnf
  
  It is tough for me to look at the face of a woman (Dr. Hope Uronis) who nearly killed my father because she ignored a Duke Clinic oncologist's recommendation.
  
  Apparently a very lucky woman was referred to [...]
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  Posted: October 02, 2009, 5:08pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Care-giving means sleeping with "broken leg"

  Number of comments: 0
  My leg looks more and more deformed. Not really swollen - just deformed. I need crutches to walk.
  
  My mom looks at the knee area is afraid. But she knows what I know . . . I have nowhere to go to get medical (especially orthopedic) help in North [...]
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  Posted: September 30, 2009, 1:59am EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Regardless of award - elderly cancer patients should be afraid of Dr. Veshana Ramiah

  Number of comments: 0
  I just read the funniest thing on the Internet today! "Dr" Veshana Ramiah (Duke University Hospital hospitalist) won an award! [snipie.com]
  
  I wonder whether the group that gave this woman an award (Southern Society for Clinical Investigation) knows that she nearly killed my dad by completely ignoring a [...]
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  Posted: September 29, 2009, 5:08pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Protect your elderly - avoid Duke University Hospital

  Number of comments: 0
  
  
  
  Readers of this blog have a sense that my dad (75 years old) has Stage 4 cancer (colon to liver) and suffered complications from chemotherapy.
  
  In fact, in August 2008, Duke hospitalist Veshana Ramiah, MD ignored an infection [...]
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  Posted: September 28, 2009, 10:34am EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• I was injured at Duke Hospital

  Number of comments: 1
  It has been some time since I have felt strong enough to blog.
  
  About two and one-half weeks ago I had a (should have been) simple MRI at Duke University Hospital (North) in Durham, North Carolina. My orthopedic surgeon in Chicago requested an MRI. Since [...]
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  Posted: September 27, 2009, 11:24am EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Dad has one more month

  Number of comments: 0
  My dad (76 year old Stage 4 cancer patient who was horribly mistreated by Duke University Hospital hospitalists) has one more month in an external fixator.
  
  We have no law suit against Duke.
  
  But knowing dad is getting the exfix off soon does not make his moans [...]
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  Posted: September 10, 2009, 10:05am EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Tort Reform is not the answer

  Number of comments: 0
  I was injured by an orthopedic surgeon's decision to perform absolutely unnecessary surgery. I trusted that physician. While I was wobbling around on crutches and the three surgeries failed, I became sad.
  
  The orthopedic surgeon's colleague put me on antidepressants, tranquilizers and a host of other psych drugs.
  [...]
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  Posted: September 10, 2009, 9:27am EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• I registered to vote in NC

  Number of comments: 0
  On Wednesday September 8, 2009, I (together a group of absolutely awesome conservatives) met with the Chairman of the NC GOP.
  
  Immediately after leaving the meeting, I registered to vote in NC as "unaffiliated."
  
  Enough said.
  [...]
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  Posted: September 10, 2009, 9:24am EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• My view from the back of a ObamaCare bus

  Number of comments: 1
  I attended the ObamaCare "get er done" (with my apologies to rednecks everywhere) in Raleigh NC yesterday (Thursday, September 3, 2009).
  
  It was in a word pitiful.
  
  There was a outdoor stage with a group of democrats helping the small crowd chant "yes we can." The North [...]
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  Posted: September 04, 2009, 8:27pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Protecting NC from Pittsboro

  Number of comments: 0
  Today was quite a day. I grabbed an American flag, poster board paper and drove from Cary to Pittsboro, NC.
  
  There are really very few reasons to drive to Pittsboro. But it was important today. U.S. Representative Bob Ethridge was returning home - proud as a country peacock [...]
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  Posted: September 04, 2009, 8:17pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Health Insurance Reform Bus today

  Number of comments: 0
  It is amazing that I even give a hoot about protecting the medical professional and people's access to it.
  
  It will be a long time before I can blog about Duke Medical for some time. I am not inclined to blog when I am disappointed, sad and angry.' [...]
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  Posted: September 03, 2009, 2:29pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• "Health Insurance Reform Now" Bus Tour - Raleigh, NC

  Number of comments: 0
  The Obama machine has organized a "Health Insurance Reform Now" Bus Tour. The bus will stop in Raleigh NC at the Emergency Department of Wake Med Hospital! [snipie.com]
  
  What genius thought of that venue? How disruptive will that be for patients?
  
  Time: Thursday, September 3 from 5:00 [...]
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  Posted: August 30, 2009, 2:53pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• S.773 Cybersecurity Act of 2009 - ObamaWeb

  Number of comments: 0
  Just when we thought that Obama was content with controlling our health care, Senator John Rockefeller (West Va) introduces the "Cybersecurity Act of 2009." [snipie.com]
  
  A bill to ensure the continued free flow of commerce within the United States and with its global trading partners through secure cyber [...]
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  Posted: August 30, 2009, 2:26pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Who deserves health care - elderly or prisoners?

  Number of comments: 0
  I am disturbed that the "mad scientist" Zeke Emanuel (brother of ballet dancer and Obama senior advisor Rahm Emanuel) believes that the Hippocratic Oath is an inherent problem for physicians. Dr. Emanuel believes that the Hippocratic Oath causes the physician to care more for the patient than society as a [...]
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  Posted: August 28, 2009, 3:37pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Bad experiences with hospitalists & US Rep Brad Miller

  Number of comments: 0
  Readers of this blog know that my dad (and myself) have experienced horrifying and life threatening experiences with arrogant, uncaring and self absorbed hospitalists.
  
  When I met with US Representative Brad Miller (NC) he expressed pride that a member of his family left private practice to become a hospitalist! [...]
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  Posted: August 28, 2009, 1:50am EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• The case for NO TORT REFORM - Chris Dangles, MD

  Number of comments: 0
  My friends and family tell me that the last nine (9) years of my life have been ruined by medical malpractice. I disagree. No one can ruin my life unless I give them permission.
  
  I consented that Chris J. Dangles, M.D. could perform multiple unnecessary surgeries on my ankles. [...]
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  Posted: August 28, 2009, 12:12am EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• NC must vote US Rep Brad Miller (NC) out of office

  Number of comments: 1
  It has taken me longer than I had hoped to "blog" about my meeting with US Representative Brad Miller (NC). In part, I attribute the delay to the absolute shock of the experience.
  
  In approximately February 2009, I contacted Brad Miller's office and asked to meet with the Congressman' [...]
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  Posted: August 13, 2009, 10:26am EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Planned mtg with US Rep Brad Miller (NC-D)

  Number of comments: 1
  I have a meeting planned with US Rep Brad Miller (NC-D) on Friday 8-7-09. We get a small group of 5-8 and 30 minutes.
  
  Unlike all the hype I see on the media. There will be no effigies burning or disrespectful signage. There will be no screaming or [...]
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  Posted: August 04, 2009, 10:37pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Dr. Chris Dangles (IL) & Dr. Veshana S. Ramiah (Duke)

  Number of comments: 0
  Chris J. Dangles, MD is still teaching orthopedic surgery students?? Yikes! Adult reconstruction? Yikes! I hope Dr. Dangles is leaving the ankle reconstruction lessons to someone else!
  
  From 2009-2010 Program Guide:
  ELEC 640: Orthopedics
  
  Clerkship Director: James Sobeski, M.D. – (217) 383-4296
  Other Participants: Robert Bane, M.D.
  [...]
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  Posted: August 04, 2009, 9:44pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Call to Action for NC Conservatives

  Number of comments: 1
  Kudos to my buddy Stephen for being a great American.
  
  Greetings,
  
  This Friday, August 7, at 4:15pm, Rep. Brad Miller(D) has agreed to a meeting with some of his conservative constituents. He was reluctant, for obvious reasons, but only gave us a week's notice in hopes that' [...]
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  Posted: August 04, 2009, 11:23am EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Caregiving requires courage

  As my readers know, my dad has been mistreated by Duke University Hospital North in Durham NC. The instances have been horrifying, culminating in DUH hospitalist Dr V Ramiah ignoring an infection in August 2008. Dad has undergone 5 surgeries and multiple hospitalizations.
  
  But dad's bone isn't healing properly' [...]
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  Posted: August 03, 2009, 10:09pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• MGMA Health Care Consulting Group & Carle Clinic (Urbana Illinois)

  Number of comments: 0
  Some creepy medical clinics like Carle Clinic in Urbana, Illinois, are actually requiring that patients make a prepayment before "non-emergency procedures." My question is whether the orthopedics department at Carle Clinic (specifically Chris Dangles, M.D.) requires partial prepayment for surgeries when the surgeon does not know why he is performing [...]
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  Posted: July 25, 2009, 9:16am EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Caregiving when friends and family are unsupportive

  Number of comments: 0
  I want to make it clear that I did not choose to put my life on hold and take care of my dad for the accolades. I did it so he would survive with dignity, love and a medical advocate. My family and "friends" have effectively deserted me and it [...]
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  Posted: July 17, 2009, 10:35pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• US Congressman David Price: My dad risked his life to tell you NO to ObamaCare

  Number of comments: 0
  A gathering was planned at US Congressman David Price's Office in Chapel Hill, North Carolina (organized by "randyRepublican"). Check out his website - it is thoughtful and important.
  
  My 76 year old dad desperately wanted to be there and so I helped into the car. But dad got ill [...]
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  Posted: July 17, 2009, 10:54am EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Senators Coburn, Burr and Representatives Ryan, Nunes Offer A Better Path Forward on Health Care Reform

  Number of comments: 0
  It is good to see my NC Senator (Richard Burr) is part of an alternative to the tragedy that is ObamaCare.
  
  

  WASHINGTON – Earlier today, U.S. Senators Tom Coburn, M.D. (R-OK) and Richard Burr (R-NC) and U.S. Representatives Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Devin Nunes (R-CA) introduced health care reform [...]

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  Posted: July 15, 2009, 10:58pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• US Rep Jack Kingston (GA) versus Obama Czars

  Number of comments: 0
  Jack Kingston is precisely what this country needs.
  
  Just about when I am about to "take off running shoes and leave the human race" (with my apologies to Fred Flintstone), Jack Kingston steps up and shows America what it mens to be a leader. Thank you sir.
  
  [...]
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  Posted: July 15, 2009, 10:22pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Hospitalist = Stranger Doctor = Obama Care

  Number of comments: 0
  I am beginning to feel like a broken record but here I go again - when you are admitted into a hospital in the United States you will be evaluated, triaged and maybe treated by a virtual stranger doctor (unless, as with many patients in this defective system, you are [...]
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  Posted: July 14, 2009, 10:34pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Watch out for Obama Care during Sotomayor Hearings

  Number of comments: 0
  Obama is anxious to get his Obama Care through this week. While Sotomayor is demonstrating her inarticulate attempts to weasel through answers and her remarkable lack of ability to orally express her legal reasoning.
  
  So while we are all watching Sotomayor struggle to explain herself (causing that little wrinkle [...]
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  Posted: July 14, 2009, 9:49am EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• I lost my daddy thanks to mistreatment by Duke University Hospital

  Number of comments: 0
  It has been 11 months since Duke University Hospital missed dad's infection. At the admission, I begged the "hospitalist" Veshana Ramiah, MD to contact dad's oncologists and orthopedic surgeon. She flatly said "no." Dr. Ramiah reminded me that she was completely in charge.
  
  I was so scared for my [...]
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  Posted: July 14, 2009, 11:57pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Senator Byrd learned - Don't mess with Obama's Czars

  Number of comments: 0
  Great Article Real Clear Politics.
  
  So, Senator Byrd warns Obama not to use the administration's Czars in an attempt to take power away from the legislative branch. Hmmm.
  
  Has anyone seen Senator Byrd since he made that comment? Presumably sick. Lesson: Don’t mess with BHO’s Czars.
  
  Obama's' [...]
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  Posted: July 13, 2009, 9:42pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Sotomayor demands illegals be included in Obama Care?

  Number of comments: 0
  I am watching the Sotomayor hearing. Thus far, I have listened to Senators giving campaign speeches. What a waste.
  
  Here is what I want to know:
  
  (1) what is Sotomayor's involvement with the National Council of La Raza? and
  (2) what is Sotomayor's involvement with that organization's' [...]
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  Posted: July 13, 2009, 12:07pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• "Defensive Medicine" is a Red Herring

  Number of comments: 0
  I hear frankly crap about how physicians and surgeons are practicing "defensive medicine" and ordering otherwise unnecessary tests for fear of being sued.
  
  I do not believe it. I have never experienced it. Insurance companies would never cover the costs of unnecessary tests.
  
  IMHO, hospitals and medical clinics [...]
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  Posted: July 12, 2009, 12:54am EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• No Electronic Medical record - Yes Electronic Pharmacy Records

  Number of comments: 0
  Number One:
  
  There is absolutely no reason to have a national electronic medical record data base for all Americans. There is a big difference between electronic medical record sharing between associated clinics, doctors and hospitals AND electronic medical record sharing with doctors, clinics, hospitals, governmental entities in the United [...]
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  Posted: July 10, 2009, 8:30pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• The Medco/Obama Care connection

  Number of comments: 0
  Oh. just when I wonder when my personally paid (and not tax deductible) health care insurance premium will provide me with access to necessary orthopedic treatment ....
  
  I remember that Medco (the large pharmaceutical company that destroyed Medical Part D and has left elderly patients frustrated by CEO David [...]
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  Posted: July 07, 2009, 12:21am EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• The impact of multiple physician errors

  Number of comments: 4
  My dad is a strong man. The fact that he has survived the repeated errors and mistreatment by physicians speaks volumes about is inner strength and motivation to live.
  
  The errors and mistreatment has been exclusively by Duke University Hospital "stranger doctors" (hospitalists). The medical care that my dad [...]
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  Posted: July 06, 2009, 10:45pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Caregiving as my family is beaten to death by Duke Medical

  My mom and I share the nightly responsibilities of caring for my dad. Actually he does pretty well at night. But if he needs to transfer to the bed-side commode then it is best that either mom or I assist.
  
  Tonight is my night. And it is just as [...]
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  Posted: July 05, 2009, 1:38am EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Happy July 4 - I want my country back

  Number of comments: 0
  Happy July 4. Remember what the founding fathers wanted for this country.
  
  I sometimes wonder what the founding fathers would think of how we are doing with the country. I regret that I believe they would be disappointed in us.
  
  Obama is taking our country in a direction [...]
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  Posted: July 04, 2009, 1:31am EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• HIPAA violations & Michael Jackson --- I can relate

  Number of comments: 0
  I am disgusted that this purported nurse of Michael Jackson is talking about requests that Jackson apparently made to the nurse for the drug Dipravan.
  
  HIPAA is a critical requirement for the privacy of patients. The duties under HIPAA apply to nurses and they survive the patient's death. This' [...]
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  Posted: July 04, 2009, 12:03am EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Empirical evidence: Safety is not a prioirty at Duke Hospital

  Number of comments: 0
  The Duke University Hospital website claims to be concerned with patient safety. [See below] And, I am sure that conceptually, the staff and administration would indeed prefer that a patient did not slip on a banana peel in the hallway. But beyond the obvious, I have experienced the pre-hospitalists program [...]
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  Posted: June 28, 2009, 11:44pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Caregiving - orthopedics understands pain

  Number of comments: 0
  One of the toughest parts of caregiving is watching your loved one suffer and you feel helpless. My dad has been suffering with remarkable pain with his external fixator.
  
  Sometimes when my dad is in a lot of pain, he loses some cognitive and mental function. Through the two [...]
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  Posted: June 26, 2009, 2:41pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Caregiving when elderly patient is in pain

  Number of comments: 1
  
  When I first entered the Duke Medical Clinic where I was treated by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mark E. Easley, there was a sign in his office that stated "We do not want you to be in pain" and "Ask us how to help manage your" [...]
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  Posted: June 26, 2009, 11:01pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Care-giving while fighting with adult siblings

  Number of comments: 0
  Care-giving is made unnecessarily complicated, depressing and just plain difficult when conflicts and disagreements occur between siblings of aging parents. My family (at least the maternal side) is chuck full of history on this unfortunate topic. I did not know about my family's history until I was in the midst' [...]
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  Posted: June 18, 2009, 9:33am EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Obama care destruction of private health insurance

  Number of comments: 0
  Joe Biden and President Obama have misled the American people.
  
  It is plainly dishonest to tell the American people that "if you like your insurance coverage and doctor then you can keep them"! Once again, the Obama administration is preying on the naivety and desperation of a segment [...]
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  Posted: June 14, 2009, 4:29pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Who should caregive? Family or Government

  Number of comments: 0
  First, let me be clear - I absolutely believe that as adult children we have a moral and ethical obligation to care for elderly parents unless the care would be impossible for medical reasons.
  
  I also believe that family members should be the soft landing place whenever there is [...]
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  Posted: June 12, 2009, 9:47pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Nancy-Ann DeParle: Your Healthcare Czar

  Number of comments: 0
  Does Nancy-Ann DeParle's bio from the White House website include her appointment in Fall 2008 to the Board of Directors of Medco (the company that runs Medicare Part D and which is run by CEO David L. Snow, Jr.)? How is Medicare Part D working for seniors? If Nancy is' [...]
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  Posted: June 10, 2009, 5:18pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Oprah's support of Hospitalist Progarm Model is uninformed & wrong

  Number of comments: 2
  Sorry Oprah but you (and the well-respected Dr. Oz) are just plain wrong on this one. Hospitalists are not a part of the medical system to ensure good medical care.
  
  In fact, at least at Duke University Hospital (DUH), the hospitalists endanger patients' lives and even have (in my' [...]
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  Posted: June 10, 2009, 12:11am EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Are 2007 Duke Orthopedic Residency program doctors "bad"?

  Number of comments: 4
  I have dealt with many doctors and surgeons at Duke University Hospital. As I have mentioned, beware of Hospitalists. I frankly have never encountered a Hospitalist at Duke University Hospital that would even communicate with (much less follow the recommendations of) my dad's current treating Duke Clinic doctors.
  
  Duke' [...]
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  Posted: June 06, 2009, 3:54pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Survive a short hospital stay (at Duke University Hospital)

  Number of comments: 0
  I want to take a step back and review how we keep patients (especially elderly patients) safe and alive during a hospital stay.
  
  IMHO, summers are probably the worst time to undergo surgery at a teaching hospital. There are a new (and largely untested) crop of young doctor wannabees. [...]
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  Posted: June 05, 2009, 1:36am EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Caregiving at Duke University Hospital is exhausting

  I cannot imagine how Obama care will make our medical care system any more routine and any less patient oriented. IMHO and at least with respect to elderly (Medicare) patients, Duke University Hospital has already embraced a bottom line dollar focus and an insensitivity to the special needs of this [...]
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  Posted: June 03, 2009, 1:03am EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Tom Daschle believes that quality of medical care in the US sucks

  Number of comments: 0
  There are several quotes from Tom Daschle's book "Critical: What We Can do About the Health-Care Crisis." Some comments are ridiculous to the point of being bizarre. However, some statements by Daschle are insulting, uninformed and reveal by their very words why neither Tom Daschle nor any cohort in his' [...]
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  Posted: May 29, 2009, 11:49pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Karl Rove at Chicago Theatre on Thurs 5-28-09

  Number of comments: 0
  Oh there are many times that I wish I were back in my adopted home town of Chicago.
  
  Once such time is right now. Karl Rove will be participating in the 2009 Speaker Series at the Chicago Theater.
  
  On Thursday at the Chicago Theatre, Karl Rove, former senior [...]
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  Posted: May 28, 2009, 11:08pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Is your orthopedic surgeon board certified?

  Number of comments: 0
  My dad's impending orthopedic surgery gets me in advocate mode again.
  
  I have been injured, damaged, abandoned by orthopedic surgeons Carle Clinic Association's Chris Dangles, M.D. and Duke Sports Medicine's Alison Toth, M.D.)
  
  I have also had incredibly terrific orthopedic surgeons. And, right now, the most important fact' [...]
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  Posted: May 25, 2009, 4:34pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Care-giving when you are running on empty

  Number of comments: 0
  Dad is scheduled for foot surgery at Duke Medical one week from today.
  
  Duke University Hospital has worn my dad out through its repeated errors and lack of competence. (I would never take him back to any place or any one with the name Duke associated except that dad's' [...]
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  Posted: May 25, 2009, 9:42am EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Triangle Conservatives (NC) still lack integrity

  Number of comments: 0
  I still cannot believe that I was kicked out of Triangle (NC) Conservatives (who pride themselves on adhering to Glenn Beck's 9-12 principles). I was kicked out because I expressed that I was feeling pushed away when I had some great ideas about health care reform. I explained that I' [...]
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  Posted: May 25, 2009, 11:30pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Wake up old people - the AARP is playing you!!

  Number of comments: 0
  Seriously, wake up elderly Americans. The AARP is playing you. They played you when they got into the scheme with David Snow, Jr for the ridiculous (except for Snow and his company Medco).
  
  Where is the AARP when Medicare denies coverage for virtual colonoscopies? Absent. And many old people [...]
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  Posted: May 24, 2009, 9:31pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Obama health-care and illegal aliens

  Number of comments: 0
  How is Obama care going to include illegal aliens in its health care "let's cover everyone" plan? Has anyone told the immigrant rights groups about this glitch?
  
  C'mon. These advocates are pretty darn politically savvy. Certainly these advocates know that the illegals won't be included in the Obama' [...]
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  Posted: May 23, 2009, 12:29am EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Does Conservatives for Patients' Rights agree with Senator Richard Burr proposal?

  Number of comments: 5
  I hope that the phenomenal group Conservative for Patients' Rights (CPRights.org) will make a statement to let us know what they think of the Republican proposal (Patients Choice Act --- [www.house.gov].)
  
  
  Republicans must keep the conversation going!
  

  [...]
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  Posted: May 21, 2009, 12:45am EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Have you checked out Conservatives for Patients Rights yet?

  Number of comments: 0
  It is very easy. And it is critically important. President Obama has stated that it is inappropriate for family doctors to waste time and money on elderly patients' care when the physician is focused primarily on "HOPE." I thought that Obama was the President of HOPE.
  
  Get on this' [...]
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  Posted: May 21, 2009, 12:16am EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Care-giver feel supporter by Duke medical community

  Number of comments: 0
  This is whack post that I would never expect to write. But when a job is well done . . . it is well done.
  
  My dad had an appointment today with "pre-op" for his June 1, 2009, foot surgery. usually the pre-op in Clinic 2D at Duke South [...]
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  Posted: May 21, 2009, 11:53pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Shout out to US Senator Richard Burr (NC) for advocating health care

  Number of comments: 0
  Republicans finally add to health care debate. And after being embarrassed by NC's former governor Mike Easley is under investigation for being a criminal.
  
  Shout out to my United States Senator Richard Burr (NC). Senator Burr is doing his constituents well by being a part of the solution. Let's [...]
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  Posted: May 21, 2009, 11:33pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• The elderly still trust the medical community

  My dad's orthopedic surgery is scheduled for Monday June 1, 2009. Dad is 75 years old and has had a tough couple of years.
  
  It has taken a bit of time for the reality of the surgery to set in. What this means is that the Duke Clinic' [...]
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  Posted: May 16, 2009, 7:32pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Link between dumping babies at daycare & ignoring elderly parents?

  Number of comments: 0
  I am concerned about the frequency and indifference with which adult children dump their elderly parents in retirement homes. (Be clear, I do not mean elderly persons with medical conditions or even those with a passion for dorm style community living.)
  
  The website youcanbetheone.com is horrifying. I get [...]
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  Posted: May 14, 2009, 9:59pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Laura Long & lack of accountability/honesty

  Number of comments: 0
  After Laura Long knew that my dad has Stage 4 cancer and I have cancer and all that I ever wanted was to use my tons of time to do gut work, she told me to leave the group.
  
  I expressed to Laura Long that I had a [...]
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  Posted: May 14, 2009, 11:43pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Dad needs orthopedic surgery & chemo before Obama-care

  Number of comments: 0
  Yippee, all the health care red tape I maneuvered and my care for dad worked. Dad is being scheduled for orthopedic surgery by the finest orthopedic surgeon and human being I know, Mark Easley, MD (Duke).
  
  The plan is that dad will be rehabbing for 3 months. Then, dad [...]
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  Posted: May 13, 2009, 10:55pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Triangle Conservatives 9-12ers make me cry

  Number of comments: 0
  I joined the Triangle Conservatives (9-12 Project) because I admire Glenn Beck and conservative values.
  
  The following is a email that I sent to Glenn Beck and his producers.
  
  
  BOTTOM LINE (in advance) and sorry for the long email. My life has been a tragedy of [...]
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  Posted: May 13, 2009, 10:42pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Dreaming of Cancer Walks

  Number of comments: 0
  I try to be sensitive to other breast cancer survivors. But, I have never been an advocate of the whole pink ribbon & sistership rah-rah breast cancer thing. IMHO cancer is ugly and life changing. No amount of pink fluff and ribbons can change my reality.
  
  I sometimes get [...]
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  Posted: May 09, 2009, 1:04am EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Thank you to Instead Electronic Cigarettes

  Number of comments: 1
  I am not a doctor. But I am a family member of smokers who frankly enjoy the process of smoking tobacco.
  
  Having a dad with Stage 4 colon cancer who craves cigarettes is heart breaking. I cannot let him smoke. And other family members smoked cigarettes where dad was [...]
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  Posted: May 09, 2009, 11:15pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• NO to Medicare for All

  Number of comments: 0
  What am I missing?
  
  The advocates of universal health care and a single payer system actually proudly proclaim "Medicare for All." What?
  
  The web-site "Public Citizen" states
  
  Our fragmented health care system fails to cover nearly 50 million Americans, and tens of millions more cannot afford [...]
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  Posted: May 08, 2009, 5:43pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Physicians for a National Health Program?

  Probably one of the most frightening possibilities is that our country will adopt a universal care/single-payer system.
  
  We should always be skeptical of a group that controls conflicting opinions. What are they scared of?
  
  I am speaking specifically of the group "Physicians for a National Health Program." This [...]
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  Posted: May 08, 2009, 4:24pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• "MD Whistleblower" Blog

  Number of comments: 1
  Dad is having a restful day. I dragged him (and myself) to his routine physical therapy appointment (we do this 3x a week). He did great and wore himself out. Ahhh. Now I can get some homework done.
  
  I stumbled on a blog that I really like: [mdwhistleblower.blogspot.com]
  [...]
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  Posted: May 06, 2009, 2:44pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Just say "no" to Obama's healthcare reform

  Number of comments: 0
  Part of care-giving is that you will become an insurance "expert." You certainly should not be intimidated by the medical provider's billing department and insurance companies. I have come to believe that medical care providers typically hire high school drop outs or prisoners on work release.
  
  As Obama rants' [...]
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  Posted: May 06, 2009, 11:27pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Caregiving when patient stops trusting Duke orthopedics

  Number of comments: 0
  Duke orthopedics stalls until my dad either completely gives up or is dead. And I am too worn out to advocate much longer. (That should make Duke happy.)
  
  My dad was so thrilled when his Duke oncologist told him that the slow growing cancers can wait . . . [...]
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  Posted: May 03, 2009, 1:03am EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Backburning your own care as you care give

  Number of comments: 0
  It is very important to take care of yourself while you advocate and care give.
  
  Unfortunately, I have not taken my own advise. I cannot recall when I last saw my oncologist (I completed treatment in 2007) and I have had no scans or x-rays for 2 years.
  
  [...]
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  Posted: April 30, 2009, 9:28pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Do cancer patients deserve orthopedic surgery?

  Number of comments: 0
  For reasons that are known only to Duke orthopedics, my dad underwent CT scans and was formally "cleared" by his Duke oncologist for orthopedic surgery.
  
  1. Dad has Stage 4 cancer.
  
  2. After a few rounds of chemotherapy in June and July 2008, dad was hospitalized for [...]
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  Posted: April 30, 2009, 8:41pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Hospice patients live too long

  Number of comments: 0
  Apparently our federal government is irritated that dying patients are living too long. Huh?
  
  ESSAY REQUIREMENT ADDED TO MEDICARE HOSPICE REFERRAL PROCESS
  BALTIMORE, April 22 -- Starting next year, Medicare coverage of hospice care will require physicians to write a "short narrative" describing the patient's clinical condition, under a' [...]
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  Posted: April 28, 2009, 9:08pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Is Duke Medical stalling in hopes dad will die?

  Number of comments: 0
  I am not a medical professional. But I being educated both in practical experience and in tradition college classes.
  
  I have followed each and every order and direction that Duke Medical gave me.
  
  Dad was diagnosed with colon cancer 2 years ago. Following the directions of phenomenal clinicians [...]
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  Posted: April 18, 2009, 10:28pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Care-giving gets sad: family members and friends turn cold

  Number of comments: 0
  It is not easy to be a care-giver 24/7. Sure, we got the "Easter Reprieve" from family members.
  
  And as patient advocates and care-givers, when you have those precious few moments of peace and respite . . . savor them. They definitely do not last. And frankly we cannot [...]
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  Posted: April 17, 2009, 11:50pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Shame on Chapel Hill's "Asthetic Solutions"

  Number of comments: 0
  My email to the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Health Center, the Executive Director of the NC Inclusive Health Program and the office of NC Representative Nelson Dollar (an amazing representative that gives 110% to each of his constituents needs and the betterment of our state.)
  
  I really think that you [...]
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  Posted: April 12, 2009, 10:18pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Easter respite for caregivers

  Number of comments: 0
  I cannot emphasize enough the importance of families and friends (especially family) providing respite for the fellow family member caregivers. Care-giving is a thankless job. The rest of your family member and friends will never get what you deal with every day.
  
  Care-givers are in the trenches everyday.
  [...]
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  Posted: April 11, 2009, 10:56pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Breast cancer survivors - AVOID "Aesthetic Solutions" in Chapel Hill, NC

  Number of comments: 4
  Avoid Aesthetic Solutions in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Cancer patients (at least those who lost jobs, do not have insurance through employment and rely on high risk pool insurance).
  
  Just do not go to Aesthetic Solutions in Chapel Hill, NC. There are options. You could go to Dr. Cynthia [...]
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  Posted: April 09, 2009, 10:00am EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Sleepless in North Crolina

  Number of comments: 4
  I love the sound of peace as my dad gets a good night of sleep. I hate missing dad's peace and good rest by sleeping.
  
  Dad had a great day. He asked me specific questions about why he has not had the last orthopedic surgery and what exactly he' [...]
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  Posted: April 02, 2009, 10:32pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Why do people become doctors (esp at Duke Medical)?

  Number of comments: 0
  It is very late at night. I have not been able to sleep at all - despite the best efforts of my psychiatrist's recommendations for medications. Just cannot sleep.
  
  I have been studying for my post graduate school classes (HIPAA and anatomy/physiology). I already took the medical insurance, coding' [...]
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  Posted: April 02, 2009, 3:10am EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Holding apartment complex responsible as I caregive

  Number of comments: 0
  I reiterate that when you are considering an apartment home, you would be wise to consider the "worst case scenario."
  
  And, in that regard, I strongly discourage anyone from renting from an apartment managed by BH Management (headquartered in Texas). I specifically strongly discourage anyone from renting an apartment [...]
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  Posted: March 30, 2009, 10:48pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• No better orthopedic surgeon than Duke's Dr. Mark Easley

  Number of comments: 0
  I cannot believe that it has been an entire week since I blogged. I have been back and forth between my two homes (Chicago, IL and Cary, NC).
  
  I was in Chicago last week seeing some of my favorite people. I met one of my long lost cousins. An [...]
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  Posted: March 30, 2009, 9:38pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Perhaps some hope with Duke Medical

  Number of comments: 0
  Thank goodness for Brian Evans, MD (dad's urologist). He is an incredible physician, surgeon and human being.
  
  Dr. Evans went out of his way to contact an Infectious Disease physician at Duke Medical. Dr. Evans knew that dad needed the ID clearance before the Duke orthopedic surgeon would complete' [...]
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  Posted: March 24, 2009, 11:59pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Is my dad too old for Duke Medical to care about him?

  Number of comments: 0
  In my heart, I believe that Duke Medical (infectious disease, orthopedics) figures that since my dad is old, he is not worth the trouble. He is 75 years old and suffering. If dad died from the infection then Duke Medical figures "so what." My dad's death will be no skin [...]
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  Posted: March 23, 2009, 9:41am EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Duke orthopedic surgeon should take a cue from Coach K

  Number of comments: 0
  I missed an opportunity at a job interview because dad is not doing great. Bummer. I wish Duke Medical would help my dad so that I could move on with my life.
  
  Same old, same old. Dad is oriented to self, date, time, place. He just hurts. Dad's foot [...]
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  Posted: March 16, 2009, 10:19am EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• If dad was a cat, would Duke Medical euthanize him?

  Number of comments: 0
  It is very early on a Monday morning. Dad is wide awake, moaning in pain and, of course, that means that I am wide awake.
  
  Pain is scary for someone who cannot ambulate normally. It is especially scary because if he needs to move, he is afraid of [...]
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  Posted: March 16, 2009, 2:23am EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• My role on the team is the care-giver

  Number of comments: 0
  It is very late at night. I am exhausted. I have worked with dad all day. Getting him in and out of the car is tough when it is raining and cold.
  
  Then I dealt with Duke Clinic support staff telling me b.s. like "well, you may not want" [...]
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  Posted: March 14, 2009, 11:47pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Caregiving - what are my responsibilities?

  Number of comments: 0
  I have had a tough week. My dad is suffering. His foot is not in great shape. He is a great deal of pain.
  
  When we left the Duke University Hospital after the 3-week stint in November 2008, Duke Orthopedic Surgeon organized a discharge plan.
  
  The orthopedic [...]
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  Posted: March 13, 2009, 8:26pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Dental hygienists are investigating Illinois' orthopedic surgeons?

  Number of comments: 0
  This blog actually started after my Duke Medical orthopedic surgeon told me that he "did not want to get involved" in my filing a medical malpractice claim against Champaign, Illinois/Carle Clinic Association orthopedic surgeon, Chris J. Dangles, M.D.
  
  After some research, I began to understand that the Chicago-based American [...]
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  Posted: March 10, 2009, 8:51pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000

• Do not take your elderly patients to Duke University Hospital

  Number of comments: 0
  The original title was "Don't take your elderly patients to DUH." My mom requested that I just suggest that families "reconsider."
  
  Does Duke Risk Management (or anyone else at DUH) care about elderly and sick patients?
  
  Ohhh . . . I can answer my own question after leaving' [...]
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  Posted: March 10, 2009, 3:48pm EDT
  by jodigirl1000