Since the pandemic began, many Americans have turned to telemedicine as a safe and reliable way to visit their doctor.  Telemedicine, also called telehealth, delivers a doctor’s care via electronic communication. It was first introduced in the 1950s to serve remote areas of the country where quality medical care was lacking or difficult to access.  While interest in telemedicine has grown over the years, when COVID-19 hit and turned our lives upside down with quarantine and shelter-in-place orders, it suddenly exploded across the U.S. The convenience factor of being able to see your healthcare provider without leaving your home has surged in popularity, and telemedicine seems here to stay even if and when the pandemic begins to subside.  However, using telehealth as a substitute … [Read More...]

Johnson & Johnson, which used to be known primarily for its household staples like Band-Aids and baby powder but has roared to the front of the Big Pharma world with its vaccine and powerful drugs, is separating into two companies: one dealing with consumer health products like its classic shampoos, Listerine and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs like Tylenol, and the other focused on pharmaceuticals and medical devices like surgical tools, cancer drugs and of course, vaccines.  It’s the boldest move ever made by the healthcare giant, which was formed more than a century ago in 1886. Why Is Johnson & Johnson Splitting Companies? Despite a few roadblocks with its COVID-19 vaccine, the pharmaceuticals unit will finish the year at $80 billion in sales, leaving health and … [Read More...]

Healthcare giant Johnson and Johnson has sparked outrage by using a  controversial law to block nearly 40,000 pending lawsuits claiming their beloved baby powder has caused cancer for decades. Furthermore, the company knew this and did not disclose it.  The archaic Texas corporation law, known colloquially as the “Texas Two-Step,” allowed J&J to establish a brand new subsidiary in Texas called LTL Management, move it to North Carolina (another state where this strategy is common practice) and then pass all of its mass-tort liability lawsuits to the new company. LTL then filed for bankruptcy, and bankruptcy protection temporarily halts any lawsuits against them.  Splitting Johnson and Johnson into two companies means that claimants are much less likely to win large settlements from the smaller … [Read More...]

The new Peacock TV show “Dr. Death” may have you thinking about dangerous doctors. How do dangerous doctors fall through the cracks? What’s the difference between a medical malpractice lawsuit and doctors losing their licenses? What are things to look for in choosing a doctor, and what questions should you ask to ensure you don’t end up seeing a Dr. Death? “Dr. Death” is based on the real-life story of Texas-based surgeon Christopher Duntsch. He was a surgeon sentenced to life in prison in 2017 after maiming and nearly killing more than 36 patients between 2011-2013. It’s believed that his actions directly caused injury and death to these patients. He was allowed to continue practicing during this time due to his stellar reputation, incredible credentials and the slow … [Read More...]