Tag: Medicare

Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Reveal Poor Care at Holiday Care Center

Because we are attorneys that represent many clients in nursing home abuse cases in New Jersey and Philadelphia, we continue to investigate and post on nursing homes that have been given below average ratings on a report card published on the Medicare website. This is the official US Government website for Medicare, and as such, they compare nursing homes all across the United States. Based on their own specific criteria, they rate each nursing home with one to five stars. Those with 5 stars are considered to be well above average, and those with 1 star (the minimum rating you can receive) are considered to be well below average, with all others falling somewhere in between. The nursing home we will post on today has been given a one star rating. It is located in Ocean County, New Jersey. It is a corporately owned for profit nursing home with 180 long term patient beds.

The Holiday Care Center Fails to Impress

new jersey philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyers expose holiday care centerThe Holiday Care Center located in Toms River, New Jersey. This nursing home was inspected routinely on 9 occasions and cited for 40 deficiencies during the period from December 2008 through November 2010. It was also necessary for the NJ Division of Health Facilities and Evaluation and Licensing to conduct 10 complaint inspections with 5 more deficiencies cited during this time period. Some of these citations were for failing to keep the rate of medication errors (wrong drug, wrong dose, wrong time) to less than 5%, for failing to have a program to keep infection from spreading, and failing to make sure that a residents nutritional needs are being met. These types and amount of deficiencies are those that lead to nursing home abuse. Patients’ families must remain vigilant when their loved one is in a for profit nursing home such as Holiday Care Center, to make sure that they are being cared for in an acceptable and effective manner.

Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is a resident in a nursing home or long term care facility, and you believe the care they are receiving is negligent or abusive, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.
Let the nursing home abuse attorneys at the Mininno Law Office earn you the full and fair compensation that you need and deserve.

Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Expose Cooper River West Violations

new jersey philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyers expose cooper river westAs we continue our series highlighting the below average nursing homes in New Jersey, today we will discuss a facility in Camden County.

As nursing home abuse lawyers, it is always disconcerting to see the amount of local nursing homes with below average ratings. These ratings are based on the Government’s Official Medicare Site, which provides a nursing home compare system for those interested in researching the background of care facilities in their area. This site compares nursing homes across the country and rates their care on a 5 star standard. A five stars rating places the nursing home well above average, and one star considers a facility well below average.

The Camden County nursing home we will discuss today, Cooper River West, was given an overall rating of 2 stars, which is considered a below average rating. Let’s find out why Cooper River West was given such a below average and unacceptable rating.

Cooper River West Receives Below Average Rating

Cooper River West is located in Pennsauken, Camden County, New Jersey. It is a corporately owned for profit institution, yet it rates below average on the Medicare Nursing Home Compare. Cooper River West has 180 long term beds, and during the period between November 2008 and October 2010, it was routinely inspected 2 times. During these inspections, 15 separate deficiencies were sited. Of those deficiencies, one that was shown to affect a few residents had to do with the improper treatment to prevent new bed (pressure) sores or to heal existing bed sores. This was actually cited at the time of both routine inspections. This is a very important deficiency, as bed sores can be both extremely painful and dangerous to the patient.

Additionally, deficiencies were cited having to do with abuse and neglect policies, as well as medication errors over 5%. During this time, Cooper River West also was subject to 8 complaint inspections with a total of 7 deficiencies cited. Serious issues and harm can arise when a patient is in a below average rated nursing home, and it is very important that a careful review and vigilance is had by that patient’s love ones to prevent nursing home abuse!

Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is a resident at a nursing home and you are fearful that the care they are receiving may be harming their quality of life, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation, or call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New JerseyM, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Nursing Home Abuse Exposé: Marcella Center

new jersey philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyers expose marcella centerIt is important, as nursing home abuse lawyers practicing in the New Jersey and Philadelphia area, to help expose the nursing homes that are not just below average, but that provide a low quality of life for their residents. These below average nursing homes are the ones often responsible for the acts of abuse that patients (our loved ones) must be protected from. The State of New Jersey conducts routine inspections of all nursing homes and long term health care facilities in the state.

The subject of today’s post is a for profit, corporately owned nursing home located in Burlington County, New Jersey. The facility holds 156 long term care beds and was given a below average overall rating by the Official US Government Site for Medicare in its nursing home comparisons.

Marcell Center Fails to Impress Inspectors from Medicare and the State of Jersey

The Marcella Center, located on Rancocas Road in Burlington, had two routine inspections between November 2008 and October 2010. During that time, the facility was cited for 19 separate deficiencies. In the Medicare Nursing Home Compare System, it received an overall rating of 2 out of 5 stars, which is considered below average.

Among Marcella’s numerous citations, one had to do with not giving residents proper treatment to prevent new bed (pressure) sores, or to heal those existing sores. A violation of this magnitude is not something to be ignored or brushed aside, as the improper care of a bed sore can be very dangerous and extremely painful for the patient. During this same time period, 6 complaint inspections were conducted with an additional 5 deficiencies cited. These inspections put the number of citations above the average for the United States and for New Jersey.

Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

As always, it is important to do your research before utilizing a particular nursing home, and to continue to monitor its standard of care throughout your loved ones stay. This truly can make the difference between life and death in some patients.

If your loved one is a resident at a nursing home or long term care facility, and you believe the care they are receiving is insufficient, negligent, or abusive, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation, or call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Qui Tam: What Is It?

The term qui tam is actually an abbreviated form of the latin phrase “qui tam pro domino rege quam pro seipse,” which means “he who sues for the king as for himself.” Whistleblower is another term used to describe the same type of claim. When an employee gets wind of their employer’s illegal business practices, they have the opportunity to file a qui tam claim against them, and are usually awarded a large portion of the settlement that the government receives.

Whistleblower vs. Qui Tam Claims – Is There a Difference?

new jersey philadelphia qui tam whistleblower lawyers explanationWhistleblower and qui tam claims do essentially the same thing; they allow employees to file lawsuits against their employers for fraud or other illegal practices. Many times, especially in the healthcare industry, companies engage in fraudulent advertising to increase popularity of a product. Pharmaceutical companies are largely guilty of committing this type of fraud. Creating false or untested uses for a certain drug, or offering physicians large amounts of money (kickbacks) to recommend and prescribe certain drugs is very much illegal, and equally as dangerous.

Fraudulent billing is another problem for health programs such as Medicare. It is estimated that close to 10% of all medicare charges are indeed fradulent. Commonly, this fraud occurs in the form of :

  • Billing multiple times for one service
  • Charging for treatment that was never performed
  • Charging for expensive equipment when cheaper equipment was purchased
  • Charging for services that are actually free

Qui Tam Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you currently work for a company that you believe is defrauding it’s employees, customers, and/or government, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. The qui tam lawyers at the Mininno Law Office are specifically focused on earning significant compensation for whistelblowers who aim to end their associates illegal and potentially harmful business practices.

You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia. Let the Mininno Law Office team work hard to earn you the full an fair compensation you deserve.

Medical Malpractice Caps Proposed in Florida

A legislative proposal made in Florida last week suggests a cap on payments made to patients who are insured by medicare and injured by medical malpractice. The cap would be $100,000 and has been referred to by many as “immunity” for negligent doctors.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys Protect Medicare Patients

medical malpractice attorneys new jersey philadelphia caps proposed floridaThe proposed legislation would deem doctors treating medicare patients “agents of the state,” awarding the same damage capping immunity that all Florida state employees get. But a cap that only affects the recoveries of Medicare insured patients is unconstitutional, as it makes them lesser persons, unworthy of the same compensation as those that can afford healthcare. Medical malpractice attorneys have long been against limiting liability, as it allows doctors to only answer for a portion of their negligence. And if a cap on medicare insured patients is approved, who is to say what kind of an effect that will have on the care they receive throughout the state. It certainly opens up a potential for medicare patients to begin receiving subpar care due to the limited liablity doctors will face.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

Medical malpractice is a real threat to anyone being treated by medical professionals. As patients, we trust our doctors and nurses to provide us with the best, most professional and safe care that they can. Unfortunately, that is not always the case, and patients pay for doctors’ mistakes. Caps on this liability will only further injure patients who have suffered from the effects of medical malpractice, be it temporarily or permanently. Those who have lost loved ones to medical malpractice, especially children who lose parents, will need full and fair compensation to continue on with their lives.

If you or a loved one have suffered due to medical malpractice, you will need the assistance of a medical malpractice attorney. Contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation, or call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadephia.
Let the team at the Mininno Law Office earn you the compensation you need and deserve.

Medical Malpractice Averted by New Medication Management System

medical malpractice and negligence attorneys in nj and paMedical Malpractice in the form of medication errors has met a fierce contender in CareFusion’s Pyxis Medication Management System. CareFusion is a leading supplier of medical devices globally and, next week, will highlight their Pyxis medication management sytem at the 45th Midyear Clinical Meeting and Exhibition of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) in Anaheim, California.

Medical Malpractive vs. Pyxis Medication Management

The new Pyxis technology has helped hospitals who have utilized the system reduce medicinal errors by up to 33%. One 300 bed facility was able to cut medicinal errors by 93%! The technology works by simplifying the process of medication and supply management between hospital and patient. It also provides support for caregivers when it comes to prescription decisions. The Pyxis system helps facilities save time and money, while improving the quality of patient care.

Medical Malpractice Consequences

Approximately 1.5 million Americans suffer from a medication error every year. Of that 1.5 million, 7,000 will die. In addition to the cost of human life, the financial cost of medical errors is staggering at $3.5 billion in annual costs to the national health care system. Medicare and Medicaid are instituting new payment models, limiting cost reimbursements to facilities with poor histories regarding medication management.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadlephia

It’s a good sign that steps are being taken to reduce medicinal errors. It’s an even better sign that steps are being taken to enstate monetary punishments for those facilities that fail to meet certain standards regarding medicinal errors. Medical malpractice and negligence can seriousley injure or even kill patients. If you or a loved one have been negatively affected by medical malpractice by a surgeon, physician, or specialist, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation at 856-833-0600 in New Jersey, or 215-567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Let the Mininno Law Office Team earn you the compensation you need and deserve.

Medicare Fraud? Tips on How You Can Tell

Medicare and Medicaid services were created to help the elderly and or those with disabilities or certain other medical conditions be able to better afford medical coverage in order to pay for supplies, medical care, treatments, doctor’s visits and much more. This all seems like a good idea if it works the way it should and benefits those it is suppose to. Unfortunately though, there have been more and more cases of Medicare and Medicaid fraud and people are getting sneaky about how they get around the rules. Billing Medicare for services that were not received or provided can cost taxpayers millions of dollars each year and it also hurts those people that really need the medical care and services by causing them to pay more. To help avoid being a victim of Medicare Fraud use the following helpful detection tips. These tips include:

  • Be suspicious if a test is free and if a provider only needs your Medicare information for their records.
  •  Be aware if Medicare wants you to have a certain item or service.
  • Be cautious if the provider knows how to get Medicare to pay for an item or service
  • Be on the look out for provider that offer many tests at cheaper or discounted prices
  • Be careful if the equipment or service is free or you are offered a gift for the service

 

It is also important to know what services and equipment or medical supplies you are entitled to and report or question anything that seems out of the ordinary. As a general rule do not give out your Medicare health insurance claim number expect to your doctor or Medicare provider.

It is unfortunate that many people will try to scam those in need out of services and medical supplies for their own personal gain. It is good to know though that you can do something to help stop cases of fraud.

For additional information on Medicare fraud and prevention, you may visit:

http://www.medicare.gov/Fraudabuse/Tips.asp

If you or a loved one feel you have been a victim of Medicare fraud, please contact a  whistleblower attorney right away. They can help your case to be heard and make sure you get the care you deserve.

Support is Gaining for Health Care Reform, but will it really benefit everyone?

According to an Associated Press poll today, October 7, 2009, the country is spilt forty-forty about whether or not to oppose or support the new health legislation. This includes more seniors supporting the health legislation than back in September. This is very good news for many people, after all, having health coverage for everyone is a great plan, but will it really benefit everyone. The money to provide everyone with health care coverage has to come from somewhere and it means that programs such as Medicare and Medicare and long term care facilities services will be cut to help provide these services as well as cuts being made from many other programs that allow seniors and other people proper medical care and training which helps to prevent abuse. The president’s intentions seem to be great but is the whole picture being looked at? Health care coverage for everyone is not the only thing at stake. People getting proper medical care and services is also at stake. Taking services from people that really need them in order to make sure everyone has coverage seems like a contradiction. Everyone having medical coverage should mean that more services and opportunities are provided, but instead they are being cut and taken away from people that really need them. This means more injuries and abuse if the proper care is not provided. The president wants programs that prevent sickness and illness yet cuts are being made to the services already provided, that just seems wrong. This plan is a good idea, but if you say it will benefit everyone than it really should, and right now it is clear that it will not.

For additional information on the new health care reform poll, you may visit: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091007/ap_on_bi_ge/us_ap_poll_health_care

If you feel that you or a loved one is not getting the proper medical care or treatment, please call, a medical malpractice lawyer right away. They will help you advocate your case and get you the good medical care you deserve.

New Jersey Senator Lends an Ear to the Victims of Insurance Company Tactics

“As far as Kia Moore is concerned, the health insurance system miserably failed her and her 20-month-old son. Xavier Hylton was born at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center in Camden with two malfunctioning kidneys and requires daily dialysis treatments as he awaits a transplant. He had grown enough to medically qualify for that transplant by March, but Moore said the procedure was delayed at least six months by a struggle over insurance coverage. Today, she said, her son should already have a functioning kidney and be on his way to living a near-normal life.” (Maryann Spoto, The Star-Ledger)

Last week, citizens of New Jersey who have fallen victim to the ruthless tactics of insurance companies were given time to fume their anger to US Senator Bob Menendez. The stories Senator Menendez would hear would appall him, and only add to his arsenal to bring to Washington with the hopes of sparking health care reform. Although invited, no representatives from the insurance agencies were present for the meeting.

“It’s no secret to anyone that our health care system is badly in need of reform,” Menendez said. “There are few things more important to the families in this state than fixing it, making sure in this great nation of ours that no one goes to sleep without health coverage, that no one has to choose between paying for heat in the winter and paying for medication that keeps them alive.”

Senator Menendez called the meeting in light of a new health care system proposal authored by Senator Max Baucus of Montana. Central to the Baucus proposal is the creation of a Health Care Exchange composed of a nationwide group of private insurance companies that would be prohibited from discriminating against pre-existing conditions.

Currently, under the existing set up, patients who visit emergency rooms due to lack of coverage end up being burdens of the tax payer. In Camden alone, more tha $460 million has been spent over the past five years on charity cases. Because the proposal would require every resident to obtain health insurance, it also provides for federal subsidies for families and small businesses unable to afford coverage through the exchange.

This new proposal has received the plaudits of Jeffery Brenner, a local Camden physician. Brenner advocates a system that brings those emergency room patients into the system for follow-ups so they can receive the appropriate care and are less of a financial drain on the system.

“Somehow we lost sight of the fact that the purpose of the home-care delivery system is to heal the sick, care for wounded and prevent illness,” he said. “It’s not to make physicians wealthy or pharmaceutical representatives wealthy or stockholders or insurance companies wealthy. The patient should be at the center of the system and indeed should be our top priority.”

Until serious reform has occurred however, the best ally a patient can have when dealing with their insurance carrier is an experienced attorney.

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