Articles Posted in Veteran hospitals

Veterans Are At Risk Of Suicide & Need Help

Published on: April 22, 2019 | Levin & Perconti

Three Veterans Die by Suicide in One Week at VA Facilities

Veterans advocacy groups are pleading for the inspectors general of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Defense and Department of Health and Human Services to promptly begin a joint investigation after three veterans took their own lives at VA facilities in just one week. According to VA representatives, since 2017 the department has tracked 260 suicide attempts at its facilities, with 240 of those having been interrupted.

As many as 20 veterans are dying by suicide each day. This is a tragically preventable number that reflects one and a half times higher than the civilian population’s suicide rate. Obviously, this group of American heroes is pleading for help.

Insurance Companies to Rate Your Doctor

Published on: December 14, 2007 | Levin & Perconti

What is the best way to measure a doctor’s competency? A new program in New York will allow major insurance companies to rate doctors in the same way restaurants and movies are rated. Naturally, the health insurance industry is concerned about costs and will likely base its ratings primarily on the cost of care. The New York program does require the health insurance providers also utilize national standards and guidelines to rate doctors. The natural focus on cost, which is the reality in any business, begs the question whether the size and number of medical malpractice settlements and verdicts will factor into the ratings system.

For a recent editorial on the plan click here.