X-Ray Spots Colon Cancer, Report Says

A federal study of an X-ray alternative to colonoscopies confirms its effectiveness at spotting most cancers. Medicare is already considering paying for this cheaper, less intrusive option that could persuade more people to get screened for colon cancer. In the study, the largest of its kind, the “virtual colonoscopy” identified 9 out of 10 people who had cancers and large growths seen by regular colonoscopies. But the X-ray test’s real value may be in showing who really needs a regular colonoscopy — it was better at ruling cancer out than it was at detecting it, suggests the report in Thursday’s New England Journal of Medicine. Colonoscopies cost up to $3,000. The X-ray test costs $300 to $800.

Please click on the link below to read the New York Times article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/18/us/18brfs-XRAYSPOTSCOL_BRF.html?_r=1&ref=health&oref=slogin

For more information on The Citron Law Firm, P.A., please contact Howard Citron at  – www.citronlegal.com.

Texas Doctors Laud 5 Years of Medical Malpractice Relief

Doctors here and across Texas said dollar limits on medical malpractice lawsuits put into state law five years ago have made a big difference in how they practice medicine. The reduced threat of frivolous malpractice lawsuits have made doctors more willing to accept high-risk patients, and have helped bring more doctors into Texas, including to El Paso, the Texas Medical Association found in a recent online survey of 1,391 Texas doctors. Almost 90 percent of the doctors responding to the survey said they felt more comfortable practicing medicine in Texas now than before medical liability laws changed in September 2003, the TMA reported.

Please click on the link below to read the El Paso Times article:

http://www.elpasotimes.com/business/ci_10457409

For more information on The Citron Law Firm, P.A., please contact Howard Citron at  – www.citronlegal.com.