In medical circles, it is known as the “July Effect”. July is when new inexperienced interns, nurses and other health care workers start their first jobs with you as the guinea pigs. A new study in the Annals of Medicine confirms that mortality rates increase 4 to 12 percent and hospital patients generally stay longer, spend more time in surgery and have higher hospital bills. While you may not be able to always avoid a hospital admission in July, this information is still of some value. If you can schedule an elective procedure, for example, earlier or later, it is advisable to do so. If not, it is all the more important to have family members and friends with you at the hospital and watching out for anything unusual.

If you think you may be the victim of medical malpractice, call CGWC for a free consultation.