logo
1-800-319-9000
1-800-319-9000
logo

With the Congressional Budget Office projecting no cost of living increase for social security benefits in 2010 and 2011, many people who receive this income will be in a tough spot. For some folks, the SSD benefits cover the absolute necessities of living. They depend on their check and make it only from month to month. Without a cost-of-living increase to cover outside expenses, many people will be forced to cut back on an already small fixed budget.

This article was written by Todd P. Oxner

US News & World Report recently rated our nation’s hospitals based on the quality of care, the reputation among colleagues in the medical field, the death rate, patient safety and other patient care factors (such as the technology at the hospital and the level of nursing care). Nearly 5,000 hospitals and medical centers were reviewed with a special focus on those that have specialty areas. For 2009, Duke Medical Center in Durham ranked in the top 10 of hospitals nationwide.

To see the article and a list of the rankings, click here.

This article was written by Chip Permar

Before you schedule a surgical procedure or even a consultation at one of our state’s hospitals, it’s a good idea to compare facilities and also visit the hospital’s website. Here’s a handy chart, compiled by US News & World Report, which lists hospitals in North Carolina. (click here)

Medical experts advise patients to ask questions of their doctors, such as:

As a patient, you have a right to know these answers before you make a decision about your medical care.

This article was written by Chip Permar

Our client was traveling home from a friend’s house just outside of downtown Greensboro and stopped at a red light. His car was hit from behind and totalled. He had no reported injuries at the scene, but after a night’s sleep, he had back pain. He had chiropractic treatment and saw an orthopaedic physician but did not have an operable condition. So he was stuck with ongoing pain and medical bills of $6,700. The insurance company for the driver that hit him (who ironically refer to themselves as the “good hands people”) felt that his injuries were worth a settlement offer of $5,400, … yes, $1,300 less than his actual medical bills. Zero for pain and suffering. Zero for lost wages. A Guilford county jury felt otherwise and awarded our client just over $32,000. By the time costs and prejudgment interest were added, “the good hands people” paid over $37,000 for their driver’s negligence.

This article was written by Chip Permar

Every day we talk to people with mental health issues who can’t get the treatment they need because of cuts in the North Carolina system. The slashing of state’s budget ($155 million in cuts for 2010) and the downsizing or closing of mental health facilities have left some people in a crisis situation, especially those who live in rural areas. It’s frustrating to us and to our clients and their families. People with mental health disabilities deserve care and treatment and our tax dollars should fund adequate if not excellent programs to meet these needs.

This article was written by Chip Permar

Follow Us

Contact Us

Footer Contact Form

Thank you for contacting Oxner + Permar. If you have questions you can contact us at 1.800.319.9000, or complete the form below.

UnitedHealthCare creates and publishes the Machine-Readable Files on behalf of Oxner + Permar PLLC. To link to the Machine-Readable Files, please click on the URL provided: transparency-in-coverage.uhc.com
© Oxner + Permar PLLC 2024. All rights reserved.
Start Chat