Provide names of other journalists involved.
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List date(s) this work was published or aired.
23-Jul-12
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
Doctors say that implantable defibrillators save lives, but federal officials say the devices are overused. This story explored in the inner details of an ongoing federal investigation into the use of the lucrative devices, including how the probe has affected the practice of cardiology and the business of medicine. During a year when federal scrutiny of heart care was much in the news, this was a different take on a topic that lays squarely at the intersection of profit and human lives.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
Extensively reviewed medical literature on defibrillators and their use, as well as received copies of subpoenas sent to hospitals regarding their defibrillator use.
Explain types of human sources used.
Numerous interviews with industry experts, cardiologists, hospital executives and lawyers.
Results:
When the federal government announced to hundreds of hospitals on Aug. 30 how hospitals would have to do “self-audits” of ICD use, we were the first to the story. When a cascade of six- and seven-figure hospital settlements for defibrillators starts coming down in 2013, this will be major national news.
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
No clarifications or corrections.
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Know your medical science, and the business of healthcare.