In this episode, Dr. Kate Dee and regulatory attorney Becky Hsiao delve into two significant medical fraud cases in Washington state. The first case involves Dr. Tami, a Seattle-based doctor who was fined $500,000 for selling unproven stem cell treatments for various diseases, including COVID-19. The second case revisits Dr. Sajan, a cosmetic surgeon who was fined $5 million for a range of fraudulent activities, including forcing patients to sign NDAs, posting fake reviews, and doctoring before and after photos. Becky provides legal insights into these cases, highlighting the importance of consumer protection and the complexities of medical advertising.

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Takeaways

• Stem cell clinics offering unproven treatments are scams and should be avoided.

• Patients should be cautious of false claims made by medical practitioners and seek evidence-based treatments.

• Board certification is an important indicator of a doctor's qualifications and expertise.

• Transparency and honesty are crucial in medical practices, especially when offering experimental treatments.

• Patients should be aware of their rights and be informed consumers of healthcare services. Research providers' credentials and the medical director's presence before undergoing any treatments.

• Be cautious of medical professionals making false claims and advertising unproven treatments.

• Stem cell treatments are still experimental and should be approached with caution.

• Skincare products claiming to contain stem cells, especially from plants, are often misleading and ineffective.

• Consult reputable sources and medical professionals for accurate information on treatments and skincare.
  

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Medical Fraud Cases

00:15 Case 1: The Stem Cell Scam

00:51 Legal Insights with Becky Hsiao

05:21 Understanding Stem Cells

08:42 The Reality of Stem Cell Treatments

18:28 Dr. Tami’s Background and Legal Issues

25:02 The Illusion of Certification Courses

25:57 Compliance and Legal Certifications

26:50 The Truth About Cosmetic Surgery Titles

27:35 Dr. Tami's New Med Spa and Ativa Skin Tightening

28:40 The Reality of RF Heating Devices

31:54 Legal Implications and Consumer Fraud

34:55 Dr. Sajan's Case and Settlement Wrap Up

43:11 The Misleading World of Stem Cell Treatments

46:08 Final Thoughts and Advice

Dr. Kate Dee interviews ER physician Nadia Nabavi to explore the critical issues surrounding med spa complications and cosmetic procedures. They discuss the recent rise in botulism cases due to fake Botox, the risks associated with filler complications, and two gripping cases of liposuction gone wrong. Additionally, Nadia introduces her innovative company, Green Dot, which aims to revolutionize acute care by providing 24/7 access to board-certified emergency physicians.

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Check out Green Dot Health

Takeaways

• Complications from cosmetic procedures can be seen in the ER, and it is important to choose qualified providers who prioritize patient safety.

• Fake Botox can lead to botulism, which presents with symptoms such as drooping eyelids, double vision, and difficulty swallowing.

• Filler complications, such as occlusions, require immediate treatment with hyaluronidase and most ERs are not equipped to treat them.

• Liposuction complications can include over-sedation, aspiration, and infected seromas, highlighting the importance of proper anesthesia and post-operative care.

• Patients should research and choose providers who are licensed, trained, and experienced in the specific procedures they are seeking. Physicians should consider the holistic well-being of their patients and provide thorough explanations and education about procedures.

• Effective communication and clear explanations are crucial in ensuring patient understanding and satisfaction.

• Green Dot, a virtual concierge acute care practice, aims to improve access to healthcare and reduce costs by providing personalized and direct care from board-certified emergency physicians.

• The Green Dot model emphasizes relationship building, education, empowerment, and access to ensure patients receive the care they need when they need it.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

01:39 Med Spa Complications in the ER

02:03 Botulism from Fake Botox

04:53 Identifying and Treating Botulism

07:08 Fake Botox and Legal Concerns

14:58 Filler Complications and ER Preparedness

22:38 Liposuction Complications

31:18 A Cautionary Tale of Liposuction

33:34 The Importance of Patient Communication

36:24 The Dimple Doctor Incident

41:25 Introducing Green Dot: Revolutionizing Urgent Care

44:36 How Green Dot Works

49:13 Final Thoughts

In this episode, Dr. Kate Dee interviews Dr. Kristen Jacobs, an experienced aesthetic medicine doctor and trainer, about the nuances of aesthetic practice and how to choose a qualified provider. Dr. Jacobs shares her personal journey into aesthetics, the importance of ongoing training, and the risks associated with poorly trained practitioners. They discuss the critical points patients should consider, such as verifying the provider's background, understanding the limitations of certain practitioners, and always ensuring that the provider is operating within legal and medical standards. The conversation emphasizes safety, proper training, and the importance of being an informed patient in the growing field of aesthetic medicine.

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Visit Dr. Jacobs Aesthetic Resource and Training website

Takeaways

• Choosing an aesthetic provider based on price is not recommended as it may indicate the use of fake products or lack of proper training.

• Proper training and experience are crucial for safe and effective aesthetic treatments.

• Unlicensed practitioners do not have the necessary medical training and knowledge to perform aesthetic procedures safely.

• Having a medical director who is actively involved in the practice is important for proper supervision and patient safety.

• Following the rules and regulations in the aesthetic industry is essential to ensure ethical and safe practices. Proper training and education are crucial for aesthetic providers to ensure safe and effective treatments.

• Ongoing learning and staying up-to-date with the latest techniques and safety protocols are essential for providers to deliver optimal results.

• Choosing a provider with artistic ability and a deep understanding of facial anatomy is important for achieving natural-looking outcomes.

• Individuals should do their due diligence when selecting a provider, considering their training, experience, and commitment to patient safety.

• Prioritizing safety and well-being is paramount when seeking aesthetic treatments.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

02:15 Dr. Kristen Jacobs' Journey into Aesthetics

05:35 Choosing the Right Aesthetic Provider

13:50 The Dangers of Unlicensed Providers

21:57 The Importance of Backup in Medical Practice

22:35 Identifying Illegal Practitioners

23:26 Training and Experience in Aesthetic Medicine

26:10 Variability in Training Quality

34:13 Choosing the Right Provider

39:20 Concluding Thoughts and Resources