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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• Podcast info

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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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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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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

Dr. Kate Dee hosts Elizabeth Gersten, a licensed esthetician for over 29 years.' Elizabeth recounts various unsafe and unhygienic practices in spas, including bribing inspectors, reusing contaminated products, and lack of proper training among staff. The discussion highlights the importance of proper training, licensing, and adherence to sanitation protocols. They also delve into differences in esthetician licensing regulations between states, potential dangers of unlicensed practices, and the pitfalls of cutting corners in spa treatments.

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Takeaways:

• Aesthetician education is important for the safety of spa treatments

• Aesthetician licenses allow spa treatments like facials and dermaplaning

• Aestheticians may complete an advanced training and licensure in only a few states, allowing them to do some laser treatments and microneedling. In most states this is illegal.

• Even Spa Treatments can be unsanitary and harmful. Make sure your spa and the aestheticians working there are licensed and certified.

Chapters

00:00 Shocking Spa Secrets Revealed

00:21 Meet the Expert: Elizabeth Gersten

01:53 Aesthetic Services and Career Journey

04:06 Changes in Aesthetic Education

07:19 The Importance of Proper Training

09:01 Hygiene Horrors in High-End Spas

09:42 Understanding Hydrotherapy and Sanitation

12:37 Regulations and Licensing Issues

21:27 Risks of Inadequate Training and Equipment

23:20 Illegal Hyaluron Pen Treatments

23:58 Risks of Unregulated Microneedling

26:13 Sanitation Failures in Spas

28:35 Importance of Sterile Techniques

31:11 Complications from Facials and Peels

34:05 Dangers of Non-Medical Grade Products

38:54 Lack of Regulation and Inspections

44:12 Final Thoughts and Consumer Advice

Dr. Kate Dee interviews Dr. Troy Woodman to discuss various aspects of facial plastic surgery, including proper consultation procedures and safety standards. The episode opens with a harrowing story about a patient receiving surgery under suboptimal conditions, highlighting the importance of choosing a qualified surgeon and understanding the standard of care. Dr. Woodman shares his extensive experience in oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery, offering insights into how patients can ensure they are in safe hands.

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Takeaways

• Always verify a surgeon’s certifications, including checking with the ABMS website
• Consult with at least 2 surgeons to understand the surgical process and get multiple opinions
• Critical need for a sterile and well-regulated operating environment
• What is the standard of care for plastic surgery

Chapters

00:00 Shocking Med Spa Surgery Story

01:25 Introduction to Dr. Troy Woodman

01:41 Dr. Woodman's Background and Expertise

02:46 Scope of Dr. Woodman's Practice

04:35 Patient's Horrific Experience

07:00 Legal and Ethical Concerns in Cosmetic Surgery

10:05 Importance of Proper Surgical Procedures

13:01 Consultation Process and Patient Responsibility

27:39 The Art of Facelifts: Techniques and Timeframes

28:02 Surgeon Skills and Speed: A Personal Perspective

30:04 Pricing in Aesthetic Medicine: A Surprising Revelation

32:13 The Pain and Ethics of Local Anesthetic

32:48 The Rise and Fall of Lifestyle Lift

35:51 The Importance of Board Certification and Experience

39:05 Managing Surgical Complications: A Critical Skill

44:11 Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Surgeon

Music by Scott Holmes

Medspa Mayhem ™ pending, Copyright 2024 Dr. Kate Dee, all rights reserved

In this episode, Dr. Kate Dee discusses the importance of good faith exams and their role in ensuring patient safety in medical spas. Joined by Polina Riedler, RN and co-founder of Spakinect, the conversation covers how her company provides virtual good faith exams across the country, ensuring compliance with state regulations. They delve into the framework of these exams, explain who is qualified to conduct them, and why they are necessary for any medical procedure, including IV therapies. The episode highlights real-world impacts, such as the tragic case in Texas, and stresses the importance of proper oversight to prevent similar incidents. They also talk about the legal challenges and compliance requirements in the med spa industry, and the necessity of working with reputable companies to avoid cutting corners. Listeners gain insights into how to identify legal and safe practices when seeking aesthetic treatments.

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Takeaways

• A good faith exam must be performed before any medical procedure, including botox, IV therapy and lasers

• Good faith exams are required in every state

• Good faith exams must be performed by a doctor, a PA or an NP

• Good Faith Exams consist of a consultation, assessment, diagnosis and treatment plan

• Nurses cannot perform Good Faith Exams

• Unlicensed people cannot practice medicine, cannot perform good faith exams and cannot legally provide any of these treatments

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:03 Understanding Good Faith Exams

01:36 Interview with Polina Redler

04:11 Role of RNs in Med Spas

05:35 Compliance and Legalities in Med Spas

17:11 IV Therapy and Its Risks

23:27 Ensuring Safety in Med Spas

37:56 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

Dr. Kate Dee and attorney Becky Hsiao discuss a civil lawsuit filed against a cosmetic surgeon in Seattle for violating the law by requiring patients to sign illegal nondisclosure agreements. The lawsuit also includes claims of intimidating and bribing patients to remove negative reviews, posting fake positive reviews, and altering before and after photos. They explore the legality of offering free services in exchange for removing bad reviews and the difference between plastic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons, oculoplastic surgeons, and cosmetic surgeons. They also discuss the use of fake awards and organizations to falsely advertise as a plastic surgeon. In this conversation, Becky and Dr. Kate discuss the challenges consumers face in distinguishing between cosmetic surgeons and plastic surgeons. They highlight the misleading practices of some cosmetic surgeons and the lack of regulation in the industry. They also discuss the importance of consumer education and advocacy in protecting oneself from potential harm. The conversation emphasizes the need for consumers to do thorough research, seek multiple opinions, and report any fraudulent or dangerous practices to relevant authorities.

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Takeaways

• A cosmetic surgeon in Seattle is facing a civil lawsuit for violating the law by requiring patients to sign illegal nondisclosure agreements.

• The lawsuit also includes claims of intimidating and bribing patients to remove negative reviews, posting fake positive reviews, and altering before and after photos.

• Offering free services in exchange for removing bad reviews may be considered false and misleading advertising.

• There is a difference between plastic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons, oculoplastic surgeons, and cosmetic surgeons, with varying levels of training and expertise.

• Some cosmetic surgeons use fake awards and organizations to falsely advertise as plastic surgeons. Consumers face challenges in distinguishing between cosmetic surgeons and plastic surgeons, and some cosmetic surgeons engage in misleading practices.

• The cosmetic surgery industry lacks proper regulation, making it difficult for consumers to make informed decisions.

• Consumer education and advocacy are crucial in protecting oneself from potential harm in the cosmetic surgery industry.

• Consumers should do thorough research, seek multiple opinions, and report any fraudulent or dangerous practices to relevant authorities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Lawsuit Overview

04:31 Illegal Practices and Partial Summary Judgment

09:28 Threatening and Bribing Patients, Fake Reviews, and Altered Photos

12:45 Differentiating Between Plastic Surgeons and Cosmetic Surgeons

21:20 The Challenge of Distinguishing Between Cosmetic Surgeons and Plastic Surgeons

25:03 The Importance of Consumer Education and Advocacy

29:40 Protecting Yourself: Thorough Research and Reporting

Bea Amma shares her experience at an unlicensed medical spa in California where she received illegal and dangerous treatments. She was injected with a combination of B12 and deoxycholic acid, which is a fat dissolver, all over her body. After the injections, she experienced severe symptoms, including fever, nodules under her skin, and open flesh wounds. She was diagnosed with a mycobacterium infection and spent over three months in the hospital. The person who performed the injections was practicing medicine illegally and had no medical knowledge or qualifications. Despite media coverage and complaints to the authorities, no legal action has been taken against the person responsible. The conversation highlights the lack of enforcement in the aesthetics industry, leading to illegal and unsafe practices. It discusses the importance of having a medical director attached to a med spa and the need for proper credentials and qualifications for practitioners. The conversation also emphasizes the need for consumers to ask the right questions and do thorough research before undergoing any cosmetic procedures.

Beyond Skin Deep with Bea

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Takeaways

• Beware of dangerous medical treatments at unlicensed facilities.

• Research and ask questions about the qualifications and credentials of the person performing the treatments.

• Illegal and dangerous treatments can have severe and long-lasting consequences.

• Report any illegal medical practices to the appropriate authorities.

• Lack of insurance coverage can make it difficult to seek legal recourse in cases of medical malpractice. The aesthetics industry lacks proper regulation and enforcement, leading to illegal and unsafe practices.

• Having a medical director attached to a med spa is crucial for ensuring safety and proper practices.

• Consumers need to ask the right questions and do thorough research before undergoing any cosmetic procedures.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

05:04 Symptoms and Hospitalization

21:08 Investigation and Lack of Consequences

31:30 Legal Challenges and Lack of Insurance

35:10 Stricter Regulations and Enforcement: Protecting Consumers from Fraudulent Practices

38:52 The Issue of Cosmetic Surgeons Operating Without Proper Credentials

40:34 The Dangers of Unqualified Practitioners and Illegal Practices

43:55 The Consequences of Unregulated IV Drip Clinics

57:13 Living with the Consequences and Spreading Awareness

01:00:30 Closing Thoughts: Taking a Pause and Doing Research