Doctors

For years, health experts have been sounding the alarm about New Jersey's growing doctor shortage, but it isn't known just how bad the problem is, or if there really is one.

Remember the story of a UK doctor who lost his medical license and began practicing in New Jersey after he accidentally killed a sedated patient during a tooth extraction? State legislators didn't forget Dr. Richard Kaul's actions. In fact, they're pushing forward a bill that would make international background checks a requirement for doctors.

New Jersey is the second worst state for doctors in the U.S., according to a report released on March 30 by WalletHub.com.

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Maria Lennon said she felt some relief when she heard the news Friday afternoon: A judge had finalized a $190 million settlement between Johns Hopkins Hospital and more than 8,000 patients of a gynecologist who used tiny cameras to secretly photograph women and girls during examinations.

CHICAGO (AP) -- A costly drug given mostly to premature babies is at the center of a clash between the manufacturer and the nation's leading pediatrician's group, which recommends scaling back use of the medicine.

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Thousands of women whose genitals might have been photographed during gynecological exams can share a $190 million settlement from Johns Hopkins Health System. But they'll have to describe their trauma before seeing any money.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Americans consider insurance and a good bedside manner in choosing a doctor, but will that doctor provide high-quality care?

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Johns Hopkins Hospital has agreed to a $190 million settlement with more than 8,000 patients of a gynecologist who secretly photographed and videotaped women's bodies in the examining room with a pen-like camera he wore around his neck, lawyers said Monday.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- When many of us have a medical appointment we're concerned about our finances: how much will we owe out-of-pocket? What's our co-pay? But next time, you may also want to ask your doctors about their financial situation.

In their fight against prescription drug abuse, New Jersey officials can't only focus on the addicts, but also the professionals who end up putting the narcotics in the hands of people who don't really need them.