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Nerve Block Therapy Offers Hope for Migraine Sufferers

                           Calgary neurologist Dr. Serena Orr injecting a patient to help treat migraines.  Researchers in Calgary are spotlighting a promising treatment for people living with severe migraines: occipital nerve blocks . This approach involves injecting a small amount of anesthetic near the occipital nerves at the back of the head, which can interrupt pain signals and provide rapid relief. Neurologist Dr. Serena Orr of the University of Calgary has been at the forefront of this research, recommending updates to the American Headache Society’s guidelines for emergency departments. The new recommendations encourage doctors to consider nerve blocks as a frontline option for patients arriving with debilitating migraine attacks. Patients who have received the treatment report significant improvement. Some describe it as the first time they’ve been able to escape the crushing pain, nausea,...
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Calgary Dentist Faces Prison for $680K Insurance Fraud

 

Calgary dentist Alena Smadych pleaded guilty to fraud in June, admitting to falsely billing insurance companies when she was the owner of a local dental clinic


A Calgary dentist who admitted to defrauding insurance companies of more than $680,000 could spend up to three years in prison, according to Crown prosecutors.

Dr. Alena Smadych, former owner of All About Family Dental, pleaded guilty to fraud earlier this year after submitting falsified claims to multiple insurers between 2013 and 2023. Initially, she admitted to more than $125,000 in phoney billings to Sun Life and Blue Cross, but subsequent investigations revealed additional fraudulent claims totaling $558,000 across three more companies.

The Crown argued during Friday’s sentencing hearing that Smadych’s actions represented a decade-long scheme that undermined trust in the insurance system. Her clinic was once the highest billing practice in Canada for root canals, raising red flags that eventually led to investigations.

Justice Gord Wong heard that Smadych has since made full restitution to the affected companies, but prosecutors maintain that the seriousness of the fraud warrants a custodial sentence. The defence is expected to argue for a lighter penalty, citing her cooperation and repayment.

The case highlights growing concerns about insurance fraud in the healthcare sector, where inflated or falsified claims can cost companies—and ultimately patients—millions. A final sentencing decision is expected in the coming weeks.

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