Red Velvet Wisdom

While we love a good rant, we try to keep them off the blog.  Lately though, we feel the need to share some things that are bothering us and may help you in the process.  This applies to everyone because everyone goes to a Dr. at some time.   *underlined words are links*

• Texas capped the amount that physicians can be sued for malpractice. This brought an influx of physicians from all over the country to Texas.  For a basic malpractice there is a cap of $250,000.  While that may sound like a lot, remember that you have to find an attorney to take the case.  There goes your money.
• The Texas Medical Board knows that reports will increase as malpractice suits decrease.  Doctors in Texas have been rallying to ban anonymous complaints.  I don’t know why they have spent millions on this bill when a supposed 2% of complaints are anonymous.
• Why do they need anonymous complaints? Nurses and other hospital staff need the freedom to file a complaint. For that matter, so does another doctor.  There is a huge case in Texas now where two nurses filed a complaint that was supposed to be anonymous but somehow the nurses lost their jobs. In the end, that Dr. was found guilty of all they reported and more but at the cost of scaring others who may want to report.

This angers us beyond words.  Of course, doctors are human and therefore make mistakes.  We all do. BUT, when a doctor repeatedly makes mistakes, ones that cost lives, should there be no accountability?  Why does the medical profession feel that there is some code of secrecy that can’t be broken?  We can tell you that it makes you guilty by association when you know a physician is a danger to others yet you protect him. (or her)

Even greater is the bullying of the two nurses who reported the Dr. They were threatened with prison time.  I have personally spoken t0 nurses in our town who will not report a Dr. because of fear.  It tears them up but they are terrified of the repercussions.  It is sad because the nurses are the backbone of the medical profession. (in our personal opinion)

Our mother has suffered at the hands of an incompetent Dr. We have reported him, as have several others. He has already been sued for medical malpractice three times within a 5 year period.  Had we looked that up before, she would have never seen him and would be doing fine today.  Do you think that $250,000 is enough to make up for her near death experience, missing holidays due to hospitalization, or having a gaping hole in her chest? (I’ll spare you the pictures)

It is truly up to you to be your own advocate in the medical arena.  If you live in Texas, you can find your doctor and see if he has ever had disciplinary action. Of course, I doubt it will show if from another state. You can also look at the actions that have been handed down the last year or so and be terrified to set foot in a medical office again. They have cases of drug abuse, sexual abuse, and more. It makes me want to invest in some chicken feet and candles and try some voodoo.

Instead, we are going to do what we can to inform the public and help others to become the best advocate they can for themselves and their families. We would love to be at the next session of the Texas Legislative Session if this matter is ever discussed again. Someone, please invite us!

Friday, July 30th, 2010, 12:23 pm   |   Uncategorized  |  RSS feed Comments and pings are currently closed.