Hospital safety tip - a question you must ask
Because our firm handles a lot medical malpractice cases, I have had the opportunity to speak to hundreds of patients who have had poor outcomes from surgeries, procedures, etc. I've learned that, almost uniformly, when people require a medical procedure, they are rightly concerned about the experience of the surgeon who will be performing the procedure. This should not, however, be their only concern.
When my clients talk about their surgeon, I ask them about the experience and credentials of the anesthesiologist; I ask them about the background of the consultants who will likely be called in; and I ask them about the experience of the radiology and pathology groups that have the contracts with the hospital.
When they respond with blank stares, I explain as follows:
Naturally, it is important to know the qualifications and credentials of the surgeon performing the procedure. And the more serious the operation, the more intensive the questioning should be. However, that physician is only part of the team taking care of you during the hospitalization. If I were having surgery, I would be just as concerned about the credentials of the anesthesiologist who literally holds your life in his hands during the procedure. I'd also be very curious about whether the anesthesiologist will even remain in the operating room or whether the hospital will allow them to hand you over to a nurse anesthetist. This is essential information because If something goes wrong during surgery, it is likely that the anesthesiologist who will be primarily responsible for managing the crisis.
The bottom line is this: If you're going to have surgery, ask about the all of the physicians who will take care of you, not just the surgeon. The strength of your medical team is only as good as its weakest member.
Barry Rooth
