Home subscribe manage Las Vegas Review-Journal
  Jobs Cars Homes Shopping Travel Weddings Golf Best of Las Vegas Photo   Search:

RECENT EDITIONS
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

News
Mar. 09, 2008
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

HEALTH SCANDALS: Doctors feeling pressure

Endoscopy Center actions anger, upset patients

By LAWRENCE MOWER
REVIEW-JOURNAL
More Info

RESPONSE TO CRISIS

In a letter to Gov. Jim Gibbons, state Sen. Joe Heck, R-Henderson, on Saturday encouraged Gibbons to convene a panel of experts to investigate the recent health care crisis stemming from unsanitary practices at surgical centers.

Heck, an emergency room doctor serving in Iraq as a member of the Army Reserve, also said he would introduce a bill during the 2009 legislative session requiring annual inspections of all free-standing ambulatory surgical centers. The clinics being inspected would pay for the cost of the inspection.

Heck said he was "appalled at what has transpired."

"I am currently practicing in a Third World location and I can assure you that such a blatant disregard for patient safety and standards of care do not occur even in such remote and austere environments," Heck stated in the letter.

Heck called on Gibbons to convene the Nevada Academy of Health to conduct the investigation. The panel is made up of officials from the public and private sectors who recommend standards and goals for Nevada health care.

REVIEW-JOURNAL

In his 24 years practicing medicine, Dr. Frank Nemec has never had to tell his patients that he doesn't reuse syringes.

The gastroenterologist hasn't had to look them in the eye and tell them he never has done it, and he never will.

Newsvine Digg Fark Technorati reddit StumbleUpon del.icio.us Slashdot Propeller Mixx Furl Twitter MySpace Facebook Google Bookmarks Yahoo! Bookmarks Windows Live Favorites Ask MyStuff myAOL Favorites

Most Popular Stories
  • NORM: Penthouse wants piece of the Strip
  • RAMPAGE ENDS IN SUICIDE: Man runs amok in Las Vegas
  • ROBBERY-HOMICIDE CASE: Juror sent flirtatious messages
  • Father mourns his daughter
  • NORM: 'Joe the Plumber' too booked for LV
  • Judge asks court to release son arrested after crash that killed girl
  • NORM: Strip club owners, 'Vinny' part ways
  • Anger over cuts reaches fever pitch
  • Working beneath Lake Las Vegas
  • DISCIPLINE COMMISSION: Halverson removed from bench



    • But that has changed.

    Nemec's office has been flooded with new patients since investigators found the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada reused syringes on infected patients and contaminated vials of medicine that were shared among patients. Six of the center's former patients have tested positive for hepatitis C.

    Nemec's new patients, their trust in the medical system shaken, want to know how he does business.

    Events of the past two weeks have taken a toll on the reputation of Nevada's medical community.

    In addition to the massive health alert that accompanied the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada investigation, Dr. Harriston Bass Jr. was found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of a patient.

    And a federal trial is under way in which attorney Noel Gage is accused of conspiring with doctors to jack up medical costs, protect physicians from malpractice suits and share kickbacks.

    "As physicians, we're all kind of demoralized," said Dr. Mark Barry, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon. "Our reputation is collectively tarnished by these scandals."

    Some doctors fear patients might forgo getting medical care or leave the state for treatment. Others wonder what lasting impact the scandals will have on the reputation of the local medical community.

    "The reputation of the medical care in this community has not been very highly regarded around the nation," gastroenterologist Dr. Julian Lopez said. "Now this is just proof positive of the medical care in Las Vegas."

    Dr. James Tate, a trauma surgeon and Association of Black Physicians president, said the problems at the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada "puts a real black eye on the state of Nevada."

    Doctors said a common concern they're hearing from patients is that there has been a deep violation of trust.

    Lopez said some of his patients brought their own syringes with them to his office. He spent 40 minutes talking to one patient, easing her fears.

    Duke Breuer, who was treated at the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada in December, said he'll think twice before getting a procedure from a local doctor.

    "I'll probably think about going to Mexico before I get anything done here," he said.

    Dr. Ron Kline, a pediatric oncologist and former head of the Clark County Medical Society, said he's been insulated from such remarks because his patients are children.

    But, Kline said, for the average person, going to the doctor is like taking your car to a mechanic. At the end of the day, they have to trust the expert is doing safe and honest work, Kline said.

    "I think most definitely that this is viewed as a violation of trust by people, and they have a right to feel that way."

    Assemblyman Joe Hardy, R-Boulder City, a family practitioner, said the medical community is "going to soul search" about their practices and habits in light of the Endoscopy Center's problems.

    "This is huge in the ramifications, (including) overcoming the feeling of betrayal people will have toward their trusted physicians," Hardy said.

    While some doctors avoided commenting about the physicians who worked at the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada, others expressed outrage at reports that the clinic reused syringes and didn't properly clean equipment.

    "I thought it was an inexcusable, appalling breach of aseptic technique" to control contamination, said Dr. Don Havins, Clark County Medical Society president and an oncologist.

    Some doctors wondered about the role of greed in the crisis. Dr. Dale Carrison, chairman of emergency medicine at University Medical Center, said endangering patients in order to save money is akin to "selling your soul."

    "You already make $3 million dollars a year," Carrison said of Dr. Dipak Desai, the majority owner of the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada. "Why in God's name do you need more money?"

    Dr. Maurizio Trevisan, chief of the University of Nevada Health Sciences System, said what happened at the clinic was "completely unacceptable."

    "It's disheartening to think somebody might take a gamble on patients just for a financial savings," Trevisan said.

    Lopez said Desai and the other doctors who operated out of the company's six clinics should never be allowed to practice again.

    At the request of the Nevada Board of Medical Examiners, Desai agreed Friday "to voluntarily cease the practice of medicine" until the board completes its investigation of the clinic.

    "This goes to the very core of who you are as a human being," Lopez said. "They didn't value the lives of the patients who entrusted their lives to them. Now they want to get off with an apology?"

    Some patients are demanding that doctors now explain their procedures. If there is a silver lining, Carrison said, it is that patients and doctors might become more educated and mindful of the practice of medicine.

    But the profession will need to regain the trust of patients.

    "People are kind of second-guessing the practice of medicine here," Barry said. "But they shouldn't."

    Medical care here is good and continues to improve, he said.

    Nemec said his first feeling was that the hepatitis C cases linked to the clinic were just bad luck, that doctors he knew couldn't have intentionally reused syringes and vials.

    "I guess part of me still wants to believe that this was just some sort of mistake and not done with any intent," Nemec said.

    "I've known some of the doctors who practiced there for many years, and some of them are just outstanding doctors. It's hard for me to believe that they knew about this," he said.

    Contact reporter Lawrence Mower at lmower@reviewjournal.com or (702) 383-0440.



    Leave Your Comment 85 Reader Comments
    Terms & Conditions
    The following comments are provided by readers and are the sole responsiblity of the authors. The reviewjournal.com does not review comments before publication nor guarantee their accuracy. By publishing a comment here you agree to abide by the comment policy. If you see a comment that violates the policy, please notify the web editor.

    Some comments may not display immediately due to an automatic filter. These comments will be reviewed within 48 hours. Please do not submit a comment more than once.
    Current Word Count:

    footinmouth wrote on March 29, 2008 12:12 AM: "Dr." James Tate has the nerve to voice an opinion??? He is the biggest racist towards white people in the state! Just walk into his office or heaven forbid, have to see him in an emergency. Pay attention to the shortness and carelessness he has towards you if you're white as opposed to if you were black. My relative's father needed surgery because he was bleeding internally but Tate told her to sign papers permitting it. She needed an interpreter since she didn't speak english. He threw the papers in her face and said "sign them or not but he'll die if you don't...maybe that's what you need anyhow." This comment is quoted in court documents. His insurance saved him even though he single-handedly killed a patient through his negligence. One life is worth about 6 figures to Tate. I wonder if that was in whatever "oath" he took. Other doctors on staff saw this and did their best to apologize for him every time he left their presence. You see, he's black and God forbid we treat him the way he'd deserved. There's no secret to how Tate really is in that hospital. It would be nice if someone would put him in his place...in more ways than one. FACT: this "man" would never have a license in any other city. He is worse than Jackson or Sharpton because he has a license to kill.


    Mrs.Postreich wrote on March 18, 2008 05:56 PM: I would like to know if Iam still safe I had my blood work done for the hiv virus and my Dr; said Iwas ok it did;t show it Iwas good ,but does that mean Iam clear of every thing or do Istill have to get another test later to make sure again my Husband was tested also and he was ok also.please let me know we been married 41 years how many more years do I have left this took alot of stress on us because of this and very depressed and still am, let me know what else i have to look for and any other systems to look for.


    Incredulous wrote on March 10, 2008 07:23 PM: Infected Victim wrote: "the heinous 'doctor' who knowingly ordered potential death sentence was Eladio Carrera. He wasn't there the day of my procedure and when I asked where he was I was told he had been there earlier but had left for the day! So, it was another heinous male 'person' Richard (I think) Carroll..."

    I NOTICE THAT OF THE 14 GASTROENTEROLOGISTS WHO WORKED FOR GASTROENTEROLOGY CENTER, ONLY DR. DIPAK DESAI HAS "PUT HIS MEDICAL LICENSE ON HOLD".

    THAT MEANS THAT THERE ARE 13 DOCTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR GIVING PEOPLE HEP B AND HEP C WHO ARE STILL ACTIVELY PRACTICING MEDICINE, INCLUDING DOCTORS CARRERA AND CARROLL.

    I HEARD ON THE 6 PM NEWS ON 3/10/08 THAT ALL BUT THE SHADOW LANE OFFICE ARE BEING ALLOWED TO REOPEN FOR THE PURPOSES OF MEETING WITH PATIENTS, WRITING PRESCRIPTIONS, REVIEWING TEST REPORTS FROM THIRD PARTIES.

    IT'S DISGUSTING THAT THE 13 OTHER GASTROENTEROLOGISTS ARE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE TO OPERATE.

    IT'S NOT JUST DR. DESAI'S "FAULT". IT'S ALL OF THEIR FAULTS!


    Cliff wrote on March 10, 2008 11:39 AM: My results came back postive for Hep.C I had my colon procedure done @ the clinic on Burham in 2005. It has turned my life around.
    Cliff


    Infected Victim wrote on March 10, 2008 02:17 AM: To 'another infected victim': (same for me,too,zip sex/drugs)
    if TV news Channel 3 can be believed, they said they planned on releasing the updated numbers (again, IF we can believe the Health District will be forthcoming with them) tomorrow, this Monday 03/10, regarding how many human beings (my word) have been unknowingly infected, to date. We can only pray that info will be straight-up, at least, they're working on it/we should be hearing.

    Because although they've said they're still trying to notify/identify some patients, they haven't 'copped' to the fact major problem due this city is/has always been so transient that many people subjected to these deadly injections have now left the state - see below.

    We have a friend, not counted either yet, who had colonoscopy 2 years ago at Shadow Lane and more recently moved to Florida. Subsequently, he became very ill getting progressively worse until FINALLY he was diagnosed with Hepatitis C in Florida. Between the advanced disease and the medication, it nearly killed him, he lost a lot of weight etc. Thankfully, at least, he now knows about the Health Risk Alert, Class Action suits etc and he'll be 'OK'.

    As someone else mentioned, anymore these days, if you want something done right you have to do it yourself and that includes becoming highly efficient at research of government at all levels/policies passed/who is in who's pocket, becoming an expert specialist in any/all medical procedure you might need, gaining a Law Degree and even then you have to do everything twice and people have the nerve to say "you're obsessive" simply for wanting, excuse me, needing it to be done right because your life might depend on it.


    Infected Victim wrote on March 10, 2008 01:52 AM: Apologize, feel I need to correct earlier typo just noticed. The CORRECT date the vulgar female (I want her name and will recognize her in a flash) 'anesthesiologist' shot Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C into my arm is: 10/26/2007 (incorrect date previously entered was 10/27/07), sorry, and it took place at Shadow Lane.

    Also, the heinous 'doctor' who knowingly ordered potential death sentence was Eladio Carrera. He wasn't there the day of my procedure and when I asked where he was I was told he had been there earlier but had left for the day! So, it was another heinous male 'person' Richard (I think) Carroll who, in the end (no pun intended), apparently more than gladly took over and performed yet another one of these potentially deadly colonoscopies on me.


    marti wrote on March 09, 2008 09:49 PM: To the scum so called doctors. all of you involved should go to prison for life. you had absolutely no right to knowingly do this to people. obviously these idoits are showing the world that doctors such as these prove that they are no better than the low life scum that preys upon the innocent. you did this to save money..well duh! look what's it's costing you now. the nurses and any other employee there should be banned from ever working with people again and should if they're lucky get a job at McDonald's. the idiot nurses should also be immediately stripped of their license and never ever have it again. i am so angry about this because my husband had an endoscopy there september, 2007. to add insult to injury all of the patients have to now do all the leg work to gather all the information and to contact any of the attorneys as well as pay for their own testing if they have no insurance. desai should personally deliver all 40,000 patients a large check and beg for their forgiveness. when we go to a dr's office of facility to have a procedure we put our trust in these people to protect us as this is their job and have sworn to do so. no patient should ever have to be afraid of anything that is being done to them. i'm so sick of the responsibility put on patients to research dr, etc..no!!this is the dr's job!! these scum buckets are given a license to open shop for unsuspecting prey and then never checked on to make sure that they are operating in the highest regard for the patient. their employee's have to submit to drug tests and such but not


    bear wrote on March 09, 2008 09:36 PM: No more, we need good people like you to be in the health care profession. We cannot afford to lose good people because
    of a few bad apples. We need you.


    No more! wrote on March 09, 2008 09:10 PM: Here is the web site for the scum @ the Endoscopy Center: contact@gastrocenternv.com. Write them and let them know they have done. They have made the good doctors that truly care about their patients look bad in addition to harming so many people. I hope they burn in hell. I've hung up my stethoscope...don't want to work for doctors ever again.


    To Dr. Kline wrote on March 09, 2008 08:40 PM: ...I don't know about you Dr. Kline, but going to the doctor in my household is a little more serious than taking the car to a mechanic....I can always buy another car.


    Read All Comments