What is Status of the Jefferson Regional Medical Center Investigation?

Recently, the Pittsburgh Business Times confirmed that Jefferson Regional Medical Center, located approximately 15 miles south of Pittsburgh, was conducting an investigation into cardiac stent procedures performed at the Heart Institute affiliated with the medical center. Dr. Sang Park, a cardiothoracic surgeon and the medical director at the Heart Institute, confirmed his concern that an internal investigation was needed. Dr. Park stated that at most institutions there is little or no oversight to determine the necessity of the procedure.

Explaining that there is no peer review process to judge whether a doctor is doing "right or wrong", Dr. Park expressed his belief that for years cardiologists have been abusing the system in performing unnecessary stents.

Last month Excela Health announced, following an investigation by independent outside cardiologists, that in 2010 there were 141 patients who received unneeded heart stents at Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. By comparison, Jefferson, apparently is conducting its investigation "in house". At this juncture no word of the outcome of the Jefferson investigation has been forthcoming.

Christopher Mallavarapu,M.D., a cardiologist in Louisiana,compared the placement of unnecessary stents to incest because, "nobody wants to talk about it". In December, 2010 the N.Y.Times quoted Steven Nissen,M.D.,chief of cardiovascular medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, as stating that he, "routinely treats patients who have been given multiple unneeded stents." He further complained that we are spending a fortune on procedures that are not needed. In discussing the extent of the problem Dr Nissen expressed his opinion that the use of unnecessary stents is happening right now in every city in the country.

Thus far doctors and hospitals in California, Texas, Louisiana, Maryland and Pennsylvania have been investigated for heart stent abuse. State medical boards are starting to appreciate the extent and gravity of the problem.

If you believe that you may have been the victim of a negligent cardiologist, contact Attorney Mark Haak today for a free evaluation of your case.