With advances in modern medicine, more and more people are able to enjoy the convenience and reduced cost of many types of procedures performed on an outpatient basis.
Many patients now choose that option over hospitalization for a wide array of medical services, ranging from biopsies, endoscopies and cataract removals to more complicated procedures such as mastectomies and cosmetic plastic surgery. For some, the benefits outweigh careful consideration of the potential risks involved.
Think of the shocking death of celebrity Joan Rivers due to complications from a commonplace procedure practiced in her doctor’s office. If that can occur in an upscale New York City clinic, what are the chances of a bad outcome happening here at lakeside or even in Guadalajara?
The lakeside grapevine is rife with horrific tales such as the case of an elderly woman whose cataract surgery was botched by a local ophthalmologist and a prominent retiree who died from complications of an endoscopy practiced in Guadalajara. This newspaper recently heard several first-hand testimonials from patients of the same plastic surgeon regarding unsatisfactory results and questionable practices.
Dr. Fernando Priego, a primary care physician and former Jalisco Health Department official, stresses that patients should do their due diligence prior to undergoing ambulatory treatments.
He points out that all invasive procedures, particularly those requiring general anesthesia, may only be performed lawfully in a fully equipped hospital facility. Health department licenses required for private clinics should be displayed in public view. Doctors must also show their government-issued professional credentials allowing them to practices as physicians and medical specialists in advanced fields.
Prior to any type of surgical procedure, the doctor should carry out a full medical evaluation of the patient. This includes a CBC blood workup, urinalysis, chest x-ray and EKG to detect potential health risks, a full medical history and a list the patient’s regular medications and health supplements. All such information is especially important for seniors who are more susceptible to complications.
Outpatient procedures are not recommended for persons with a history of a bleeding disorders, chronic lung disease, uncontrolled diabetes, heart problems and serious weight issues.
Patients should question the doctor thoroughly concerning possible complications, infection rates, post-operative care, the availability of emergency equipment on site and whether he or she is trained in advanced resuscitation techniques in case something goes wrong. Also enquire about the doctor’s experience and success rate with the procedure and request references to contact other patients.
Developing a comfortable rapport with the doctor is another important factor. Be leery if he or she appears impatient or lacks interest in addressing your questions and concerns.
(A follow-up article will delve into lodging complaints of medical malpractice through official channels.)