IS this legal? Hospital lied to us for 1.5 years
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I firmly believe every patient needs a strong and educated advocate. Usually a family member. I am a nurse so it is probably easier for me, but a non-healthcare person can also be just as educated about a particular condition. When my husband had his resection 3 years ago either myself or one of my two adult children were in the room with him every minute. Question everything, what is that med, why is he getting it, what is his temp, bp, etc. What is planned for today. After discharge, it is even more important because you are the only one watching out to make sure things are getting done. Get copies of every lab and scan report, keep them in a book and take them to every appt with you. Write down what the dr. says and keep that in the book. Drs and hospitals have hundreds of patients, and the drs do not keep track of whether they have seen a report, if it comes in their nurse or med asst will put it in front of them, but you have to make sure they actually get it and see it. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to make sure your loved one has an informed advocate with them at each appt.
Joe….I agree with Nancy in that your frustration is well understood. I also don’t believe that the physicians don’t care rather; I think that the system is broken and all too often patients and caretakers must be on top of too many things. Surely, this mistake will not happen again with your father in-law, as you will be making sure of it..
Congratulations on the upcoming resection. That in itself is the best news yet.
Please, keep us posted.
All my best wishes,
MarionHi, I can certainly understand your frustrations. We put our trust in a system and when it fails us we feel neglected and that we are just another number on a list. This is why we have to be advocates for our loved ones but in your case one would only believe that the information was being passed along. I would put in a formal complaint to both the hospital and UPenn in the hopes that it will not happen again to you or anyone else. Rejoice in the fact that the reports that weren’t sent were positive. Sounds like your father-in-law is doing well and is definitely a survivor. Here’s to a great New Year!
NancyHey All,
sorry if I seem a little emotional. My father in law has been a survivor for almost 2 years now. Since last september (2009), University of Pennsylvania has decided that he can get treatment and analysis from his local hospital instead. Our main Oncologist at University of Pennsylvania is supposed to receive every blood work and scan so she can analyze everything and agree/disagree with whatever treatment plan they want to do.
Every appointment with that hospital, they would say “no change, everything looks good”. Which is great news in it self. On the report and paperwork, it would say that the results of blood work and scans have been “Copied to __(Name of our oncologist at Upenn)”
We called University of Pennsylvania today, just because we wanted to schedule an appointment to see what is new and what kind of direction we can head to (if my father in law is now eligible for a resection, etc)
Turns out, this hospital has not send them a single thing for the last 1.5 years.
I don’t know which one I am angry at, the hospital that didnt send to UPenn, or UPenn for not even contacting us ONCE to let us know of this situation.
I really need advice as now it feels like everything and the group of people we put so much trust in (Our dad’s life is at stake here!) has all crumbled down. It makes me feel that these doctors just don’t give a shit.
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