Most patients in Idaho inherently trust their doctors recommending surgery for various ailments. However, a recent analysis by ProPublica and CareSet indicates that some surgeons may recommend unneeded vascular surgeries that can injure some patients.
Invasive vascular procedures may be overprescribed
In 2019, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services warned that some doctors may have overused and even abused invasive vascular procedures. This warning noted that patients’ chances of complications, including amputation or death, may have increased markedly, resulting in medical malpractice claims.
The procedure in question is called atherectomy, with many patients undergoing the procedure having a questionable need for it. In this surgery, doctors use a laser or bladed catheter to remove plaque from blood vessel walls. Atherectomies are appropriate interventions for advanced vascular disease, but many patients who went to freestanding clinics underwent the procedure even when they had milder symptoms that could be treated with medication and exercise. Medicare pays generous reimbursements to doctors who perform the procedure. The study indicated that nearly one in four patients underwent the procedure from 2019 to 2022. A small percentage of doctors are responsible for performing unnecessary atherectomies in the United States.
Fighting back against unnecessary surgeries
Some physicians and medical practices use procedures with a high Medicare reimbursement rate to help cover the cost of other surgeries that are not as profitable. These practices can result in medical errors that can leave patients severely disabled or may cause eventual death.
If you or a loved one have sustained injuries because of negligence involving a clinic, hospital or any medical professional, you may be able to file a compensation claim. You can use money received for pain and suffering and injuries to pay for further medical treatments, living expenses, lost wages and much more.