Study Finds Problems As More Surgeries Are Done in Outpatient Surgery Centers

We are seeing more and more surgeries being performed at outpatient surgery centers, rather than in hospitals. This is true even in complex surgeries with high complication rates, like bariatric surgery. Surgeries are often offered to patients in these locations as being more convenient and comfortable. However, in some cases, the facilities are not safe, do not have the necessary equipment in the event of a medical emergency and may not have adequate personnel.

New Revelations Among the Community

A recent study by the Leapfrog Group (a national nonprofit which focuses on patient safety in healthcare) found that some outpatient surgery centers that perform surgeries on pediatric patients don’t have someone on staff present who is Pediatric Advanced Life Support certified. This means that if there was a complication during a child’s surgery, someone who was PALS certified would not be present to render assistance and help save the child’s life. The study also found that more than 1/3 of surgery center facilities surveyed responded that not all of their surgeons and anesthesiologists are board-certified. Board certification is the gold standard for physicians to show their competence in their chosen area of expertise.

To see the Leapfrog Group’s Executive Summary, click here.

Protect Your Right to Compensation

At Warshauer Woodward Atkins, we have experience representing clients who have been injured during surgeries performed in surgery centers. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a surgery performed at a surgery center, please call for a free consultation.