Analyze the above case by discussing the following points. 1. Facts - what happe

Question

Analyze the above case by discussing the following points.
1. Facts - what happened
2. Issues - what are the issues of the case
3. Court Decision
4. Do you agree or disagree with the Court's decision

FAILURE TO FORM A DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS Citation: Corley v. State Department of Health& Hospitals, 749 So. 2d 926 (La. App. 1999) Facts Corley began experiencing low back pain orn February 11, 1988. He sought medical treatment from Dr. Gremilion. Corley complained that he had been experiencing low back pain and abdominal discomfort for approximately 4 months. At Corley's request, Gremillion ordered X-rays of the lower spine, chest, kidneys, and gallbladder, as well as an upper gastrointestinal series. Gremilion, feeling that a specialist should see Corley, then gave him a written referral to a medical center for an orthopedic evaluation On March 2, 1988, Corley went to the medical center's emergency department with his wife. The Corleys presented admitting personnel with Corley's records from Gremillion, including X-rays and other test reports. Dr. Fuller, an emergency department physician, took a history from Corley and reviewed Gremillion's notes and the X-ray reports. He also conducted a routine physical examination and had X-rays made of Corley's lower back. Fuller's impres- sion was that Corley was suffering from low back pain. Fuller continued Corley on the medication

Explanation / Answer

1. In this case, the facts are best presented with timelines

February 1988 – Corley begins experiencing pack pain and visits Dr. Gremillion. X-ray of spine, chest, kidney, gallbladder, and gastrointestinal series is performed. Gremillion then refers him to an orthopedic.

March 1988 – Corley visits emergency department and meets Dr. Fuller. Makes an appointment for him for 5 days later where Corley meets Dr. Bridges. Dr. Bridges begins conservative course for back pain.

April 1988 – Corley meets Dr. Mehta who felt he had a posture problem and referred Corley to a physical therapist. He did not review any medical records.

September 1988 – Corley visits Dr. White, a surgical resident. He ordered a CT scan and the radiologist Dr. Ellis, interpreted the scan as arthritis. Dr. White did not review the past medical records

October 1988 – Corley visits a chiropractor, who performed a full spinal X-ray that revealed a problem in his lung. Dr. Maxwell confirmed it with this father (another doctor). Four days later Corley visited Dr. Gremillion again for chest congestion and shortness of breath. Diagnosis was bronchitis.

November 1988 – Further complication and continuous problem cause further diagnosis. IT was revealed that Corley has a lung cancer.

January 1990 – Corley passed away.

2. The issue of the case is that the Doctors at the hospital did not identify the root problem of the Corley’s lower back pain. The surviving spouse and children feel that the diagnosis and treatment at the right time could have saved Corley’s life. Several doctors in between did not even refer to Corley’s past medical history. Few of them provided same treatment even though it was not working. Overall the doctors did not take enough care to diagnose and treat Corley exhaustively.

3. In light of the issues and the facts presented the court decided that Corley was wrongly treated and the healthcare professionals at the hospital did not provide enough care through negligence. The court ordered the medical center to pay Corley’s family $400,000.

4. I agree with the court decision. The reason is, during his first visit to Dr. Gremillion an X-ray was taken for chest. The cancer development at the chest could have been seen. While it is true that the doctor was investigating a lower back pain and not breathing problem, he should have noticed any developments in the chest. This step was not taken from the medical practitioners. However, not only that but subsequently the other doctors did the same. This happened due to the information bias that Corley has lower back pain. Dr. Mehta and White too did not review any of the medical records. This was a complete oversight and negligence from their part. With these conditions in mind, we can safely conclude that Corley has been treated wrong, medically and also in terms of patient care. This is why I agree with the court’s decision.

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