1. I applaud the City of LV for closing down the Endoscopy Center. I know of these doctors and they are arrogant beyond definition. They have potentially ruined the lives of so many. I hope the other offices are closed as well. Because of the sub-standard medical care in general in LV, I relocated out of state. I am not surprised this has happened. I am aware that this office also reused biopsy forceps as well as syringes and medication vials and hope further investigation will proceed. None of these physicians should be allowed to practice medicine ever again. They knowlingly committed these agregious acts and should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law!

   Comment by Em — February 29, 2008 @ 7:21 pm

2. I personally appreciate Mayor Goodman once again looking after our well being. Knowing that my ability to be with my family in good health may have been seriously compromised is just unthinkable to me. Knowing that my life has been potentially compromised for pennies in profit to the center’s bottom line is, in my mind, criminal in the broadest sense of the word. I want to hear what the Clark County Medical Society and their disciplinary board of medical examiners are planning in order to address this outrageous turn of events. My experience with the center back in 2004 left me thinking that I had never dealt with a more arrogant and shoddy operation than this. I was scheduled for an endoscopy and when I signed in and paid my co-pay, the receptionist insisted I was there for a colonoscopy! This should have been my clue.

   Comment by Callie — February 29, 2008 @ 8:44 pm

3. Does anyone know what the date in September was exactly… the one where the five patients were seen on the same day and are now infected? I saw Dr. Death between the week of the 25th… not sure of the exact date.. trying to get my records…. so does anyone know the exact date for the five confirmed as of yet?

   Comment by B — February 29, 2008 @ 8:46 pm

4. I feel bad for the good doctors. It’s unfortunate the senior mgmt who owns such a large practice, is nickel and diming and ruining peoples lives. the senior doctors should be held accountable.

   Comment by ray — February 29, 2008 @ 9:06 pm

5. I am HIV + and had a procedure done at the center about two years ago. I don’t want to alarm anyone, but I did tell them of my HIV status.

   I certainly don’t feel any guilt, as I did my part, the Clinic didn’t……….

   I had blood drawn for a hepatitis test yesterday, keep your fingers crossed for me, it would be drastic to now have another virus to deal with.

   Comment by Charlie Strachan — February 29, 2008 @ 10:02 pm

6. What will be interesting is to see if ANYONE gets in trouble. In VEGAS it’s simply a matter of having the money to pay, I know this for a fact. One thing that this points out, is that in Nevada, being a right to work state, there is a catch 22, you lose your job if you do not follow orders, and the Board of Nursing, a REAL study in cowardice, punishes you if you do. It’s a lousy situation. What I learned is that if you are accused of something minor you will be made an example of and if like two major hospitals or several of our fine doctors, you are convicted of fraud, a good lawyer can make it go away. Vegas isn’t sin ciry because of sex, drugs or alcohol, but POLITICS!!!

   Comment by RN — February 29, 2008 @ 10:16 pm

7. I had a procedure in 2005 at this facility and then shortly after became pregnant. I am worried sick not only for my health but that of my beautiful child. This entire ordeal sickens me.
   I am dumbfounded by the ignorance of these doctors and am amazed that not one RN or surgical tech came forward to warn the public when this first began. Where are their ethics??? No job would be worth the guilt I would carry around FOREVER had it been me that was asked to do something like this. I believe each and every worker that knowingly took part in this should be held criminally responsible.

   I am to be tested tomorrow – Pray for me. Please do so also for my father as well. He not only was exposed once in 2004 but again in 2006. These doctors actions could potentially destroy my entire family as a whole. I will be praying for everyone else that was exposed as well. May all our results be negative!!

   Comment by Laura — February 29, 2008 @ 11:04 pm

8. I hope that you come back negative Charlie. You are right that TWO viruses is a little tougher to deal with than one. Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

   Meanwhile I would like to challenge everyone to learn a little bit more about Hepatitis C! Don’t misunderstand as I am also appalled that this could have happened in this supposedly enlightened day and age of universal precautions. Perhaps all this happened (sadly) so that more of you might get educated about Hepatitis C! It is reaching epidemic proportions in our country and most people don’t know the differences between Hep A, B, C, D, E and G.

   Hepatitis C requires a BLOOD TO BLOOD transmission. It is the most common chronic blood borne virus in the U.S. today. There are an estimated 5 million Americans with Hepatitis C (FIVE times more than HIV) Bet you didn’t know that! Only about 1 million know they have it. It is the leading cause of liver transplants in the U.S. 2/3 of patients will die waiting for a liver transplant because there are not enough organs to go around (please sign your donor cards!) There are an estimated 200 million people with Hepatitis C worldwide.

   You should be tested for Hepatitis C if you:
   * received a blood transfusion or solid organ transplant before July 1992
   * were notified that you received blood from a donor who later tested positive for hepatitis C.
   * have ever injected illegal drugs, even if you experimented only one time many years ago (or snorted any drugs)
   * were a recipient of clotting factor(s) made before 1987
   * have ever been on long-term kidney dialysis
   * have had tattoos or body piercings
   * had sexual activity that involved contact with blood
   * have had vaccinations administered with pneumatic jet injectors
   * are a veteran (especially Viet Nam)
   * have shared razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers, tweezers, etc. with an infected person
   * are a health care worker exposed to needle sticks or first responders
   * also 5% of babies born to infected mothers will get Hepatitis C
   * have ever been incarcerated

   Doctors do NOT test for Hepatitis C on annual physicals or routine exams. You have to ASK TO BE TESTED!

   You do not have any symptoms that damage is being done until the latter stages of the disease and that can be from 10 to 40 years! That is why it is called the *silent killer* There are treatments for Hepatitis C that are 45-80% successful depending on your genotype.

   There are an estimated 4 million of you walking around with it that don’t know you have it and can be inadvertently spreading it. Whether at the beauty salon where an HCV+ person was nicked and then you were nicked with the same instrument (Hep C does not die when it hits the air unlike HIV) and can live on surfaces for up to 4 days plus. Ignorance is not bliss.

   Know your Hepatitis C status!
   GET TESTED!

   There are vaccines for Hepatitis A and B. There is NOT a vaccine for Hepatitis C!

   Please GET TESTED for HEPATITIS C! It is a simple blood test and can be added to your routine tests the next time you see your doctor. Just ask him/her to add it! Take care and be your OWN advocates.

   Comment by PSPam — February 29, 2008 @ 11:09 pm

9. This scandal made the TV news here in Germany last night. Since my sister, an LV resident, had an endoscopic examination done just a short time ago, we were very much taken aback. Now we’re waiting for an “all clear” from her that she is not among the potential victims. Good luck to all the others, too!

   Comment by Jim Lorenz — March 1, 2008 @ 2:02 am

10. my wife had two of these procedures done there, we obtained a copy of the medical record and was surprised to see that a complete colonoscopy was done and several polyps removed this is a total lie a fraud never had any such procedure donejust two endoscopies only I was also seen at there henderson horizon ridge office for a verbal consult only they seemed to busy so I left I was charged for a visit but to my surprise I obtained a copy of my medical record and found a host of clinical findings test etc ? I never even had a chance of a hand shake. so the saving of penneys on needles and vials of med’s go,s a lot deeper there should be a complete investigation of the entire practice not just this one office run by this group of doctors this group of docters run many office in the Las Vegas area they are all run the same way, so to sum$$$ it up saving penneys on needles, vials of med’s, false medical reports–ins fraud ??? what else can be revealed under a total investigation ! this Dr.Dipak Desai worth over a hundred million $$$$ hides behind his corporation. Joe

    Comment by joe — March 1, 2008 @ 3:49 am

11. I used the Endoscopy Center sometime around the late nineties. I had a severe acid indigestion problem and I had my stomach scoped for ulcers or Pylori. I remember being put under and took a bus home from the center. I find it an absolute disgrace that they used unsafe practices in anethesia. How is this possible. How could doctors and health care professionals go along with this. The joke is their right around the corner from Las Health District. Now I wonder if this was going on when I used the center.

    Comment by Mike Davis — March 1, 2008 @ 6:11 am

12. I am applaud listening to something like this.A Doctor is suppose to be a responsible citizen,this goes against everything the profession stands for.To put so many lives at risk for years,also the nurses and anyone whom worked in this facility and had knowledge of this should be held responsible just as the doctors.It’s sickening when you find out that your Doctor could be your murderer,how many lives will be affected.I think they should be used as examples,put in jail and given the death penalty and maybe this will never happen again.It’s sad when people turn against one another like this.We are all following this case very closely to see how this will be proscuted.

    Comment by melinda — March 1, 2008 @ 6:43 am

13. Re: ENDOSCOPY CENTER OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
    Please provide complete details for those of us who are victims of this medical center’s unhealthy and unsafe practice, especially that we have been exposed to very serious diseases. Most importantly, is to inform the public that the search is for patients that were treated from March 2004 through Jan 2008 and provide the name of the attornies handling the class-action lawsuit.

    Please expose the names of all personnel at this clinic, including doctors, nurses, lab techs, and ADM staff,who have inflicted this harm on us and also provide the names of staff who were aware of this unhealthy practice yet remained silent. These disgusting people need to be identified. The only comfort I have now is knowing that each and every personnel involved will one day bring upon their own ill-health, or one day watch the person they love suffer in pain from a disease that could have been prevented. There is a golden rule in life, “You get back what you give.” These low-minded, empty-hearted animals, that dare to call themselves human beings, will get back the grief they have inflicted a thousand fold. Sad, that the family members of these creatures will also suffer the consequences of their greedy behavior.

    Karma is an interesting concept. By-the-way, if I remember correctly, Dr. Desai’s wife is a pulmonary specialist and although she is in a different office I find myself wondering how much like her husband is her medical ethics—as a matter of fact, I will now generalize my fear and avoid any doctor with the name “Desai”.

    Dr. Maria
    Las Vegas

    Comment by Dr. Maria — March 1, 2008 @ 1:36 pm

14. Thank you Mayor Goodman for closing that “clinic”!
    The Health District is a joke. They let these people continue to be open even after this went public. Shadow Lane should have been shut down before this went public.

    Now….what about the other clinics that these doctors are involved with? Burnham location? The soon to open Spring Valley location at Rainbow & Oquendo?

    Here’s another one to investigate, what about the hospitals that perform endoscopy proceedures with the doctors from the Gastroenterolgy Center of Nevada?
    I had an endoscopy done at Summerlin Hospital under Dr. Weisz from the Gastroenterolgy Center.
    I know that Summerlin Hospital’s Endoscopy Center is separate from these guys, but who supplies the equipment? Summerlin or the doctor? Who supplies the anesthesiologist and his/her syringes and vials of anesthesia medication?

    With all these questions and no help form the Health District….I’m going to get tested even though I didn’t have my endoscopy at that clinic, but just because my doctor is from the Gastroenterolgy Center of Nevada.

    40,000 people could be the tip of the iceberg and I’m not waiting for the Health District to get off their butt to investigate connections with these doctors that are beyond the Shadow Lane clinic.

    Comment by J.R. — March 1, 2008 @ 1:39 pm

15. I never liked the dr. I went to in this group. I filed a complaint against him THEN (2006). I called my ins. company and told them if they had listened to me they wouldn’t be paying for ALL these blood tests. I am glad they are out of business – for NOW of course – and who knows what other medical establishments use similar “cost affective” measures? Like many here I am hoping my blood test comes back negative. And I’ll be running right out there to have ANOTHER medical procedure done – NOT!!

    Comment by Concerned — March 1, 2008 @ 1:43 pm

16. As a physician I have been following the details from the time the story broke. At first I assumed it must have been one rogue employee, perhaps someone who lied about having medical training. Even when I learned that it was a widespread procedural problem I was confused by how it could have happened. How does one repetitively contaminate a vial? I assumed later it was a horrible mistake that somehow everyone just did not see. I asked myself if such things were possible in my office. It was all just to horrible.
    I was truly shocked to learn that physician were not only aware of the problem but condoned it and insisted that it continue. If that is the horrible truth then this is not a medical issue it is a criminal issue.
    The Las Vegas medical community is a good one. I have no problem finding good doctors to refer to in all specialties. I know there are always some complaints but in general I am proud of my fellow doctors. I seriously doubt, if these charges are true, that anyone will be less forgiving than the physicians of Las Vegas who are slimed by the actions of these doctors. They will have betrayed the public trust and damaged the rest of us by association.
    These men should pray no physician sits on the jury at their trial.

    Comment by mike — March 1, 2008 @ 6:30 pm

17. In follow up to my comment above I’d like to add that this is a really really obvious problem with technique. I find it impossible to imagine that any physician, even with marginal training, would do what was done here even once! I don’t blame people for worrying but this simply is too egregious an error to occur elsewhere on a regular basis. I realize that sounds silly in view of the many patients that are anguishing over the blood test results that are being done but I know physicians are even more shocked than the general population over what has occurred here. I am still having trouble believing what has happened here.

    Comment by mike — March 1, 2008 @ 6:42 pm

18. What exactly does this article mean by the statement “you don’t see these types of acute Hep C outbreaks very often” WAKE UP AMERICA, Hepatitis C is an EPIDEMIC RIGHT NOW, 100 MILLION PEOPLE HAVE HEP C, 4 times more people have Hep C than HIV, 69% of Vietnam Veterans have Hep C. Hep C is the leading cause for liver transplants in the US. 10,000 – 15,000 people DIE every year as a result of Hep C or complications from this disease. The 2-medication treatment (interferon and ribavirin) for Hep C currently being used has a mere 50% effective rate, while in Europe, it has been shown that adding a 3rd medication (protease inhibitor) to the treatment yeilds a 90% effective rate. The FDA has yet to approve the 3-med treatment program for Hep C, but it’s used for HIV and it WORKS. The government, pharmaceutical companies, and medical community need to step up and start treating this epidemic effectively so mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, aunts, uncles, and grandparents…….can live full, productive lives. This disease IS NOT spread sexually, nor is it only spread by IV drug use as is proven by this article, by the cancer patients in IL who also became infected by reuse of syringes, and the organ transplant patients that received organs from an infected donor, and by the many other documented cases of Hep C resulting from poor medical practices!!!! HOW MANY PEOPLE MUST DIE BEFORE THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY, GOVERNMENT, AND PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES GIVE THIS DEADLY DISEASE THE ATTENTION IT NEEDS AND DESERVES!!!!!!!!!!

    Comment by LKDavis — March 1, 2008 @ 7:20 pm

19. Not long ago an organization named “Keep Our Doctors in Nevada”

    pressured the Nevada Legislature into an emergency session and

    persuaded the Nevada citizens to vote for medical malpractice

    protection, all in the name of a phony “medical malpractice crisis.” Dr.

    Dipak Desai and the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada were

    behind the Keep Our Doctors in Nevada group, shelling out at least

    $25,000 to buy protection from injured patients. As a result, medical

    providers, INCLUDING DR. DESAI AND HIS CLINIC, are protected by

    caps on damage awards. Does anyone now think $350,000 is

    adequate compensation for the pain and suffering that will be

    endured by any patient of Dr. Desai who contracts HIV/AIDS,

    Hepatitis B, or Hepatitis C?
    Like many lawyers who represent injured medical patients, our law

    firm, Myers & Gomel, fought against the caps, and I can tell you this

    is precisely the type of situation we were concerned about when the

    doctors and their insurance companies used the “Keep Our Doctors

    in Nevada” fear campaign to achieve their selfish goal of protective

    caps. The truth is we shouldn’t keep doctors like Dr. Desai in

    Nevada, and doctors like Dr. Desai don’t deserve protective caps so

    they can practice sub-standard medicine with no fear of a jury’s

    verdict.
    This is a real “medical malpractice crisis,” and it will not be the last

    one unless and until doctors like Dr. Desai can be held accountable

    in full for the pain and suffering caused by such blatant and

    irresponsible malpractice. Nevada voters should demand that the

    doctors’ special shield laws be repealed and that they be treated like

    the rest of us.

    Comment by myersandgomel — March 1, 2008 @ 7:51 pm

20. Totally disgusted with what happened. Contact lawyer at http://www.endocopycenterexposure.com . I don’t know if there will be any money in this but they should be held responsible.

    Comment by Justin Simon — March 1, 2008 @ 8:30 pm

21. sorry i typed it wrong, its http://www.endoscopycenterexposure.com

    Comment by Justin Simon — March 1, 2008 @ 8:32 pm

22. My husband had procedure there in June 2006 i dont know what to do, should all of us including our kid go for testing.and should we file lawsuit or not.

    Comment by Sonia — March 1, 2008 @ 9:09 pm

23. has homeland security been informed. maybe desai is part of a terrorist group trying to kill us. why would employees go along with this- over a job- they should have reported this as soon as they were told to do it. what kind of people would worry about their jobs instead of fellow human beings. what has this world come to. the employees should have blown the whistle their souls far outweight a job. how can they sleep at night? i know i can’t- i too busy staying awake wondering if i have hiv or hep c.

    Comment by carole — March 1, 2008 @ 10:46 pm

24. I have been a nurse for 13 years, relocated to Nevada in 06 and my husband had 2 procedures at this center. I understand the consequences of the disease process and am emotionally distraught over this whole ordeal. I can’t imagine any medical professional allowing this to take place. We are waiting for his test results as patiently as we can. The best thing to do is to educate yourself in preparation for the worst. HIV is something that may not show up for years in the blood…so now we have many years to worry. I am disheartened by this, and really saddened. The state/government should now step in and provide testing for all 40,000. This should not be a cost that we should be made to pay out of pocket!

    Comment by Stacie — March 2, 2008 @ 7:26 pm

25. I can’t believe the state of Nevada allowed this facility to remain open after the situation was discovered. They waited for the City of Las Vegas to pull their business license. Apparently the Clark County District Health Department doesn’t have the authority to act. What authority do they have when it comes to protecting our health? Las Vegas can’t resolve the problems with the schools, roads, water, and now HEALTH! Too much graft and greed! My wife had two procedures done in October 2007 and now must worry once again…

    Comment by Chuck — March 2, 2008 @ 7:43 pm

26. These scumbags deserve the DEATH PENALTY

    Comment by James Page — March 2, 2008 @ 7:56 pm

27. the RN’s are Also Liable. they knew what was going on but continued to provide sub-standard care and were not Patient Advocates.

    Comment by john marshall — March 2, 2008 @ 8:47 pm

28. As a former attorney and judge, now retired, I submit these “Doctors” should be under criminal indictment!

    Comment by Robert Lynch — March 2, 2008 @ 9:35 pm

29. No wonder that three of the “so-called” physicians were foreigners.

    Comment by Rob — March 2, 2008 @ 10:11 pm

30. These nurses and doctors should all receive the same treatment. They all knew better but ignored the right thing to do. What a disgrace to the medical profession.

    Comment by Mel — March 2, 2008 @ 10:14 pm

31. I tried to make a comment about the physicians being foreigners, but the editor deleted them. Shame on you!

    Comment by Mel — March 2, 2008 @ 10:15 pm

32. I am not from nevada, but I feel all your pains and anger. I get the goosebumps from reading about this. I always thought the world was a cruel and hellish place and this pretty much confirm it. Hope all is well with everyone who had been at the mercy of these greedy bastids.

    Comment by matt — March 2, 2008 @ 10:46 pm

33. Doctors generally make really lousy business persons. Maybe it is an ego thing. And they all seem to buy into some clinic/real-estate/investment scheme.

    I don’t know about Clifford Carrol, but I imagine the cultural backgrounds of Dipak Desai, Eladio Carrera, and Vishvinder Sharma never prepared them for a. some employees would refuse to recklessly endanger patients, b. employees would rat them out, and c. the resultant legal feeding frenzy.

    Comment by ww — March 3, 2008 @ 5:38 am

34. Any physician or nurse who participated in this or knew about it and did not report it should lose their license to practice. I certainly would not want one of them taking care of me. A nurse who has refused to give medications when dosage was questionable and also reported wrongdoing where patient care was involved. Have a spine and take some responsibility-it’s your duty-M.D. and R.N.

    Comment by maggie — March 3, 2008 @ 6:43 am

35. Work in vegas , vacation there , you’re weird .
    stamp, stamp, double stamp weird.

    Long b4 either the dirty needle crowd
    (The Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada for example)
    or
    The 14th century warrior of alah crowd (sept 11 2001 hijackers for example)
    Showed up in vegas to do “bizzness” ,
    I already knew the place attracted a specific type of human , The Weird type .
    Sadly Dirty Needles alone won’t stop vegas ….

    For stopping vegas , I’ll put 50 bucks on the RED ONE , Al Gore and “Global Warming” to shut vegas down.

    NO water no power ..works for me .Come on AL (insert sound of dice hitting table)

    Comment by Elvis — March 3, 2008 @ 6:55 am

36. I said, “36 red” and they thought I wanted to place a bet when I was actually talking about the number of spots on my junk.

    Comment by Bensenville Butch — March 3, 2008 @ 8:02 am

37. Why the hell has it taken the Health District 4 years to uncover this?

    Comment by Concerned — March 3, 2008 @ 8:48 am

38. If you were patient at the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada between 03/01/04 and 01/01/08 treated with a syringe/needle or had a colonoscopy or upper gastronintestinal procedure, you have legal rights.

    We are currently representing patients who have been victims of this gross negligence.

    http://www.hepatitisclaimcenter.org/

    Comment by Hepatitis Claim Center — March 3, 2008 @ 9:45 am

39. You can keep your govt sponsored health care!

    All these foreign doctors should have the passports siezed and be charged with Attempted Murder!

    Comment by Junk — March 3, 2008 @ 11:55 am

40. I would like to know the NAMES of the doctors involved. I know the name of ONE but I would like to know ALL their names – anyone have a list or know where we could find the names of these people who like to claim they are “doctors”?

    Comment by Concerned — March 3, 2008 @ 12:22 pm

41. I am beyond horrified and outraged at the news of this medical facilities lack of responsibilty. There are certain places in which an individual should feel safe.This is so scary I cannot even begin to express how I feel about it. I hope that the people responsible are held as such. Now , we have one more thing to worry about. You can’t do anything or go anywhere anymore without taking extreme precautions, now you have to do it at the doctors office also. I will be praying for all of the people out there that may become victim to this horrible situation.

    Comment by Jennifer Kennedy — March 3, 2008 @ 12:42 pm

42. Do we have Third World doctors practicing Third World medicine here? Several that I have been to have been difficult to understand because their English is so sketchy.

    Comment by Mary — March 3, 2008 @ 1:22 pm

43. The business license for Endoscopy Center of Nevada was issued on 07/11/2000, Dr Dipak Desai owns over 50% of this facility since then. The owners of this facility is still practicing and owns Gastroenterology Center of Nevada. How did the Health District determine when the re-use of the syringe started ? I believe that they should take the license of each and every doctor that owns this facility and every single patient that were seen in this facility should all be tested for pre-caution. Imagine 40,000 patients were seen there from 2004-2008, how many had unprotected sex or transferred fluids to another person and infected them too. There are so many innocent victims and not everyone has the money or insurance to pay for these tests.

    Comment by Carol — March 3, 2008 @ 3:42 pm

44. The Clinic Owners and the Staff that knew about these practices should be charged with attempted murder. This is not a Third World Country and these Doctors should get to practice again in Jail!!

    Comment by GH — March 3, 2008 @ 4:53 pm

45. I am one of the forty thousand of potentially infected patients and I am awaiting test results. I am also a physician.
    Infection from Hepatitis or HIV is a frightening prospect but what is also alarming to me is how quickly so many want to condemn these doctors and nurses. It is unclear at this point what role each of the staff at this clinic played in this tragedy. I want anyone who knowingly put patients at risk to be held accountable but let’s not generalize and act on fear, prejudice, and misinformation.

    Comment by Dr. Laura — March 3, 2008 @ 7:06 pm

46. I am completely outraged and hurt by this situation. I agree with Carol’s comment #43. I’ve spent my whole life being cautious of germs and bacteria. I don’t share drinks, I’ve been celibate, all because I’m so scared of catching something. I feel like I’ve done everything possible to stay safe in today’s world, and now I am at risk for hepatitis and hiv. I am horrified by this and utterly scared. I feel so helpless. There’s nothing I can do but wait to hear my results. I am so sorry that anybody has to go through this. How could these people look at themselves in the mirror?

    Comment by Dissapointed — March 3, 2008 @ 7:29 pm

47. I want to know where we can get more information. I was a patient of Dr. Desai’s before all of this went on. At that time he did an endoscopy on me in a room in his office. I had anesthesia, was he demanding the same type of cross contamination at that time? What makes the Health Dept. think it only started when they opened the Endoscopy Center? Also, was the anesthesiologist only employed by the Endoscopy Center? I’ve known where they actually travel from one ambulatory/surgical center to another. Did the anesthesiologist use the same practice at the other centers? We need alot more answers!!!

    Comment by sd — March 3, 2008 @ 8:21 pm

48. [...] Las Vegas Now | Lawsuits Filed Against Closed Medical Center »   No Comments » [...]

    Pingback by Local Las Vegas >> Downtown » Las Vegas Now | Local Man Deals With Hepatitis Scare — March 3, 2008 @ 10:38 pm

49. I am a doctor and have had a colonoscopy at that center during the mentioned time period. I will be getting tested and retested, etc.

    It is totatly shocking that this has been going on for as long as it has to save a few pennies on syringes. Nevada should NEVER have put a CAP on Malpratice just to reduce the cost of Malpratice Insurance for these RICH “Doctors”!!!

    I will be loking into sueing and encouraging the State officials to file CRIMMINAL Charges against any one involed or knew about what was going on.

    I think it’s time to leave Vegas! No wonder so many Vegas doctors and their family seek medical care outside of this city!

    Comment by Dr S. — March 3, 2008 @ 10:45 pm

50. Mary,
    I agree with your comment! If they can’t speak english very well then I would not trust them!! They are only here in Las Vegas, like many others, just to cash in on the great economy!!! Their homes in Spanish Trails need to be auctioned off and proceeds given to all patients to pay for testing!!!!

    Comment by Jack King — March 3, 2008 @ 11:34 pm

51. I had two procedures done at this site with Dr. DeSai, and I’m sorry to disappoint most of you but I will NOT be jumping on the bandwagon to crucify these doctors. The syringe they are talking about is a 1 1/2″ wide syringe at the end of a 3 foot tube used to administer anesthesia, there’s hardly ANY chance that bacteria would go all the way up a 3 foot tube into the syringe, I think the truth will come out and while it may have been a way to save on syringe costs, I don’t think it merits completely shutting down 3 facilities that we depend on for colonoscopies and other life-saving exams. That’s just me.

    Comment by Donnie Castleman — March 3, 2008 @ 11:35 pm

52. I’ve had enough for one night!!!!! What Doctors are next? Bring them all out of the shadows and send them home!!!

    Comment by Jack King — March 3, 2008 @ 11:49 pm

53. I had a colonoscopy at the Gastroenterology Center of Nevada in Jan. 2007 and an Endoscopy at the Endoscopy Center of Nevada in Dec 2007.
    Dr. Desai (hard to call him a doctor now) did the later procedure. The odd thing was when I went for a follow up in Jan. 2008 he billed my health insurance company $150. The odd thing? He didn’t say one thing to me as he spoke into a pocket tape recorder. He handed me two prescriptions and aimed me toward the Pay Window. Kinda weird, huh? I get the Von’s Pharmacy and my insurance doesn’t cover the drugs. Why, you might ask? Because the were both available over the counter.

    I haven’t taken a blood test yet. I have a planned visit with my doctor on march 5th. He knows about me already.

    BTW, what type of settlement should I seek? I wwas there twice, as I stated.
    $10,000? $25,000? 100,000? $$$$????

    What do you think? I have never sued before. Can I, or should I, get my own attorney and sue seperately?

    I thank Channel 8 News (and of course http://www.lasvegasnow.com) for the heads up.

    Comment by RazzO — March 4, 2008 @ 12:40 am

54. You racist idiots do realize that half (two) of the owners are white, right?

    Leave it to Las Vegas… Only the brown skin doctor should be punished, only brown skin kids can shoot white kids and the ricin guy must be middle eastern… Right?

    Forget about the white guy who killed the mother of five (or six) by driving a spike through her head. Forget about the white doctors. And oops, the ricin guy isn’t named Mohammad, as someone else suggested, he’s named Roger.

    You people afraid of the brown skin boogieman make me sick.

    Comment by Capt — March 4, 2008 @ 1:43 am

55. To Danny’s comment below;

    When I had the colonoscopy in Jan 2007 it was a needle directly in my arm.
    I do recall the tube in the December 2007 Endoscopy. I think, anyway. I was out pretty fast. It was a rush job. LOL.

    razz

    ================================================
    I had two procedures done at this site with Dr. DeSai, and I’m sorry to disappoint most of you but I will NOT be jumping on the bandwagon to crucify these doctors. The syringe they are talking about is a 1 1/2″ wide syringe at the end of a 3 foot tube used to administer anesthesia, there’s hardly ANY chance that bacteria would go all the way up a 3 foot tube into the syringe, I think the truth will come out and while it may have been a way to save on syringe costs, I don’t think it merits completely shutting down 3 facilities that we depend on for colonoscopies and other life-saving exams. That’s just me.

    Comment by Donnie Castleman — March 3, 2008 @ 11:35 pm

    Comment by RazzO — March 4, 2008 @ 2:17 am

56. I agree with Elvis #35.
    I am Elvis #35 at work too.

    Third world Doctors are not the only Doctors that quack in vegas or anywhere else (except in the third world , funny how that works really)
    if only it were so simple .

    For sure , other medical union due payers will pick up a bat and hit out at anyone who dare pick on one their own.

    (like any other used car salesman)The medical profession works on commission and life is terminal.

    Put the two together , I think you see why spending a few moments buying a medical degree online (like I have) can make one a good buck .

    Comment by Elvis — March 4, 2008 @ 5:06 am

57. Every R.N. and C.R.N.A. and the Doctors that followed the illegal orders should all be ordered to stop practicing now. Then they should have their license revoked. If the Nevada Board of Registered Nurses does not do that, then they are not worth the respect of the medical community. I am a retired California Registered Nurse and I would never have done that. I was told by a nursing instructor, remember you may lose your job but not your license.I am not comfortable with all these foreign nusrses in hospitals, cause they bring with them all the bad pratices they used. I have caught them doing some things they should not have done and when questioned the response was I am sorry it was just by habit that I did that.

    Comment by james bakeman — March 4, 2008 @ 7:16 am

58. Count on certain doctors heading back to their native countries as soon as they can get their assets out of the country. Maybe they’ll be nice enought to turn in their passports?

    Comment by Richard — March 4, 2008 @ 8:50 am

59. All of this to save less than a buck a patient.

    Comment by Lewis B. Sckolnick — March 4, 2008 @ 9:12 am

60. I want a piece of his 3M plus house. I hope he has to sell it to pay for the lawsuits. This is outrageous and what’s worse is that it took 4 years to uncover this? If a bar or a restaurant is found not up to standards it is closed IMMEDIATELY and they are inspected SEVERAL times a year!!

    Comment by Concerned — March 4, 2008 @ 9:13 am

61. as a gastroenterologist in another state, i have been following this story. i work in an academic practice and although appalled by the story, i’m not surprised. the sheer greed of many private practice gastroenterologists is unbelievable– unethical practices, unnecessary procedures, etc. i would bet no one who has had both a colonoscopy and upper endoscopy (EGD) there has ever had it on the same day– why? because they can bill the facility fee twice if done on different days. this is a common scam and the reason that docs buy into these endoscopy centers. as for the comment about hiv not showing up in blood for years, this is incorrect. the antibody should be detectable within a couple of months. if you test negative and were scoped more than two months ago, i think you can consider yourself negative.

    Comment by dr216 — March 4, 2008 @ 9:56 am

62. This makes it very difficult to trust other medical professionals. Doctors who above all take a Hippocratic Oath and this did not just happen one day this went on for four years. didn’t any patients ask them questions when they went in for things? I do not feel the charges I hear so far match up to the level of diseas people now face. My prayers to them and their families!!!

    Comment by kathy — March 4, 2008 @ 10:21 am

63. My Aunt was a former patient. Not only does she have to deal with the fact that during a colonoscopy her bowel was perforated, she was sent home to huddle all night in extreme pain, went back into the ER, then through emergency surgery a colostomy bag was inserted, until over a year later when it could be removed , but now she has to go for testing due to the negligence and blatant disregard of the OATH these medical personnel are sworn to. Hold those people responsible for their actions. These victims of this clinic have been VIOLATED.

    Comment by TJ — March 4, 2008 @ 10:40 am

64. I had a colonoscopy done at the Burnham Avenue location, and everything seemed to go smoothly until I arrived in the office where they perform exit interviews, and the employee asked me why I still had my anesthesia IV still in my arm. That was a sign to me that something was wrong with this place.

    Comment by James Dinda — March 4, 2008 @ 11:57 am

65. I jusy heard another clinic was closed anyone have the address I have a family member that has gone to one

    Comment by frances g curry — March 4, 2008 @ 12:31 pm

66. Francis, here is a bit more info, hope this helps

    Late Monday afternoon, Clark County suspended the licenses of three additional clinics run by the same people who own the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada.

    The businesses are the Desert Shadow Endoscopy Center, 4275 S. Burnham, the Gastroenterology Center of Nevada, also located at 4275 S. Burnham and the Spanish Hills Surgical Center located at 5915 S. Rainbow Blvd.

    Comment by TJ — March 4, 2008 @ 1:24 pm

67. Yesterday, my family received two of the notices from the Health District-my husband and my mother for whom I am the caregiver–right now I find it hard to understand how anyone in the medical profession could allow this to happen or even worse perform this type of travesty themselves and for what?? MONEY?? OH MY GOD–my husband and my mother’s health is not theirs to play GOD with–why are these people not LOCKED UP already?? Can you SAY– ASSAULT??? Why are these doctors (sleeze) still walking the streets?? As I see it what they did was no less than playing GOD–what right do they have to KNOWINGLY put my or anyone elses family members at risk and HOW DO YOU SLEEP at night?? I would like to see their family members injected or even they themselves with some of these used syringes and then relate to us what the ‘odds’ are of contracting something?? I understand that Vegas is a ‘betting’ city but I dont thing others people’s lives are something anyone should play around with–one of my first thoughts about this last night was the fact that our city has been devastated by the rash of school shootings and as a city we have been ringing our hands about why would these kids have so little regard for life–sound FAMILIAR–seems like these doctors did not have much regard for life either, especially if it meant a little more money in their pockets….and this is what our kids are learning from whom??? The adults…..the Doctors and nurses no less….Why have there not been arrests?? I still say that whether the individuals were the ones using the syringes more than once or the ones in the same office who were looking the other way–they should all pay–
    then I see that they wanted to re-open the office?? ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? They should have plenty of money in their pockets from all the money they saved to live for quite a while and not work while the people they chose to put thru this nightmare take time off of work to get a referral from their own Doctor and then have to go to the lab to have their blood drawn…..what is this world coming to–

    Comment by Sherelle Thomson — March 4, 2008 @ 3:00 pm

68. I think all people involved in this issue should be punished. I know that if someone knowingly has hiv and sleeps with someone, they are charged. Aren’t they charged with murder or at least attempt? Cause that is basically what these doctors did. They knew what they were doing, knew it was hazardous for patients, but still did it. Now several people will lose their lives. How long have they been doctors or nurses? I really want to know why they did this. Please tell me. Money doesn’t seem to be the only reason. It can’t be.
    One of my girlfriends always travel outside to get medical attention. She always claimed she didn’t trust doctors in Vegas. I on the other hand always told her that doctors can’t put us in harm. It’s illegal. I tried to convince her that Vegas doctors are the same as anywhere else. I’m kicking myself in the butt, and I’m so grateful she never listened to me.
    I am so happy to know that they have closed the other offices. I hope justice is served. I am currently speaking with lawyers, but they said I first need to get results which is taking longer than a week now, because of the volume. I hope all victims will take legal action. If anyone knows what else we can do, please let me know.

    Comment by Dissapointed — March 4, 2008 @ 3:48 pm

69. Here in the Kansas City area, there have been people charged that had HIV and knowingly risked others lives by having sex. It is no different, only I believe worse, these people were supposed to be professionally trained in safety in all areas. I would never have gone along with the orders of the doctors had I worked there. And I would have reported it. It is a shame so many kept quiet, must have been something in it for them too.

    Comment by TJ — March 4, 2008 @ 4:18 pm

70. The questions I have are: 1. How many cases of colon cancer have been found at the closed Clinics? How many lives have been save? 2. Where are the people to go to have their colon checked? I owe my life to a doctor who found my cancer early. He was from India. That was 14 years ago. If it had not been for him I would have died years ago. Of course a very bad mistake has been made. But now with the reaction of the cities and county how many will die because of the difficult job of finding a place where a colonoscopy can be performed? Colon cancer must be found early for a person to survive. I hope and pray not many.

    Comment by Evan Larsen — March 4, 2008 @ 7:20 pm

71. Before we start handing out medals to our city officials, no one is explaining why this information became known on January 11, 2008 and NO ACTION OR PUBLIC DISCLOSURE was made until Friday, February 29, 2008. I was treated twice by this clinic with anesthisia, intially August 31, 2007 and again on January 31, 2008. When I went to my Doctor to get my bloodwork done on Monday, March 3, I was told they were not worried about the second visit in late January, because the clinic had changed it’s proceedure on January 11. WHY WERE WE NOT TOLD BY OUR CITY FATHERS THEN INSTEAD OF 6 WEEKS LATER?

    Also, no one is addressing the fact that this is the clinic that the VA refers all its gastro patients too. Why was their contractor not on top of this? I wonder if the VA can spell Lawsuit along with local heath authorities who kept this information secret from the public?

    Comment by Richard Smith — March 4, 2008 @ 7:37 pm

72. If you were holding a gun and I told you to shoot someone and you pulled the trigger and killed someone…. who would be up for murder… you or me?

    I hold the anestegiologists 100% responsible for this regardless if they were told to do this or not, they are the ONLY ones, (not the RN’s or MD’s by the way), who administered the medication to THEIR patients. I hope the ones involved lose their licenses and are indicted and covicted and see some serious prison time!!!! Anyone thought about that this might have been a deliberate act of one of the anestegiologists?

    I appreciate Dr. Lauras comments #45

    Comment by Think about it — March 4, 2008 @ 8:28 pm

73. Question…
    Didn’t they say the doctors reused the same hose on several patients and only dabbed them in tap water before continuing on the next patient?
    I find it hard to believe that only part of the staff knew what was going on.

    Comment by Dissapointed — March 4, 2008 @ 8:50 pm

74. Don’t believe everything you hear or read. I want to know what the facts say. I think this city will be horrified when the true facts of this unimaginable crime are released.

    Comment by Think about it — March 4, 2008 @ 8:53 pm

75. I still think the cap of the lawsuits is OK. I personally think that every patient (even if you test negative) should sue. $350k is enough per patient. If you were to contract one of these diseases I think a creative enough lawyer could sue them not for medical malpractice, but other things like emotional distress and even wrongful death.

    The part that ticks me off most is that none of the Health Districts didn’t shut them down. I’m an engineer and we have to have Health District approval on some of our plans showing that the sewer lines aren’t too close to water lines. Why can’t they shut down a doctor who’s infecting their patients.

    These doctors and possibly some nurses belong in jail. They only have so much money and the lawyers will get most of that anyways.

    Look what this has done to our image. When I first heard about this on the Fox News Channel (you know the national one) I wonder how many people said well maybe I don’t want to visit there in case I get sick. FNC had a guy from the Health District on and he just said a clinic. So if that was the only story you heard about this you might of thought it was an urgent care clinic. I know I did. I had a friend that came into town the weekend before and had to take her young daughter to an urgent care center because she came down with a fever.

    Comment by lvthunder — March 4, 2008 @ 10:02 pm

76. Those doctors are the equivalent of domestic terrorist they knowingly tried 2 kill 40,000 Las Vegans have caused near mass hysteria and they profited from it Dr. Dipak Desai and all others involved should have there bank accounts frozen he lives in a multi million dollar house and it is clear that this was planned .Who is attempting to downplay the fact that people are going to die i have members of my family that are waiting for blood test and they can not sleep there currently in shock .These medical terrorist tried to kill my mother and there are to ways that it will be squared away 1. They will be punished according to the laws of the land and 2.They will compensate with 100s of millions of dollars but if our legal system does not set an example we shall never feel safe and I’m confident that someone will be looking for these terrorist/doctors im highly anticipating the release of there photos.

    Comment by Brandon — March 4, 2008 @ 10:12 pm

77. It may be a good idea to check with the VA Clinics as one or more of those doctors has worked there and may still work there now. Nurses and workers there are presured to do the unthinkable sometimes or lose there job or be chastised over it, so things are over looked or not reported, for those reasons. I could be speaking out of fright for myself and other Vets, but using outside Doctors is common at the VA. If any of those doctors has worked for the VA at that time then you should have all of the patients they treated both personally or thru that clinic.

    PS Please do not use my name or email as I do not wish to bring attention to myself. If you need to contact be that will be fine.

    Comment by Jo A. Stevens — March 4, 2008 @ 11:23 pm

78. Please check with the VA Clinics as one or more of those doctors has worked there and may still work there now. My spouse and I have had procedures both at the va and in town. I am afraid for all those treated for any condition by the clinics of these doctors or by these doctors themselves at these 6 or any other locations such as the VA, or Hospitals that they are a member of or get called into to do consultations. If any of those doctors has worked for the VA during the critical time frame then you should have all of those VA Patients checked too.

    If a prostitute who has HIV knowingly has sex with a person without informing them it is a criminal act just as it you put a gun to someones head. They go to prison. These Doctors should also, but they will probably just move their practice to another state or just not practice but still own and run the clinics the same way legally.

    Comment by Agrees with the "Eye for an Eye" punishment — March 5, 2008 @ 12:10 am

79. I would just like to let you know that since 2004. My daughter has been doctoring with these faucilities. and she has had surgery 3 times. and with her last major surgery. which we thought we were going to lose her. She was sent home with staff infection to boot. She was having her blood work done at the shadow Ln. Clinic and also a couple of the other Clinics that were mentioned. And after These DRS. butchered this girl they were no longer instate. Thats what we were told anyway. And Now today she receive a letter, Stating that she could be one of the 40,000 with Hepatitis B&C. She is going out of her mind. And thats not saying much for myself. Thanks for listening. I had to tell someone. Or I’ll explode. Connie Hoppe, P.S. I have already buried my youngest daughter 2 yrs ago. Because of her husband. I hope I don’t have to bury another one. Help me if you can.

    Comment by Connie Hoppe — March 5, 2008 @ 1:35 am

80. I agree with the Docs who had procedures there to just CALM DOWN until all the facts are in. I am sure that many lives were saved there by finding cancer early enough to treat, etc. Rumors are flying and the word *alleged* should be used. None of us were there and knows what happened yet. Many of you already HAD Hepatitis C long before you ever went to that clinic. You just didn’t know it. Everyone should be tested for Hepatitis C. It is the most common chronic blood borne virus in the United States. 5 times more prevalent than HIV. Please scroll back and read my post with facts about Hepatitis C. Educate yourselves! I had mine for probably 40 years before they found it. Who do I sue? I was a hospital employee before universal precautions and probably acquired it via that route (or my blood transfusion, or going to the beauty parlor, or numerous other ways where a blood to blood transfer was involved in *every day life*!) It isn’t a death sentence. It is a slow progressing disease with no symptoms until the latter stages. GET EDUCATED!

    Comment by PSPam — March 5, 2008 @ 3:10 am

81. I am sorry for all those of you who have gone and are worried sick; Hopefully everything turns out okay for all of you. Though I did not go to this medical center I am really angry. It’s basic knowledge that needles as well as syringes, vials etc should not be reused. These drs were obviously negligent, aware of what they were doing and should be punished! I agree ‘an eye for an eye’.

    Comment by Not a patient — March 5, 2008 @ 3:50 am

82. I find all this ironic, as I just stopped going to the Public Health Clinic for my women’s issues care, due to the malpractice and shoddy treatment I have received over the last almost 2 years. I won’t give the details here, but let’s just say I reached the point where I had to say enough is enough! I have returned to seeing a “real” doctor, and the difference was immediately apparent! What scares me now, is that my husband went to some of these places many years ago, and he experienced all sorts of maladies, including kidney failure, and eventual death from heart failure. So, I have to wonder what was going on then, if perhaps my husband suffered unnecessarily due to these people, and if I should be worried about anything I may have come into contact with as a result. In my humble opinion, these persons involved are guilty of malpractice and attempted murder, and should be immediately removed and kept from working in ANY medical type of job, EVER!

    Comment by Suzanne — March 5, 2008 @ 5:12 am

83. Lets take all those responsible including the nursing staff that knew about this “crime” and inject them with a dirty needle and just see how they feel! Each and everyone one of them should be held accountable. This is both criminal negligence and gross neglience. These doctors business licenses should be permanently revoked for good because the public will never feel safe again when one of their names is attached to a license in this town.

    Comment by christine johnston — March 5, 2008 @ 5:31 am

84. How dare some people think that we are over exaggerating. I get tested every year for everything. I actually just got tested right before I had my procedure done. I am so scarred and terrified of catching something. Not just for my life, but for my future kids. I don’t have kids now, however in the future I want to. Granted somethings, such as hep c can’t be transferred through birth, hiv and hep b can. So you are telling me that I shouldn’t worry when someone knowingly put me at risk? How dare you. This is my life. People think I’m crazy cause I don’t share drinks or because I choose to be celibate. Those were my choices because I know hep can be spread through saliva and I know the best prevention of std’s is by no sex at all. I’ve educated myself very well, and tried my best to prevent these things. Even if nothing happens to certain people, you’re telling us not to worry. That’s not even half of it. Our lives were put in danger. If someone holds you hostage, but doesn’t harm you, make it ok? NO. Every action has a reaction. We were knowingly put in an extremely dangerous situation. Now we may have to deal with something we have been so cautious of. So please don’t tell me not to worry. I wish none of us had to go through this, and I’m so sorry that we have to.

    Comment by Dissapointed — March 5, 2008 @ 5:48 am

85. I agree with you Dissapointed.
    There are some of us that choose to live life safely,
    and practice not only common sense but get tested.
    I too choose to live celibate and disease free.

    And PSPam I am EDUCATED, you say it is a slow progressing disease,
    however none of these people took the risk themselves,
    THEY HAD NO CHOICE in the matter. THEY DID NOT MAKE THE CHOICE TO BE POSSIBLY INFECTED.
    The doctors, nurses, cna’s, they are the ones who need to get EDUCATED.
    Oh yea right, I forgot they are the ones with the degrees…

    Comment by TJ — March 5, 2008 @ 7:01 am

86. These doctors & the employees with them should recieve LIFE in Prison WITHOUT the possibilty of parole!
    You have to be stark raving mad…CRAZY…to get ANY invasive proceedure done HERE in LAS VEGAS …go to the Mayo clinic…in Scottsdale AZ, or UCLA, Scrips, Santa Barbara…etc., Las Vegas has ALWAY had sub-par medical services & doctors!

    Comment by Lou — March 5, 2008 @ 8:04 am

87. Hep C is a death sentence. These are mass killers.

    Comment by RufusLKing — March 5, 2008 @ 8:23 am

88. The supposed doctors who run these clinics?
    Doing more jobs that citizen doctors of this
    country will not? Is that it?

    I have worked in hospitals my whole life. This is
    despicable. Their are laws and guidelines for all medical offices and hospitals. Or is this a case where OSHA ran out of money and did not inspect?

    And where did this clinic get the employees who did
    the sticks and draws? What country are they from?
    Or they “trained” to do sticks…

    This is horrendous. This country has imported so many “immigrants” and “refugees” from other countries,
    that now the USA is starting to look like the countries these people supposedly needed to escape from.

    All the employees up to and including the supposed doctors need to be shipped back to their respective
    countries and jailed for life. This is mass murder and should be treated as so.

    Comment by notpc — March 5, 2008 @ 8:26 am

89. This is outrageous! Every Doctor and nurse who knowingly used dirty needles on patients should be jailed for a very long time and have there license to practice medice revoked forever.

    Comment by Sebastian Delaney — March 5, 2008 @ 8:58 am

90. How low we have fallen, all those people involved in obviously wrong behavior, and it went on for 4 years!!!
    Punish the scum!!!!!!!!

    Comment by Joe Clark — March 5, 2008 @ 9:33 am

91. I contacted my dr’s office about having the blood test to see if I contracted any of these viruses and was told that I would have to sign a waiver, that if my insurance co. didn’t pay for the test that I would pay the cost of the $300.00 test. If my insurance doesn’t pay for the test will they pay anything relating to this issue if I test positive?

    Comment by Dennis — March 5, 2008 @ 9:52 am

92. As someone who has been dealing with HepC for awhile now, I just burn with anger inside at what has happened to these patients. EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THOSE DOCTORS SHOULD BE IMPRISONED FOR AS LONG AS THE LAW ALLOWS WITH NO CHANCE OF EARLY RELEASE. This was deliberate and wilful negligence on their part and they should be 1) stripped of every dime of financial assets they have 2) their own financial records thoroughly investigated and 3) never be allowed to practice medicine anywhere in the world ever again.

    My heart just ACHES for the people who have tested positive. And for those of you who have posted here and are waiting for your results, you are all in my prayers. If any of you end up testing positive for HCV, please please please get on the Web, arm yourself with knowledge about this disease and join whatever support group you are comfortable with. There is a vast storehouse of information out there on the bandwidth, some of it technical, some of it from people who have been thru this thing. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

    If Las Vegas lets these bastages get away with this, every HCV positive person in the country should converge on the City in a full scale mass protest.

    Comment by KOZANNE — March 5, 2008 @ 10:30 am

93. LV Thunder: “I still think the cap of the lawsuits is OK. I personally think that every patient (even if you test negative) should sue. $350k is enough per patient.”

    Do you have any idea how much the treatments for HCV cost? Plus the time lost at work [if you don't end up on disability entirely]? Or the time your spouse/significant other loses taking you back and forth to doc and labs or just taking care of you when you can’t even get out of bed?

    Had I not had good insurance when I was diagnosed, I would have had to get financial assistance JUST FOR THE DRUGS. We’re not even talking about the labs and the office visits, plus any other additional drugs you may end up taking [ie., Procrit]to mitigate the side effects of treatment.

    350K is a drop in the bucket. Like I said earlier, strip these guys of every financial asset they have and create a fund for treatment of those diagnosed with HIV, HCV or HBV as a result of their negligence.

    Note: The drug companies do have financial assistance programs for anyone who does not have insurance or whose insurance won’t cover the treatments. I understand that they work very well, so you aren’t backed into a corner if you can’t pay for the tx yourself.

    Comment by KOZANNE — March 5, 2008 @ 10:38 am

94. THANK YOU MAYOR OSCAR GOODMAN.
    NOW THE MEDICAL BOARD NEEDS TO STEP UP AND REVOKE THESE DOCTORS MEDICAL LICENSE.
    OR THE OTHER OPTION WOULD BE TO USE ONE OF THOSE NEEDLES ON EACH OF THEM AND LET THEM PLAY THE WAITING GAME.
    MY SON WILL PROBABLY BE ON THAT TERRIFYING LIST.

    Comment by V.DAWSON — March 5, 2008 @ 11:05 am

95. Dam indian doctors…Go back to your 3rd world country and infect your own people…Maybe he is from pakistan or where ever…Just go back you dumb ass Desai

    Comment by Alan — March 5, 2008 @ 11:31 am

96. I just read the comment by Donnie Castleman – the size of the syringe and the length of the tube are moot for people who did not have that particular connection for their anesthesia. The practice in question is USING THE SAME VIAL AND SYRINGE FOR MORE THAN ONE WITHDRAWAL. I am a retired RN – when I started practicing nursing, there were no disposables. We reused and cleaned EVERYTHING by boiling, autoclave or chemical sterilization. At that time an infection was seen as a black eye for everyone. This present-day cross-infection would never have happened then! I have had 3 procedures at this facility and am awaiting results from my tests.
    You can bet the farm I will be included in any lawsuit.

    Comment by E J McCormick — March 5, 2008 @ 11:32 am

97. G.I. Joints! (Gastro Intestinal) Do-Drop-In
    I’ve been to 2 of the clinic locations, Shadow Lane (NASTY AS HELL bldg) and Horizon Ridge. These clinics are ran with casino mentality, fast cash, drive-thru Elvis clinic’s. 60 procedures per day in that NASTY bldg. I am from another state with clean/normal hospitals where g.i.’s are done.
    I found both atmospheres identical to that of Perfect Auto, scam’ish, so I left and never returned. I was already suing Perfect Auto for corruption -they are still open after extensive investigations by Vegas officials.$$

    Comment by Robin Head — March 5, 2008 @ 11:41 am

98. What happens to their patients that are in the middle of treatments? I am an ongoing patient with Crohns and Colitis, I am in the middle of medications, tests, etc….what do I do? How do I get my records? Do I have to start over with a new Dr? How long will it take to get reestablished with a new physician? I am on medications that must be monitored? I had a colonoscopy at the Center on Burnham in July, do I need to be tested?

    Everyone keeps focusing on how to prosecute and “sue” the Dr’s, but noone is focusing or answering the questions that need to be addressed. I cant be the only patient they have had that does not feel the need to sue, but does need to continue to receive the care required for a specific condition. Where do people like me go for answers?

    Comment by YDF — March 5, 2008 @ 11:59 am

99. Behavior like this is why we’re paying so much for health care. How much is it going to cost to treat the people who contracted hepatitis or HIV/AIDS? How much to cover the lawsuits? These so-called health care professionals knew that what they were doing was wrong, they knew the risks, and they did it anyway. They didn’t give a d**n what happened to their patients. Do the procedure, (over)bill the insurance, pocket the money. This is more than simple negligence. This was deliberate and wilful and may have sentenced thousands of people to early deaths. This is beyond appalling.

    Comment by Roxanna — March 5, 2008 @ 12:02 pm

100. I only hope the DA freezes this doctor’s assets and makes him surrender his passport. The doctor who did this in Nebraska went back to Pakistan. It’s likely this guy will do the same before he sees the inside of a jail cell.

     Comment by james stanton — March 5, 2008 @ 12:20 pm

101. Quick sotry…
     I am so terrified of needles. I hate giving blood or getting shots. I always freak out and cry. I don’t know why, but every time I see needles I cringe and cry. Since so many people are having to get tested, the clinics have been extremely packed, and the staff a little irritable because they’re being over worked. So when I went into Quest Diagnostics to have my blood taken the other day I started freaking out and crying in front of the nurse. I tried not to, but it always happens. This is what got to me… She looked at me in kind of a disgust and disbelief way and said “Why are you so scarred? Have you had a bad experience before?” I was shocked. First of all I’m scarred of them no matter what. Secondly, look what happened the last time somebody used a syringe on me. I think she felt a little stupid after that.

     Comment by Dissapointed — March 5, 2008 @ 12:32 pm

102. Don’t feel stupid dissapointed, it’s NOT your fault.
     I have the same reaction from needles, and I have not been exposed like you. It is perfectly normal for some of us to be like that with needles. I pass out myself.

     Comment by TJ — March 5, 2008 @ 12:39 pm

103. John McCain says we have the best health care system in the world. I wonder how this fits into that?

     Comment by Aredee — March 5, 2008 @ 1:02 pm

104. I agree 100% with the comment by RN #6. When are we as nurses ever going to be backed up by the Nevada State Board of Nursing for being a patient advocate? I am so disheartened to know of the many nurses that did not stand up for what is right because of the fear of losing their jobs. My husband is one of the victims in all this; I hope and pray that we receive good news, just as everyone else does that are victims of this terrible tragedy.
     Linda

     Comment by Linda — March 5, 2008 @ 1:50 pm

105. I was a pt at one of these GI”cattle calls”. It was in 2002.I am an RN ,I can assure you that the same procedure of using dirty needles and multidose vials was going on in 2002.
     I yelled at the “nurse? anesthetist” telling him to get a fresh vial and fresh needle. Instant anesthesia resulted. I have names and phone numbers and will publish them if necessary. They, at that time were doing at least 100 procedures per day on Pecos near Flamingo. Sloppy garbage work, shame on the personnel and the MD for allowing this to go on. This is why I won’t work in Nevada as anything but a healthcare fraud investigator. This place is more full of fraud than any other state in the country. By the way, the charge for this service at the clinic ran around $3K to the insurance company, plus the MD charges, anesthesia charges and facility charges.Plus you pay co-pays for all services. How many healthcare $$ are on the plate now?? Getting tested today.
     HEALTHSAVE, March 5, 2006.

     Comment by diane hallRN — March 5, 2008 @ 2:10 pm

106. I WAS WONDERING IF THERE ARE ANY OTHERS WHO ARE THINKING WHAT I AM THINKING…TERRORISM….IF TERRORISTS CAN COME HERE AND GET A PILOTS LICENSE,WHY CAN’T THEIR DOCTORS(SO CALLED)DO THE SAME THING???
     RUN A CLINIC,EXPOSE 40,000 PEOPLE TO HERENDOUS DISEASE AND LET THEM ALL GO OUT AND EXPOSE OTHERS.NEXT THING YOU KNOW THEY WILL BE IN OUR WATER TREATMENT PLANTS OR OUR GAS COMPANY ETC.ETC.SO ON AND ON UNTIL THEY KILL US ALL FROM WITHIN!!!
     ILLEGALS GO HOME!!!

     Comment by JOHANNA BARROWS — March 5, 2008 @ 2:41 pm

107. to Mr. Dawson, blog #94, on your thank you to the Mayor…The clinic was told to change their proceedures on January 11th. Why was this not disclosed by the Mayor until Feb 29th?

     And where were the city health facility inspectors during the four years this has been ongoing

     Either out to lunch or at a party at Dipak’s 8,500 square foot personal Taj Mahal, I suspect.

     Comment by Richard — March 5, 2008 @ 2:51 pm

108. Because most medical providers are corporations, the county should seize all the assets of the companies that were engaged in the illegal and unethical practices. The assests could the be liquidated to pay for testing of every person/victim that was affected. After all, we all trust that medical providers will take every precaution to “first do no harm”. It’s too bad the individuals themselves will likely get away with just a fine and reprimand.

     Comment by David Sneade — March 5, 2008 @ 3:21 pm

109. If the nurses, technicians, doctors, anyone who was involved in these criminal actions they called procedures, feels that this is so safe, well then I would say BEND over and take your own medicine. Dr. Desai, isn’t it time for your anal, oops I mean annual checkup?
     I will personally volunteer to do your procedure,
     I am ready with the rubber gloves, I got them out in the mechanic shop, think I could even find some lube out there too.

     Comment by TJ — March 5, 2008 @ 4:25 pm

110. THIS CLINIC IS VERY SECRETIVE ABOUT LETTING PEOPLE KNOW WHO THIER INSURANCE CARRIER IS INCASE YOU’RE LOOKING FOR IT HERE IT IS: NEVADA MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY ON NEVADA 709 SHADOW LANE LAS VEGAS NV.89016 PHONE 702 798 6001 It’s owned by doctors (of cource) who grease all the politicians and crooked judges, ever wonder why it’s next to impossible to win a malpracitcein the state of nevada?

     Comment by BILL LATHROP — March 5, 2008 @ 4:41 pm

111. Where is the NV state medical board? Asleep at the switch? They should yank these physicians’ licenses immediately… AND INS and the Department of State need to seize their passports or they will be gone from the country in a flash!

     Comment by Bob Smith — March 5, 2008 @ 5:41 pm

112. I desided to get tested to be safe only to find outI had to sign a letter that Medicare does not pay for HIV testing. I got the test anyway and went back for my results only to find out that they had orders to not release them only to my doctor. I went to the doctors office and they told me two weeks before I would see the results WHY TUE RUNAROUND!!

     Comment by Ken Brown — March 5, 2008 @ 7:21 pm

113. This is unconscionable! Saying these doctors exemplify the height of arrogance and recklessness would be and understatement. This is a prime example of “abusive of power”. Often times, educated and prominent folks tend to become the biggest offenders this. They are so full of themselves, with their degrees, placqes on the wall and standing in the community that it goes to their head. I have seen this many times in my life. The typical response I get is, “he/she is a prominent, well known attorney and would never do such a thing.” Or he/she is a prominent judge, doctor, psychologist or veterinarian, etc.and they would never do such a thing”. It is very sad that a person with such standing in a community would misuse it to hurt others and try to get away with. I hope the doctors responsible for this all spend the rest of their lives in prison! The employees who followed these orders are just as guilty. If my employer asked me to do something like that I would have two words for them. What a flaming disgrace! Emily

     Comment by Emily — March 5, 2008 @ 7:52 pm

114. I just wanted to speak up on behalf of the Centers and the Doctors at the Center.

     My husband has had a chronic and extremely serious illness for the past 20 years. During that time he’s nearly died several times and the resulting damage to his organs has left him with a number of serious issues including pancreas disease, liver disease and numerous other issues that relate to gastric disorders.

     Since 1992 when he originally received treatment for his pancreas at Valley Hospital, Dr. Desai has performed a number of procedures on my husband. In the ensuing years Dr. Vishander Sharma has become my husband’s doctor/surgeon for many gastric procedures –some of which saved his life.

     I feel that I probably know these doctors – and especially Dr. Sharma – as well as any patient could possibly know a doctor. He has helped us through some extremely difficult times, gave us hope when we literally didn’t have hope and provided such a high level of care that we have stayed in Nevada primarily out of a desire NOT to have to change health care providers, fearing to trust anyone else.

     I have heard the horrible stories of persons who have contracted Hepatitis or HIV and I empathize. We live daily with this type of concern. However, despite the things I’ve heard on the media, I tend to recognize that there is a lot more to this than what we know. I tend to agree that anyone who willingly took risks with another person’s health, especially a health care provider, deserves to lose their right to continue in health care. However, I find it hard to imagine that such caring dedicated physicians would willingly do this. I have a tendency to NOT condemn them out of hand without an opportunity to find out all the facts.

     There are a number of individuals that should be investigated. I own a business and I am ultimately responsible for the staff I hire. However, I have delegated duties to certain staff so that I can do the work that I need to be doing. I am confident in my staff and trust them. Does that mean that all individuals are worthy of that trust – NO. Where was that office manager or inventory manager that ordered those items? Didn’t he/she question why the center had 20,000 patients this quarter and only used 10,000 syringes? What about the nurses? They are the hub of the organization. Didn’t they know? And how could an anathesiologist tell a nurse to reuse a needle in this day and age without some whistle-blowing? Who is the anathesiologist anyway? All the info I’ve heard is condemning the owners and doctors yet I also hear that the procedure wasn’t the problem, it was before hand. Have you ever known a surgeon to be in a room before they were “ready” for him? I think that there is too much unknown information to take all these medical professionals out of our health care system without more information. All we’ve really accomplished is a to create a health care crisis, scare people rather than simply inform on the facts and some fantastic lawsuits for the local attorney population. Real people with real illnesses will see very little of the money if any – ever – and in the meantime have no health care provider.

     Further, in the interim by closing all these facilities – rather than an intense investigation and legal action through the medical review board – we’ve limited those of us with real illnesses today from receiving proper care. My husband has had so many tests at these centers and surgerys at almost every Valley hospital, that it is nonsense to worry about it. You’d go crazy. And even if he does contract a disease how do we prove when and where he got it? He’s been in and out of hospitals, including the Mayo Clinic, to the extent that anything could have resulted. I am more concerned with the important test he was to have later this month by Dr. Sharma; one that has serious ramifications if he doesn’t get it done. We were at Dr. Sharma’s office Monday morning and due to return on March 26th. I am devastated that the only doctor to successfully perform this procedure on my husband – outside of the Mayo Clinic – is now unavailable. What happens to us? Even if we could find another doctor locally with the qualifications and experience with this particular procedure, they will be inundated by new patients since we’ve lost the most popular center in Southern Nevada. What do you really think the chances of getting my husband’s procedure done in this town are?

     With this investigation going on and with industry oversight – the Gastro Centers are probably the safest medical facilities in Nevada as they are under such close scrutiny. Open them back up, fire the people that were responsible for the actual activity –let them prove in court who directed it – they still did it. And let people continue to have healthcare.

     Dr. Sharma, has been instrumental in leading many healthcare reforms in Nevada. He has been involved in a volunteer capacity in many healthcare organizations and has a reputation that is exemplary. His reputation has been destroyed. He has resigned from Board positions where his insight has been invaluable as a result of the investigation. Regardless of the outcome and his eventual exoneration, his practice will most likely never recover and his career and reputation will always be tainted. Perhaps he’ll even leave Nevada. What a shame.

     I for one, and my husband will NOT be joining any lawsuit against Dr. Sharma. We respect him too much and doubt seriously that he had anything to do with any medical malpractice. We are however rethinking our intent to remain in Las Vegas. This is the most difficult town to get good healthcare in and now it’s nearly impossible – for us anyway.

     One last thought, I’ve taken the time to read all the comments prior to my own. The racial slurs, hatred, and fear make me crazy. Do you not realize people that the worst times in human history were realized when people allowed hatred and fear to dictate their actions. This is of course a serious situations; lives are at stake. But to compound this with hatred and racial bigotry is equally disgusting. As someone very used to dealing with health care professionals can attest to; some of the most brilliant physicians are of middle eastern decent – and thank God for them or my children would have grown up without a father – and some of them wouldn’t even exist.

     We should focus our energy on helping those who are postive, praying for minimal impact, and trying to be supportive in a time of crisis – not part of the larger problem.

     Comment by Suzie Reeve — March 5, 2008 @ 7:53 pm

115. Lets see…..even if needles or syringes only cost 25 cents, and you multiplied that by 6, (the amount of people so far that have tested positive for Hep C from procedures done on the same day), that would come to $1.50.

     I would love to ask these doctors if the possibility of paying even ONE million dollars due to malpractice suits is worth the $1.50 they saved by using the same needle or syringe on those 6 people?

     They may be doctors and have degrees in medicine but they must have had a major disconnect with math because I’d much rather spend $1.50 than ONE MILLION!

     Comment by Ginny — March 5, 2008 @ 8:08 pm

116. Will we ever know exactly who made the authorization to do this and who did it? I was a patient of Dr. Sharma and am having difficulty believing he would willing be a part of this. Fortunatley I was never at that center and my heart and prayers go out to all of those who may be affected or infected. My anger lies that I have a colon disease and now have been abandoned by the person how has been helping me for the last few years. I am truly disgusted, but as a patient don’t think Dr. Sharma deserves all the slander….so he was late for some meetings – big deal. Sounds like Dr DeSei already was untrustworthy. Again – I am on the side of all the patients so don’t take all of this wrong. Christina – patient with no doctor and not happy either

     Comment by Christina — March 5, 2008 @ 8:09 pm

117. Bob Smith: The state Medical Board is aso made up of doctors who are looking out for thier intrests,I know of a doctor who practices in California who tried to open a practice in Nevada. (a good old boy state) They do not recognise reciprocity as other states, and as a result put this guy through the most rigorus testing etc, gave him so much grief he just went to California where he has a very sucessful business. He said he’s talked to a doctor from here who told him that he did not have to go through any thing like that testing. Ever wonder why there’s a shortage of doctors here? Yet we get these imports.

     Comment by BILL LATHROP — March 5, 2008 @ 8:19 pm

118. Does anyone know if these doctors have their own anesthesiologists with them when they do procedures at other hospitals?

     I don’t know, so I am asking.

     I know I had a couple of procedures done and one of them was done in a hospital because I didn’t want to get it done at Shadow Lane.

     But if these doctors have regular anesthesiologists that they use at other locations, could this practice of reusing needles or syringes extend to procedures done in places other than their own clinics?

     I have been wondering if maybe the anesthesiologists participating in these procedures might be employed on a regular basis through these clinics?

     I know one GI doctor here who has an anesthesiologist that he uses on a regular basis for all his patients. It wouldn’t be so far fetched for GCN to do the same thing would it?

     If that is the case, then this could be much more wide-spread than anyone ever imagined!

     I think we should look into that possibility as well and not just limit this investigation to the GCN clinics but check ANYWHERE any of these doctors did their procedures!

     Comment by Ginny — March 5, 2008 @ 8:25 pm

119. What bothers me also is the fact our Social Security system is being raped by these doctors,and insurance companies.My wife was a victim of this Dr., as during her exam her intestine was perferated. It’s been a long time recovery and my thinking is that all the expenses we have had to bare with, and the health care provider’s should have been covered by Desia’s insurance. No it didn’t go that way, even though I raised the issue with our provider who billed Medicare. No wonder it’s going belly up and Washington doesn’t care.These young people paying into it are not going to see any thing out of it,when they’ll need it.

     Comment by BILL LATHROP — March 5, 2008 @ 8:55 pm

120. Why can’t someone, anyone, step up and do the ethical thing here? I think it’s great that UMC is offering tests to those with letters – BUT AT THE PATIENT EXPENSE? The county could easily foot the bill (and get wholesale pricing) for the testing and seize the assets of the guilty parties (doctors, anesthesiologist, other staff) to recoup the costs. And what about those of us without letters?

     Then there’s the issue where insurance companies might choose to not cover this test? I had a colonoscopy (at the Burnham location) as a precaution because my sister has anal cancer. But my insurance wouldn’t pay for it unless I LIED and said I had a persistent stomach pain.

     Folks – Universal Health Care IS expensive but it is worth every penny. Don’t get confused about who makes decisions in a UHC structure. The doctors make the decisions on the procedures and the government foots the bill. This is a good thing – and when the government finds a doctor abusing the privilege of spending the citizens money (through thorough frequent oversight and audit – another large expense), they yank the medical license and in many cases the visiting doctor’s Visa.

     Will the wait times grow under UHC? Yes – more people will use the free service, but as more (good californian) doctors move to Las Vegas and focus on preventative measures, those numbers will decrease after a couple years.

     I do not believe all doctors in Las Vegas are incompetent. But if a competency measuring stick exists and all doctors in the metro area are measured against it, I believe we would find a higher percentage of incompetent practice here than in other cities in the USA and the world.

     It’s been suggested in this blog that these doctors could be terrorists – I find that unlikely but possible. I think this particular group were greedy – not evil – and had poor management/oversight skills or made poor decisions or both.

     In the mean time I’m going to investigate a way to be tested anonymously so my insurance doesn’t find out about it, THEN join a legal battle and fight until I can’t anymore if the results are positive.

     Comment by Former patient — March 5, 2008 @ 11:49 pm

121. There is a question continually repeated on the list of comments here. The clinics did not use doctors of anesthesiology but nurse anesthetists as allowed by the State of Nevada.

     Secondly, I don’t believe that all the comments with respect to 3rd world physicians and nurses are based on racism. The standard of care and training in India for example is not nearly as high as that of the U.S. And their procedures in hospitals regarding medical devices are not nearly as stringent. Cultural and training differences do make a difference when administering healthcare which may not be entirely their fault but from a lack of oversight by Clark County, the State of Nevada and the federal government. We have H1B visas for thousands of professionals coming to the U.S. and welcome many students to our medical schools. Many however, are trained in their owned countries and then take licensing exams in the U.S.In the age of political correctness, sometimes it trumps all common sense.

     And lastly,as a patient of one of the 14 doctors in practice at the Gastro Center of Nevada who is not at the center of this investigation, they have still closed all offices. I still need to get medications filled and have access to my medical records. Unfortunately, the news reports are only centering on “scaring” everybody to death. What about those of us who need follow up care who are not infected? Even if we get a new doctor, expect waiting lists to get in and showing up without your records which may include x-rays and reports. So many will have to have all of them redone.

     Comment by Yankee54 — March 5, 2008 @ 11:49 pm

122. As a health care professional, I would like to blame YOU, the consumer, for this outrage. Why? Well, instead of supporting your local non-profit hospital, you chose the cheaper, lower co-pay FOR PROFIT hospital, to save money for you and insurance. A cheap outpatient clinic where every penny is pinched, even using one-use vials for multiple patients. As doctors built their own centers in the 90’s, and cherry picked all the profitable (paying) customers to their own centers, non profit and community hospitals were left with no-pays and indigent patients, and thats why we’re all broke, because we follow the rules, we dont pinche the pennies, we have the policies, that’s why it costs more you retards. And you have the gall to be outraged! It reminds me of all the people who complain about lost manufacturing jobs, but who shop at Walmart and Target exclusively, buying chinese. Want to buy an American shirt, pay $60. Want to buy chinese or latin shirt, pay 12.99. Thus, NC clothing makers went out of business, and soon your local hospital will too.

     I feel sorry for the poor doctors, because I seriously doubt this was the method of infection. The first thing to remember is that hundreds of metal instruments and probes are re-used after touching infected patients and being washed and re-sterilized. The people washing and sterilizing these instruments are the lowest educated people in healthcare, working in the basement.

     I have my doubts that people were infected this way. I believe a lot of good anesthetists are going to be thrown out with the bathwater. Let me explain: the long administration tube that’s attached to your arm has a port, far away from your bloodstream. Drugs are added far away from your arm, then fluid is used to “chase” drugs into your veins. So basically, the syringe doesnt touch you, so why waste it? I see no problem using them again, provided you change the sterile tubing. I have no doubt that fresh sterile tubing and fresh introducer needles were used on each patient. Sort of like frito dip, its ok if you dont double dip. The actual drug syringe never contacted anybody, just one sterile fluid tubing set followed by another. Honestly, I cant see how one could be infected this way, and I’m in anesthesia!

     I would investigate and culture the endoscopes, those are usually filthy. The same scopes that go in your throat one day could have been in someone’s butt. Ha ha, bet you didnt know that! My advice, dont scapegoat anesthesia, check the scopes and instruments, thats far more likely to infect since its actually TOUCHED the infected patient and was re-used.

     I wish people on this board wouldnt over-react with hystrionics. If I was a patiend there, I would worry more about the sterilization of the scopes rather than using a sterile vial on two patients. Sounds like a scapegoat to me.

     Comment by Scott Johnson — March 6, 2008 @ 12:09 am

123. Well, thank God it wasn’t a “hate crime,” because that would make everything worse, right?

     –NOT IN THE EYES OF THE VICTIM IT WOULDN’T!!!—

     Comment by Michael — March 6, 2008 @ 1:14 am

124. When I read this story I was thoroughly disgusted with these low life scumbags calling themselves Doctors and nurses. As a 40 year old I have lived my life in a totally different manner than those a generation ahead of me because of the blood pathogen HIV. Not a coward I have backed down from psychical altercations with persons I could have slaughtered that needed their ass whipped but that chance of them having HIV kept me from pugilism. When I was single I took every precaution to insure I would not get infected and we have these disgusting looser who try to save a few dollars risk your life your spouses your children. How victims many are organ donors or donate blood these health care gangsters need to be sent to the sodomy capitol of the entire prison world. As far as they are concerned there isn’t a punishment on this planet that can rectify their attacks on their victims.

     Comment by Sean A. — March 6, 2008 @ 1:53 am

125. Majority owner and other management ought to be hanged in the public square and any other medical professional knowingly going along with this ought to have their professional licenses revoked for life.

     Comment by Bob — March 6, 2008 @ 2:03 am

126. Comment by E J McCormick — March 5, 2008 @ 11:32 am

     Your comment was spot on there is a needle exchange for drug addicts. Some organizations have given these users bleach to clean out the needles to prevent infection if they cant get back to the exchange I hate drugs addicts they are the walking dead but knowing what I know we need these programs to prevent infection in others.
     What these people did in these clinics is criminal and right up there with terrorism.OMG A gallon of bleach is nothing had they just wanted to save money they could have done so and cleaned the rigs out prior to using them on the next victim.
     After watching SICKO I am fearful anytime we can get sick and they will auction off all your belongings as you wither away. Health care is the most important issue facing Americans today you can work and do everything right go to college be the best in your field and the insurance company deny your coverage or call your cure experimental and you are on your own even if you win in the courts you will still be dead and long gone once you have proven your case. We are all slaves in this current system they take you at your worst when you are powerless to fight. If you do fight you will be gone soon if you are chronic in your disease.
     I will inspect the needles in my doctor’s office from now on prior to an injection.
     I feel for all of you that have to endure this time of not knowing. I once had an HIV test and it was the longest 2 months not knowing. After that close call I decided to be celebate rather than run the risk of infection.
     What I can’t understand is why isn’t this on the national coverage other than Drudge Report.
     TO THE MEDIA WHO CARES WHO THE F WANTS TO BE PRESIDENT WHEN WE HAVE SICKNESS FORCED UPON PEOPLE THAT ARE TRYING TO REMAIN WELL! YOUR FIRED!

     Comment by Sean A. — March 6, 2008 @ 2:42 am

127. I had an EGD done and thus far I haven’t received any type of notification on testing or anything else for that matter!!!! I am a medical assistant at a local IM office and have lived in the same home for 5 years. Not quite sure why I, or several of my patients haven’t been informed of anything!…..wheres all these letters???? I have only seen one of all the patients I have come into contact with!!!!

     Comment by tracy — March 6, 2008 @ 6:03 am

128. In my opinion, each physician responsible should lose their license to practice medicine and should be tried for murder for any patients who die because of their greed and negligence.

     Comment by Russ Matthews — March 6, 2008 @ 6:11 am

129. This is elementary stuff. The military during Korea reused needles and syringes. I personally handled most all the laboratory needles and syringes in a 1200 bed Army hospital. I ran the “drawing’ room.” First the needles were deburred using a wet stone, then, mounted in petri dishes arrayed in a circle stuck in a 4×4 gauze sponge, then autoclaved. (that’s sterilization under steam heat and pressure which raises the boiling point of water to about 160 deg centigrade, water boils at 100 degs centigrade)The syringes got the same treatment. A minimum 300+ of these guys six days a week.

     Comment by Medicare Bob — March 6, 2008 @ 6:18 am

130. Did I hear ANYBODY say ILLEGAL WORKERS????

     Comment by bleeda — March 6, 2008 @ 8:19 am

131. My questions is what about all the Culinary workers who went to these clinics? Is there any chance they could have infected the masses? Will they lose their jobs if they test positive for Hip C since some are food handlers?

     Comment by aw — March 6, 2008 @ 8:26 am

132. Why is this not on the national news??? As we get more and more people from these third world countries with their third world idea of cleanliness and care this is just the beginning. I left the west coast because of the exposier to these people, their lack of values and their diseases.

     I hope these inhuman animals, that put so many at risk, are all thrown in prison but I wouldn’t count on it. This type of story has been played over and over by the foreign doctors and the culprits get off scot-free and live to practice in another state, destroying more lives.

     Comment by Linda Jones — March 6, 2008 @ 8:28 am

133. For all of those who are infected with Hep C or any other liver disease, I’d like to share with you some advice. Dr Andrew Weil MD is a medical doctor who is also a proponent of natural remedies. There is no vaccine against Hep C, and the treatment doesn’t work for everyone, and everyone is not a candidate for treatment anyway, so people with liver problems should take milk thistle on a regular basis. Along with a healthy diet, plenty of rest, and avoidance of alchohol and other drugs, milk thistle has a theraputic effect on the liver. Please see his website http://www.drweil.com

     Comment by Carol — March 6, 2008 @ 8:52 am

134. I have been sick with worry since this story broke!! Having some family and many friends that went to this clinic makes me angry!!! I think ALL the individuals who participated in this attempted murder of at LEAST 40,000 should not only be locked up in pen 23 hrs a day;but INJECTED WITH HIV OR HEP!!! I have seen the effects of HIV on a friend that passed away and I tell you–it is the most painful devastating thing to watch!! Also, the terrorist theory crossed my mind too!! These are dangerous times we live in and you can never underestimate what lenghts people will go to!!! My thoughts are with everyone who has crossed that clinic– think positive thoughts!!!

     Comment by Michelle K. — March 6, 2008 @ 9:29 am

135. Third World Doctors, Third World Care
     Patient care has gone down the tubes. We are all in trouble. It is all about the almighty dollar, Drug companys spending millions for TV and magazine/ newspaper Ads advertising perscription drugs.
     Medical standards like proper sterilization being ignored so they can save money.
     Hospitals also need to be monitored, how clean are their hospital rooms and operaterating rooms.
     It is bad enough to get sick, but worst when we lose trust in our Doctors and medical staff.
     Why in the hell should we as patients and some very sick patients ask the Doctor if he is following sterile procedures?
     The clinics, Doctors,Nurses anyone who knew what was going on should be liable. This behavior should not be tolerated.
     Several of my friends and neighbors had procedures done at that clinic,they are dealing with an illness already, now they have to worry about blood tests and if they have contracted heptititis and HIV..

     Comment by Mary Ann Owen — March 6, 2008 @ 9:33 am

136. In all the talk about the medical practitioners that have committed these crimes, it has been brought up that the patient should ask if the equipment, medication, syringes, etc. are fresh and sanitized. Excuse my ignorance, but if the staff is told to practice an unsanitary act, do you really believe they would tell you if what they are doing could cause additional harm? Or, that they are just trying to save a little money (so they can make higher profits)? Somehow, I don’t think so. What recourse do patients have if they are being lied to by ommission or directly?

     Comment by Debbie — March 6, 2008 @ 9:42 am

137. In 1999, my wife Barbara feilen was put on a dangerous drug for Ulcerative Colitis by a doctor at the Shadow lane address. He was required to have Barbara’s blood tested at least every two weeks because of the liklyhood of the drug, 6MP (Purinthal) causing severe anemia. He noted in her chart that the bloodwork order had been written when in fact the order was never written. This doctor then retired from practice prior to our next visit. Barbara went into severe anemia and no one knew the cause. She underwent a bone marrow biopsy thar was negative and a 2 liter slow drip (10 hours) of whole blood. She was dying. The doctor who took over the treatment, one of Dr. Desai’s named partners couldn’t figure out why. Finally, after a few months of my wife wasting away, the doctor read her medications out loud to us and I asked “what about the Purinthal?” “What Purinthal??” was the response. The notes of the retired doctor was buried in the mass of paperwork in the chart. Prior to filing a mal-practice lawsuit, our family physician Dr. Frank Tiffany tried to get Disai to settle with us. Disai told Frank that “The Feilen’s can go to hell before I give them a cent.” KARMA!! What is going to happen to Disai is worth more than I could have gotten. P.S. Barbara recovered and we sold our home in Las Vegas and moved to South Carolina, where we have found the best doctors in any place we ever lived. I’ve been waiting 9 years for payback. A sidenote to Dr. Disai – PAYBACK IS A B***H!!

     Comment by Ron Feilen — March 6, 2008 @ 9:58 am

138. years gone by…
     as you’ve seen the C in me,
     thinking the c in me ,
     could never be seen in you,
     now you see the C in you,
     forgetting about the C in me.
     now the C in me (not knowing)
     is going to help you
     as the C in me, will hopefully find,
     a cure for the C in you,
     as the C in me is way ahead,
     of the C you.
     Keep the faith, there is hope for you, not me.
     as the C in me is geno type 1b.

     My thoughts & prayers for all that are being affected by a situation that could have, and should been stopped years ago. But it was all swept under the rug. Shame on those that new this was a corrupt doctor long ago. Read proverbs 10: 24-25.
     a concerned citizen,
     Anonymous

     Comment by gregory faircloth — March 6, 2008 @ 10:32 am

139. Hippocratic Oath—Modern Version ?? more like
     Hypocritic Loath-Las Vegas Version

     I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this covenant:

     I will respect the hard-won scientific gains of those physicians in whose steps I walk, and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow.

     I will apply, for the benefit of the sick, all measures [that] are required, avoiding those twin traps of overtreatment and therapeutic nihilism.

     I will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science, and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the surgeon’s knife or the chemist’s drug.

     I will not be ashamed to say “I know not,” nor will I fail to call in my colleagues when the skills of another are needed for a patient’s recovery.

     I will respect the privacy of my patients, for their problems are not disclosed to me that the world may know. Most especially must I tread with care in matters of life and death. If it is given me to save a life, all thanks. But it may also be within my power to take a life; this awesome responsibility must be faced with great humbleness and awareness of my own frailty. Above all, I must not play at God.

     I will remember that I do not treat a fever chart, a cancerous growth, but a sick human being, whose illness may affect the person’s family and economic stability. My responsibility includes these related problems, if I am to care adequately for the sick.

     I will prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure.

     I will remember that I remain a member of society, with special obligations to all my fellow human beings, those sound of mind and body as well as the infirm.

     If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art, respected while I live and remembered with affection thereafter. May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling and may I long experience the joy of healing those who seek my help.

     Written in 1964 by Louis Lasagna, Academic Dean of the School of Medicine at Tufts University, and used in many medical schools today.

     The Hippocratic Oath Today:

     Comment by Deb — March 6, 2008 @ 10:34 am

140. I have a few questions I would like to have answered not just for myself, but I am sure there are others who have the same questions. How can anyone be sure that these practices were not in effect prior to March 2004? It took the Health Department, or who ever 4 years to see that there has been reuse of syringes at the Endoscopy Center. I had a colonoscopy done approx 5-6 years ago at the offices on Burnham. How can i or anyone else be sure that these other offices, since they are all owned by the same individuals were not practicing the same thing. I will be getting tested, just to be on the safe side. When I look back, I have to wonder if anything else was going on that was unsafe. I sincerely hope that the state officials decide to have everyone tested from the time these clinics opened there doors. Just because they had an inspector show up and he/she did not see the syringes on those specific dates being reused does not mean that it was not happening. And now to hear that they were not cleaning the equipment properly before the next use makes me sick to my stomach. It really makes you wonder.

     Comment by Julie M — March 6, 2008 @ 11:41 am

141. Scott Johnson
     If you really are a health care worker, you need to go back to school to learn better bedside manner. Your little joke about the scope going into different places is really mean. To laugh at these people, the little haha is cruel.

     Comment by yourmomma — March 6, 2008 @ 12:39 pm

142. In reference to comment #122 by Scott Johnson…

     You said you blame us the consumer. The majority of us were referred there by our primary physician. You said you blame us for not going to our local non-profit hospital, well I blame you for not informing us, the consumer, about the availability of our local non-profit hospitals. Maybe you could have done a better job in schooling the public about these hospitals.

     You claim to be a health care professional. Then you should know that the reuse of syringes is dangerous. For you to assume otherwise is inaccurate. You said “I’m in anesthesia” correct? Then you should know about AANA. Look up this website..

     http://www.aana.com/News.aspx?ucNavMenu_TSMenuTargetID=62&ucNavMenu_TSMenuTargetType=4&ucNavMenu_TSMenuID=6&id=5857

     AANA, for those of you who don’t know, is the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. This website clearly states that the reuse of syringes is unsafe and an infection risk. So Mr. Scott Johnson, maybe you shouldn’t be in anesthesia, cause obviously you don’t have the proper information involved with it.

     Comment by Dissapointed — March 6, 2008 @ 1:47 pm

143. Someone is blowing smoke up our Asses. I am one of those 40000. I distinctly remember having an IV drip. The anesthetists injected the meds into the drip not directly into me. I partly agree with number 122. That will not cause this cross contamination. However, where I choose to go for my medical treatment is irrelivent. If medical staff violate the law they are just as wrong in an outpatient clinic as a hospital. By the way, the outpatient clinic didn’t charge me for the bandaid that the hospital charges $5.00 for.

     Our famous investigative team needs to dig into this. Because the governemnt health bodies are not telling the whole story!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

     Why am I at risk of having two of the worst diseases in the modern world when the practices saw don’t match the story?!

     Comment by Michael Guy — March 6, 2008 @ 1:48 pm

144. Right on number 142. What is the definition of a professional. Arn’t the not for profit, for profit hospitals and for profit outpatient clinics staffed by “PROFESSIONALS?”

     Comment by Michael Guy — March 6, 2008 @ 1:51 pm

145. Mr. Johnson, I sincerely hope that I never have you as an Anesthesiologist. You speak out on behalf of not for profit hospitals and then you condone this practice saying there is no danger. Why should I now trust those hospitals YOU work for?

     Christina (#116) I honestly understand. I am trying to find a doctor who is qualified to do a trick procedure on my husband – one who’s done enough to qualify him/her to do his and I have been asking when I call the other gastro doctors is a run around. Their staff seem to resent that I am asking how many of a certain procedure the doctor has performed. How else will we qualify a doctor? They have the license but that doesn’t mean much – people get diplomas every day that don’t deserve them. Good luck finding a doctor to refill your meds. We found that our primary care physician will do most meds to give you time to find a specialist.

     People, this is a blog – but are we not intelligent adults. In addition to the difficulties with my husband (see #114) but my mom is being tested also since she had tests there. I am equally concerned about bad practices, but I still feel that the doctor was one of the best I’ve ever been fortunate enough to have access to. I hope and pray he is exonerated. While I admit I may be wrong, I really don’t believe that he knew. Dr. Sharma is an extremely caring man. Let’s not dehumanize them or the issues with crude vulgarity and poor comments. It’s ok to be upset – not ok to be a bigot.

     Comment by Suzie Reeve — March 6, 2008 @ 2:39 pm

146. Drudge report took this story off their site as a news story someone is pressuring the media to keep this hush. I have not seen it on any national media CNN,FOX,MSNBC, It makes you wonder if this is a nation wide problem? THEY ARE TRYING TO COVER THIS UP!

     Comment by Sean A. — March 6, 2008 @ 2:52 pm

147. #138. I understand. I’m 1b also. Milk thistle and schizandra for me. Also, the new protease inhibitors that are currently being used in Europe but our FDA hasn’t approved yet has shown a lot of promise for our genotype. Hang in there!

     Comment by Carol — March 6, 2008 @ 3:26 pm

148. Response to #122. The tubing might be sterile in the package but have you not seen blood or fluid back up in a tube where it could cause a contamination close to one of the ports? It is very easy to contaminate a syringe and pass a virus to another patient reusing that syringe.

     Comment by Dr. Heath — March 6, 2008 @ 4:19 pm

149. Proof that the Burnham center is involved is coming soon. I am in a group that has been proven to be infected via CDC genetic sequencing.

     Comment by Fred McClure — March 6, 2008 @ 4:30 pm

150. Dr. Sharma has also been working out of the Redrock Medical Center on West Charleston. Has anyone checked this facility?

     I have suspicions also about the Pediatric Gastroenterology at the Summerlin Medical Center. Can anyone confirm that they are not involved?

     Comment by Susan — March 6, 2008 @ 4:39 pm

151. Response to #146
     I agree, it seems that the local vegas news and papers are the only places I am seeing updates on.
     I too have checked cnn, msnbs, etc. they have a little blip as far as I could find.
     This is a major crisis, 40,000+ their partners, spouses, children, etc. I would think the news would be updating, this is a crisis. I also read where some licenses were pulled, but I haven’t seen that they yanked any of the doctors licenses, just the nurse anesthesiologists

     Comment by shocked — March 6, 2008 @ 4:53 pm

152. #147…carol, yes im aware of the new meds ,the new meds are not likely to be out for 3 to 4 more years.but there are trials going on as we speak. in the past 10 years i have had 4 interferon tx’s, with no luck,i was even in the government study 98/99 for interferon with ribivirin. i use to do the thistles, they are good for anyone with or without liver disease. …im stage 4 grade 3 now, with viral load of 25,000,000 …waiting is not an option.(in my thinking) its easy for doctors to say wait, they dont have the disease. im hoping for another tx soon(but not likely) mayo clinic hopefully is in the making for me now. i would like to extend a very informative website to our entire community, its http://www.hepatitis-central.com & you can find me in support group @www. delphi-forums.com/janis & friends…very informative support groups. again my thoughts and prayers go out to all.im just totally sick from all this.& yes i was patient of dr desai, but i already had the hep c , this is what is NOT GOOD…clear back to 1992 to 1997 until he was dropped from my wife’s ins. We found out through another doctor whom has since left because of Dr Desai, that he was falsifing my records. So this im sure is a bombshell, but the truth is better than B.S./ fear is not an option either, my family & i have been through hell. God bless you all.

     Comment by g faircloth — March 6, 2008 @ 5:29 pm

153. I would hope that health officals examine the possibility that the “endoscopes” themselves used on patients had been “cleaned/sterilized” before another procedure was performed..I can’t comment on syringes/IV’s being used more than once,if they were,my lord trying to save a buck or less!My wife and I have to be tested,greedy doctors should be prosecuted to full extent of the law!!!!

     Comment by steven swedberg — March 6, 2008 @ 6:37 pm

154. Were only nurses reusing the syringes?

     Comment by Ginny — March 6, 2008 @ 6:49 pm

155. To #122..the pro in anesthesia….what are you talking about? These patients no doubt had indwelling catheters with short tubing in their vein and the contents of any syringe from any distance would be injected into him/her? I’m not sure of your technique. A local RN.

     Comment by Mary — March 6, 2008 @ 6:58 pm

156. It’s hard to believe, but the Gastroenterology Center of Nevada’s website is still up and operational!
     http://www.gastrocenternv.com/
     If you can believe it, they advertise that their facility “takes great pride in offering their patients quality health care in a highly efficient and effective manor” on their home page… they also state that ” We believe there is no other group with the depth of training than that represented by our physicians”… If this is true, then they committed the most foul crime because they, by their own admission, KNOW BETTER!
     I hope that the state determines that there is criminal negligence on the part of the doctors and professional staff of this practice/company. The pain and suffering of “not knowing” alone is unfathomable. These people have violated the hippocratic oath in the most heinous of ways and they deserve to lose license and, indeed, their freedom, for what they have done.

     Comment by FW in Henderson — March 6, 2008 @ 7:43 pm

157. Having one negative blood test doesn’t prove anything. Hep C can take 10-20yrs to show up. Everyone will have to be tested periodically and this takes a psychological toll on the patient and their family. 40,000 people and their families will be enduring this hardship for many years, long after it’s no longer front page news.

     Comment by carla — March 6, 2008 @ 8:07 pm

158. My thoughts and prayers are with the patients and families.I totally condemn the clinics practices.

     Let’s not do ethnic bashing as not all the doctors from india are bad. it is worth noting that the source of hepatitis contamination is from only one patient and this patient was under the care of DR. Carrol(along with Dr. desai and others) and he should have taken utmost precautions had he known that the clinic he partially owns had been participating in bad policy. So please folks, try to identify that only few doctors, nurses were involved here and we will ask the authorities to take imediate action. Please dont blame all the doctors and nurses from usa or other country.

     Most of the doctors and nurses are committed to the noble proffession and will uphold the oath.

     Comment by p — March 6, 2008 @ 9:38 pm

159. Does anyone know if it’s just the procedures or do people who receieved vaccines have to worry too? I went to 625 Shadow Lane and my dad called they said they were in the clear but it’s in the same building as 700 Shadow Lane and I can’t help but to wonder if I should be worried about this. I got vaccinations for school.

     Comment by Jessica — March 7, 2008 @ 12:36 am

160. Alright, let’s get into this.

     The subject of controversy is an entity known as Southern Nevada Endoscopy Center.

     The Nevada Secretary of State indicates two limited liability companies registered under that name, both active:
     The first reflects that Clifford Carrol, MD and the Hari Om Limited Partnership are officers.

     The second company, which has the same name but is listed as Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada II, lists Dipak Desai, MD and Vishvinder Sharma, MD as officers.

     There are two entries at the Nevada Secretary of State for Hari Om Limited Partnership.

     The first lists Dipak Desai, Kusum Desai and Dilip Patel as partners.

     The second, Hari Om II, LLC, shows that it was dissolved on February 7, 2008.

     The Nevada Board of Medical Examiners Site does not show disciplinary action for Dr. Carrol. He has had his license here since 1997.

     The State Board has disciplined Dipak Desai, MD and the State site provides as follows:

     FORMAL DISCIPLINARY ACTION TAKEN BY THE NEVADA STATE
     BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS:

     SEPTEMBER 13, 1996

     The Investigative Committee of the Nevada State Board
     of Medical Examiners filed a formal complaint against
     Dr. Desai, the managing partner of Gastroenterology
     Center of Nevada, alleging that he was advertising the
     practice of medicine in a false, deceptive or misleading
     manner by stating that certain members of the medical
     group are Board Certified Gastroenterologists when in
     fact they are not board certified in Gastroenterology.
     Copies; Complaint 12 pages

     OCTOBER 23, 1996

     The Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners
     accepted the Stipulation for Settlement and it was
     Ordered that Dr. Desai, the managing partner of
     Gastroenterology Center of Nevada, pay the sum of
     $2,500 as disgorgement of payments which may
     have been received by the group as a result of false
     advertisment.

     Copies; Order 4 pages Stipulation for Settlement 8 pages

     Kusum Desai has been a licensed Nevada doctor (scope of practice listed as critical care, internal medicine and pulmonary disease) since 1980 and has no listed disciplinary actions.

     The Board site does not pull up a listing for Dilip Patel.

     An advanced search in Google reveals many Dilip Patel’s, including an attorney, but it is not clear which Dilip Patel is listed with the Secretary of State.

     A Clark County District Court inquiry shows one lawsuit in the mid 90s against a Dilip Patel (perhaps the same individual) in which Mr. Patel is listed as a defendant. This case went to arbitration

     For more on the District Court case, see District Court Information on Patel Case

     Vishvinder Sharma, MD is listed with the State, is licensed since 1994 and the Board lists no disciplinary actions.

     Comment by MM in Henderson — March 7, 2008 @ 12:47 am

161. G Faircloth – I’m sorry your Hep C has progressed so far. I haven’t had my vl tested for nearly a year but each time I do it rises. I’m in the millions too now but that’s the extent of the testing beside liver scans I do because of the low cure rate for our genotype. I can’t afford to miss work or to feel so sick as those in treatment do for a less than 50% (more like 20% I think) chance of kicking the 1b. I vist Janis and friends site regularly and Hep central. If I had the time and money I think I’d go to Dr Zhang’s clinic. Dr Andrew Weil thinks very highly of him. For those who don’t know, I’m talking about alternative treatment here with herbs and supplements.

     Good Luck G and Keep the Faith

     Comment by Carol — March 7, 2008 @ 6:40 am

162. Oh, and BTW. I was a patient of Dr Desai’s also, when he ran a Hep C Clinic. How ironic is that? He ran a Hep C Clinic.

     Comment by Carol — March 7, 2008 @ 6:42 am

163. I am appalled at the whole thing at the clinics, but look at the Dollar being the major factor in this, as rooted out by digging through the history of old Desai and cronies, save money and hurry up.

     Now as to the use of multidose vials, this is NOT a problem IF proper procedure is used.
     Clean the vial, alcohol.
     use a sterile, fresh syringe and needle for each patient. no needle swaps, all or none.

     Propofol is very expensive, but this is not really the consideration, possible exposure of another patient to an infected bottle is the main concern.
     This can easily be prevented with proper technique.

     and of course, the actual “sterility” and cleansing of the scopes between uses is seriously in question also, especially in a high volume “mill” like this was..

     Desai and his attitudes conveyed to his minions is really the culprit, and it is going to cause many people anguish at least, and quite probably their lives. But I bet Desai escapes the whole mess somehow with his connections.

     Comment by Mark — March 7, 2008 @ 6:47 am

164. I am very worried about this as I have had numerous procedures done at the Burnham Center and most recently in Dec. of 2007. My husband has also had procedures done there. We are both scheduled for testing next week. I’m worried for my family and my grandchildren. And the sad part about it is I just saw one of these doctors last week and asked him about it and he said not to worry, everything was fine. His license is now suspended. Go figure. How would you feel.

     Comment by GAYLE — March 7, 2008 @ 8:13 am

165. #51 are you smoking crack! Easy for you to say. Maybe for a moment you can get off your self-serving high horse and put youself in the shoes of the folks who are infected by this hideous act of negligence! This is a place for people to vent their aguish and outrage, not a place for you to lecture and judge them. Check you ego, you are out of line and very, veyr insensitve to these folks. Shame on you! How dare you judge the anguish of these people, you are an emotional preditor! Emily.

     Comment by Emily — March 7, 2008 @ 8:30 am

166. I wonder if these Dr. perform procedure at UMC hosptial how do we know that this same practice wasn’t done at these or other faucity???? Did the staff carry medication or syringes of their own to other places infecting even more patients? I may not of had my procedure done at 700 Shadow Lane, but these same doctor did procedures on me at other medical offices. I hope this invesitagtion is looking into that possiblity!!!!???

     Comment by mMattie Crossley — March 7, 2008 @ 9:37 am

167. I received my letter two days ago, I went to have my blood tested wow I waited longer in line than actually getting the procedure done, called a lawyer and he asked me to get a copy of my Colonoscopy procedure did that this morning and now I am ready to sit down with my lawyer and go over all this upsetting news. First off I did not ask for this procedure it is a HPN Wellness practice and my doctor told me to have this procedure to make sure I did not have Cancer, I would not have done the procedure if the Cancer word was not used. The clinic 700 Shadow is a over fill for Southwest Medical, not my choice so I wonder where all this mess will end up and is CDC going to be brought in as well?

     Comment by Michele Las Vegas — March 7, 2008 @ 9:56 am

168. This is really just the tip of the iceberg for Endoscopy Centers. Many of these center across the united states adhere to substandard levels of care. Ususally because they are owned by the physicians and the bottom line is always the major concern. They often reuse instruments and supplies in order to save money. Commonly reused items include: Biopsy Forceps, Scope Biopsy inlet Valves, Syringes, Polyp Traps, Cleaning brushes used to clean the scopes, polyp snares and retrieval devices. All of these items are commonly disposed of after use in most reputable hospitals. Endoscopy Centers should be required to adhere to the same standards of care.

     Comment by Tad Johnson M.D. — March 7, 2008 @ 10:12 am

169. I visited the Shadow Lane Clinic in 2005. I moved out of state last year and I recieved the news about the Hep. C scare from a family memeber that still lives in Vegas. They are not covering this story where I live, can anyone tell me if they have found any more people who have tested positive other than the 6? I am seriously going crazy waiting for my results just like thousands of others. At this point I am looking for any information that will help me calm down…

     Comment by Ceci — March 7, 2008 @ 10:22 am

170. I wake up everyday!!! thinking that this is a bad dream,how can something like this happen in the good old USA.I was at the center twice, so they had two chances, to destroy my life. I have to have a colonoscopy, every 3 years, where will I go for that?
     Everytime the phone rings,I think is my Dr calling with bad news.I have no sympathy for the staff that worked at all the centers, may they all rot in hell!!!
     I feel like I’ve been raped.My prayers are with those that were treated at the center. L.H.

     Comment by Lydia — March 7, 2008 @ 11:29 am

171. Osama Bin Laden just recently sent a message to us telling us to be ready for something big to happen. Mohammad Atta was here in Las Vegas just before 911. Our illustrious health department hasn’t visited these centers for inspection since 2001 – they are supposed to every 3 years. This is an election year. All the candidates were making health care an issue – no one’s talking about it now. Fox News, CNN, MSNBC, no one is talking about the largest health scare in US history. The only talk about Las Vegas is the ricin scare and the O.J. Simpson trial. Are they scared of the terror this is going to send across the country? If our tourist business goes – so does our whole economy. What tourist wants to come to “Sin City” and eat at our restaurants etc.. I think it’s interesting that our exposure only came to light because of the six unfortunate people (God love and care for them) to have received what seems to me to be “hot shots” of Hep. Coincidence that comes around the time Bin Laden makes his announcement. I’m not a drama queen or big conspiracy theorist but I am thinking. Also – I’m one of the 40,000 and counting. I feel like I could call this a terrorist plot considering that for a whole week while I waited for my test results I was in terror. Not fear – terror. I’ve never experienced anything like that in my life. Please have faith – my results were NEGATIVE. I am praying for you all. Let’s all pray for each other and not let up for a minute on our healthcare professionals, elected officials and FBI to get to the bottom of this mess and do the right thing by us.

     Comment by Results Negative — March 7, 2008 @ 2:15 pm

172. #159 I am wondering the same thing does anyone know the answer?

     Comment by Kitty — March 7, 2008 @ 2:36 pm

173. hi susan,
     dr. vishvinder sharma is the gi doctor affiliated with dr. desai’s group. he DOES NOT practice at Red Rock Medical Center. The Dr. Sharma at RRMC is a pediatrician named Dr. Seema Sharma. Hope that clears things up.

     Comment by reply to #150 — March 7, 2008 @ 3:33 pm

174. Last year I filed a complaint with the NV Medical Board and tried to do the same with Medicare for fraudulent charges and neither seemed interested. It is time for the public to demand that these doctors be held accountable for their actions.

     The shame in this all is the devastation to the people that have been possibly exposed to terrible diseases.

     Comment by D L Marsh — March 7, 2008 @ 5:07 pm

175. #172 and #159, I too am wondering about this. All the people that get a hepatitus vaccine for a health card at the health dept. Scary, I got mine in June 06.

     Comment by Sandie — March 7, 2008 @ 6:39 pm

176. let us pray for one another. remember god is greater than our circumstances. keep the faith..

     Comment by mary — March 7, 2008 @ 7:07 pm

177. First, I am heart-sick over the horrible time-bomb hanging over the heads of so many potential victims; but WE all can do more than keep them in our prayers.

     If we want our wonderful city to lose it’s tacky, money-grabbing, politically corrupted, reputation, we MUST hold accountable those men/women who so abuse our public trust for their murderous avarice,& arrogance.
     If WE,the general public, do not raise our voices in a united scream of protest, to have these so-called doctors prosecuted to the full extent of the law (never allowed to practice again and their profits depleted by restitution & law suits) how will WE be able to ever look our infected neighbors in the eye?
     These men should not be allowed to slink away in obscurity, hiding behind their corporate names and professional elitism. We do not allow the run-of-the mill killer to have that luxury. WHY are these mens names and pictures not splashed across our TV screens with their addresses and backgrounds? Suffering the indignities of the publics’outrage, and censure of friends an co-workers, seems a small additional price to pay for what they have done. The consequences of these killer’s actions will have life-long consequences, to their victims. Let’s make sure our public out-cry remains loud and constant on their behalf, as well as our own.

     Comment by M.M.Holman — March 7, 2008 @ 7:40 pm

178. #158 Yes, very good to remind our community & concerned families, that there are great honest doctors in our city, I’ve been to many over the years now, and have trust in my doctors, and I thank all of them for their care & concern. We have to “all” come together in this most unfortunate situation.Help and support each other is the utmost importance. Education is key,this has always been the disease nobody wants to bring to a platform, it has brought itself to a platform. It’s such an ugly word, HEPATITIS, hepa is greek meaning “liver” titis is greek meaning “inflamation” , maybe just maybe it would make us all breath easier if it was called “liver inflamation C”. I’m not making light of this at all, just trying to help all of us. I have lived with hep c now since feb. 1992. It has taken 16 years to get to stage 4. Some will fight the “inflamation” with their own immune system, some will need help , with the standard interferon treatments, and there are alot of new meds coming down the pipeline. Hopefully, a VACCINATION for the generations to come. So funds for research is also very important. Its strange but sad, but I dont feel as isolated as I did 2 weeks ago before this story broke.I’m sure I speak for many. I hope all of you can take a deep breath,even though I know how all of you feel,and I know how bad waiting & not knowing feels. Its a day my wife & I will never forget, when we learned of my diagnosis.But know that my wife & family are fine. So don’t always believe what you here. There are many myths and mistatements about hep c. Find out for yourselves the truths. I wouldnt want to offend anyone, in saying we must forgive, and I’m guilty also of jumping on the angry bandwagon. We must come together as one of the largest support groups in our great nation. And to help keep our city great. I’m fighting for my life, and I want to fight for yours. When i die my wife knows that I want my liver and whatever else to go to research,to help fight this disease. I’m praying for all that your outcome is negative. I’m also praying we all come together as a team help our authorities and health professionals to bring back calm. I dont feel good, but I’m willing to help anyone that needs it. I’m not a professional, I’m just like you. May God bless & help our community.

     Comment by g faircloth — March 7, 2008 @ 8:24 pm

179. You know what all of you who wanted our docs to stay in NV during the special legislature session? This is what you get for allowing your rights to be taken away.

     Doctors have a license to kill in NEVADA/ I should know, one murdered my teenage son

     Comment by Sue RN — March 7, 2008 @ 8:31 pm

180. Re:#168. I am a Registered Nurse (former endoscopy nurse for many yrs; first with a local hospital and then in a private endo center in town, NOT Dr. Desai’s)! and agree 100% with what Dr. Johnson posted; My heart goes out to each and everyone of you that are affected by this crisis. Also, scary, but did anyone else see the 6pm newscast where another GI Dr. was being interviewed and then proceeded to have his nurse start an IV (showing new, in the pkg angiocath and IV tubing), she started the IV WITHOUT WEARING GLOVES!!????? Just another place I don’t want to go to!

     Comment by DeeDee — March 7, 2008 @ 9:06 pm

181. I think that Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada should be made to compensate (for a life time of medical expenses, loss of income, quality of life ect.) all their patients that are infected with the illnessess. They should also be made to reimbuse all the insurance and medicare charges on the rest of the patients who were treated and were exposed. This will send a strong message to the rest of the medical community. Hit them in the pocket book where it matters.

     Comment by Naomi — March 7, 2008 @ 9:18 pm

182. This criminal act perpetrated by Dr. Deepak Desai is equal to committing a terrorist attack on Las Vegas. Thanks to this third world Doctor’s greedy action, Las Vegas now is known to be the hepatitis capital of the world. When will this criminal Desai be indicted for capital murder? And the citizens of Las Vegas should demand investigations and the firings of state and local officials who put the citizens in harms way by not taken action in closing these clinics years ago when this problem was first discovered.

     Comment by AH — March 7, 2008 @ 9:20 pm

183. DeeDee #180 Yes I noticed the no gloves AND the long fingernails–which is also a bad practice as they can carry alot of bacteria.

     Comment by Linda — March 8, 2008 @ 11:02 am

184. I can’t believe that some ignorant people out there have the nerve to post these kinds of negative comments about doctors. If it’s so easy to become a doctor then why aren’t you ungrateful people doing it. I am a physician and can’t believe that some people have the gall to say such things about physicians. Do you know what it takes to become a doctor. Four years of college, then four years of medical school (if you can even get in), 3-sometimes 6 years of residency (with night calls and days and nights with little or no sleep). We are hard working people and in this day and age doctors don’t even make as much money as people would like to think they do and they have to deal with stress in everyday life because they are making decisions that effect people’s lives. If you want to make money don’t go into medicine because that’s not what you are going to find in this business. Instead with all the HMO’s and insurance companies cutting costs you end up with a descent salary to support your family but not millions like some people think. Do you people even know what an endoscpy entails? Do you know who performs exactly what procedure on you during the endosopy? Do you even bother as patients to find out what is going on or even ask your doctors questions? NO is the answer most of you will give because either you’re too lazy or just plain ignorant and don’t care to find out. Look at yourselves too and see that this is supposed to be THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and that people are supposed to be innocent until proven guilty and you are already comdemning some of these innocent doctors without knowing all the facts. You listen and believe everything the media tells you but DO YOU REALLY KNOW THE TRUTH. These doctors have families as well to support- young kids, wives , some with elderly parents- so are they just supposed give up their livelihoods based on what people are saying about them or should these doctors be valued for the excellent care they provide, for their dedication to their patients and for the passion and long hours they put into their work. I know there are some grateful patients out there who thank their doctors for saving their lives and taking goood care of them-so thank you to those patients and good luck to everyone else who feels that these doctors are all bad based on what the media is saying without knowing them personally or having been seen by them as a patient. Hopefully other GI doctors will come to this community where people are so ready to condemn people without due process. This area is already underserved when it comes to Gastroenterology-do you know that colon cancer is one of the top three cancers in this country and that it is the number 2 killer in this country. Find out the facts before you continue with this witch hunt and hurt the community further by slandering some wonderful doctors in our community who are only trying to help not hurt people.

     Comment by Lou — March 8, 2008 @ 11:52 am

185. This criminal act perpetrated by Dr. Deepak Desai is equal to committing a terrorist attack on Las Vegas. Thanks to this third world Doctor’s greedy action, Las Vegas now is known to be the hepatitis capital of the world. When will this criminal Desai be indicted for capital murder? And the citizens of Las Vegas should demand investigations and the firings of state and local officials who put the citizens in harms way by not taken action in closing these clinics years ago when this problem was first discovered.

     Comment by AH — March 7, 2008 @ 9:20 pm

     Thanks to this racist’s comments other people will continue to carry on these untrue beliefs. Why is it all Dr. Desia’s fault – did he actually go and reuse syringes like you “were told” he did or was it someone else? Do you know FOR SURE he or his staff even told these workers to do this? NO_ because you weren’t there- so before making comments like this – get your facts straight. And also get a dictionary so you can learn how to spell correctly.

     Comment by Linda — March 8, 2008 @ 12:01 pm

186. This criminal act perpetrated by Dr. Deepak Desai is equal to committing a terrorist attack on Las Vegas. Thanks to this third world Doctor’s greedy action, I can’t believe that some ignorant people out there have the nerve to post these kinds of negative comments about doctors. If it’s so easy to become a doctor then why aren’t you ungrateful people doing it. I am a physician and can’t believe that some people have the gall to say such things about physicians. Do you know what it takes to become a doctor. Four years of college, then four years of medical school if you can even get in, 3-sometimes 6 years of residency with night calls and days and nights with little or no sleep. We are hard working people and in this day and age doctors don’t even make as much money as people would like to think they do and they have to deal with stress in everyday life because they are making decisions that effect people’s lives. If you want to make money don’t go into medicine because that’s not what you are going to find in this business. Instead with all the HMO’s and insurance companies cutting costs you end up with a descent salary to support your family but not millions like some people think. Do you people even know what an endoscpy entails? Do you know who performs exactly what procedure on you during the endosopy? Do you even bother as patients to find out what is going on or even ask your doctors questions? NO is the answer most of you will give because either you’re too lazy or just plain ignorant and don’t care to find out. Look at yourselves too and see that this is supposed to be THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and that people are supposed to be innocent until proven guilty and you are already comdemning some of these innocent doctors without knowing all the facts. You listen and believe everything the media tells you but DO YOU REALLY KNOW THE TRUTH. These doctors have families as well to support- young kids, wives , some with elderly parents- so are they just supposed give up their livelihoods based on what people are saying about them or should these doctors be valued for the excellent care they provide, for their dedication to their patients and for the passion and long hours they put into their work. I know there are some grateful patients out there who thank their doctors for saving their lives and taking goood care of them-so thank you to those patients and good luck to everyone else who feels that these doctors are all bad based on what the media is saying without knowing them personally or having been seen by them as a patient. Hopefully other GI doctors will come to this community where people are so ready to condemn people without due process. This area is already underserved when it comes to Gastroenterology-do you know that colon cancer is one of the top three cancers in this country and that it is the number 2 killer in this country. Find out the facts before you continue with this witch hunt and hurt the community further by slandering some wonderful doctors in our community who are only trying to help not hurt people.

     Comment by Lou — March 8, 2008 @ 12:04 pm

187. I am STUNNED by Hiz Honor’s comments at his press conference on Thursday. If you missed it, here is an exact quote of what he said:

     “THE UNDERLING PROBLEM WAS, OF COURSE…IN MY OPINION, AN EMBARRASMENT TO OUR COMMUNITY/”

     Holy Cow, Oscar…I would think the underlying problem is the 40,000 people, including me,who have been put through this ordeal. Yet, the primary concern of Hiz Honor is the bad PR Las Vegas is getting.

     Leopards don’t change spots, folks. I doubt if the boys that ran this town with Hiz Honor defending them were concerned with the ‘health’ of our citizens above the city’s PR. I bet all those bodies found and unfound in the surrounding desert were not there for their health.

     “we acted SWIFTLY in advising the public as soon as this was known.” Folks, that is an outright lie. This problem was uncovered on January 11th and the public was not advised until they shut down the Shadow Lane Clinic on Friday, Feb 29th.

     If you doubt this fact, then ask your Dr. or your lawyer or the Veterans Administration why we should not be concerned if our proceedures were done after January 11th.

     And to the Media…this blog is great for venting, but are any of you following up with commentary on matters like the delay?

     Well, you are the media and why should any of us be suprised.

     Richard

     Comment by Richard — March 8, 2008 @ 2:15 pm

188. Didn’t the doctors already admit to wrong doing? Aren’t they just trying to say these instances only occurred on two specific days in September, but still admit it? Don’t get me wrong, I know it must be such a difficult job; However, if you can’t handle your job or choose to do a half a** job, then get a new job. I praise anybody that does their job properly, but don’t expect us to praise you when you choose to neglect proper protocol.

     Comment by Dissapointed — March 8, 2008 @ 2:20 pm

189. As a person who worked in the health field for over 20 years and now retired I am disgusted with the way these doctors and nurses intentionally put thousands of patients at risk with a fatal disease in the name of “greed”. All of the doctors, nurses and personnel employed at the many clinics owned and or operated by these bad physicians and those who participated in the injections and those others that participated in the unsanitary procedures should immediately be stripped of their professional license and prevented from practicing medicine ever again-No if, ands or buts about it. In addition the Medical Board should immediatlety look into all of the 30 other surgical centers and close down those that have been doing the same thing and those doctors and nurses and personnel should be stripped of their license also. If they did this outrageous practice and treatment in the past you can bet they will do it again the first chance they get. I call that predisposition. They are predisposed to do the same thing over and over again.No patient deserves to be treated by any of these health (so-called) professionals ever again.And that poor excuse of: “I was ordered” to commit this bad medicine and “I needed my job” is outrageous. Would any nurse or doctor in an operating room allow another doctor to amputate the wrong leg or remove the wrong organ from a patient withouit saying that it was wrong? File the criminal charges, jail all of these people, and file suit against the entire group and take away their million dollar mansions, cars and their ill-gotten gains. BK

     Comment by Bradley Kuhns — March 8, 2008 @ 2:33 pm

190. Okay Lou, it’s all fine and well to get upset over slander over doctors but it is entirely obnoxious to bark at people when they are in the middle of a crisis. And you bring up the amount of time it takes to become a doctor, well think of this: that was plenty of time to learn proper medical procedures, they failed to comply with them, and therefore it is their faults. People have a right to be angry at their doctors. They are angry and they feel violated. Think about THAT before you post the next time.

     Comment by Gina — March 8, 2008 @ 4:20 pm

191. Being a food server at LV the health department are so strict about everything little offense that the company makes. Even if the workers do not wasn their hands after they present their health cards. So the situation at the present moment are absolutely unacceptable.

     Comment by lucy — March 8, 2008 @ 4:22 pm

192. Thanks to this racist’s comments other people will continue to carry on these untrue beliefs. Why is it all Dr. Desia’s fault – did he actually go and reuse syringes like you “were told” he did or was it someone else? Do you know FOR SURE he or his staff even told these workers to do this? NO_ because you weren’t there- so before making comments like this – get your facts straight. And also get a dictionary so you can learn how to spell correctly.

     Comment by Linda — March 8, 2008 @ 12:01 pm

     Get it straight moron it is the 40,000 patients who are at risk of contracting hepatitis C, they are the true victims, not Dr. Deepak Desai. Would the doctor expose his own family to reusing needles? No! And by the way this doctor has a track record of violations from prior years, besides the fact that he just had his license suspended the other day. There are plenty of good doctors out there, but this guy is definitely not one of them.

     Comment by AH — March 8, 2008 @ 6:51 pm

193. Re:#180 video of “local doctor tries to restore image”. This Dr. Haikal states, “I want to assure the public that they can still get their screening colonoscopies at reputable places”. I assume he means ‘his place’……where the nurse proceeded to start the IV without wearing gloves! Right! another reputable place!

     Comment by Diane — March 8, 2008 @ 7:04 pm

194. Scott Johnson #122:

     You sir are an idiot.

     You purport to be a healthcare professional and you state that the practice of reusing syringes is acceptable. I am a RN. You learn the dangers and ease of cross contamination in your microbiology prerequisite, before you even begin nursing school. We are taught in the first semester that if you mishandle a syringe or tubing, it must be discarded and to start over. We must never take a chance with our patients.

     Comment by Fred — March 8, 2008 @ 9:21 pm

195. the STATE HAS TO TAKE THE BLAME FOR SOME OF THIS PROBLEM. IF THEY HAD MORE INSPECTORS TO INSPECT THESE FACILITIES, THIS WOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. BUT INSTEAD OF HIRING MORE PEOPLE, THEY ARE TO BUSY CUTTING THE BUDGETS TO SAVE MONEY. LOOKS LIKE NOW THEY WILL HAVING TO SPEND MONEY NOW FOR WHAT WHAT THEY SHOULD HAVE DONE BEFORE.

     Comment by p.blanton — March 8, 2008 @ 11:18 pm

196. I don’t recived the letter because I change my address, how can I get one?

     Comment by lila — March 8, 2008 @ 11:23 pm

197. Lou, if you stand by the practices Desai showed simply because he is a doctor who is ignorant of SAFE practices, then I would never allow you to treat me.
     The VICTIMS of DESAI ALSO have families to support.
     You are ignorant and low to ignore the pain caused by stupidity and greed by someone so freakin highly EDUCATED.

     Comment by tj — March 9, 2008 @ 6:24 am

198. To #186 You are coming to the defenseive of your profession and that is understandable. I am an RN but if the allegations are true that the anesthetists truly did reuse syringes then I could never defend my fellow professional no matter how long they went to school. I went to school for severn years and was a busy ER nurse and no matter what I never found it necessary to reuse a syringe. Have you?? I agree that eveyone is entitled due process, but remember that at least six people did contract Hep C on those two dates at that center. Those facts are not in dispute. Either the doctor, the anesthetist or a tech (sloppy cleaning of equipment) is responsible. Everyone has a living to make, that is true, but if convicted then any one of the people involved should be supported in jail because a crime will have been comitted.

     Comment by Mary a local nurse — March 9, 2008 @ 10:25 am

199. To #187-People have short memories. Oscar Goodman’s claim to fame before he became Mayor was being the defense lawyer for mob figures such as Tony Spilotro etc.. What does he care about murder, hepatitis or HIV? Not long ago he wanted to make a section of downtown a red light district. “Dr.” Dipak Desai has a kid who attends the school owned by Oscar Goodman – The Meadows School. Read what “The Telegraph” a newspaper in India has to say about this: http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080307/jsp/frontpage/story_8991078.jsp

     Comment by Results Negative — March 9, 2008 @ 2:26 pm

200. I retract that part of my posting that refers to where Dr. Desai’s kid goes to school. I don’t know that to be true. Just something I heard. That was irresponsible on my part and I apologize. Enough innocent people have been hurt from this whole ordeal.

     Comment by Results Negative — March 9, 2008 @ 2:50 pm

201. For some reason this came across my mine today. Hopefuly not, but suppose all 40,000 are positive then they want the standard interferon treatments. At the lowball cost of 25,000 dollars per treatment ,treatment usually last 48 weeks, up to 72 weeks, thats over 10 million dollars. At the seminars presented by local attorneys, are they educating these folks that the co-pay’s are 500.00 per month, the average ins. co. charges.And this depends on which types of interferon’s are used.Some co-pays could be less,but not much. Unless you can get assitance from the drug companies ,this depends on your finances. This most unfortunate situation could change the entire ballgame. Studies/Trials are payed for , but there are none in our area at this time.Only few are chosen. Then are they educating folks about the new MELD scores for transplantation,24 being the highest, meaning the sickest for transplant.Just a Note from me.

     Comment by g faircloth — March 9, 2008 @ 5:06 pm

202. How does it feel to know that in Las Vegas your life is only worth one or two cents? (the average cost of a disposable needle)If I get sick here I will crawl on my hands and knees to the closest state line

     Comment by Rita Smith — March 10, 2008 @ 9:13 am

203. As a physician, I am apalled that this utterly illegal practice was ALLOWED to happen in an American clinic. These dangerous, and illegal, practices should never happen- even in India where most of these so-called doctors are originally from. If these physicians are indeed guilty of this, they should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and the their assets given to the victims. They should be tried for attempted murder.

     Comment by nudelman — March 10, 2008 @ 9:57 am

204. NOT GOOD NEWS!!!! In 2004 I had the gastric bypass surgery so I could live a longer life and be health. Complication from the bypass took me to the Endoscopy Center at Shaddow Lane. I had a iron deficiency. I had two colonoscopy’s and one endoscopy. Hoping that my doctor would find something that was causing the deficiency. Meanwhile I am getting IV iron. The colonoscopy results were negative. The endoscopy showed a bacteria infection H-pylori Gastritis. So needless to say, I not only have the IV iron and anti biotics for the infection, NOW the scare of HIV & Hepatitis B & C. I am outraged that in this day and age something like this is normal practice. My stress level has hit an all time high. Going forward having any procedure will be a stressful experience. Doctors and their staff should never never take chances with the health and safety of their patients. I am happy to say that my first blood test came back negative. Not knowing about the future is nerve racking!!!! bb

     Comment by barbara — March 10, 2008 @ 10:03 am

205. As a physician, I agree with Fred (#194) that comments of Scott Johnson (#122) is utterly ridiculous. Unsanitary practice that these guys are accused of doing are never part of accepted practice ANYWHERE.

     Comment by nudelman — March 10, 2008 @ 10:03 am

206. I want to know, where are my record’s? I want them. Why have they not froze these Doctor’s assets??

     Comment by anita wiles — March 10, 2008 @ 11:10 am

207. I personally have seen a Dr at this clinic for the last 10 years I have had two procedures done every year for the last 8 of those years I have never trusted Dr Desai or Sharma but beleive the other Drs are bystanders I hope this investigation clears their good names and they continue as awesome DRs here in the valley. As for the mayor he does not represent me nor whould I ever vote for him what gives him the right to close down medical offices I would think the governor has that right not someone who only run a little bit of Vegas not the whole thing. I live in the county and I beleive the strip is not part of the city only down town so Mayor back off and let the real person deal with this catastrify.

     Comment by Lorrie McCarty — March 10, 2008 @ 11:39 am

208. This is for Scott Johnson,#122 sounds to me that you have done this kind of things before. Using the same syringes, scopes, and anything that could possibly infect people with a deadly disease.You are a disgrace to our community, thinking that all that has happen is very funny. I can’t sleep at night, waiting for my results to come back, And here you are insulting all of us , that were at the clinic for treatment. You should be watched very carefully, you moron.

     Comment by Lydia — March 10, 2008 @ 12:07 pm

209. I really wish that Charlie Strachan (comment #5) would give the exact date of when he had the procedure or at least the month/year that he had the procedure. He is stating that he is HIV+ and was at the “clinic” about two years ago. (Grief Grief) this is horrendous mental terror.

     Charlie, if you read this can you give more info as to date and specific location?

     Also, only one person has posted on here about getting negative results. Is there anyone else that out there who has gotten test results back. My Dr.’s office assured me that all of their patients who have been tested so far have come back negative.

     I wonder why this information isn’t being given out. I swear I read that one of the lawyers who is seeing clients about the possible class action lawsuit reported that 7 of his clients tested pos. for Hep C and one tested pos. for HIV.

     This is so frustrating and frightening. God Bless everyone waiting and those who have found positive test results.

     Has

     Comment by Faith — March 10, 2008 @ 3:12 pm

210. Scott Johnson, #122, you are a disgrace if you really are a health care professional as you put it, obviously not a doctor, not even a nurse, or you would have stated so. And you would be more educated than apparently you are.
     You really have no clue or basic common sense if you really believe all the bs you wrote. You would stand up for doctors who were so greedy and blatant to reuse syringes, and vials of medication in front of inspectors? How could you even question that, that was seen , not heard. Perhaps you should go back to school, way back and start over. Take a course in common sense and human compassion, it may do you some good the second time around.

     Comment by drphdmoore — March 10, 2008 @ 6:41 pm

211. The doctor Desai is a con man. He belittles people. His arrogance stinks. I feel sorry for his children who have a father who has raped 40,000 plus people plus insurance companies. The guy is a criminal.
     He has closed his house in Red Rock, the bastard is on the run. He has the worst looking house there. Third world doctors here to rape Americans

     Comment by Spence — March 10, 2008 @ 9:16 pm

212. My husband was a patient at one of these clinics on Horizon Ridge recently. I’m shocked to hear of their negligence. But they should not only be investigated for their mal-practice but also for their billing practices. They billed our insurance company $550 for an office consultation. My husband didn’t even see a doctor. All he did was fill out paper work. Of course, our insurance company discounted all of it except $114. They billed us the full $550 and wrote on the bill that our insurance company “did not cover the servie”. I sent them the $114. Later we got a surgery bill for $601. They wrote on the bill that our insurance “made a payment” and we owed the remaining balance — $601. I didn’t pay them. I then received a notice that it would go to collections. I called them and told them I didn’t pay it because the bill was wrong. The person I talked to said, they never received anything from our Insurance company (obvious lie) and to send a copy. Now they’re closed. Although I bet their billing office isn’t.

     Always check you bills!

     I would love to report them, but I have no idea who to report them to.

     Comment by Care — March 11, 2008 @ 6:25 am

213. TO GET TESTED CALL 1 800 682 3047 or go to NATIONALHEALTHTESTING.ORG NON-PROFIT and CONFIDENTIAL

     Comment by ron EXT.2141 — March 11, 2008 @ 8:43 am

214. I was one of the unfortunate people who had surgery at 2 the centers. But I never got a letter because my surgery was done by MY own doctors who just used the facilities. Why aren’t they looking out for the patients of all the doctors who used the clinic to do surgeries on their own patients? I guess the only people that were notified were the people that the owners did.

     Which is a very small number I’m guessing. They are businessmen, not practicing doctors. I had stomach surgery at one and an SGB (stellate ganglion block) at another on the list. How did I get so lucky? Nobody has contacted me!

     Where is all the cocern for ALL the patients? Why only a selected few?

     Comment by Trudy Thomas — March 11, 2008 @ 9:14 am

215. “Third world doctors here to rape Americans”, I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU!!! I also find it sickening the news story on the front page of “Adults missing out on important vaccines”, I mean WTF with the timing of that?? I think about the damn vaccine I got for my health card (hepatitus) every day, was the health dept. using bunk needles and viles too?? I know that many years ago vaccines knocked out diseases in our society but today, I am believing more and more the radicals like Alex Jones, THEY ARE POISONING US!!!!

     Comment by Sandie — March 11, 2008 @ 9:39 am

216. #184, Dr Lou should have his/her liscense pulled for being so f’ing arogant. Just because you went through hell to get to the point in your life where you can practice your CHOSSEN profession, does not mean you have the right to do as you please. Your sacrifices, which I do agree are heavy, where your choice. We try to follow your PROFESSIONAL advice and take care of our health and we get told the staff made a mistake and it might mean our life. But we shouldn’t blame the DR who ordered that mistake because he worked sooooooooo hard to get where he is today. Oh yeah, now the FBI is investigating! You a******s have had free reign long enough. Stop the high insu=rance fees and law suits! Just lock up every one of you who causes serious harm to a patient or is as arrogant as you.

     Love ya Doc

     Comment by Michael Guy — March 11, 2008 @ 9:58 am

217. Alien Forces will infiltrate this country without firing a shot .. Abraham Lincoln

     Comment by Mary Ann Owen — March 11, 2008 @ 10:09 am

218. “I think about the damn vaccine I got for my health card (hepatitus) every day, was the health dept. using bunk needles and viles too??”

     #215 Good question! I’d like to know as well…

     Comment by Not A Patient — March 11, 2008 @ 10:44 am

219. I have neurological issues, B12 deficiency and possibly MS. I was asked to get a EGD done to see if I have issues with B12 absorption.

     I was unfortunate that only Dr. Deepak Desai’s was available. I have visited him and got this procedure done on Sep 25th in the Shadow Lane Facility. Now I am possibly looking at Hep C and HIV. How can this A**hole do this to people? If it is proved that they have indeed re-used needles, viles and syringes this guy should be killed and all the nurses who have obliged his orders without reporting to authorities.

     Comment by NB — March 11, 2008 @ 10:50 am

220. Has anyone heard any updates on how many people have tested positive so far?? Why are they not keeping us informed on this. I find it hard to believe there has only been 6 people so far….

     Comment by Ceci — March 11, 2008 @ 11:30 am

221. Glad we all have the scoop that #211 left. That prick Desai is probably hiding out trying to figure a way to get out of the country!!! My folks came back negative and I’ve heard alot of other people have been negative too. Thank God. I do wish that the media was reporting some good news about this. I’m glad the FBI raided those scummy ” surgery centers”..I’m sure they will find of wealth of criminal activity along many diagnosis that are not even ACCURATE!! Makes me sick to my stomach to think of all the possiblilities!! To those DR’s: IF YOU ARE READING THIS BLOG, YOU’D BETTER HOPE TO HELL YOU CAN FLEE THE COUNTRY CAUSE THERE ARE THOUSANDS COMING AFTER YOU! How you sleep at night is beyond me!!

     Comment by Michelle K. — March 11, 2008 @ 12:45 pm

222. So the new clinic that the inspectors were at and the med tech REUSING SYRINGES AND VILES right in front of the inspectors said, “It’s OK, there was not enough time for bacteria to grow”, OH MY GODDESS, DO THEY TEACH THEM THAT IN MEDICAL SCHOOL??

     Comment by Sandie — March 11, 2008 @ 5:05 pm

223. Along with other people on this blog, I am wondering if there have been any other patients who are now positive for Hep besides the original five. My husband saw an attorney on TV state that out of 1400 clients of his, 30 have tested positve. I can’t find any corroboration.

     Comment by Mary — March 11, 2008 @ 5:26 pm

224. Re:#211…So he closed his house up!! Is anyone checking to see if he’s used his passport and left the country? It would be just like him to leave the country before more sh*t hits the fan and he gets charged by the DA for this! Can’t the govt. put a restaint on him traveling out of the country during this investigation? Anyone know?

     Comment by Diane — March 11, 2008 @ 5:51 pm

225. Hey Lou(#186) Do you have any idea what it takes to be one of the scared 40,000 patients? You have more than compensated yourselves for your endless hours of study. Theres a whole lot of us out here who have sacrificed everybit as much as you have in our careers but we don’t live in million dollar homes and drive two or three different mercedes and we actually give our customers more than ten minutes when they have a question. AND guess what, we wait on them whether they have insurance or not. So I don’t really care how hard you’ve worked to get to where you are. Bottom line is, if you are a great doctor you don’t have to defend yourself……Your time would be better spent tending to your patients. Dr Desai did all you hard working doctors a big favor, you all get to divide 40,000 patients, so go buy yourself another house or car or luxsery vacation and stop your winning.

     Comment by jay — March 11, 2008 @ 6:09 pm

226. As an person who was not tested at one of these clinics but who knows several persons (including a sibling) who were, it is my opinon that no monetary amount can make up for the fraud, carlessness on the behalf of medical PROFFESIONALLS, and the lack of compassion from their spin doctors who acted as if this whole mess were the paitients fault.
     It is also my futher opinon that crimanal charges need to be filed immediatly, charges like 40,000+ counts of aggrevated assult, and should someone dies from somthing caught due to the neglect then it becomes premeditated murder.
     Somthing drastic must be done to make this never possiable again!

     Comment by Russell — March 11, 2008 @ 9:20 pm

227. According to their estimates of 4% having Hep C, .5% having Hep B, and <.5% having HIV BEFORE going to the Endoscopy Center, I estimate that well over 2000 people will test positive. Hep B, C and HIV are not routinely tested for in blood tests so you won’t have a clue you have it unless your liver tests are abnormal and they then test you for Hep C and B and/or you begin to get sick. Unless, of course, you decide on your own to get tested. So apparently those who have tested positive have lawyers who have advised them to be quiet to the press for now.

     That’s just my opinion on why only 6 have tested positive so far.

     Comment by Carol — March 12, 2008 @ 5:38 am

228. i have been to many clinics in the last few months and have had many needles poked in me. just wondering how many of these doctors are doing this.i bet this is just the tip of the iceberg.you know when these doctors go golfing with there doctor buddies they comment on how much they saved on needles last year. i made my bmw payment and was able to buy a new boat with the money i saved on needles and so on. was wondering if there is any place where anyone can get checked for free for std’s or hep. if not there should be. hope eone has a great day.

     Comment by stan — March 12, 2008 @ 7:12 am

229. #226 It is the law, health officials must report cases to the health department…lawyer or no lawyer involvement. So reporters should be hounding the officials at the PHD for numbers.

     Comment by Mary RN — March 12, 2008 @ 8:10 am

230. Finally! Suing the lame oversight agencies is the only way to get their attention. Should have happened decades ago. That’s the only way to offset the political influence, etc. Hit them where it hurts. In the pocket book.

     Comment by Abbie — March 12, 2008 @ 8:16 am

231. The CDC is checking all the “ambulatory” facilities. Does that include ambulances & paramedics? What about the hospitals and emergency rooms? Jim Gibbons statement of “overkill” – kills me!

     Comment by Sharon — March 12, 2008 @ 11:34 am

232. Just a heads up to all my fellow Las Vegans:

     If any of you have donated blood prior to your visit to the hell-hole endoscopy center(s): ALL blood services do hepatitis as well as HIV tests on all donated blood. IF you were posiyive for any of the tests they performed, A) you would have been contacted, or B) the next time you went to donate blood, your record/ chart would have been flagged and you would have been informed.

     Let’s hope these blood centers KEEP these records for a period of time so those of us who test positive for hep B, C or HIV have proof we were NEGATIVE prior to visiting the Dr.s, nurses and the rest of the medical staff who put profits before human life…

     I guess they’ll claim were absent the day they singed their names on the Hippocratic oath they swore to…

     All of you are in my prayers…

     Comment by Elle — March 12, 2008 @ 11:59 am

233. Can someone please tell me what to do?????? I have UC and of course my dr was one of the great drs involved here ha ha. I saw a new GI today….he is changing my meds a bit, says a lot of what my dr was doing is not up to date with the literature….he does not prescribe steroids for flare ups- has anyone heard that. He scheduled my colonoscopy – this time with no anestethia, just a sedative, is that normal. I am so scared and so stressed. Any recomendations? Thanks

     Comment by Christina — March 12, 2008 @ 3:33 pm

234. Christina #233
     Several years ago I had a colonoscopy with a sedative only and my doctor at the time did the procedure himself – Dr. Nemec. It was done at the surgery center on Rancho & Charleston. He was unable to do the procedure all the way through the colon because it was becoming uncomfortable for me but he didn’t expect to see anything anyway and I was fairly young at the time. Maybe the procedure is done different now. I stopped going to Dr. Nemec because he was too far for me – now of course I wish I had stayed with him. He’s not one of the doctors involved in this whole mess – at least I don’t think so.I don’t know anything about the steroids.

     Comment by Sharon — March 12, 2008 @ 4:10 pm

235. Christina #233
     By “no anesthesia, just a sedative”, your Dr. is referring to what we in the medical profession call”consious sedation”. You will still have an IV started and instead of the now famous Propofol administered by anesthesiologists, you will receive a drug named versed and probably demerol or fentanyl. For all intensive purposes, you will be “asleep” and completely unaware of the colonoscope advancing. This was the method we used in endoscopy in the 80’s and 90’s before propofol arrived and anesthesiologists took over sedating GI patients. I am unaware of the current treatment for your UC. Is it a new flare up? Hope I eased your mind about the sedation.

     Comment by Diane — March 12, 2008 @ 4:25 pm

236. Good news! I had a colonoscopy under anesthesia at the Burnham facility in May of 2004. My husband had one two years ago there also. We had all the hep tests and HIV test last week and all results were negative. Hope that offers a little reassurance to anyone concerned.

     Comment by Mary — March 12, 2008 @ 5:40 pm

237. I JUST GOT MY RESULTS BACK YESTURDAY AND I TOO WAS NEGATIVE I HAD AN ENDOSCOPY DONE IN 2005 AT THE BURNHAM FACILITY.KEEP THE FAITH…

     Comment by mary — March 13, 2008 @ 1:22 pm

238. Question….

     Isn’t it true that sometimes certain test results show up negative, because sometimes it can take time (couple months) for these things to show up?

     Not only that, but I was told the most common mistake in hospitals is misdiagnosing, due to incorrect patient labeling and so forth. What if vials were mixed up, and results were mixed up? There are tens of thousands of patients getting tested.

     I don’t mean to make anyone worry more than they already are. I haven’t received my results, but at the same time I was told to get tested again at a different location to make sure the results are the same, and to get tested again in six months. So when I get my tests results back it doesn’t really put my mind at ease.

     Comment by Dissapointed — March 13, 2008 @ 3:02 pm

239. GOOD NEWS!! I just got my results back and Hep B, Hep C, HIV all negative. I was at the 700 Shadow Lane Clinic on Nov. 14, 2005 if anyone else is wondering. God Bless the truly compassionate, talented and generous individuals that are in the medical field. They deserve our respect.

     People like those involved in this Healthcare crisis, are not among that group. They should be ripped of every credential they have and all financial assets they have should go to the individuals who have tested positive due to the sickening beyond words value engineering they did.

     True beasts roam this earth among us.

     Comment by Faith — March 13, 2008 @ 5:16 pm

240. How Ironic, Egglett is talking about justice while the feds are looking at him for fraud and kickbacks with Howard Awand

     Comment by david — March 13, 2008 @ 5:36 pm

241. Hepatitis is spread by dirty scopes,rather than anesthesiologist using multi vials. The endoscopy center has shrewdly shifted the blame and created a smoke screen.
     his entire problem lies with inadequatley cleaning the scopes and nothing else.

     Comment by Robert — March 13, 2008 @ 5:40 pm

242. I am so glad that this happened, finally contracts are being looked at, at UMC, it is a shame for the medical community that we let arrogant doctors slip into the system and make deals that don’t really care about the patient but just want to enrich themselves. Desai probably thought that he would never be caught but his time is up, I just hope that the affected patient’s will be paid back from his assets.

     Comment by Margaret — March 13, 2008 @ 10:29 pm

243. I also tested NEGATIVE, I visited the Shadow Lane clinic in June of 2005!

     I was wondering if anyone knows about who is going to pay for these very expensive tests that we all are having done. I received a bill for almost $400.00!! I do feel that it is a small price to pay for some piece of mind but I don’t feel that it is fare that not only did I go through a very stressful week of waiting for these results but now I have to fork out $400.00.

     Comment by Ceci — March 17, 2008 @ 9:23 am

244. ok to #114 I too have a great Dr at the center and I am not one to want to go find another Dr. Dsr. Carrera is one of the best gastric Drs around and he is the one who found out what was wrong with me before I died and has been with me for 10 years, I don’t want to see this man ran out of LV or lose his license. I beleive he and some of the other Drs did not know what was going on before they got intpo the room I watched the aniestieziooulogist doing his thing and really didnt trust him. Dr Carrera was never in there until I was preped and ready to go I beleive the people who prep us are at fault not these drs. Please lets get back to where we can go back to our DRs and they can continue to help us by being great MDs.

     Comment by LJ — March 17, 2008 @ 8:28 pm

245. I myself have just recently had a blood test to see if I will end up with either HIV or Hepatitis B or C. To say this is devastating is an understatement! I had not one but two procedures at different times, so I not only have to worry about one but now I have twice the chance of contracting something!
     I have a lot of medical problems and surely don’t need this on top of what I already have. I am disabled and on SSI the rest of my life, and now I might have this to look forward too, well maybe not if I end up with either.
     I recently lost my mother, so my children are not looking forward to the possibility of losing their mother also.
     I’m not usually one to look for retribution or revenge, but this has all changed for me and my family. I want to go for their throats or rip out their hearts!!
     I am among thousands who are scared to death of the outcome of this or what the future might bring if we do have a future. I will find out Wednesday hopefully whether I have contracted either of these devastating and deadly illnesses, until then I hold my breath and pray for my results to be negative, until then… I just sit by the phone. Thanks for listening.
     P.

     Comment by Patty Martin — March 17, 2008 @ 10:43 pm

246. I like several others on this page are wondering what makes anyone think that this is only from the year 2004. I was a patient of Dr Desai in 12/02. Should I be worried. What makes his practices in 3/04 any different?

     Comment by Susan — March 18, 2008 @ 7:16 am

247. I’m confused by all the talk about saving a few pennies on needles. These “doctors” created new long-term patients for themselves. The treatment for hepc is extremly expensive and usually last 48 weeks. Millions of dollars are at stake. I am one of the lucky ones as I do not need the treatment, but this “doctors” group insisted that I did. They presured me so much to start treatment and were so insistant that I must believe that they get some kind of kickback. I changed Doctors, thank God, and was told by a specialist that treatment for me is contra-indicated. THEY WERE GOING TO GIVE ME CHEMOTHRAPY FOR ALMOST A YEAR AND I AM NOT NOW NOR WILL I EVER GET SICK FROM HEPC. Is someone going to investigate that!

     Comment by Karen — March 18, 2008 @ 3:38 pm

248. Oh, and #162 it’s not irony that Dr. Desai runs a HepC clinic. Of course he does, why else would he need HepC patients?

     Comment by Karen — March 18, 2008 @ 4:04 pm

249. Oh, yeah. They also LIED to me about what stage of disease I was in to try to force me to start treatment. Six years ago. Obviously, I’m still angry. I should have said something sooner. Maybe I could have prevented someone from getting unnecessary treatment. Even an idiot like myself could study the disease and my test results and know I didn’t need treatment, would actually be harmful for me, How could Trained “doctors” not know? Toxic chemicals, hands and feet swell up, hair falls out, self injecting bi-weekly,nausea, possible inability to work, all great stuff. If you are unfortunate enough to be diagnosed with this disease God bless you. Please take responsibility for your health care. I know you are scared! How many scared, newly diagnosed patients have had unnecessary treatment? Some people, unfortunately, need it. Just make informed decisions. Find a good Doctor, they are out there.

     Comment by Karen — March 18, 2008 @ 4:47 pm

250. I had an EGD  in Feb 2005.  I have not yet had my test done.  I just want the Dr’s to know what kind of emotional hell they have put me through.  I had another bad experience and my trust level for Drs was way down.  And now that this has happened how can I trust another Dr?  You purposely put my life in a trash can when you allowed this to happen.  For what a few extra pennies that you saved.  Are you that greedy that you would so carelessly hurt so many people for that almighty dollar?  I just don’t understand how you can live with yourself for doing this to so many people. 

     Comment by sandy s — March 19, 2008 @ 6:40 am

251. My Mother was supposed to go and see this Dr.Desai.at his clinic. Fortunately she decided not to.She did have him perform procedures at a hospital. We wait for test results. This angers me that in America we have criminals like this making millions and having no remorse. It also puzzles me that the Nurses (who sneakily resigned) knew of this and against the fact that medical personel have the right to uphold safe practices, went home to there families and collected pay knowing that they were aiding in harming innocent individual lives. We go to Iraq and hang Sadaam Hussein for what he did to inocent people, there should be no less action taken against all individuals participating and not coming forth to protect patients that were unknowingly paying to have harm brought upon them. I believe that the death penalty should be sought for all participants. How can we as Americans say how other countries should act if we don’t uphold right. The nurses should be brought to court and tried and not be allowed to sneak away, they could have prevented this from going along as long as it did.

     Comment by Georgia — March 19, 2008 @ 2:14 pm

252. I just loved the article in the Review Journal this morning over my morning coffee , “Test caught up in Controversy” I am getting sick of commercials that put fear into people to run to the Doctors for tests.
     Doctors offices are medical assembly lines, patients have no identities, just a medicare or insurance number. The diagram of the colon in the R.J. should have a money shoot at the end of the rectum because that is what it is dwindled down to, not PATIENT CARE!
     It was reported that Dr. Desai was rushing through the procedure, not focusing on what he could find in the patient’s colon but to get as many patients done within a 15 minute record breaking time without any concerns that he may screw up by accidently perforating the patient’s colon, it appears that it is only a money shoot to him! If that isn’t bad enough he and his medical staff violate the most sacred rule in medicine, the practice of sterilization.
     Drug addicts are even told never to share syringes.
     I have lost my confidence in Doctors, Tests, and Hospitals. A newspaper article will not restore my confidence until I see the guilty parties prosecuted to the full extent of the Law.
     My prayers go out to the people who are waiting for tests results and the the ones infected.

     Comment by Mary Ann Owen — March 20, 2008 @ 8:38 am

253. Dr. Labus from the Health Department says that it will nearly be impossible to prove where some of those infected actually contracted the hepatitis, that the patients life history and lifestyle practices would have to be investigated – in other words you get to be victimized twice like a rape victim in a rape trial. I say that anyone who went to those facilities during the period of time and tests positive for hepatitis (and/or HIV) be taken care of – period. That’s the “risk” Dr. Desai took when he made the decision to expose all of us to this. He needs to be stripped of every single dime to his name with the money going to his victims and sent to prison for the rest of his life along with his paid assasins and anyone who aided, abetted, looked the other way or collected a government paycheck and didn’t do their jobs. And to you “doctor’s” who are offended by the outrage people are expressing, you too should be outraged – at Dr. Desai! Police your own instead of sticking up for and covering up for the criminals in your profession. He’s victimized you too. The medical profession is an admirable one for the people who really care about what they’re doing, I know I appreciate the hardworking, caring, conscientious professionals who do their best, – it is an evil one of the highest magnitude when it is used by the likes of Dr. Desai.

     Comment by Results Negative — March 20, 2008 @ 12:37 pm

254. I read today that one gentleman who apparently contracted hep c at the center in question has died. His wife is filing a police report and hopes the DA will press second-degree murder charges against parties involved. My heart goes out to her. She is very brave. My deepest sympathy to her and her loved ones.

     Comment by Mary — March 20, 2008 @ 8:36 pm

255. Has anyone heard anything else bout what’s going on? I saw on tv, attorneys are going for their throat, good for them! My atty. I heard now has 1,300 clients, wow! I hope all of you involved in this have one. I’m not sooo much for the money, I just want their licenses revoked!!!

     I’m so sorry bout the gentleman that lost his life, that’s sooo very sad and I’m sure more to come, unfortunately.

     As for myself, so far so good, I haven’t rec’d any calls from my dr. or the lab. where I got my blood test yet… thank goodness, still crossing my fingers tho and for everyone else involved!

     Comment by Patty — March 21, 2008 @ 12:49 pm

256. What kind of medical practice would be so greedy to infect people with a deadly virus. What kind of govenor would stick up for the clinics like Gibbons has? The only politicain that has said anything good for the people has been Oscar Goodmen.
     I have hep.C, and had a colonoscopy at the Burnham clinic in 2005 a year later I could hard get off the couch. When diagnosed in 2006 by my family Dr with the C virus I couldn’t believe it. Well now I do.
     Sick

     Comment by Sick — March 23, 2008 @ 3:35 pm

257. I know this is an ignorant question but I got a hepatitis shot at the East Las Vegas Public Health Center in late 2004. Should I be worried? The news and radio are making it seem like unsafe practices are happening everywhere in Clark County.

     Comment by Jessica — March 24, 2008 @ 12:24 am

258. The Legislative Meeting held today was a recognition for change in our State. Trust me, as a patient advocate; first and foremost, I want to see major improvements in the quality of care and treatment of patients in the State of Nevada. Although others may be prompted to leave our state because of these events, I plan to stay, and I plan to do my part to work towards initiating these improvements set forth by the meeting today. Thank you to Theresa, for speaking out on the dedication and character of Lisa Jones. Those of us who really knew her truly understand that the experience, working knowledge, and “integrity” that Lisa Jones brought to the Bureau is irreplaceable. I now know and understand that many people are angry and saddened by these events, and my heart feels for you. But, we have a road ahead of us, to making quality improvements in our state, in terms of healthcare, and we can never, never forget these events. Your voices are heard, and we must continue to work together as “one” to always respect and cherish the sanctity of life.

     Comment by A Public Servant Forever — March 24, 2008 @ 9:58 pm

259. Does anyone know which anesthesiologists were fired or quit?

     How can we find out what their names are?

     I just want to know because I know the name of the anesthesiologist involved in my procedure.

     I would like to know if he was named or participated in this practice of reusing the SINGLE USE ONLY vials of anesthesia.

     Comment by Ginny — March 25, 2008 @ 5:50 pm

260. Well, on behalf of everyone involved I am disappointed to here yet again how this town has pushed the blame and how they do not have enough resources out here to help with investigations, or education, when there are so many people out and about looking for employment and willing to get educated for a position, we (as in our town) can more than afford to help them educate on process such as inspections & ect; or better yet I over heard a gentleman that works for the city, state that “he only has two hours worth of work today and will need to crawl under a tree to nap for the other six to collect his full paycheck”, I cannot express how many times I hear these comments in this town. THE CHECKS AND BALANCES definetly do not balance around here (WHO DOES HE BLAME WHEN A PATIO FALLS AND KILLS SOMEONE WHILE HE WAS NAPPING) back to my point!!! we hire people from out of the country we assume are understanding our morals, However when they are set out on thier own, they seem to overlook that we are not a third world county here. It is a shame to hear so many stories of these ignorant facilities my husband who is also affected by this after surviving an agressive cancer, to only be subjected to such ignorance from the City, State and Endoscopy center. WHO CAN YOU TRUST???

     Comment by Char — March 27, 2008 @ 12:55 pm

261. to #258 – A Public Servant Forever
     I don’t mean to be argumentative here – I appreciate your attempt at bringing a measure of peace to the situation but I have a couple of problems with your posting. First I don’t believe you are a “patient advocate; first and foremost” because I don’t think you would have stated “I now know and understand that many people are angry and saddened by these events…” Where have you been? Who have you been talking to and did you not place yourselves in our position from the very beginning? Lisa Jones was just another casualty not the subject at hand. I don’t think you truly do understand how we feel or you wouldn’t be using the word “but” anywhere in your statement. There are no “buts” here. Do you know what it’s like to wake up in the middle of the night and your first thought is “it was a bad dream” and then the reality hits you – no it’s real – how can that be – it’s 2008!! And then you feel fear, outrage and disbelief and it’s unrelenting – it doesn’t go away – you’re told it can take up to 5 years before you’re in the clear of being negative – more blood tests. And for the people who have tested positive – oh my God can you really say you know how they feel? I have lived in Las Vegas for 24 years and have always known the doctors and medical care here is bad – if you have the money and situation you go to Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale or Scripps Institute in La Jolla or anywhere out of state to get your medical care. This doesn’t surprise me – it was bound to happen. There’s so much corruption in this state. Yes we definately need to make changes – that goes without saying but the only way anybody is going to be able to restore patients trust is to show what happens when you f— with people in Las Vegas – you go to PRISON FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE – you, your partners and accomplices. And you make sure that the money and means are there to take care of every infected person and their families. Half measures aren’t going to cut it here. And you don’t have a Governor who goes around using words like “overkill” and “buffoonery”. You can bet we will “never, never forget these events” just like we will “never, never forget” the events that happened in San Francisco in the 80’s. I do join you in wanting to see major improvements in the quality of care and treatment of patients in the State of Nevada. It all remains to be seen. If you have made it your life’s work to be a patient’s advocate as you state then God be with you. It would be nice to really have someone on our side rather than politics as usual. God’s speed.

     Comment by Results Negative — March 27, 2008 @ 3:01 pm

262. What has happened is truly heartbreaking… im not trying to defend these doctors but all im saying is that i have read so many of your comments and it really angers me to see all the racial accusations that are being made, these doctors are infact indian and pakistani but that doesn’t mean that they are terrorists and trying to kill everyone as one of the comments said more than half of the doctors here in the US are foreigners and it by making racial comments we are insulting all these other really good doctors….karma is a b**ch… and what they did they will pay for but lets all as a nation not take this to such an extreme that now no one will ever respect or trust a foreign doctor, because i know of so many extremely good foreign doctors, and being foreign and having almost all my family members as doctors here in the US , it concerns me…

     Comment by An Angel — March 29, 2008 @ 7:40 pm

263. Does anybody know of a good lawyer to handle this case?

     Comment by Help — April 3, 2008 @ 7:06 pm

264. If the owner of the Gastro Center is linked to the Govenor, and used to sit on the NV Medical Board how in God’s NAME do they think they will conduct a fair and unbiased investigation? And if one of the 3 “New” investigators, who already has made public bias and as well has been exonerated by his peers,”Those peers” for horrible allegations, HOW do we believe that this will be a “FAIR” investigation,

     Comment by M. W. RN — April 3, 2008 @ 9:02 pm

265. The part of the bad Dr being involved with the mal pratice Inusurance Company in it’s self looks illegal. That’s like the fox protecting the chickens LOL what a joke.

     Comment by Sick — April 13, 2008 @ 10:10 am

266. I have HCV and believe it was from a colonoscopy at the Burnham clinic. I went to the meeting yesterday at the SNHD to listen to the speakers. We the people of Las Vegas need to organize. Still have your attorney’s, but lets get a mass of the thousands of people together for a MARCH DOWN THE STRIP WITH SIGNS AND TEE SHIRTS. Scare the sh-t out of the casino’s. The phones in Washington DC will be ringing off the hook. We need to organize a march to hit the news!
     Sick

     Comment by Sick — April 20, 2008 @ 12:47 pm

267. The “doctors” and “nurses” won’t even show up at the public hearings. They send their lawyers to try to finish up on their “dirty” work. Come out you low life cowards. Where’s the aggression you showed us when you “stuck it” to us you snakes? You’re so low you slither on your bellies. May your children and grandchildren suffer the consequences of you spreading these deadly diseases into the world. Nobody can live in a vacuum. You “screwed” your own families along with the rest of us.

     Comment by Outraged — April 26, 2008 @ 12:27 pm

268. I have hep c,while haveing operation in prince william hospitali was given wrong blood and think thats whee i got hep c,I was onl 18 at the time and not a drug user.Please help me because of there mistake.

     Comment by clarence wampler — July 27, 2008 @ 2:45 pm

269. Requesting Law firm for representation in regards to complex personal injurys and damages as a direct result of Same day 71/2hr on OR table surgical procedure, removal of recalled defective medtronic pacemaker, with removal of defective leads, and implantation of difibrillator only with non capturing leads and other parts left inside of person with no function….ongoing damages and complications as direct result of this and past issues of abuse with leads and defects including need for further surgery to correct this situation

     Comment by Robert M Prisamt — September 24, 2008 @ 11:30 am

270. Requesting Law firm for representation in regards to complex personal injurys and damages as a direct result of Same day 71/2hr on OR table surgical procedure, removal of recalled defective medtronic pacemaker, with removal of defective leads, and implantation of difibrillator only with non capturing leads and other parts left inside of person with no function….ongoing damages and complications as direct result of this and past issues of abuse with leads and defects including need for further surgery to correct this situation
     PLACED ON OR TABLE WITH AND TIED DOWN WITH RESTRAINTS, ADMINISTERED ANESTHESIA, AWAKENED WITH ELECTRIC JOLT TO HEART TO UPRIGHT POSITION AND SUFFERED POST OP CARDIAC INCIDENTS, AND KICKED OUT OF HOSPITAL HOURS LATER….WITHOUT PACEMAKER….

     Comment by Robert M Prisamt — September 24, 2008 @ 11:31 am

271. IT IS NOVEMBER – WHY HAVE THERE NOT BEEN ANY ARRESTS MADE??? WHERE ARE YOU DAVID ROGER?

     Comment by Outraged — November 15, 2008 @ 6:44 am

272. I was going to have a colonoscopy in Henderson NV. but today on the news while I was preparing dinner I heard something going on about dr. Herrero a gastroenterologo. What? I asked myself, Herrero! that is the doctor with whom I was going to have my colonoscopy done this month!
     I came to my computer and surprise!!!!
     this doctor was part of the team of Desais’s. They do not deserve to have a license.
     Of course I will not be there, will you??

     Comment by ceci — July 1, 2009 @ 8:17 pm

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