By: Las Vegas Now Staff
Not only are patients wondering how long it's going to take to get their medical records back from Metro, their attorneys want that question answered as well.
Attorneys representing patients who have filed lawsuits against the doctors met on Friday as they prepare for a class action lawsuit. One of the main concerns is how to get medical records.
Dozens of attorneys who met say they need access to their patients' records, especially the billing records. But they too are going to have to wait some more.
Originally the Southern Nevada Health District told Eyewitness News last week that a contract to hire a third party vendor to organize the patients files would be discussed at a board of health meeting on April 24.
But Friday, a representative from the health district says that's no longer the case. He says now Metro is responsible for hiring a vendor. But whoever is in charge, these attorneys want answers.
“I have 225 infected patients. I've been able to get the records for one client from Metro, and I think everyone is having the same type of difficulty,” said attorney, Robert Eglet.
As soon as the health district representative made that announcement, we immediately called Metro for verification. They have yet to return our calls.
When a third party is hired to organize these files, it is still unclear who will foot the bill. There's a chance the county will have to do it, with some possible help from the city. The attorneys would like to see the doctors who are responsible pay for the bill.
We'd like to remind you the health district has only confirmed seven cases of hepatitis C, linked to the current health crisis. Even though this is frustrating for everyone involved, there is some good news for patients.
Saturday, the health district is holding a Hepatitis C Community Forum to answer any questions patients may have on the investigation or on hepatitis C. It is free and open to the public. Informational booths will open at 8:30 a.m. with the first session starting at 9 a.m. The second will begin at 1 p.m. Both will be held at the Health District, which is located at 625 Shadow Lane.
Also, on Monday, LasVegasNOW.com will stream Las Vegas One's coverage of the Legislature Committee on Health Care, starting at 9 a.m.
Email your comments to Reporter Melissa Duran.
 |
 |
I was a patient of The Endoscopy Center. I had an endoscopy and colonoscopy in March 2007. Not long after I received my letter from the Southern Nevada Health District I had to leave the USA and return the UK.
I had a blood test done in Las Vegas, but have been unable to get the results as I am now in the UK. I did a blood test in the UK, but am still waiting for the results. I signed on with Mainor Eglet Cottle, but no-one from that firm has been in touch with me. I am feeling very worried and also isolated as I am now a resident of the UK.
Comment by Jane Hayward — April 20, 2008 @ 6:54 am
I NEED FILING CRIMINAL CHARGES ON NOT ONLY THE DOCTORS BUT THE D.A WHO IS STILL REFUSING TO FILE CRIMINAL CHARGE AND ARREST THESE CROOKS I AM ALSO A VICTIM
Comment by ERIC — April 29, 2008 @ 7:23 pm
Like several other patients of Endoscopy of Southern Nevada I to tested positive for Hepatitis C, genotype 1a, which has a 50% cure rate after treatment. I had the biospy done and have chronic Hep.C from a colonoscopy done in June 2005 at the Desert Center on Burnham. It was a year later I went to my family Dr, because of fatigue and just not feeling well. He did all the test from HIV to HCV. When I went back for the results in Sept. 2006 I had contracted HCV somewhere!
I wonder if are State Law makers and Law enforcement would be so slow with getting the records and pressing charges if one of their loved once were infected with HCV and who knows what else.
Senator Reid and the Mayor seem to get this thing rolling as best they can, but you have to remember where the money comes from in the State of Nevada. Tourism is the major money maker in the State and if it got around the they are being served food being diced up behind the walls of the casino’s are being done with people with deadly diseases. I know I wouldn’t take my vacation to Vegas. Say one of the food prepares cuts there finger on some food the virus lives up to 4 days on that food you eat like HCV.
VOTER
Comment by VOTER — May 2, 2008 @ 11:13 am