Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada: "I Wish I Had Just Walked Out"

Las Vegas, NVSince news about the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada broke a few months ago, many patients who were treated at the center have had constant worry about their health. They have learned that they may have been exposed to Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV because syringes, vials, forceps and rinse water were reused during procedures at the center.

Melissa S. is among those who had to be tested after receiving treatment at the center. Fortunately, all test results came back negative. However, she says that she has been under a lot of stress as a result of her ordeal. She says that initially she had a bad feeling about the center but went ahead with her colonoscopy, anyway. Like other people treated at the Endoscopy Center, Melissa says patients were subjected to long wait times and unsanitary conditions, both indicative of a lack of concern for patient health. Many patients have complained that the center put profit above safety.

"I was told when I got there [to the center] that they were running about an hour and a half behind schedule," Melissa says. "The waiting room was filled with people and the office looked dirty. I honestly felt that it shouldn't have been so dirty. Then, they called me in to have the procedure and the guy who was supposed to put me under informed me that the doctor was still running behind. I couldn't understand why they would be running so far behind schedule."

After receiving her test results from the center, Melissa thought her health was fine. However, she recently learned that because she received her colonoscopy at the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada, she might have been exposed to Hepatitis and HIV. She immediately went to her doctor to be tested and then spent an agonizing three weeks awaiting her test results, afraid to do anything that might expose other people to the diseases she was exposed to.

Melissa recently learned that her test results came back negative. However, she has to have follow-up testing because Hepatitis and HIV can remain dormant. She says that the whole ordeal was highly stressful. "I've been going through a grieving period through all this. It still weighs on me. This should not be happening. They [the Endoscopy Center] should not be allowed to do this."

Two of the main doctors at the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada have now been given restraining orders preventing them from practicing medicine until a state investigation into their practices and procedures is complete. The doctors are charged with 10 counts each that include violating patient trust and malpractice. The charges stem from unsafe practices that put hundreds of patients at risk of contracting diseases due to the reuse of needles, vials and single dose medications.

"On the news they say now that we should ask if it's a new syringe, or vial or needle that they're using," Melissa says. "Why should we have to do that? Shouldn't they be taking care of us? People need to follow their gut. I thought the center was dirty and I was worried because it was running so far behind. I wish I had just walked out."

Patients who were treated at the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada are now investigating a possible lawsuit against the Center, alleging they were exposed to Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV because of unsanitary procedures. If you were treated at the Center and required testing for those diseases, contact a lawyer to discuss your legal options.