CMS accuses MD Anderson of putting patients in jeopardy

The Untied States Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently accused the nationally recognized MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston of serious patient care deficiencies. The accusations came after the agency investigated of the facility. The agency reported it found at least three instances that put patients in “immediate jeopardy” as well as deficiencies in 9 of the 23 areas investigated.

What did CMS find?

CMS investigators stated the facility failed to provide necessary equipment and improperly sanitized linens. The agency also reported the facility for failing to properly clean up after spills of dangerous materials used for chemotherapy treatments.

Why do these findings matter?

For two reasons:

• Access to funding. Negative findings during an investigation by the CMS can put the facility’s ability to bill CMS at risk. This can mean the medical facility would no longer be able to treat patients who rely on Medicare or Medicaid to help cover the cost of medical bills.
• Patient safety. More importantly, the findings provide examples where patients’ safety was at risk due negligent care.

After the results of the investigation, MD Anderson provided CMS with a corrective plan. Leaders within the facility state it is working to fix the errors discovered during the investigation.

What about patients who were injured at this or other medical facilities?

Those who are injured while receiving cancer treatment at MD Anderson or a similar medical facility may be able to hold the responsible parties accountable through a medical malpractice suit. The ability to move forward with a suit will depend on the details of the case. As a result, it is wise to seek the counsel of an attorney experienced in oncology malpractice cases.