End stage renal disease (ESRD), more commonly known as kidney failure, is the ninth leading cause of death in the United States. When a patient’s kidney function drops below 15%, it is imperative that he or she begins dialysis treatment as soon as possible to assist kidney function. If not addressed quickly and appropriately by dialysis or a full kidney transplant, patients with ESRD may only have weeks to live.
Low-Quality Dialysis Care is All Too Common
Unfortunately, despite the fact that over 400,000 people in America are dialysis patients, our country still has one of the world’s highest mortality rates for dialysis care. An investigative research group called ProPublica recently reported on the substandard quality of care that many of the nation’s dialysis patients receive at kidney clinics. Although the medical directors for clinics are required to be board-certified physicians, the clinics do not usually have a doctor on site, and many struggle to meet the federal requirements of employing at least one full-time registered nurse. Because of this, medical supervision is minimal, leading to dangerous lapses in treatment and unsanitary conditions. If a patient with ESRD is placed on dialysis too late, or if their treatment is not carefully monitored to address lapses and contaminations, patients can be exposed to life-threatening infections. We have a right to expect that medical professionals everywhere will adhere to the standard of care and safety regulations that they have sworn to – especially when a patient’s life is on the line. If a physician is responsible for a negligent treatment process, they can be held liable for medical malpractice. If you or a loved one suffered injuries or death due to the negligence of a physician, a medical malpractice lawyer in Philadelphia can help you through the legal process.Causes of Kidney Failure
Renal failure can develop because of an acute situation – such as excessive blood loss or dehydration – or due to chronic problems that have been poorly controlled. While acute situations often occur suddenly with no real chance for prevention, many of the chronic causes of kidney failure are well-known problems long before failure has a chance to occur. These include:- Poorly controlled diabetes
- Poorly controlled hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Chronic glomerulonephritis (a progressive kidney disorder)