Did You Undergo a Radical Hysterectomy by an Ascension Michigan Doctor? You May Not Have Needed It.

Women who had radical hysterectomies and chemotherapy in the care of an Ascension Michigan gynecologic oncologist may have undergone those procedures for no medical reason. This shocking discovery comes after the health system agreed to a $2.8 million settlement with the federal government over claims that the physician submitted false payment claims for the surgeries and treatments. 

Three women came forward under whistleblower protection laws, alleging that the male doctor – who has not been publicly disclosed – performed radical hysterectomies on female patients when only a simple hysterectomy was medically necessary. Additionally, the doctor ordered chemotherapy for patients whose conditions did not warrant it. A civil suit claims the doctor pursued these more aggressive treatments to increase the billing amounts he submitted to federal insurance programs, including Medicare and Medicaid.  

Simple vs. Radical Hysterectomy

In a simple hysterectomy, the uterus is removed without making an incision in the abdomen, compared to a radical hysterectomy where the surgeon makes an incision in the lower abdomen, similar to a caesarian section, and removes areas around the cervix. Sometimes called “open” hysterectomies, radical hysterectomies are much more invasive procedures and have a difficult and prolonged recovery.  

Radical hysterectomies are used to treat patients with stage I (more specifically, stage IA2 and IB1) cervical cancer to ensure all the cancer is removed. The procedure is not indicated in patients without a cancer diagnosis, nor would it be appropriate for patients with advanced-stage cervical cancer who would most often receive radiation and chemotherapy. 

Medical Malpractice at Ascension Michigan

Under the law, a health care professional commits medical malpractice by knowingly rendering medical treatment that is not medically indicated and subjects the patient to unnecessary pain, suffering, and harm. Because the health care professional knows the treatment is improper, he or she violates the standard of care.

U.S. Justice Department officials believe the doctor in question performed the unnecessary hysterectomies and ordered the chemotherapy treatments over a six-year period from 2011 to 2017, coinciding with his false billing submissions. Ascension Michigan suspected wrongdoing after asking another physician to review his records.

About Ascension Michigan Health System

Ascension Michigan operates several hospitals in southeastern Michigan, including: 

• Ascension St. John Hospital Health Center (Grosse Pointe) 
• Ascension St. John Hospital (Detroit) 
• Ascension Macomb-Oakwood Hospital (Madison Heights)
• Ascension Macomb-Oakwood Hospital (Warren Campus) 
• Ascension Providence Hospital (Southfield) 
• Ascension St. John Hospital Health Center (St. Clair Shores) 
• Ascension St. John Hospital Health Center (Macomb) 
• Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital (formerly Crittenton Hospital Medical Center) 
• Ascension Providence Hospital (Novi) 
• Ascension River District Hospital (East China) 
• Ascension Medical Center (Howell) 
• Ascension Genesys Hospital (Grand Blanc) 

Crittenton Hospital Medical Center, now known as Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital, previously paid nearly $800,000 after a whistleblower accused the facility of billing for unnecessary lab tests ordered by now jailed oncologist Dr. Farid Fata. Dr. Fata is serving a 45-year prison sentence after admitting to mistreating hundreds of patients, falsely diagnosing them with cancer, and prescribing powerful, expensive chemotherapy drugs in abnormal dosages that were not medically necessary.  

Speak With an Experienced Michigan Medical Malpractice Attorney Today!

If you received a letter from Ascension advising you that you may have been subjected to an unnecessary procedure or treatment, or from 2011 to 2017 you underwent a non-indicated radical hysterectomy or chemotherapy treatment by one of its physicians or at one of its hospitals, please get in touch with medical malpractice attorney Lisa Esser-Weidenfeller immediately. We are actively investigating this matter and can help you determine your right to damages.