Washington Obstetrician Faces Medical Malpractice Suspension

The Washington State Medical Quality Assurance Commission has suspended an obstetrician for numerous instances of medical malpractice. The commission has accused Dr. Alexander M. Ortolano, a Richland obstetrician, of “committ(ing) a high volume of malpractice and patient abuse” in his practice. The group also claims that he “represents an immediate danger to the public health” due to his treatment of his patients. Dr. Ortolano is also currently facing at least three medical malpractice lawsuits.

Details of the Medical Malpractice Allegations

Investigators with the state health commission turned in a 20-page report listing several medical malpractice allegations against Dr. Ortolano. The report examined Dr. Ortolano’s practices from December 2011 to March 2013. The medical malpractice investigation concluded that the doctor “engaged in a pattern of grossly substandard care and patient abuse.” The report also found that his methods raise “substantial concerns about (his) competence, skill, judgment, and his character and overall safety to practice.”

Injuries Spur Medical Malpractice Accusations

The medical malpractice investigation also revealed the injuries suffered by at least 17 of Dr. Ortolano’s patients during the 16-month probe. The report showed that at least one patient endured a perforation of the uterus “followed by a difficult course in the intensive care unit.” The investigators also found that numerous patients suffered other injuries to their uteruses, “including at least three hysterectomies.” The medical malpractice report also stated that he left patients with “open surgical wound(s)” and did not re-scrub his hands while moving from one delivery room to another, putting the patients at risk for serious infections.

Patients File Medical Malpractice Lawsuits

The women who filed the medical malpractice lawsuits against Dr. Ortolano did not reveal their names. However, their attorneys spoke out in favor of the state’s medical malpractice suspension. One attorney told reporters that she was “very relieved that Dr. Ortolano is not seeing patients today.” She also expressed her gratitude to the state Health Department investigators preparing the statement of charges, which she described as “shocking, even to us.”

Doctor Faces More Medical Malpractice Claims

The plaintiff’s attorney said that she expects to bring more medical malpractice lawsuits against Dr. Ortolano as details of the investigation continue to surface. Dr. Ortolano had been on staff at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland. His privileges were revoked last autumn amid concerns over the safety of his patients. At last report, he was also working with the Arbor Healthcare for Women clinic. The state has allowed him 20 days to appeal the medical malpractice suspension.

Source: Tri-City Herald

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