Patient-165
No Medical Care and None of His Prescription Medications for 8 days at Sunrise Hospital
Patient-165 had surgery by Dr. Michael S. Bradford at Sunrise Hospital. Very poor communication and very little medical care. There were dangerous complications and no post-operative care by Dr. Bradford or his staff, so the patient had to seek treatment at a different hospital.
Another patient harmed by Dr. Michael S. Bradford.
Patient-165 had surgery at Sunrise Hospital by Dr. Michael S. Bradford (with Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center).
After the surgery, the patient was told that Dr. Bradford "doesn't do post-operative care --- your internist can do it." This was NOT communicated to me ahead of time, and he he had neither my permission nor my primary care doctor's approval.
I had a very rugged recovery and do not understand why the practice (Nevada Orthopedic) does not have a PA (Physician's Assistant) on staff to see patients in the hospital and during the following weeks.
The hospitalist at Sunrise Hospital NEVER even entered my room. He stood at the door to talk tome, and I suppose he wrote prescriptions.
There were dangerous complications that were not noticed until after my discharge and eventual admission to a different hospital.
It has been a terrible experience, and it did not need to be this way.
Role of the Orthopedic Surgeon
Post-Operative Care Responsibilities
An orthopedic surgeon is indeed responsible for providing post-operative care after surgery. This includes:
- Follow-Up Appointments: Scheduling and conducting follow-up visits to monitor the patient's recovery.
- Rehabilitation Guidance: Offering instructions on rehabilitation exercises and physical therapy to aid recovery.
- Monitoring Progress: Assessing the healing process and making adjustments to the treatment plan as necessary.
- Addressing Complications: Identifying and managing any complications that may arise during the recovery period.
Importance of Post-Operative Care
Post-operative care is crucial for ensuring a successful recovery. The surgeon's involvement helps to:
- Ensure proper healing of the surgical site.
- Minimize the risk of complications such as infections or improper healing.
- Provide patients with the necessary support and resources for rehabilitation.
In summary, orthopedic surgeons play a vital role in the post-operative phase, ensuring that patients receive the care and guidance needed for optimal recovery.
Patient-165 tried to reach Dr. Michael Bradford for medical care after the surgery, and his staff said:
"Dr. Bradford DOES NOT provide post-operative care. Your internist can do it."
There were dangerous complications, and the patient had to go to a different hospital for medical care.
Note to readers: We have heard about this previously in regard to Dr. Bradford. Read the stories of Patient-1, Patient-16 and many others (see the list on the page about Dr. Michael Bradford).
Why does the Nevada Board of Medical Examiners allow Dr. Bradford to keep his medical license?
Patient-165 had surgery by Dr. Michael S. Bradford at Sunrise Hospital. Very poor communication and very little medical care. There were dangerous complications and no post-operative care by Dr. Bradford or his staff, so the patient had to seek treatment at a different hospital.
Just say NO to Sunrise Hospital
Just say NO to Dr. Michael Bradford
and just say NO to Nevada Orthopedic
American College of Surgeons (ACS)
Statement on Principles
This is an excerpt from the ACA Statement on Principles:
The responsibility for the patient’s postoperative care rests primarily with the operating surgeon. The emergence of critical care specialists has provided important support in the management of patients with complicated systemic problems. It is important, however, that the operating surgeon maintain a critical role in directing the care of the patient. When the patient’s postoperative course necessitates the involvement of other specialists, it may be necessary to transfer the primary responsibility for the patient’s care to another physician. In such cases, the operating surgeon continues to be involved in the care of the patient until surgical issues have been resolved.
Except in unusual circumstances, it is unethical for a surgeon to relinquish responsibility for the postoperative surgical care to any other physician who is unqualified to provide similar surgical care.
The surgeon’s responsibility extends throughout the surgical illness. When this period has ended, it is appropriate for the surgeon to relinquish the responsibility for management of the patient. When a patient is ready for discharge from the surgeon’s care, it may be appropriate to transfer the day-to-day care to another physician.