Woman Misdiagnosed with Cancer, Univ. of Florida Health Will Not Own It
Judy and John Karpinski were getting ready to celebrate Christmas 2021, and then head on a six- week vacation in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Instead, on December 23, 2021, Judy was notified by her dermatologist that samples taken from her back and analyzed by the University of Florida Health System (UF Health) had come back positive for B-cell lymphoma, an aggressive form of cancer than can spread to the organs and typically requires chemotherapy. The couple was devastated by the news and cancelled their dream vacation, losing the $10K non-refundable deposit. Judy was referred to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL where she underwent extensive testing. However, the Moffitt physicians told Judy she actually had T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder, a condition which causes rashes, itches, and even tumors. Moffitt Cancer Center sent Judy home with a topical cream.
Judy was misdiagnosed by UF Health. She and John estimate they lost $20K due to UF's mistakes, which includes the cancelled trip deposit, paying $4,500+ for the additional testing at Moffitt Cancer Center, and choosing a more expensive health plan (to cover the chemo that was not needed). Not mention, both Judy and John were extremely frightened by the entire ordeal.
UF Health has apparently not owned the situation or the made Judy and John whole. When contacted by the media, UF Health has repeatedly refused to comment on Judy's story citing privacy concerns --- even though Judy has authorized the hospital to speak about her case. Instead, UF Health issued the following statement:
"We seek to provide high-quality care for every patient and a safe, secure environment for our doctors, nurses, staff, patients and their families, and visitors."
Moreover, UF Health has apparently not made a pro-active offer to resolve the situation with Judy and John. Instead, UF Health suggested pre-suit mediation, which, according to Judy, would have required her to waive her right to sue and also agree to a gag order. Judy rejected the mediation offer but is having trouble finding an attorney because her health is fine. At best, her case is worth $50K to $100K when pain and suffering is factored in, but that number is not economical for a law firm to prosecute such a case.
Where to begin? What happened to Judy is a never event, and UF Health should have been all over this one making it right. They should have moved quickly to apologize, explain how the error happened, and made the family whole. For $50K or so, UF Health could have avoided a massive public relations hit. As I have written countless times, too many lawyers do not understand the PR ramifications of their legal advice. Too many attorneys do not see the big picture. More importantly, quickly owning cases like Judy's can greatly improve the safety culture of healthcare organizations, saving lives and money.
Why is this so difficult in 2023? Think about this story as you head to the beach this weekend, or wherever your Memorial Day plans take you. Be safe!
Sincerely,
- Doug
Doug Wojcieszak, MA, MS
Founder & President
Sorry Works!
618-559-8168 (direct dial)
doug@sorryworks.net
Sincerely,
- Doug
Doug Wojcieszak, MA, MS
Founder & President
Sorry Works!
618-559-8168 (direct dial)
doug@sorryworks.net