Posted on 08/27/2011 6:24:43 PM PDT by redreno
The dramatic rise in prescription narcotics use — and the subsequent increase in overdose deaths — has led to a spate of lawsuits across the country targeting doctors for malpractice or running pill mills. But legal experts say the case of one family physician in Henderson stands out.
Dr. Kevin Buckwalter has turned the tables, filing a lawsuit against the parents of a young woman who died from an overdose of narcotics that he prescribed.
(Excerpt) Read more at lasvegassun.com ...
Weird — if the family of a patient murders that patient using medicine obtained legitimately from a doctor with different legitimate dosing directions, that would be a crime on the part of the family and if the doctor is aware of it he should inform police. But otherwise how is it skin off the doctor’s nose? Maybe between the patient’s estate and the parents, if the point is really pushed. But the doctor?
Good luck with that.
You know the old story, the first person to speak up and sue makes the other party prove their innocense.The Doc went on the offensive before they sued him.
The doctor didn’t examine her before he prescribed her Xanax?! Who died again because of his reckless disregard? Oh yes, the daughter of the parents who should win a lawsuit for his malpractice.
I shoulda read the whole story first. It looks a lot like Buckwalter was a thoroughgoing louse. There’s more in the air here than a garden variety dispute over medical care.
“... the doctor didn’t examine her before he prescribed Xanax?”
The article stated he didn’t have “time to examine” her, prescribed 300 tablets of Xanax AND hydrocodone. Sounds to me like he knows a suit will follow and just did a preemptive strike (of sorts).
“if the family of a patient murders that patient using medicine obtained legitimately from a doctor with different legitimate dosing directions, that would be a crime on the part of the family and if the doctor is aware of it he should inform police.”
HUH?
Hard to blame him, though.
He could pretty much figure some legal shyster would be beating on the door of that family trying to convince them to sue HIM, so why not take the first punch?
Well, assuming the doctor isn’t a louse and gave poor dosing instructions, which looks likely here.
He might deserve the shyster in this case.
300 tablets! That is just asking for a suicide in some people. My dr did not like to give me about 15 after my daughter died in 04. He is looney!!!
Prayers for the loss of your daughter. I have the feeling that any doctor that would prescribe 300 pills... is simply a doctor that is used to get that type of medication. Xanax is used sparingly by many people. I am sure they helped your mental suffering in 04. My great Aunt would take one when she had to be driven somewhere... which was only once a week. She was terrified of driving and refused to learn when she was young. So, even when a family member drove her.. she had to take the “edge” off.
Staci Voyda, a teenager addicted to prescription narcotics, wrote in her journal that she went to Buckwalter to get off drugs. But his treatment included ramping up her dosages of narcotics. She killed herself in August 2007, and family members say the drugs pushed her over the edge.
Sounds as though he’s more interested in collecting doctor fees than in practicing medicine.
What on earth was he charging to write someone a prescription for 300 trips?
Funny that family of medication was once considered rather benign as tranquilizers went. 15 Xanax are enough to kill?
300 tablets of Xanax....
This guy should have been a lot more diligent. If a physician is going to prescribe narcotics for chronic pain, he should be checking frequent urine screens to monitor for compliance and illegal drugs, get pharmacy records, previous medical records, and a court access check. An objective basis for pain should be established through appropriate diagnostic testing. All protocols and conditions for treatment must be explained to the patient. If any serious psychological conditions, aberrant behavior or abuse is suspected or observed, a pysch consult is needed. It’s not that difficult and treatment can be safe, effective and efficient.
looks a lot like this doc was a louse, not even trying to be conscientious. this wasn’t even pain killers, this was tranquilizers.
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