Does the Dr. have to release his death rate???

I was talking to someone at my work on Thursday that is having the Gastric Bypass and stated that he would never go to my Dr. cause he has had 2 deaths already and they just moved to Hagerstown, MD a few months back. I know that with any surgery there can be death but, I am scared to death now! Does anyone know if I ask the Dr. about his death rate does he have release this information to me???

Thanks,
Danielle

I think you can simply ask the doctor, but remember that the death may not be due to the surgery. Any surgery can have risks and a lot of people develop complications after due to there body just not accepting what was done to it.

Thank you so much for the information...I have a appointment on Friday so we will see what they have to say. Thanks Again :)

I think there is a way of getting that info without going to the doctor... do a web search on him and see what ya find... or call the hospitals where he has been at...

That is a really good idea to check with the hospital, I don't want the Dr thinking I"m nuts so I will have to keep it hush hush...Thanks :)

Actually, the doctor's experience (how many of this procedure s/he's done), rate of severe complications, and number of mortalities SHOULD be a topic of conversation between the doctor and the patient when approaching any surgery.  This should not be a cause of embarassment or defensiveness and any good doctor won't think you're nuts for asking about it.

And I believe that in most states (not sure about MD) it's a matter of public record.  You can check the state medical board's website (which will also tell you about any complaints or sanctions against the doctor).  It's not at all out of line to look at the doctor's record compared to regional or national averages... it's being a smart consumer.

karen

I had lap band done in Feb and I LOVE my doctor!!!!  When I first started talking about having surgery and talked about the doctor I planned on going to, my daughters neighbor told me that I should not go there because that doctor killed his father.  Well,  I personally know 3 other people that went to this doctor and trusted him very much.  My daughter later told me that the doctor did nothing wrong.  This guy's dad was not following instructions and got sick and needed another type of surgery and ended up dying.  It did involve his gastric bypass but it was nothing that the doctor did wrong.  Try to find out more info or facts.   If you can talk to other patients of the doctor, it would really help.  
Lots of luck!!!!

Doreen

Hi,

The research that I had done I was perfectly happy with the Dr. I choose.  I could not find anyone that had anything negative to say.  I felt safe and never had any concern.  However I would certainly ask him any questions you may have during your appointment. 

Personally I think he is wonderful.  

Kate   

I think you have every right to ask any doctor any ? about their sucess rate and I am sure you know that any kind of surgery has its risks. I would just politely ask them and just keep in mind that there are three sides to every story. Party one, party two and then party three which is the truth. Different cir****tances for example. BTW anyone who has had this surgery is scared so you are normal to worry.  Ask questions thats what this is for. You have a right to know all of the facts medically from whomever you are considering to have any treatment or surgery from.  Its called disclosure.