Patient advocate shares expertise after 14th lawsuit filed against Mt. Carmel, Husel
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Attorneys said they've filed a 14th wrongful death lawsuit Thursday against Mount Carmel, former doctor William Husel and unknown hospital staff.
The hospital system identified 34 people who allegedly got excessive doses of fentanyl.
Attorneys said they filed suit on behalf of Emma L. Bogan's family.
Attorneys claim Bogan was given 800 micrograms of fentanyl in February 2015, dying just minutes later.
ABC6/FOX28 talked to a patient advocate based in Westerville about the situation.
Dr. Annette Ticoras MD now works as a private patient advocate, after working as an internal medicine physician.
"(I) ended up starting the company in order to do just that, help people, guide them, translate what is going on in their health care crises," said Dr. Ticoras, of Guided Patient Services.
In the wake of news from Mount Carmel that 34 people had allegedly been given high doses of fentanyl, ABC6/FOX28 asked Dr. Ticoras after hearing from our viewers, what families or patients can do to take control of their health care.
"I in no way want to imply that families could have done or should have done anything any differently," she said, "because I think that it is just very, very unfortunate."
Dr. Ticoras said slowing the process can help you make decisions.
She shared her three-pronged approach, which starts with being organized.
"You would never go to a board meeting, or a committee meeting, or a fundraising meeting, or anything that you have ever been a part of, and not be organized," she said.
She acknowledges emergency situations, but does recommend taking good notes, writing down questions and keeping medical documents together.
Second, she recommends being informed about diagnoses and medications.
"If you have to google, google wisely, (consider) Cleveland Clinic or some of the more well-respected places to go," said Dr. Ticoras.
She said the third piece is being empowered.
"Because when you ask, and nothing happens, you've got to be willing to ask again or step a little bit deeper into the problem," she said.
She said ultimately, there is an element of trust involved.
"You can be smart about it, but at some point, in time, you do need to trust that you're in good hands," she said.
Depending on the situation, she also recommends using a family member or friend with medical knowledge as a resource, or someone willing to speak up as an advocate.
No criminal charges have been filed in this case. Columbus Police and the Franklin County Prosecutor's Office have been investigating since early December 2018.
Husel's legal team has repeatedly declined to comment in the past.
Mount Carmel said they understand some families may be considering legal action. They said they have apologized and are working to build additional safeguards.
For more on Dr. Ticoras, visit her website.
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