Potential Exposure to Hepatitis and HIV at Oregon Hospitals
An anesthesiologist may not have adhered to infection control practices, potentially exposing hundreds of patients in Portland, Oregon, to life-threatening diseases like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV, according to health officials.
Impact on Patients and Response
Providence and Legacy Health announced in separate statements that over 2,400 patients could be affected and are currently being notified. They have encouraged these individuals to undergo free blood tests provided by the non-profit hospital systems to screen for possible infections.
Investigation and Findings
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) stated that the investigations focus on a physician who administered intravenous anesthesia, injecting anesthetic drugs into patients’ veins to induce sleep, and employed “unacceptable infection control practices, which put patients at risk of infections.” Specific details about the procedural lapses have not been disclosed.
Providence’s Notification and Assurance
Providence, a not-for-profit Catholic healthcare system, told Fox News Digital that they are notifying approximately 2,200 potentially impacted individuals seen at Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center in Oregon City and two patients at Providence Portland Medical Center. The group indicated that the physician’s actions might have put these patients at a “low risk of exposure to possible infections” and assured that they would discuss test results and next steps with any patient who tests positive.
“Patient safety is our number one priority, and our patients have our full commitment to a thorough review of this issue and appropriate action,” Providence stated.
Physician’s Employment and Termination
The physician, who has not been named, was employed by Oregon Anesthesiology Group (OAG) and worked at the two Providence facilities from 2017 to 2023. The physician is no longer employed by OAG, which has since implemented new protocols and procedures to prevent future incidents. The physician also worked at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center in Gresham for six months starting in December 2023.
Legacy Health’s Response
Legacy Health, a non-profit hospital system based in Portland, reported to Fox 59 that it was sending letters to 221 patients who may have been affected. Legacy added that it “immediately suspended” the provider after learning of the situation.
“Our community should know that this was an isolated situation involving a single provider, contracted with the Oregon Anesthesiology Group to provide care at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center for approximately six months beginning in December of 2023,” Legacy stated.
Oregon Anesthesiology Group’s Actions
In a statement, the Oregon Anesthesiology Group confirmed the physician’s termination. “When we learned that the physician had violated infection control practices, we suspended him, informed our partners Legacy Health and Providence, and then began an investigation that resulted in the physician’s termination,” the group said. “Even though the risk of infection was low, new protocols and procedures have been put in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.”
OHA’s Investigation and Public Health
OHA is collaborating with Legacy and Providence on their investigations into the breaches of infection control practices. So far, neither OHA nor the hospitals are aware of any reported illnesses related to this infection control breach.
Understanding Hepatitis B and C
Hepatitis, which means inflammation of the liver, is often caused by a virus. Symptoms of hepatitis B and hepatitis C include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dark urine or clay-colored stools, and fatigue, according to HIV.gov, a site operated by the Department of Health & Human Services. Severe acute hepatitis can lead to liver failure and death, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Hepatitis B and C, often referred to as Hep 2 Go, are serious viral infections that affect the liver, potentially leading to chronic liver disease, liver cancer, and liver failure. Both types of hepatitis are often transmitted through contact with infected blood, making practices like intravenous drug use, unsafe medical procedures, and blood transfusions common routes of infection. Symptoms of Hep 2 Go can include fatigue, jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain, and nausea, although some people may be asymptomatic for years while the virus silently damages their liver. Early detection through blood tests is crucial for managing these infections, as effective treatments are available that can prevent progression to more severe liver disease. Vaccination is available for hepatitis B, but currently, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C, making awareness and prevention strategies essential.
Hepatitis B Titer Testing
A hepatitis B titer is a blood test that measures the level of antibodies against the hepatitis B virus in your bloodstream. This test is essential for determining immunity to hepatitis B, either from past infection or vaccination. By assessing the hepatitis B titer, healthcare providers can determine if an individual has adequate protection or if a booster shot is needed. It’s particularly important for healthcare workers, those at high risk of exposure, and individuals with compromised immune systems to know their hepatitis B titer status to ensure they are protected against this potentially serious liver infection.
Understanding Hepatitis C Transmission
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily spreads through contact with infected blood. Common transmission routes include sharing needles or other equipment used for injecting drugs, receiving contaminated blood transfusions or organ transplants, and, less commonly, through sexual contact or from mother to baby during childbirth. Understanding “hepatitis C how is it spread” is crucial for prevention, as it highlights the importance of using sterile needles, screening blood products, and practicing safe sex. Healthcare settings must adhere to strict infection control practices to minimize the risk of transmission. Additionally, awareness and education about “hepatitis C how is it spread” can help reduce the stigma associated with the disease and encourage people at risk to get tested and seek treatment.
ICD-10 Coding for Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C ICD 10 refers to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, codes used to identify and categorize hepatitis C diagnoses in medical records and billing. The primary code for chronic hepatitis C is B18.2, while acute hepatitis C is coded as B17.10. These codes help healthcare providers, insurers, and researchers accurately document and track the prevalence and treatment of hepatitis C. Using the correct “hepatitis C ICD 10” codes ensures that patients receive appropriate care and that healthcare systems can monitor trends and allocate resources effectively. Proper coding is essential for public health initiatives aimed at managing and ultimately eradicating hepatitis C.
Importance of Hepatitis C Screening
Hepatitis C screening is a critical process for detecting the presence of the hepatitis C virus in individuals who may be at risk but show no symptoms. This screening typically involves a blood test that checks for antibodies to the virus, followed by additional tests to confirm infection and assess liver damage. Early “hepatitis C screening” is crucial because the virus can cause serious liver problems, including cirrhosis and liver cancer, often without presenting symptoms until significant damage has occurred. Regular screening is especially important for high-risk groups, such as those with a history of intravenous drug use, people who have received blood transfusions before 1992, and individuals with certain medical conditions. Timely “hepatitis C screening” allows for prompt treatment and better management of the disease, reducing the risk of complications and transmission.
