PATIENT ABUSE: Agency Investigates Orange County Medi-Cal Obstetrician
The Orange County health authority "responsible for arranging medical care for more than 207,000 poor people," said Wednesday it will launch an investigation into charges that Garden Grove obstetrician Witoon Krailas "subjected his patients to unnecessary and painful medical procedures." The Orange County Register on Sunday reported nurses' allegations that Krailas "missed deliveries" and "routinely used ring forceps in a painful and inappropriate manner." The nurses also alleged that Krailas made "filthy" remarks to his patients, most of whom are poor Hispanics. Krailas' attorney, Margaret Holm, "said the doctor denies any wrongdoing and provides treatment that is medically appropriate and necessary." In 1997, Krailas handled deliveries for 130 CalOPTIMA patients, the local agency that administers the state Medi-Cal program. The investigation by CalOPTIMA could take "up to 90 days," according to Kathi Crowley, CalOPTIMA spokesperson. She said, "These are serious allegations ... and we're going to take an immediate look at them" (Kelleher/Hernandez, 5/28).
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