DENVER - The parents of a 22-year-old Centennial man who died after having brain surgery that was not necessary are working to improve the medical industry.
A few years ago, Michael Skolnik's parents' lobbying efforts brought about a medical transparency act that brings to light crucial physician information, including malpractice history.
Today, the Skolniks continue their mission.
9NEWS first spoke with the Skolniks back in 2008 when the "Michael Skolnik Medical Transparency Act" first passed. Now, three years later, his parents still feel the pain.
"Never goes away. Never goes away," Patty Skolnik said.
Day by day, that pain is translated into what the Skolnik's say is progress.
"You can stay in bed for the rest of your life, jump out a window, or you can do something about it," said Patty Skolnik.
The legislation passed in 2007 allows patients to look up physician information, including malpractice history online.
"The bill was not meant to be a witch hunt. The bill was meant to give people the information they need to make a decision, just like car facts. Only this is medical professional facts," Skolnik said.
Within the last year, the legislation expanded to now include all medical professionals
On Saturday, the Skolniks hosted what they hope will be the first of a nationwide tour of patient advocacy classes. The free 6-hour workshops are sponsored by hospitals and aimed at attracting consumers from all walks of life.
The Skolniks say they hope each consumer walks away feeling empowered to start a conversation with their doctor.
"We've all learned that doctors go to school for a very, very long time, and they must know much more than we do. But really no one knows us better than ourselves," said Skolnik.
They say they press their message, knowing it's a conversation that could have saved their son's life.
"This is what gets me up in the morning, and Michael pulling the strings," said Skolnik.
We also asked some former doctors and attorneys in the medical malpractice field about the "Medical Transparency Act."
"Proof in court can get confused easily which ultimately could lead to an unfair verdict. That verdict is then reflected on a doctor's record permanently. Something I find problematic with the 'Transparency Act' is it makes doctors more resistant to settle claims out of court because of their concern for how it may effect their practice. This leads to a longer and more costly process," former emergency medical doctor and medical malpractice defense attorney Roger F. Johnson said.
Eric Steiner is a former anesthesiologist and a malpractice plaintiff's attorney.
"Online research can give a wide range of information to patients. Some of the information may be accurate and some may not. The goal is to create well-educated and empowered consumers," Steiner said.
To learn more about the Citizens for Patient Safety, you can visit their website: http://citizensforpatientsaftey.org.
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