CONFIDENTIAL
February 1, 2016
Requires Immediate Attention
Patient address This is a health warning
Dear [NAME OF Patient],
Swedish Medical Center regrets to inform you that we recently identified possible drug diversion (the stealing of narcotic pain medication intended for patients) by a former employee, a surgical technician, which may have put some surgical patients at risk for exposure to HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C.
We promptly began an investigation and notified licensing agencies and law enforcement. We are working closely with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (state health department) to investigate this incident.
We have no evidence of any patient infections. However, in an abundance of caution, we are recommending confidential blood testing for patients who might have been affected. Our records indicate that you had surgery at Swedish Medical Center between August 17, 2015 and January 22, 2016, in a location where this employee worked. Therefore, you might have been exposed to these viruses. It is important that you be tested for all three viruses. A person who contracts HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C may not have any symptoms. Even if you feel perfectly healthy, it is important to be tested to know for certain if you have been exposed to these viruses.
This testing is confidential and offered at no cost to you. To make this as convenient as possible for you, we have made arrangements to provide free, confidential blood testing at any LabCorp location. You should call the LabCorp location of your choice directly to make an appointment as soon as possible. Please bring this letter and a government issued photo I.D. with you to the lab. To find a LabCorp location, refer to the enclosed maps or call 1-888-LAB-CORP (1-888-522-2677). We also encourage you to discuss this letter with your physician.
LabCorp Account Number: 05005510
Patient Record Number:______________
Testing Includes:
Test Number: 006510 CPT: 87340
Test Number: 006395 CPT: 86706
Test Number: 550090 CPT: 87522
Test Number: 083935 CPT: 87389
If you have questions, you may call our Patient Care Line at 303-728-7140. A nurse will be available to speak to you at any time. For more information about these viruses you may also call the CO-HELP information line through the state health department at 1-877-462-2911.
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At Swedish Medical Center, we take to heart every day our mission, “Above All Else, We Are Committed to the Care and Improvement of Human Life.” Swedish employees, nurses and physicians work very hard to ensure the safest, quality patient experience.
We deeply regret that one of our former employees may have put patients at risk; and are sorry for any uncertainty or anxiety this may cause. Please know our first concern is your health, and the care, safety and privacy of our patients.
Sincerely,
Richard A. Hammett
President & CEO
Swedish Medical Center