Yorkville Endoscopy, the clinic where Joan Rivers was being treated when she went into cardiac arrest, made errors at nearly every turn, a report from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services found.
Rivers had gone to the Manhattan clinic in late August for a procedure on her vocal chords when she stopped breathing. She died a week later at age 81.
The report confirmed many rumors that followed in the weeks after the legendary comedian’s death. According to the New York Daily News, the agency concluded that Yorkville “failed to ensure that patient care services are provided in a manner that protects the health and safety of all patients.”
Yorkville’s major mistake was failing to “identify deteriorating vital signs and provide timely intervention during the procedure.” However, that just scratches the surface of the errors committed during the procedure.
After interviewing staff and reviewing their records, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services discovered that unauthorized personnel were in the room during the procedure. There were also several safety measures that were not taken.
Dr. Lawrence Cohen, Yorkville’s gastroenterologist, was supposed to perform the procedure. However, Rivers took a personal specialist with her and the specialist performed unscheduled procedures. The Daily News identified the specialist as Dr. Gwen Korovin, who staffers said was leading the procedures. While Yorkville staff allowed Korovin to work, they did not have any of her credentials.
The report also confirmed rumors that a staffer used his cellphone to take a picture of Korovin working on Rivers, who was sedated with Propofol during the procedure.
“In response to the statement of deficiencies, Yorkville immediately submitted and implemented a plan of correction that addressed all issues raised. The regulatory agencies are currently reviewing the corrective plan of action and have been in regular contact with Yorkville,” Yorkville said in a statement to CNN. “In addition, the physicians involved in the direct care and treatment referenced in the report no longer practice or provide services at Yorkville.”
Understandably, Melissa Rivers, Rivers’ daughter, is angry over the report, her attorneys said in a statement Monday. “As any of us would be, Ms. Rivers is outraged by the misconduct and mismanagement now shown to have occurred before, during and after the procedure,” the statement read.
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