Following allegations of a Houston doctor manipulating the liver transplant waitlist, Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center has launched an investigation into the matter. The hospital recently discovered 'inappropriate changes' made by a doctor in the national database for liver transplant candidates, prompting the suspension of both liver and kidney transplant programs.
Family members of deceased patients are seeking answers, questioning whether their loved ones were wrongfully denied transplants. One mother, Susie Garcia, lost her son, Richard Mostacci, who was deemed too ill for a transplant at the age of 43. Concerns have been raised about the doctor, Dr. Steve Bynon, with allegations of potential personal biases affecting patient care.
While UTHealth Houston has defended Dr. Bynon as a skilled and compassionate physician with high survival rates, the investigation is ongoing. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is also looking into the matter to ensure accountability.
A lawsuit has been filed against Memorial Hermann and UTHealth by a woman whose husband died while on the liver transplant waitlist. Data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients revealed a higher-than-expected death rate among patients awaiting liver transplants at Memorial Hermann in recent years.
Despite these concerning statistics, the hospital's success rates for liver transplants have been reported as better than national averages. The situation remains fluid as investigations continue and families seek justice for their lost loved ones.
