Around the world, patients are facing many risks of health complications due to unneeded surgeries that are done by physicians. The unnecessary surgeries are becoming known due to little to none clinical benefits, and some could lead to serious risks. A specific surgery that has been studied is a spinal fusion, this surgery is able to have side effects of blood clots, stroke, pneumonia, and potentially death. Spinal fusions are done on 18% of patients. 

Overpaying and overbilling issues in health care are also very controversial which leads to higher risks of medically unnecessary surgeries. With hospitals correcting their actions, law enforcement can still be contacted for the hospital’s actions that could potentially cause injuries to the patient. 

Understanding the risks of getting procedures done that are not beneficial to the patient starts with peer reviewers, getting a look from another medical professional rather than one opinion. Outside legal counsels also allow someone to have legal protections over health care organizations. 

“Unnecessary surgeries put patients at risk of medical complications,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman.

In a specific case, involving U.S. Attorney Gorman in Seattle, Washington, concerns arise due to protection of taxpayer funded health care, with also staying aware of patients suffering outcomes of surgeries that were not needed. 

In a settlement agreement in 2018, Dr. Daniel Nehls filed a lawsuit against Dr. Schoenfelder because of unnecessary spinal surgeries and procedures. A few months later Dr. Schoenfelder dropped his physician’s license. 

There are many dangers that come into surgeries and whether they are worth it. Some surgeries will come with terrible side effects that could potentially lead to infection and death. Awareness of these points could save someone a lot of medical bills along with a life.