A former Perry Hospital radiology technician accused of reporting false negative results on mammograms without a physician's review turned herself in to authorities last Thursday, reports Fox News. Rachael Michelle Rapraeger acted alone and has been indicted on 10 counts of reckless conduct and 10 counts of computer fraud, announced the Houston County District Attorney's office.
The Perry, Ga.-based hospital conducted its own internal review of the Radiology Department and "supports the District Attorney's decision to proceed with a criminal indictment," said Cary Martin, interim CEO of Houston Healthcare System.
The hospital initially estimated that Rapraeger improperly reported about 900 mammograms throughout last year and early 2010. A more thorough investigation concluded that an additional 389 patients may also have been affected by her unauthorized acts, Martin noted.
According to authorities, the hospital verified that Rapraeger entered false negative results for 10 women who were later found to have breast cancer, reports Fox.
Perry Hospital has taken definitive steps to locate and notify the affected patients. "The Hospital's commitment to patient care remains its primary focus, and we will continue to work to address any concerns patients may have," said Martin.
For more:
- read the Fox News article
- read the Houston Healthcare System press release
- here's the Houston County District Attorney's statement