Judge fines physician for falsifying patient records

David Aoyama, MD, was recently fined $17,500 and ordered by the judge to write an article for the Washington State Medical Association explaining why he attempted to cover up evidence that supported a malpractice claim filed against him, according to an article published by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

Aoyama admitted to altering a medical record nine times to combat the patient's accusation that the physician failed to catch the many warning signs that she was at risk for cancer. However, the physician claimed that he had verbally recommended to the patient that she undergo more extensive physician exams and seek the second opinion of a specialist, according to the article.

Aoyama asserted that he altered the patient's medical record to avoid losing his liability insurance.