Costs of Misdiagnosis Reference

Public sources for the post A County Faces the True Cost of Misdiagnosis

Link to the county’s posting of the report: NAS 23-01 The Cost of Diagnosis.pdf

The web site of Parents Medical Rights Group: https://www.pmrglv.com/

Video of Lehigh Valley Board of Commissioners Meeting – Mark Pinsley’s presentation starts at 1:43:29, followed by the parents: https://lehighcounty.zoom.us/rec/play/g0X94POa1NjKiT8crRQgvtbOTAz9N-if6BmK_rEKsOCJOuqskZ_Pc8_niEKAs_V7leIaZSljAYZcbdCU.arS54pEfdHbv3Yd9

Lehigh Valley Live coverage:

WFMZ News coverage:

Morning Call coverage:

Statement from the Lehigh County Department of Human Services in response to Pinsley’s report:

We are currently reviewing the report presented by Mr. Pinsley. At first glance we are concerned that this appears to be rather one-sided in its presentation of facts and conclusions regarding the County of Lehigh’s Office of Children and Youth Services. The caseworkers and attorneys of the Office of Children and Youth Services are dedicated professionals who are committed to the protection of children and youth as both a legal and moral imperative. Any case in which the agency seeks to remove a child from their parent(s) must first be presented to the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas before emergency placement, and then a hearing occurs shortly after placement. While we are constrained by both State and Federal law from fully discussing the situations of the specific Lehigh County cases identified by Mr. Pinsley, we have reviewed the facts and are comfortable with the County’s handling of these matters, and the protection of the children involved.

Statement from the Lehigh Valley Hospital Network, before the reorganization at the CAC:

There is no greater responsibility than ensuring the safety and protection of children. Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) is diligent when it comes to caring for children at the John Van Brakle Child Advocacy Center (CAC). The center exists to serve Lehigh County’s most vulnerable children and their families through a community partnership that includes the District Attorney’s Office, Lehigh County Office of Children & Youth Services, the Allentown Police Department, and Crime Victims Council of the Lehigh Valley.

Due to the sensitive nature of their work, physicians specializing in child protective medicine are often the unfortunate target of emotionally driven and unsubstantiated criticism. The Lehigh County Controller has no jurisdiction over the CAC, nor the clinical credentials to conduct a review of a clinician or the services rendered by a clinician – and we disagree wholeheartedly with the controller’s conclusions being shared with the media.

Here are the facts:

— Dr. Debra Esernio-Jenssen, MD, is board-certified in child protective medicine. She does not initiate child abuse cases. Cases of suspected abuse are referred to the CAC through the state reporting system. At the CAC, when Dr. Jenssen and her team evaluate a case, they collaborate with the child’s medical team. The vast majority of the time they do not find evidence of child abuse, which is consistent with national averages.

— LVHN clinicians do not unilaterally make the final determination whether child protective services intervention is appropriate in cases of alleged child abuse or neglect.

— A medical examination is one component among many factors, including evidence, photos, and witnesses that are considered by the judicial system or child protective services, who ultimately make the final decision about protective services.

— The Controller ignores the fact that Munchausen’s by proxy perpetrators can have more than one victim.

Had the controller followed the typical audit process, we would have provided these details.

Our community relies on us to heal, comfort, and care for them, especially in their most critical time of need. That remains our focus.

It takes courage for child abuse victims and their families to come forward. We encourage anyone who has concerns about child abuse or neglect to contact law enforcement or ChildLine (1-800-932-0313).