Complaint Review: Doctor C. Gregory Cauthen

Patient J.B. suffers from emphysema, is on oxygen therapy and uses Advair, and Spiriva inhalers. On May 6, 2014, J.B., while accompanied by her son and caregiver G.L., sought treatment as a new patient from Midlands Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine in Columbia, SC, where she was assigned to Pulmonologist, Doctor C. Gregory Cauthen. During her visit, a lung function test was performed on J.B., which disclosed that J.B's. lung function was only 30%. Nonetheless, Doctor Cauthen informed J.B. and G.L. that J.B. did not require oxygen therapy while at rest. Additionally, Doctor Cauthen advised J.B. to discontinue using the Advair inhaler, which was to be replaced by his prescribed nebulizer. After the visit with Dr. Cauthen, J.B. discontinued using oxygen as directed. Within 45 minutes, J.B. suffered from severe shortness of breath, which almost resulted in her loss of consciousness. J.B. resumed using oxygen, which brought relief almost immediately. The event was video recorded. So much for Dr. Cauthen's "expert" medical advice. On May 20, 2014, G.L. called and left a message with Dr. Cauthen's nurse to inquire about the status of J.B's. nebulizer.

To date, Dr. Cauthen's nurse has failed to respond and the nebulizer has not been prescribed. Needless to say, J.B. will seek treatment elsewhere. Perhaps Dr. Cauthen falsified his medical credentials. It is difficult to imagine that a legitimate medical professional would be so blatantly derelict. The only professional position Dr. Cauthen may be qualified for is an insurance agent with AFLAC. QUACK! QUACK!