Sharma

I. FACTUAL BACKGROUND

In December 2008, decedent Sheila Sharma, then 83 years old, was examined by defendant, her primary care physician of many years. At that time decedent had an extensive medical history including chronic kidney disease, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus with neuropathy, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and severe labile hypertension. She had had percutaneous coronary intervention and stenting of her renal artery. Defendant had referred her to a nephrologist for renal deficiency treatment the previous year. Decedent underwent a renal perfusion scan and extensive laboratory evaluation during a trip to India in November 2008. The scan showed 97 percent perfusion to the left kidney, but a negligibly functioning shrunken right kidney with only 4 percent perfusion. She was prescribed approximately 12 maintenance medications. According to defendant’s handwritten examination notes documenting decedent’s December 5, 2008 office visit, plaintiff complained of pain in the right foot, weakness, and fever. Decedent’s temperature was 98 degrees, her pulse was 68, and her blood pressure was 90-110/70. She had no cough, and her lungs were clear. Defendant…