Merced physician accused of negligence by medical board

The Medical Board of California has filed an accusation against a Merced doctor, claiming “unprofessional conduct.”

Dr. Kimberley Fillmore, a physician and surgeon specializing in obstetrics and gynecology at Merced Faculty Associates Medical Group, may face disciplinary action, according to a copy of the formal accusation.

She faces having her licensed revoked or suspended if she is found responsible for acts of gross and repeated medical negligence, according to the state medical board. Fillmore could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

The board accused Fillmore on May 5 of acts and omissions in care and treatment of a 51-year-old woman starting in January 2013.

According to the medical board, Fillmore failed to properly document an evaluation of the patient’s complaints, and her operation notes were not specific about what happened during a seven-hour surgery on the patient. The board says the doctor did not adequately describe the details about an incision made to the patient’s abdomen.

There is nothing in the operation notes that explains why the doctor required seven hours to complete the surgery. There is also no documentation of a post-operation evaluation, according to the medical board.

The patient was seen by another physician who gave a different diagnosis and recommended corrective surgery, the accusation says.

The medical board also said Fillmore’s conduct includes not discussing with the patient the nonsurgical options for treating her condition and failing to maintain accurate medical records.

The case has been referred to the state Attorney General’s Office for administrative action, according to the medical board. Fillmore is allowed to continue to practice while her case is pending.

A date for her first administrative hearing could not be confirmed Tuesday.

Fillmore obtained her medical license in 1992. This is the first formal action the state medical board has taken against her, according to state records.

This story was originally published May 19, 2015 at 6:28 PM with the headline "Merced physician accused of negligence by medical board."