Page 57 - Avoiding Surgical Mishaps Part 1

SVMIC Avoiding Surgical Mishaps: Dissecting the Risks

Keep in mind, there may be pending post-discharge results

from pathology, radiology, lab (culture and sensitivity), or other
inpatient results that require the surgeon’s personal review. Staff

should never assume results received from the hospital
post-discharge have been reviewed by the physician.

Tracking patients referred to you for consultation is another risk

issue in surgical practices. If a patient suffers consequences
from not receiving the lab test that you order or from not seeing

the consultant to whom he/she was referred (surgical clearance
consult), you could be named in a medical malpractice

lawsuit. There are many opportunities for a breakdown in
communication which often result in serious consequences

for both physicians and patients. Patients may fail to complete
ordered tests because of concern about insurance coverage

and reimbursement. Medical training gives you a better
understanding of the consequences of various treatment

options as well as delays in treatment whereas patients may
not grasp the significance of the ordered test or recommended

referral.

There should be an established system for tracking patients

who miss follow-up appointments. If a patient misses or
cancels a follow-up appointment, it should be documented and

investigated. Appropriate efforts should be made to contact the
patient and reschedule the appointment in situations where the

patient may suffer if treatment is delayed or where the treatment
or medication must be closely monitored. Additionally, when

a patient referred by another physician fails to present for the
first appointment to establish care, it is recommended that the

referring physician be notified. All communication to the patient
and the referring physician should be documented.

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