Page 36 - 2022 Risk Basics - Surgical Practice

SVMIC Risk Basics: Surgical Practice

Surgeons’ Duty to Review Pre-op Tests

Before we discuss the more common systems issues in

surgical practice, consider the surgeon’s duty to review
preoperative tests. Once the physician orders a lab, diagnostic

test, or referral, he/she has a duty to follow up on the results

appropriately. This may require the implementation of a system
to prioritize the result based on whether or not it is abnormal,

and if abnormal, how significant the risk is if the patient is not

notified immediately. The office policy might define the test
results as “normal”, “abnormal”, or “critical” with correlating

responses appropriate for each.

Surgeons and other physicians performing invasive
procedures are also responsible for the review of preoperative

tests or procedures to which they have access, regardless of
who orders them. It is important that, prior to arriving in the

operating room (OR), the surgeon has reviewed all
preoperative lab work, diagnostic tests, or medical clearance

consults to ensure that no abnormalities go unnoticed. If such

a test ultimately reveals a potentially serious problem, the
patient may later claim that he/she would have declined to

move forward with the surgery if the test results had been

known and may also have a claim for delay in diagnosis.

Tracking

Now, we will explore the systems-related issues that comprise

the claims usually found in the physician’s office. One of the
most significant risks identified in SVMIC’s onsite visits over

the last five years is failure to “close the loop” with test results

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