Page 44 - 2020 Risk Reduction Series Effective Systems_Part 1_Flipbook

SVMIC Risk Reduction Series: Effective Systems

CASE STUDY

continued
to the office three days later to assess for induction. When
she arrived for induction, (personal effects for impending

hospitalization in hand), Dr. Radley’s receptionist informed
her that without verifiable insurance coverage, she would

be required to make a substantial payment before being
seen by Dr. Radley. Unable to pay, Ms. Diaz left without

being seen. No physician or clinical staff were notified.
Four days later, she appeared for an office

visit, but there were no fetal heart tones.
Ms. Diaz subsequently delivered a stillborn

male infant weighing 10 pounds, 4 ounces.

Follow-Up Appointments

As the previous case illustrates, all patients in need of a return
office visit (even those asked to follow-up after hospitalization)

should be scheduled before leaving the office/hospital and
given a reminder card complete with date and time, along

with any additional instructions. If the patient leaves the office/
hospital without scheduling a follow-up office visit and ongoing

treatment is needed, efforts should be made to reach the patient
and schedule the appointment. Documentation of these efforts

should be recorded in the patient’s medical record.

In addition, it is important to make sure that the staff documents
all attempts to provide appropriate scheduling for both new and
follow-up patients. When an unavoidable delay occurs, offering

to place the patient on a wait list in case of a canceled time slot

may be appropriate.

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