Page 32 - 2022 Risk Basics - Anesthesiology

SVMIC Risk Basics: Anesthesiology

CASE STUDY

In one case example, two templates were opened on the
same patient for a procedure: one in the endoscopy lab
well in advance of the patient’s arrival and the other when

the case was changed to same-day surgery. Both
templates were pre-populated with information to include

medications and doses usually administered, but only one,

the same-day surgery template, had the actual
medications used and events that occurred. When the

patient suffered a profound neurologic injury
postoperatively, a lawsuit was filed alleging that the types

and doses of anesthetic medications given were
inappropriate and that there was a failure to monitor the

patient, which caused the neurological injury.

Medical Record Alterations

If it is determined that a medical record has been altered, it will

call into question the physician’s integrity, and not only greatly
diminish the chance of prevailing in the medical malpractice

lawsuit, but also put professional liability coverage for the

incident at risk. It can also nullify the statute of limitations,
eliminate the statutory cap on damages in states that have

enacted tort reform, and serve as a basis for a punitive

damages claim. Never make a change in the medical record
after receiving notice of a claim or a lawsuit without first

consulting an SVMIC claims attorney.

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