Page 36 - 2022 Risk Basics - Systems

SVMIC Risk Basics: Systems

that all scheduling should allow enough time for the staff to render safe,

high-quality patient care/services consistent with the office’s mission,
goals, and policies. Take a look at the following case example.

C A S E S T U DY

Marissa Barrett, a 24-year-old female patient, was referred to OB/
GYN by her PCP in January 2018 for discharge from her nipple.

The OB/GYN considered a pituitary problem and ordered lab
work, which returned normal. Ms. Barrett returned in August with

complaints of weight gain and persistent headaches. An MRI was
ordered and returned normal. The patient was returned to her PCP

for treatment of headaches and did not return to her OB/GYN until
January of 2020. At that time, Ms. Barrett complained of irregular

periods for the last few months with increased flow during the past
week. Due to prior intolerance to oral contraceptives, the OB/GYN

recommended an injection of Depo-Provera. The patient was to
return in 12 weeks for evaluation of her symptoms. If there was

no resolution, further treatment such as an ultrasound or surgery
could be discussed. Ms. Barrett did not return as scheduled but

returned to the office in June. The patient did not see her usual OB/
GYN but received another Depo-Provera injection. Two weeks after

this visit, the patient presented to the clinic and demanded to be
seen for bleeding. It is unclear from the records if the receptionist

notified the physician or clinical staff, but she was turned away
and told the soonest she could return was four days later due to

a full office schedule and surgeries. The patient declined to wait
and transferred her care to another group. Two months later,

Ms. Barrett called and stated that she intended to file a medical
malpractice lawsuit against the OB/GYN. The patient reported that

her new physician had located a malignant golf-ball-sized tumor
in her uterus. The patient accused the OB/GYN of not properly

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