Page 37 - 2022 Risk Basics - Systems

SVMIC Risk Basics: Systems

examining her, refusing to see her and delay in diagnosis. A medical
malpractice suit was filed.

Although this patient was not in a medical crisis when she

presented to the office and demanded to be seen, she should not
have been turned away without first consulting with a clinical

staff member to ensure the patient would not suffer harm and to
more effectively resolve the situation.

Follow-Up Appointments

Remember that patients in need of a return office visit (even those asked
to follow up after hospitalization) should be scheduled before leaving the

office or hospital and given a reminder card complete with date and time,
along with any additional instructions. If the patient leaves the office or

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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