Page 52 - 2022 Risk Basics - Systems

SVMIC Risk Basics: Systems

If you are the consultant/specialist:

• Communicating your specific plan of action to the referring

physician enhances continuity of care.

• Be sure to include any medication changes, tests recommended

and performed, as well as the results and interpretation of those
tests.

• If the patient refuses your advice or recommendations, document
this in the record and convey it to the referring physician.

• If your plan involves continued treatment but you are signing off of

the case, be sure you communicate with the referring physician to
ensure the patient can obtain the appropriate treatment.

• If the referring physician has asked you to assume the care of the
patient, indicate in writing whether or not you accept.

• In all instances, clarify the role of each physician in the patient’s
care.

• If the patient cancels or fails to keep the initial appointment, notify
the referring physician. You may do this by simply noting the

no-show or cancellation on the original request for consultation
document and mailing or faxing it back to the referring physician.

You may also call the physician or the office and document who
was notified. Many offices have a template or form letter that is

faxed or mailed to the referring physician as notification of the
cancellation or no-show. If appropriate, have your office make an

attempt to reschedule the appointment with the patient. All of
these communications should be recorded and kept in the medical

record.

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