Page 24 - Part 2 Navigating Electronic Media in a Healthcare Setting

SVMIC Navigating Electronic Media in a Healthcare Setting

own chart (the EHR). Therefore, if there was a medication error or
a test result not followed-up on by a specialist, and the EHR

reflects that a copy of that specialist’s documentation was received

by the original referring physician, potentially, the referring
physician (who received the copy) could be claimed to be at fault

along with the specialist. This could be true even if what the
document referred to was page 498 of 600 pages sent to the

referring physician as a courtesy by the specialist. Obviously, the
referring physician in that scenario should have an opportunity to

explain that, given the sheer volume of material received in the

practice, it would be impossible to know every word on every page
of every document that hits the practice’s inbox. However, this is a

source of potential liability. Ideally, only those records that are

relevant to the consultation or transfer should be forwarded to the
other provider.

Focus on the Patient

It is important to note that many patients do not understand why
their provider spends more time focused on the computer screen

rather than the patient. It is often beneficial to involve the patient in
the documentation process by reviewing the prior notes in the

EHR, allowing the patient to view the screen as new information
learned from the visit is added and explaining how the system

works. When the purpose and capabilities of an EHR system are

explained to patients, it helps the patient who is attached to paper
files become less apprehensive about the EHR and lessens the

possibility that the patient will feel ignored. Of course, the primary

focus should always be on the patient.

Page | 24