Page 44 - 2021 Risk Reduction Series - Communication Part One

SVMIC Risk Reduction Series: Communication

• 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
scanning 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

scanned 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 these communications should be recorded

and kept in the medical record.

Key Points

If you are the consultant/specialist:

• Communicate the results of the consultation to the
referring physician in a timely manner, including an outline

of the specific plan of action you recommend. Verbally
communicate urgent and/or unexpected findings as soon

as possible after the consultation.

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