Page 25 - Hospitalists - Risks When You're the Doctor in the House (Part One)

SVMIC Hospitalists - Risks When You’re the Doctor in the House

would have discussed the urgency of the transfer with

the case manager.

On August 2nd, Dr. Murphy noted that Mr. Jones’ legs
were weak but explained that he was still simply waiting

on a transfer to University Hospital. Dr. Murphy knew the
patient needed to be transferred per Dr. Turner’s order,

but he noted there were “other pressing needs” for Mr.
Jones’ treatment, which he did not elaborate upon. Dr.

Murphy did not see any orders entered into the medical
record on August 2nd.

On August 3rd, Mr. Jones was complaining of pain,
continuing weakness, and soreness at the thoracic

spine which was documented. Dr. Murphy was unable
to read certain portions of his own handwriting, but one

entry appeared to state “lower extremities negative”. Dr.
Murphy was still awaiting transfer to University Hospital,

which would have been facilitated by a call from the case
manager that a bed was available. He did not recall talking

to Dr. Turner then, nor had he gone back to review the
nursing notes at that point. At this point in the deposition,

in response to no particular question, Dr. Murphy
volunteered that the nursing notes on August 3rd “had

some inconsistencies”. Before he could explain further, his
attorney interjected, “Just answer his questions.” Plaintiff’s

counsel did not follow up.

On August 4th, a second MRI was ordered by Dr. Murphy
because Mr. Jones’ neurologic status had worsened

between August 3rd and 4th. The patient’s legs were
markedly weaker and with increased numbers. Mr.

Jones was eventually transferred to University Hospital

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