Page 62 - Hospitalists - Risks When You're the Doctor in the House (Part One)

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

Mrs. Miller and other family members would further testify

that Dr. Kerr was always in a hurry and never seemed to
listen to their concerns. As they stated, they knew Mr. Miller

better than anyone, especially a doctor who had never
met their loved one prior to his hospitalization. Moreover,

the medical record was replete with entries by the nursing
staff advising Dr. Kerr of the changes in mental status. The

malpractice suit ultimately settled for a large indemnity
payment.

This case has many teaching points including poor

communication, lack of documentation, and tunnel-vision
leading to diagnostic error. Probably the most significant

mistake that Dr. Kerr made, however, was not taking the time to
give individual care to the patient.

Discharge

Problems with the transfer of a patient from one doctor to

another are not unique to hospitalists, but they are one of
the primary areas giving rise to liability for hospitalists. This

is especially true at discharge. If not performed properly,
discontinuance of care can fail to recognize and monitor a

patient’s worsening condition, miss an assessment crucial to
getting the right diagnosis and treatment plan, and increase the

chance of readmission.

“Discharge home, follow-up with PCP in two weeks” is not

sufficient these days. One study conducted at the School of
Medicine of the University of Colorado, as cited in Medical

Economics, found that in some cases, PCPs were unaware

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