Summary
Inadequate physician-patient communication is a primary contributory factor in patient safety and professional liability. Follow-up is a crucial and challenging aspect of the care continuum.
Informed/shared decision making, communication and documentation are essential elements of a comprehensive, consistent process. The informed/shared decision-making process between physicians and patients is important to ensure the patients understand their disease, plan of care and responsibilities. Communication with the patient before and during scheduled appointments, as well as after missed appointments, is key to preventing medical errors, unanticipated outcomes and potential liability.
The Princeton Insurance Physician Office Practice Tool Kit, which is available to Princeton Insurance insureds, contains guidelines and sample forms for Office Visit Follow-up Instructions, Follow-up Systems & Appointment Log, Informed Refusal and Discharging a Patient from Your Practice guidelines & letter.
Call us at 1-866-Rx-4Risk if you are insured by Princeton Insurance and have not received your tool kit.
This article is intended to make healthcare professionals aware of missed appointment risks and to serve as a general guideline in developing policies and procedures. This article is not intended as legal advice. Readers should consult professional counsel familiar with federal and state laws for guidance with specific legal, clinical or ethical questions.