Laboratory turnaround times are too long, individual emergency physicians are incompetent, equipment is in bad shape. Lawyers are getting better at finding those kinds of social media posts made by anyone even tangentially involved in the case.
The authors of a recent study learned missing appendicitis was more likely to occur among patients with comorbidities, women, and patients who experienced abdominal pain accompanied by constipation.
Once someone concludes an emergency physician changed the medical record after a bad outcome, credibility (and likely the case) is lost. If there really is a valid reason to correct the electronic health record, clinicians should consult their facility’s policies and procedures regarding such corrections.
A short statement to explain what led to a National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) report might be acceptable. A lengthy diatribe railing against the injustice of the lawsuit is not. Before submitting a response to a NPDB report, seek counsel.
In most states, hospitals already are vicariously liable for the actions of their hospital-based physicians. It is more difficult to defend the care of a clinician who is sued constantly.
