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Vague Symptoms Trigger Sepsis Care Delays and Lawsuits
More than one-third of ED patients with septic shock reported only vague symptoms at presentation, according to the authors of a recent study of septic shock patients discharged from a large urban ED. These patients had delayed antibiotic administration and were at a higher risk of mortality compared to patients with explicit infection symptoms. Another recent analysis revealed that a faster completion of a three-hour bundle of sepsis care and quick administration of antibiotics — but not rapid completion of an initial bolus of IV fluids — were associated with lower risk-adjusted, in-hospital mortality rates.
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High Policy Limits Make EP a ‘Deep Pocket’ for Plaintiff
One insider recommends emergency physicians spend money ensuring their assets are protected from third parties rather than on "higher premiums for larger limits."
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Was ED Unprepared for Critically Ill Child? Guidelines Could Help Prove It
The risk of a poor outcome for a critically ill child is high when a system is not ready to meet the emergency needs of that child. New guidelines from the National Pediatric Readiness Project can be used to prove that an ED fell short in this regard.
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30 ED-Related Cases Resolved Without Litigation
All cases were approached using a process of investigation, disclosure, and apology.
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ED Provider Apologies: Dangerous or Legally Protective?
Conventional wisdom holds that any EP who admits fault (or even displays empathy) probably will end up in court hearing their own words used against them. Still, a growing number of states are passing apology laws to protect against this possibility.
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Can Communication and Resolution Programs Prevent ED Malpractice Lawsuits?
If an ED patient is seriously hurt by a medical error, a costly, years-long malpractice lawsuit probably is inevitable, at least according to standard thinking. Yet there is growing awareness of an alternative to this all-too-familiar story.
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Compassion, Empathy Keys to Complaint-Free, High-Dollar Conversations
What is the most difficult collection conversation? Whenever the patient has not been made aware of what he or she will owe.
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Avoid Issues With ABNs: Education Is the Answer
A patient is waiting for a clinical service, probably already with some degree of anxiety. At this point, few things are less welcome than the dreaded Advance Beneficiary Notice.
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‘I Can’t Afford That’ Payment Plans Are New Option
Back in the days when patients did not owe much more than a $20 copay, offering a payment plan would seem more an attempt at humor than a necessary solution. But with $5,000 deductibles the new norm, it is a different story.
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Retention in Patient Access: The Struggle Is Real
Leaders devise ways to retain staff who are looking to move beyond patient access.