Emergency Department Management & Law
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‘Hybrid’ Medical Malpractice Lawsuits Are ‘End-Run’ Around Damage Caps
These cases allege both professional negligence and medical battery. Insiders explain why that may be problematic.
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Lawsuits Allege Abnormal Findings Were Missed After ED Patient was Admitted
Education on structured handoffs and closed loop communication is paying dividends. Still, malpractice claims are occurring with admitted patients. The fact patterns all are similar: Tests are ordered while the patient remains in the ED. Results come back after the patient is upstairs — and no one ever follows up.
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For EDs, Simulation Is Not Just for Training, It Is a Risk Management Tool
Some procedures are high-risk, but low-volume. Simulation is a way for ED providers to practice these uncommon procedures.
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Telehealth Booming in EDs, but Poses Some Unique Liability Risks
EDs are using telehealth for screening visits before arrival or for follow-up re-evaluations on COVID-19-positive patients. It is important to know what can be excluded safely in a telemedicine consult, and what requires urgent and/or emergent in-person follow-up.
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Many Charts Lack Any Evidence of Thorough H&P
Often, a portion of the history, assessment, or evaluation was handled, but for whatever reason does not make it into the emergency medicine record. This makes it appear as though a poor or incomplete assessment was conducted. Double check these items to see they are included.
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Essential ED Documentation Often Missing from Chart
Certain pieces of information, if omitted from the ED medical record, instantly raise concerns about the quality of the care provided. These missing items in particular complicate malpractice defense.
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Assessment, Documentation, and Protocols: All Tied to ED Malpractice Payouts
Malpractice claims are more likely to succeed if documentation is insufficient, if an assessment was inadequate, or if something was not handled according to policy or protocol.
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Natural History Study Focuses on Unlocking Mysteries of Acute Flaccid Myelitis
Non-polio enteroviruses have been suspected as the primary culprits causing acute flaccid myelitis. However, it is clear now that other viruses can cause the illness.
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Another Outbreak of Acute Flaccid Myelitis Could Complicate COVID-19 Response
If previous patterns hold true, there could be an outbreak this year of acute flaccid myelitis, the frightening polio-like condition the CDC has been studying since 2014. Public health experts advise frontline providers to be particularly attuned to patients presenting with the hallmark limb weakness, and to report such cases promptly to their state health department.
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Rural Hospitals Struggle Amid Budgetary Constraints, Reporting Requirements
The COVID-19 pandemic response has pushed many rural hospitals to the brink, placing added strains on skeletal workforces that have long struggled to meet the healthcare needs of their communities. While some smaller facilities are pitching in to help larger, urban centers manage capacity, others have seen their patient volumes dwindle as fear keeps patients from accessing needed care. Most conclude the pandemic is highlighting the need for change in the way healthcare is delivered to rural communities.