Medical Mutual Insurance Company of Maine - The Beacon - September 2010 http://www.medicalmutual.com/publications/beacon/2010/index.php a quarterly newsletter featuring case studies, risk management tips, informative articles on claims and risk management-related issues, as well as answers to typical or frequently asked questions. en-us Copyright 1997-2010 Medical Mutual Insurance Company of Maine webmaster@medicalmutual.com (Mark McGhie) Thu, 14 Oct 2010 8:41:02 EDT Case Study - Consequences of Failing to Follow up on Ordered Tests http://www.medicalmutual.com/publications/beacon/2010/09-10_1.php http://www.medicalmutual.com/publications/beacon/2010/09-10_1.php On March 19, 2006, the patient was admitted to his local hospital after four prior visits to the emergency department for intractable headaches. A CT scan showed sphenoid sinus abnormalities resulting in a diagnosis of acute sphenoid sinusitis. The patient improved on antibiotics and was discharged on March 22. On May 13, the patient presented to his PCP following acute onset vertical diplopia. An MRI indicated isolated sphenoid sinus disease with a small left epidural abscess at the base of the left frontal lobe and the left orbital apex and resulted in the patient's admission to a larger facility on May 14. Risk Management Points http://www.medicalmutual.com/publications/beacon/2010/09-10_2.php http://www.medicalmutual.com/publications/beacon/2010/09-10_2.php Test results that return after patient discharge are particularly prone to communication failure, as evidenced by this case. The following is a summary of several applicable points on policies for communicating abnormal test results. Potential Coverage Concerns Associated With Write-offs and Other Generous Acts of Goodwill http://www.medicalmutual.com/publications/beacon/2010/09-10_3.php http://www.medicalmutual.com/publications/beacon/2010/09-10_3.php Medical Mutual generally understands and supports providers' efforts to preserve patient goodwill and continuity of care, believing voluntary write-offs in certain circumstances are effective gestures of compassion and goodwill towards patients. CMS ALERT - Risk Management Write-Offs http://www.medicalmutual.com/publications/beacon/2010/09-10_4.php http://www.medicalmutual.com/publications/beacon/2010/09-10_4.php CMS has recently formalized its opinion regarding how write-offs or the provision of something of value to Medicare beneficiaries must be handled and reported by healthcare providers. Records Requests Seeking "Notarized" Records http://www.medicalmutual.com/publications/beacon/2010/09-10_5.php http://www.medicalmutual.com/publications/beacon/2010/09-10_5.php Of late we learn that some attorneys have begun to also ask that healthcare providers and institutions "notarize" the copied records-set requested to assure it is a complete and accurate record.