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What constitutes a critical error in your book? - GoBears


Posted: Dec 04, 2009

Besides medication errors, can you give me some examples of what other errors could affect patient care?

...several things...sm - MttM

[ In Reply To ..]
Critical errors where I work are not only things that affect "patient care" but also things that affect the legal aspects and our ability to back things up in court. We see a lot of work comp and disability patients and errors in our documents can make or break a lawsuit or delay a patient's disability claim, substantiate referrals, "pre-existing" denials, time off, etc.

critical errors - MT

[ In Reply To ..]
I would say entering the wrong patient name when it is spelled or account # is given correctly is a critical error.

"no" - sandra

[ In Reply To ..]
Leaving out the word 'no' is a critical error to me. For example, in dictating a report the doc says "no tumor remains" but you transcribe "tumor remains."

In that instance, missing a simple 2 letter word can set off a whole set of circumstances - blood work, more tests, chemotherapy, etc...

have to agree with "no" - me

[ In Reply To ..]
I had some surgery done a few years back. Got a call from FP telling me I had to have an EKG done before hand. This was just a short stay procedure. Here under ROS - I had a history of heart disease instead of "no" history of heart disease. So asked the surgeon about it. Tsk, Tsk, I said. Better keep those transcriptionists on their toes!!!

Critical errors - gourdpainter

[ In Reply To ..]
Any error could or should be considered critical outside demographics unless the wrong patient name is used through carelessness. This should not happen. Potential lawsuit cases are reviewed and re-reviewed by doctors, hospital staff and their lawyers well before it gets to court. So it isn't like the transcription department record is just sent to court as is. I would think that the dictated medical record is just a summary and the PROFESSIONAL medical staff is, or should be, responsible for reviewing the summary of documents and comparing with ORIGINAL lab reports, x-ray reports, medication dosages, etc. I personally think that much ado about nothing exists for placing so much responsibility on the backs of transcriptionists. We are not directly involved in patient care and any doctor or nurse that relies solely on the dictated medical record without questioning accuracy of things in the summary without comparing to orders and the original lab/x-ray reports is one of two things in my opinion: 1) Incompetent or 2) A fool.

I think that MTs are not taken to court for their...sm - am I right?

[ In Reply To ..]
'critical' errors. The company or client are ultimately responsible for the final document.
The utmost penalty that can be extended to an MT is getting fired.

I believe you are correct - gourdpainter

[ In Reply To ..]
I think sometimes MTs overrate their importance. I doubt that an MT would ever be sued or even considered in a malpractice suit.
Thank you, GP, this makes sense.....nm - am I right?
[ In Reply To ..]
nm
I completely agree with you, but if that is the case..... - Happy MT Robin
[ In Reply To ..]
then why do you suppose MTSOs are now apparently asking for MTs to have E&O insurance? It's been mentioned several times on this board.

I've always wondered about that.
MTSOs have to include the E&O insurance in the contract..nm - e&o
[ In Reply To ..]
nm
Possibly, but goes back to the point of the MT/MTSO not being resonsible for final document - Happy MT Robin
[ In Reply To ..]
I say not being responsible in that we don't need to make every effort to create a document that is as accurate as possible with the information given to us, but not responsible in the framework of the doctor has to sign his medical reports and thus is certifying that the information contained within is correct.

This takes me back to my original question based on GP's comment - why would MTs have to have E&O insurance?

It's a conundrum, for sure.
MTSO or client are responsible for final document, not the MT...nm - final
[ In Reply To ..]
nm
See my earlier post for my thoughts. n/m - gourdpainter
[ In Reply To ..]
x
My best guess - gourdpainter
[ In Reply To ..]
Would be that that is one more expense they plan to foster off on the MTs. They are already furnishing work space, office furniture and in many cases computers and other equipment. I never cease to be amazed lately. The "paid internship" seems to me is going a long way toward having MTs paying them for the privilege of working. Good golly Ms. Molly, what's next?
status for ICs is changing - is what's next! - mtmaven
[ In Reply To ..]
With ARRA and HITECH coming into full force in February much is changing for ICs. Companies are educating to get E&O and since we will now be "business associates" it changes your status and there is much more responsibility and accountability. Google it and read about it. It is not pretty for those who toil as an IC and I am going to incorporate rather than loose my rear end.
No loose rear ends! - ...
[ In Reply To ..]
:>
Wise move - gourdpainter
[ In Reply To ..]
But company ICs are treated already like employees. The only avenue I can see for self-protection is to incorporate and that alone costs a bucket full of money to be done properly. Of course it is possible to fill out the paper work yourself but I would personally advise having an attorney draw up the papers. Seems like it is almost getting cost prohibitive to make a living. I have googled the ARRA and HITECH and you are correct, it isn't a pretty picture.
Business associates my behind, I would more likely call it screwees.


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