Risk Management

Tip

Physicians, as well as office staff, spend considerable time working within the framework of office systems as they care for the needs of their patients.  Office systems involve many different people.  It is for this reason the entire clinic, including the physicians, must be involved in the establishment and maintenance of the office systems.  Like a chain, a system is as strong as it's weakest link.

The opinion of risk managers is that systems breakdown accounts for 20% of professional liability claims.  Most of these systems are working well, are simple and become an automatic part of the way things are done.  However, data obtained through office review programs make it clear that occasionally there is a lack of systems in place.  More common, and perhaps more important, there is a break (deficiency or discrepancy) of an established system.  Considerable liability may result if a patient is seriously injured as a result of this break.  Therefore, it is worth the time to review these systems and be sure everyone understands the process so the intended goals are accomplished.

A few systems that are common in a physicians office are:

• Recording allergies

• Physician review of diagnostic reports prior to filing

• Fail-safe system for return of diagnostic reports

• Follow-up on patients with serious problems

• Timely dictation and transcription

• Informing patients of abnormal studies

• Recording and monitoring medication lists

• Recording maintenance of equipment

• Updating any emergency medical equipment

• Staff training including system of telephone triage

You will be able to think of many other systems that are involved in your workplace.  As the new year begins, it is timely to review these systems and see if they are working.  This will not only save time, it will be a strong risk management effort.

Phone: 503-371-8228 or 1-800-243-3503
Email info@npictdc.com
Northwest Physicians Insurance Company Copyright (c) 1998
2965 Ryan Drive S.E., Salem, Oregon 97301