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Assuming an EHR automatically decreases medical record errors is risky. While some medical record errors may diminish, others that are unique to EHR use may arise. It is important to identify these potential risks and put systems in place to catch and correct errors before they cause patient injuries.

When cosmetic breast surgery performed by a physician who has not gone through formal plastic surgery training has an unintended result and a lawsuit results, the plaintiff and defendant will most likely seek the opinions of plastic surgeons on whether the defendant physician comported with the standard of care. As the following case study indicates, it can be difficult for plastic surgeons to support such surgery.

Timing must be a primary consideration when contemplating termination of treatment. To avoid abandonment, a physician must give a patient a reasonable opportunity to safely continue care with another healthcare provider. Patients with acute conditions may find it next to impossible to safely locate a new provider. For various other patients — the indigent, rural dwellers, individuals with rare conditions or combinations of conditions — it could take longer than average. Safely dismissing patients in these circumstances may take additional effort, planning and documentation.¹

Inadequate coverage arrangements can lead to abandonment allegations. Any time you are unavailable to your practice (e.g., on vacation, observing holidays, attending medical conferences, suffering from an illness, treating other patients, etc.) appropriate coverage must be arranged. The following case studies highlight the risks of poorly planned coverage.

A patient with a potential post-operative complication should not be terminated until the complication is resolved.