Articles Tagged With:
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Severe Monkeypox
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has summarized 57 cases of individuals hospitalized with severe monkeypox, most of whom were immunocompromised men and a number of whom had delayed initiation of antiviral therapy.
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Multi-State Tuberculosis Outbreak Due to Transmission from an Infected Bone Graft Product
An 80-year-old man with undiagnosed tuberculosis (TB) became a bone tissue donor after his death from a cardiac arrest. Bone graft product was given to 113 recipients in 20 states, of whom three died of TB. All living recipients were started on treatment for TB at a median of 69 days after bone product implementation.
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Limiting Testing in Febrile Young Infants with Abnormal Urinalyses
According to a 26-site study, febrile infants younger than 2 months of age who have abnormal urinalyses are at very low risk of having meningitis and might not necessarily need to be subjected to lumbar puncture.
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2022-2023: A Severe Season for Respiratory Syncytial Virus
The 2022-2023 northern hemisphere respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season began with fury, crowding hospitals and making many young children extremely ill. Meanwhile, advancing research points to potential means of better preventing RSV infection.
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Former NFL Running Back Awarded $28.5 Million in Medical Malpractice Case
In this matter, the principal issue related to the physician’s failure to evaluate, diagnose, and treat the patient’s talus bone and cartilage condition. The plaintiff argued the physician delayed and/or misdiagnosed his condition and provided improper treatment, resulting in permanent damage. Unfortunately, misdiagnosis and delay in diagnosis of orthopedic conditions are common forms of medical malpractice.
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Reduce Workers’ Comp Liability with Lift Policies, Technology
Workers’ compensation poses a significant liability risk and expense for any company — and healthcare employers face exposures unique to their industry. Technological solutions may help. Overexertion, often due to patient handling, is a common injury for healthcare employees, leading to sprains and strains of the back or shoulder.
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Remember the Basics of Good Documentation
Proper documentation requires adhering to the basic goals of fully and accurately recording the patient encounter. Depending on the circumstances, chart notes should include a brief social narrative of relevant historical data, an explanation of the reason for the encounter, subjective complaints and observations reported by the patient, objective findings on physical examination by the clinicians, a diagnosis, treatment plan, and follow-up instructions for post-discharge care.
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Physicians Sometimes Need Help to Improve Documentation
Good charts and proper documentation take time, but technology and scribes can speed the process and improve the quality of documentation.
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Improve Documentation for Compliance, Med/Mal Defense
Good documentation is the foundation of any solid malpractice defense and proper continuity of care argument, so risk managers constantly urge clinicians to make meticulous notes. But there are many ways in which documentation can fall short. Frequent education and adjustment to technological changes can be key to making good documentation.
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Not a Simple Conversation: Understand Depositions and How to Prepare
It is likely any healthcare litigation will include depositions in which clinicians and administrators are asked questions under oath. The information provided can be critical to the outcome of the case. Depositions can be stressful and difficult for people not accustomed to them. Risk managers can help by preparing participants for this experience.