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Try Using Telehealth to Diagnose and Manage Patients with Dizziness

Because of COVID-19, many patients with dizziness may be seeking care virtually. It has become increasingly important for practitioners to be able to recognize whether there is a serious underlying cause via two-way video hookup.

Room for Improvement in Frontline Care of Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) can be frightening and debilitating. It is not uncommon for patients suffering from PNES to present to the ED for help. However, arriving at an accurate diagnosis in these cases can be tricky. Many patients with PNES are misdiagnosed, leading to frustration, morbidity, and (in many cases) harm related to inappropriate treatment.

Early Trial Results Suggest Many Acute Appendicitis Patients Could Safely Delay or Avoid Surgery

In a study, 70% of patients with appendicitis who were treated with antibiotics avoided surgery at 90 days. This creates possibilities for patients and providers for a common diagnosis in the ED.

Medical Groups Pool Resources to Promote Behavioral, Mental Health

Collaborative supports physicians trying to overcome barriers to integrating these services into primary practice.

When Hospitals Refuse to See Medicaid Patients

Serving the best interests of patients while remaining financially solvent is a high-wire act. Ethicists can help clarify a hospital’s obligations to Medicaid patients, including policies relating to admission criteria, such as for patients with inadequate funding. These policies also can clear up confusion over ethical and legal obligations to Medicaid patients who present with emergencies.

Ethical Concerns When Calling Security Is Top Tactic to Handle Agitated Patients

Police officers are not mental healthcare professionals, but often are the ones called to help a person in crisis, even if that person is in the hospital at the time. Instead, police should be teamed with a mental health professional to help de-escalate volatile situations.

Too Many EP Malpractice Claims Could Mean Liability for Hospital

In most states, hospitals already are vicariously liable for the actions of their hospital-based physicians. It is more difficult to defend the care of a clinician who is sued constantly.

Specific Items, if Well-Documented, Prove ED Met EMTALA Obligations

When CMS surveyors come on site to investigate an EMTALA complaint, the outcome often comes down to documentation.

Added Statement to NPDB Report About ED Lawsuit Is Not Always Warranted

A short statement to explain what led to a National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) report might be acceptable. A lengthy diatribe railing against the injustice of the lawsuit is not. Before submitting a response to a NPDB report, seek counsel.

Suspicious Changes to ED Chart Become Central Focus of Malpractice Lawsuit

Once someone concludes an emergency physician changed the medical record after a bad outcome, credibility (and likely the case) is lost. If there really is a valid reason to correct the electronic health record, clinicians should consult their facility’s policies and procedures regarding such corrections.