Risk Management Publications

This case involves a child who was diagnosed with sickle cell disease and asthma during his first year of life,¹ and was frequently hospitalized for ear infections, upper respiratory infections, and sickle cell pain crisis. At age one, the child’s pediatrician referred him to an ENT clinic for an evaluation of his symptoms. Dr. B, an ENT surgeon, reviewed the medical records and performed a physical examination. He recommended the patient undergo a Bilateral Myringotomy Tympanostomy and Tubes (BMT) and adenoidectomy to eliminate the recurring ear infections and reported mouth breathing.

Most fall prevention programs and statistics are geared toward hospital falls and focus on the older population. However, falls resulting in injuries in a physician’s office can and do happen, and the injuries sustained can be significant.

During the pandemic, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offered regulatory permissions to promote and expand the adoption and use of telehealth services, supporting the health and safety of patients and providers alike.

This Case of the Month highlights the unfortunate scenario when a patient with mental health issues fell through the cracks within the healthcare system.

Accurate and detailed notes of patient visits and interactions help mental health professionals diagnose and treat patients quickly, safely, and accurately, and help them devise effective treatment plans.

Risk Rounds is comprised of a variety of “Pathways”— each about an hour long—that offer valuable lessons from CAP's closed claims files.

Diagnostic delays can be costly and harmful to patients. Although delayed diagnosis can occur in any medical specialty, primary care is at a significant risk for delayed diagnosis because it is where many initial and ongoing patient-doctor encounters occur.¹ One example of delayed diagnosis in the primary care setting was seen in a recent Pennsylvania case. 

As online care capabilities and frequency increase, so do the expectations for a rapid response time, which can significantly impact staff workflows within hospitals and medical office practices.