Appendicitis is one of the most common surgical emergencies in the United States. However, the diagnosis of appendicitis is missed in 3.8%-15.0% of children and 5.9%-23.5% of adults during emergency department (ED) visits.

Although relatively rare, dental injuries can have serious clinical consequences, such as pain and infection, and significant financial and legal implications.

Communication about treatment and care is a critical component of a solid patient-physician relationship, and important for achieving positive patient outcomes. Lapses in dialogue from healthcare professionals can be harmful to the patient and may be a liability for the provider.

For many practices, the medical assistant is a crucial member of the healthcare team and plays a vital role in carrying out a variety of routine tasks that keep your office running smoothly.

When a specialist treats a referred patient, making clear who will be managing particular aspects of the patient’s ongoing care can help avoid finger-pointing down the road.