News & Knowledge Delaware Handbook: Test, Appointment, and Referral Tracking DO WE NEED TO HAVE A SYSTEM FOR TRACKING LABORATORY TESTS? Yes. Diagnostic test tracking is one of the most important risk management activities in the medical office. A high percentage of malpractice claims can be traced back to a failure in diagnostic test tracking. Claimants in such cases usually contend that each time a diagnostic test is ordered; it is the responsibility of the referring office to follow-up and takes any necessary actions. Why Tracking Systems Are Needed Physicians are held liable when necessary follow-up does not occur because physicians are thought to have a greater understanding of the patient’s condition and its implications than the patient. Patients may not understand the need for compliance with ordered testing… Are you a Curi member? The full content of this resource is available only to Curi members. Contact us if you are a member but do not have an account yet, or to learn more about becoming a Curi member. Sign in to see full post Curi’s risk mitigation resources and guidance are offered for educational and informational purposes only. This information is not medical or legal advice, does not replace independent professional judgment, does not constitute an endorsement of any kind, should not be deemed authoritative, and does not establish a standard of care in clinical settings or in courts of law. If you need legal advice, you should consult your independent/corporate counsel. We have found that using risk mitigation efforts can reduce malpractice risk; however, we do not make any guarantees that following these risk recommendations will prevent a complaint, claim, or suit from occurring, or mitigate the outcome(s) associated with any of them. READ NEXT April 8, 2024Clinical Care | Liability Insurance | Risk Management Closing the Loop on Diagnostic Error: One Hospital’s Success Analysis of malpractice claims reveals that diagnostic errors are frequent, costly, and preventable, with over half of cases involving follow-up system failures. Join us to learn… Read more April 8, 2024Clinical Care | Patient Management | Risk Management Mitigating Team Communication Harm Events This webinar explores the causes and contributing risk factors to team communication-related harm events and claims. Join us as our risk team walks through closed malpractice… Read more April 8, 2024Clinical Care | Risk Management Claims Insights: Mitigating Surgical Harm Events This webinar explores the causes and contributing risk factors to surgical-related harm events and claims. Join us as our risk team walks through closed malpractice cases… Read more