Liability for Referrals to Other Physicians

Continuum (Minneap Minn). 2018 Apr;24(2, Spinal Cord Disorders):603-608. doi: 10.1212/CON.0000000000000586.

Abstract

This article presents four hypothetical cases that demonstrate ways in which neurologists may be vulnerable to liability for how they manage patients they refer to other physicians for consultations. This article also discusses the importance of protecting neurologists from claims of negligence through documentation, which includes the rationale for ordering a consultation, deferring a consultation, or disagreeing with a consultant's recommendations. Lastly, the article discusses the importance of including patients in the decision-making process and detailing these conversations in the medical record.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Communication
  • Decision Making*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurologists*
  • Physician's Role*
  • Physicians
  • Referral and Consultation*