Dear Lonny
I have just been selected to undergo a peer review.
I've never been sued nor have I ever had a complaint
lodged against me (knock on wood!) and I am pretty confident
my practice is a good one. Should I be scared?
— Signed,
Ready or not
Dear Ready
Don't be scared — be prepared!
The best way to face a peer review is with the confidence
that you are at the top of your game and that the administration
and management of your practice reflects this. A pre-assessment
checkup from your health law counsel will let you know
what the assessor will be looking for and what steps
you can take to ensure that the assessor likes what
he or she sees.
At a minimum, take the following
steps to help the assessment go smoothly:
1 Close your office for
the morning or afternoon the inspection is to take place.
2 Make sure your office
is 'ship shape' — an inspection of the premises
will be made, so ensure everything's clean, drug samples
and supplies are all in their place and instruments
are properly sterilized and stored.
3 Tidy your own office and
desk — an organized office gives the impression
of an organized practice and approach to patient care.
4 Check the fridge - on
inspection day, only medications and vaccines should
be refrigerated, and the thermometer (and temperature
log) should be readily accessible and readable.
5 Check your drug samples
- no expired drugs should be there.
6 If you have narcotics,
they should be in a locked cabinet.
7 Be sure to have an emergency
kit available with appropriate drugs and instruments.
8 Document your emergency
procedures.
9 Review your patient charts
to ensure that they are organized, that your lab work
and investigations are signed and that your progress
notes are in chronological order.
The real focus of the peer review
will be on your patient care, and your charts will be
your best friend or your worst enemy. These tips are
no substitute for excellent medical records, but will,
along with good records, help you to put your best foot
forward and hopefully result in a smooth and even pleasant
assessment. For those of you who haven't yet been selected
for a peer review but are dreading that eventuality,
then consider getting a fellow physician or health lawyer
to help you make changes in your practice now, while
there's still time!
|
