An abnormal test result typically sets in motion a number of follow-up actions by a patient’s treaters. While many of those actions will depend on the particular situation, one of them should be a constant: Telling the patient.
Patient coverage by trusted colleagues is a necessary part of practicing medicine. But post-surgical handoffs can become a focal point if things go wrong.
While California awaits a ruling from the state’s Supreme Court on a related Elder Abuse Act issue, an intermediate appellate court has rejected a patient’s attempt to blur the distinction between medical negligence and elder abuse.