The California Court of Appeal has ruled that a physician assistant’s practice arrangement attenuated his required physician supervision so as to amount to the unauthorized practice of medicine. Rodney Eugene Davis, a physician assistant, set up a liposuction business and met with an anesthesiologist, Jerrell Borup, MD, to provide the physician supervision of his activities required under California Business & Professions Code Section 3502.

In this “Case of the Month“, we examine problems related to photography and the uploading of what may be considered inappropriate content with possible sanctions and criminal implications for the patient or patient’s family.

A 45-year-old female, “Ms. Patient,” with a history of diabetic neuropathy, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and high BMI was seen in a medical office for complaints of left shoulder pain that occurred after heavy lifting. On presentation to the clinic, Ms. Patient’s heart rate was 128/minute.

We’ve all heard the term “speed kills.” Just like a road or freeway is engineered with consideration of vehicles in motion towards an established maximum safe speed, the medical office, too, is designed for efficient, safe care at a maximum limit.

What is the appropriate time frame for completing medical record documentation in the office setting? According to Medicare, “the service should be documented during, or as soon as practicable after it is provided, in order to maintain an accurate medical record.”