This Case of the Month highlights the unfortunate scenario when a patient with mental health issues fell through the cracks within the healthcare system.
Accurate and detailed notes of patient visits and interactions help mental health professionals diagnose and treat patients quickly, safely, and accurately, and help them devise effective treatment plans.
Diagnostic delays can be costly and harmful to patients. Although delayed diagnosis can occur in any medical specialty, primary care is at a significant risk for delayed diagnosis because it is where many initial and ongoing patient-doctor encounters occur.¹ One example of delayed diagnosis in the primary care setting was seen in a recent Pennsylvania case.
As online care capabilities and frequency increase, so do the expectations for a rapid response time, which can significantly impact staff workflows within hospitals and medical office practices.