Case Closed Volume 1 (Second Edition) CME — test questions

Improper performance

1. Physicians have vicarious liability for the acts of all non-physician personnel who assist them or who are employed by them.

   1. true
   2. false
    
   
   

2. Documentation of the informed consent discussion may include the following:

   1. an indication that the risks, benefits, and alternatives to the procedure or treatment were discussed with the patient
   2. copies of any patient education materials that were used or given
   3. verification that the patient understands the treatment plan and wants to proceed
   4. all of the above
    
   
   

3. In a medical liability claim or lawsuit, the term "standard of care" refers to:

   1. what the foremost expert in your specialty would have done when faced with similar circumstances
   2. what the plaintiff's attorney says you should have done under the circumstances
   3. reasonable and generally accepted medical practice and treatment based on that used by other reasonable health care professionals in the community when faced with similar circumstances
   4. the jury's determination of what you should have done under the circumstances
    
   
   

4. When using a form to document patient visits, all sections should be completed and all blanks filled in. Medical record forms left blank or unanswered may be open to conjecture by others reviewing records.

   1. true
   2. false
    
   
   

Communication errors

5. The physician's duty to obtain a patient's informed consent before a treatment or procedure can be delegated to an advanced practice nurse or a physician's assistant.

   1. true
   2. false
    
   
   

6. Allegations of communication errors can be prevented by:

   1. using electronic medical records
   2. documenting conversations with patients and family members in which important health care decisions are made
   3. implementing a process to ensure that the physician reviews consult reports or test results before they are placed in the patient's medical record
   4. b and c
    
   
   

7. Failure to inform the patient of abnormal findings from lab, imaging, or consult reports is a communication error that can initiate failure to diagnose claims.

   1. true
   2. false
    
   
   

Medical record errors

8. Upon reviewing the medical record when served with a notice of claim or lawsuit, it is acceptable to add information or "correct" the medical record to clarify events. Doing so will help your case.

   1. true
   2. false
    
   
   

9. Which of the following is not true about medical record documentation:

   1. medical records should accurately document patient encounters in a timely manner
   2. documentation should be minimal and vague; if your records are too detailed, you can be sued
   3. don't worry if your handwriting is illegible; your office staff can easily read your handwriting
   4. implementing electronic medical records can prevent most malpractice suits
   5. b, c, and d
    
   
   

10. When following up with patients who have been in the hospital, it is recommended that physicians review the patient's discharge summary so that they are aware of what took place in the hospital.

    1. true
    2. false
     
    
    

Failure to follow up

11. It is a good idea to have a process in place that ensures that the charts of patients who did not keep appointments are reviewed for medical necessity and continuity of care. Patients whose conditions require a re-visit should be contacted and reminded that it is important to their health to keep appointments.

    1. true
    2. false
     
    
    

12. Common allegations in claims involving failure to follow up include:

    1. failure to refer or obtain a consultation
    2. failure to obtain appropriate tests
    3. failure to ensure continuity of care
    4. all of the above
     
    
    

13. When a patient is cared for by multiple physicians, communication between these physicians can:

    1. clarify who will be responsible for each aspect of patient care
    2. improve patient outcomes
    3. be required only when the patient seeks treatment outside his PPO network
    4. a and b
     
    
    

Diagnostic errors

14. Just as obtaining informed consent is required before the performance of procedures or treatment, acknowledgement that you obtained informed refusal of treatment should also be a routine part of physician practice and documentation.

    1. true
    2. false
     
    
    

15. When you receive lab or consult reports, it is recommended that you:

    1. initial and date all reports when they are received
    2. note any action to be taken as a result of the report
    3. quickly respond and make appropriate referrals to a specialist if the patient's condition is outside your area of expertise
    4. all of the above
     
    
    

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Date: 02-09-2012

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