Re: inappropriate patients

[Guest guest]

,

I do let the surgeon know if the patient was inappropriate(I had a guy

throw things at me and push the table towards me because what I told him was

different the a website he was reading, well he was also bipolar)I stop the

session and called the surgeon and let him know I stopped the interview. The pt

surgery was cancelled due to inappropriate behavior. We have an understanding

her that if a pt is inappropriate before surgery, how are they going to treat

the staff and be compliant afterwards. I had a lady tell me she was bulimic and

a food addict, We I told the surgeon he said I'll talk the word of a

professional meaning the psychologist, and did the surgery anyway. The main

point is to document everything and let them know. I also let the administrator

of the hospital know, so it covers myself. I know its a struggle and our

judgment is not appreciated

Janelle Heusinger RD/LD

Grinnell Medical Center

641-236-2488

inappropriate patients

Dear listserv,

I need help! Here's my situation: I had a discussion with the surgeon

about a patient that was questionable and she said she can't send my

assessment to insurance 'cause they will prob. deny the surgery. Note: I

didn't say that the patient was inappropriate...all I said is that I

couldn't assess the diet compliance at this time and that it was recommended

for him to come back in order to determine if any changes were made and if

he could be compliant. So, my question is: Do you assess diet compliance?

If you feel a patient is not appropriate how to you word it for insurance

purposes. I know there have been times when a dietitian has not agreed with

the surgeons and the surgery is done anyway, so in that case what do you

write. The surgeon basically said to me that my only role was to assess

eating disorders and give the education. I'm not saying the patient

shouldn't have surgery, but based on my judgment I can't say he'll be

successful and comply. Thanks a lot.

-- Cunha, RD

goliveoyl22@...

P.S. We just recently started the program, so I'm new to all of this.

[Guest guest]

,

Your surgeon evidently doesn't have much regard for your professional worth.

Our surgeons always value our opinion about a patient's candidacy and are all

for return nutrition visits or even our opinion if a Pt. is not a good

nutritional candidate, at all. I question if this doctor is more in it for the

money than for the overall well-being of the patient. I would have a hard time

ethically working with a Doc like this. My suggestion would be to try to

arrange to meet with him and explain your concerns. If he still doesn't give

you much regard, I would take it to someone higher up the latter or be looking

for a new job.

Just my thoughts,

Barbara