Re: Personal injury

[Guest guest]

All visits are documented. If it is a no show, no call that is how it is

documented. If the patient calls and cancels, and reschedules that is not

necessarily documented because the session was reschedule. If unable to

reschedule, the reason for the cancellation is documented. Lawyers do not

dictate how we document. No-show, no call is negative. It is not my place to

make a case for the attorney it is our place to provide legitimate services.

Did you know that in many states that the amount of award for medical can be

triple of charges? We have had patient and attorneys attempt to get us to

continue treatment when we said patient is ready for discharge. We tell them

that if the goals are met and patient is functional that is what we will

document. We also state we document all phone calls from attorneys.

Pat

Pat Corrigan Jobes, PT

Director of Rehabilitation Services

Methodist Healthcare-North Hospital

3960 New Covington Pike

Memphis, Tn 38128

Phone: (901)384-5320

Fax: (901)384-5099

E-Mail: jobesm@...

>>> " Tom Howell " 01/11/01 03:36PM >>>

Hello,

I have a question for the group. In my private outpatient clinic, I see a small

percentage of personal injury cases. In these cases (ie auto accidents) where

there is an attorney involved, how are you handling documentation?

Are you doing it per treatment? weekly?

What about documenting visits: For the first time, I have had feedback from

lawyers who are concerned at the documentation of a " no-show " . They are

reporting to me that this language is always taken as a negative (even if a

reason is clearly documented). Is there another term that is preferred and that

you are using?

What about documenting cancellations?

Your input would be appreciated.

Tom Howell, PT

The Physical Therapy of Boise

Biose, Idaho