RE: [EXTERNAL] Daily Meetings with Hospitalists
I whole completely agree with Robert about the risks.
What is it that particular physician was looking for?
If his expectation is to have a summary of the patients that have outstanding queries (so that he can look for the query and address in a note as part of his normal workflow) that would likely be both worthwhile and low risk. Even if he also looking for a summary of what the the queries are (need specificity regarding heart failure, need specificity about the infection, need clarity about renal status, etc. and phrased or discussed in that way, might also be acceptable).
However, if there is ANY suggestion or request about WHAT to write -- run away!!!!
In some ways, I'd view this and handle this in the same way you'd handle a verbal query (either initiated verbally, or if the provider contacts you to discuss a query presented 'written') (assuming that by existing CDI policy verbal queries/conversations are acceptable and there is provided guidance on how to do so).
Probably a good idea to frequently remind the physician in context of these conversations that it would be NON-compliant to suggest what to write ...
As far as CFO, I'd keep generating queries, mark them as closed when documentation in the record addresses the question, recording outcomes, etc. There does not need to be a direct response the the query (on the form, electronically, etc.) to be comfortable in saying the additional documentation was a result of CDI activities.
Donald A. Butler, RN, BSN
Manager, Clinical Documentation Advisor Program
Vidant Health, Greenville NC
252-847-6855
What is it that particular physician was looking for?
If his expectation is to have a summary of the patients that have outstanding queries (so that he can look for the query and address in a note as part of his normal workflow) that would likely be both worthwhile and low risk. Even if he also looking for a summary of what the the queries are (need specificity regarding heart failure, need specificity about the infection, need clarity about renal status, etc. and phrased or discussed in that way, might also be acceptable).
However, if there is ANY suggestion or request about WHAT to write -- run away!!!!
In some ways, I'd view this and handle this in the same way you'd handle a verbal query (either initiated verbally, or if the provider contacts you to discuss a query presented 'written') (assuming that by existing CDI policy verbal queries/conversations are acceptable and there is provided guidance on how to do so).
Probably a good idea to frequently remind the physician in context of these conversations that it would be NON-compliant to suggest what to write ...
As far as CFO, I'd keep generating queries, mark them as closed when documentation in the record addresses the question, recording outcomes, etc. There does not need to be a direct response the the query (on the form, electronically, etc.) to be comfortable in saying the additional documentation was a result of CDI activities.
Donald A. Butler, RN, BSN
Manager, Clinical Documentation Advisor Program
Vidant Health, Greenville NC
252-847-6855