Question: Post-Cath Note Completed Before the Procedure Began Dr. Benjamin, a physician consultant, noted that a cardiologist had documented a post-procedure catheterization note before the procedure was completed. The physician consultant discussed with the cardiologist the inappropriate record entry and had a peer-to-peer discussion to help the surgeon understand the ramifications of his actions. The organization was most grateful for the way the physician surveyor managed the situation as it made their job much easier in addressing the issue with the surgeon, whose non-adherence to hospital and medical staff policy the organization had difficulty trying to handle over the past year. They were pleased with the process.
1. Should Dr. Benjamin have spent an afternoon of a 3-day consulting assignment to assist the organization in resolving this issue, or could his time have been utilized by conducting a thorough review of the organization to determine the areas that needed improvement, as per the contract with the organization and the reason the physician was conducting the overall organization patient care review? Discuss your answer.
2. Who should have handled the discipline issues with the physician? Explain your answer.
3. How should the hospital deal with the cardiologist?