TDIC Liability Lifeline - Volume 3, 2022

Liability

Shortcuts: How Convenience May Compromise Your Practice and Patients IN THIS ISSUE A Shoutout to the Timeout 3 Slow Down for Safety 8 Sterilization: Proceed With Caution 11 A Conversation About Consent 13 Refer Responsibly 16

SHORTCUT

Vol. 3 2022

SHORTCUT

Dental professionals today face a number of financial stressors. During the summer of 2022, inflation soared to heights that had not been seen in 40 years. Dental practices are facing rising costs for all supplies because of interruptions to supply chains and elevated fuel prices caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and other global events. Additionally, dental workforce

2

shortages are making it difficult for many practices to maintain or increase their patient load.

In this financial climate, many practice leaders are actively looking for ways to cut costs and increase the efficiency of their practice teams. But when it comes to mitigating risk within dentistry, working faster is not a sound solution. Shortcuts in dental

care can result in costly errors and poor patient outcomes.

In this issue of Liability Lifeline, The Dentists Insurance Company’s Risk Management experts offer warnings about some of the common shortcuts that potentially put dentists on the rocky road of elevated risk.

Follow their guidance to avoid highpriced mistakes.

Lifeline Liability

A Shoutout to the Timeout The dental office can be a fast-paced working environment with countless distractions that can impede even the best safety practices. Shortcuts come at a high cost. Taking the time to check procedure details protects your patients and your practice by minimizing liability risks.

A case recently reported to TDIC’s Risk Management Advice Line illustrates the need for consistent protocols to confirm procedure details.

The dentist had referred a patient to an endodontist for an evaluation on teeth Nos. 14 and 15. After taking the necessary diagnostic radiographs and conducting further testing, the endodontist identified tooth No. 14 as the source of her complaint and recommended root canal therapy. The patient returned the following day for the treatment.

Halfway through the procedure, the endodontist realized that he had accessed the wrong tooth and was working on tooth No. 15 instead of tooth No. 14. He immediately completed a root canal on tooth No. 15 and then began the root canal on the correct tooth.

wrong tooth, asking the endodontist to make restitution for his error.

Taking the time to check procedure details protects your patients and your practice by minimizing liability risks.

The endodontist was dealing with health complications at the time and did not want to risk the patient involving an attorney and adding more to his stress levels, so he contacted TDIC for guidance with resolving the issue. A Risk Management analyst outlined the endodontist’s options and recommended that he work with a TDIC claims representative for an optimal resolution as the patient

was now making a demand for financial compensation. The claims representative and the insured were able to reach a settlement with the patient in exchange for signing a release of liability form.

Timeout for confirmation To establish a proactive plan for preventing mishaps, the Joint Commission requires accredited dental practices to implement a timeout before all surgical procedures. Even if it’s not required for some dental offices, all practices should strongly consider implementing a timeout policy to help ensure that the actual recommended treatment is properly performed on the correct patient.

A timeout is the last in a series of steps established by the Joint Commission’s Universal Protocol for Preventing Wrong Site, Wrong Procedure, Wrong Person Surgery and is defined as an immediate pause by the entire surgical team to confirm the correct patient, procedure and site.

After completing the procedure, the endodontist informed the patient of the incident and offered to waive the fees for treatment on both teeth.

He also promised to take care of tooth No. 15 should it require any treatment in the future.

A few days later, the office received a demand letter from the patient regarding the “mistake of drilling” the continued on page 4

3

continued from page 3

How to take a timeout Prior to invasive or irreversible treatment, a timeout ensures the correct patient receives the intended treatment at the proper site. All team members, including the dentist, dental assistants and office staff, play a significant role in conducting a timeout.

The timeout is initiated by a designated member of the treatment team, usually the dentist, and begins with a preprocedural verification of the patient, the procedure and the site of the procedure to be performed.

It also involves interactive verbal communication with the patient, if possible, and all team members.

During timeout, any team member can express concerns about the procedure verification.

The timeout is conducted in a failsafe mode, meaning that the procedure is not initiated until all questions or concerns have been resolved. It also includes a process for reconciling differences in responses among team members. The completed components of the timeout should be clearly documented in the patient’s records.

The Joint Commission does not require providers to individually document each step of the timeout.

One check box or a brief note regarding the successful completion of the timeout, located in a consistent location in the patient record, is adequate documentation if the full content of the timeout is specified elsewhere, such as in a policy handbook, according to the Joint Commission.

The Joint Commission’s universal protocol also includes surgical site marking; however, surgical site marking is not a feasible method for dental procedures. Therefore, dental 4

professionals are considered exempt from the site-marking requirement.

Prior to invasive or irreversible treatment, a timeout ensures the correct patient receives the intended treatment at the proper site.

The Joint Commission recommends that dentists and oral specialists take the following steps: • Review the dental record, including the medical history, laboratory findings, appropriate charts and dental radiographs. Indicate the tooth numbers or mark the tooth site or surgical site on the odontogram

or radiograph to be added to the patient record.

• Ensure that radiographs are properly oriented, and visually confirm that the correct teeth or tissues have been charted.

• Verify completion of the informed consent process, ensuring any questions or concerns from the patient are addressed.

• Conduct a timeout to verify patient tooth and procedure with a staff member present at the time of t he procedure.

• For patients referred to a specialist, review the referral slip to verify the procedure for which the patient was referred.

TDIC’s Risk Management analysts suggest practice leaders educate and train staff on the office’s timeout policy so they can engage in the process of making sure all components of the timeout are completed.

Employer’s liability for employee negligence In addition to conducting a timeout before treatment, practice owners and dental teams should undergo the verification process anytime the responsibility of care for the patient is transferred to another dentist within the practice or when the patient is being referred to another provider for treatment.

In many cases, the practice owner could be held vicariously liable for the negligence of their employees.

In another case reported to the Risk Management Advice Line, a patient arrived at the dental office for an extraction that had previously been diagnosed by the practice owner.

The extraction was performed by an associate dentist who was not involved in the initial consultation.

The patient returned to the office a few days later for treatment on a

different quadrant with a different associate dentist. After reviewing the patient’s treatment plan, the dentist noticed that the previous associate had extracted the wrong tooth.

The dentist informed the patient and recommended a consultation with the practice owner. After learning about the issue, the owner reassured the patient that he would do whatever it took to fix the problem.

A short time later, the office received an intent to commence litigation notice from the patient’s attorney.

While the outcome of the case is unavailable due to the claim still being open, it underscores how easily a wrongsite procedure can occur without the implementation of a timeout and how quickly these incidents can escalate.

This incident could have been easily avoided had the associate dentist verified the details of the procedure prior to beginning treatment.

Although the practice owner was not the one who performed the procedure, he could have been held liable.

Employers are considered responsible for their employees’ actions while they are on the job and are considered able to prevent and/or limit any negligence by the employees. It is in the practice owner’s best interest to exercise reasonable care to prevent negligent behavior.

In many cases, the practice owner could be held vicariously liable for the negligence of their employees.

A timeout policy promotes a patientcentered safety environment for team members who are all empowered to work on behalf of the patient. It also demonstrates to patients the conscientious measures undertaken by the practice to ensure patient safety.

TDIC recommends dentists consider incorporating a timeout policy to help prevent errors like wrong teeth being treated or treatment performed on the wrong patient. By implementing a timeout policy in the dental office, the practice owner is opening the lines of communication between all members of the team and creating a safe space for team members to feel comfortable enough to speak up before, during or after a procedure. A few extra moments invested in timeout will result in dividends with increased professionalism, team unification and more patient and provider confidence.

5

Welcome to dentistry.

Looking for exceptional protection from people who understand your profession?

We are The Dentists Insurance Company, TDIC, and protecting dentists is all we do.

Our new graduate program makes it easier and more affordable to obtain comprehensive coverage as you’re just starting out.

$0-50

45%

25%

for your first year of Professional Liability coverage*

discount in year two

discount in year three

No-cost

Quick & easy

expert risk management guidance by phone

request a quote online

Plan to have coverage through your employer or practice? Talk to our experts about the type and amount of coverage new dentists need.

Learn more at tdicinsurance.com/newgrad.

Scan here:

*First-year TDIC Professional Liability coverage rates are $0 in AZ and IL, $50 in ID, TN, MT, OR, WA, AK, CA, HI, MN, NJ, NV, ND and PA. Rates depicted are for new and never-practiced dentists, licensed within the last 12 months and are valid for $1M/$3M coverage amounts. Rates increase until a mature policy is reached. The Dentists Insurance Company | 1201 K Street, 17th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814 | CA Lic. #2361-4

Need guidance with a complex issue?

We’re here for you! The Dentists Insurance Company offers tools to navigate potential liabilities in the areas of documentation, employment, patient care, property and more.

TDIC policyholders can tap into resources, guidance and education to mitigate the risks of practicing dentistry today.

Time-saving Resources • Dentistry-specific reference guides • Multilingual informed consent forms • State-specific forms and templates One-on-One Guidance • No-cost Risk Management Advice Line • Dedicated analysts with unique expertise • Convenient online appointment scheduling Ongoing Education • C.E.-eligible live, expert-led seminars • Convenient on-demand eLearning options • Articles and insights on trending risk topics Plus, policyholders can earn C.E. and lock in discounts on professional liability premiums by completing a risk management seminar.

Explore the benefits at tdicinsurance.com/RM.

Scan here:

@TDICinsurance | tdicinsurance.com | CA Lic # 2361-4 Terms and conditions may apply. Visit tdicinsurance.com/Seminars for additional details.

Slow Down for Safety The challenges of day-to-day work in a busy dental practice may cause feelings of being overwhelmed or constantly needing to catch up.

Rushing to get tasks done gives a false impression of efficiency rather than increased productivity. In dentistry, the reality is that rushing may cause errors that lead to costly mistakes and liabilities.

TDIC’s Risk Management Advice Line takes calls from dentists facing potential claims or lawsuits that can be the result of preventable oversights.

Risk Management analysts have pinpointed some common situations where rushing has led to missing important steps and increased risk.

Documentation shortcuts When it comes to managing risks, the importance of proper documentation cannot be overemphasized. Accurate and complete records are the first line of defense in liability claims, and dentists should regularly and thoroughly review patient charts. Patient records get shortchanged when dentists and their staff members are pressured to hurry.

At a minimum, the following should be included in patient records: • A signed treatment plan.

• A signed financial agreement.

• A current health history form.

• Documentation of any informedconsent discussions.

8

Reliance on automated tools While the widespread adoption of electronic health records (EHR) may offer certain benefits to health care providers, including the increased quality and efficiency of patient care, dentists should be aware that certain EHR documentation practices may expose them to serious legal implications. Specifically, the use of certain EHR documentation tools and shortcuts may result in the creation of records that are inconsistent or inaccurate.

One particularly dangerous EHR documentation shortcut is copying information recorded during a previous patient encounter and pasting it into the record as current documentation.

This shortcut, also referred to as “cloning” or “carrying forward,” is a widespread practice among providers.

While copying and pasting can save valuable time, it can also result in documentation errors that compromise patient safety and the integrity of a patient’s record.

In dentistry, the reality is that rushing may cause errors that lead to costly mistakes and liabilities.

Another potentially risky EHR documentation practice is the use of auto-filled templates.

Auto-filled templates are an EHR feature that can save dentists valuable time. However, when dentists fail to review and edit the auto-filled data to ensure the accuracy of the information entered into the record, they can create serious documentation errors.

To reduce the risks associated with EHR documentation practices when using EHRs, follow the following guidance from Risk Management analysts: • Confirm that any copied and pasted information accurately reflects the current patient encounter.

Lifeline Liability

• Avoid copying and pasting whole notes.

• Exercise extreme care when copying and pasting elements of a patient’s history or previous visits.

• Be cautious when using EHR templates with check boxes, pre-defined answers, pulldown menus and limited space to enter information.

• Make certain that any automatically populated information accurately depicts the patient’s condition and the level of service provided during the current visit.

• Train staff on how to properly document using an EHR. • Verify the accuracy of all records prior to their submission.

Risk Management analysts advise dentists to instruct their staff members to document all interactions with patients, whether they are in person, on the phone or electronic.

Help your team recognize times to be especially vigilant with documentation, such as when patients call to report a concern or adverse treatment outcome.

Provide them with specific information to gather and input in the patient’s record during this type of interaction.

Along with documenting the time of call and patient’s concern, staff members should note when the call was received, when the concerning symptoms began and the best time and method to reach the patient for followup. Most importantly, staff responses and any follow-up attempts should also be documented.

Charting errors and privacy violations Inputting information like radiographs or a health history into the wrong patient’s chart can lead

to billing errors, treatment mistakes or even HIPAA violations. Risk Management analysts recommend a multi-step verification process when accessing a patient’s records. One charting error that is increasingly common is placing digital X-ray images into the wrong patient’s file.

Risk Management analysts advise dentists to instruct their staff members to document all interactions with patients, whether they are in person, on the phone or electronic.

Privacy violations are common when staff members are asked to provide billing or treatment information. To

quickly provide answers, staff may fail to check the patient’s chart to verify that the person requesting information is authorized by the patient or patient’s guardian to receive the information.

Releasing patient information without consent can be a costly HIPAA violation and necessitate diverting office resources to reporting the error and responding to an investigation by Health and Human Services.

Referral slip mishaps Reviewing information provided when making a referral is also essential.

When staff provide referral slips to patients or other dentists (such as specialists), it is imperative that time is taken to verify the accuracy and details of the referral. The referring dentist should review the slip to ensure the appropriate and necessary information is provided.

It is also advisable for dentists to follow up with patients who are referred to other providers to determine if the patient followed through, to ask about their experience with the referring 9

continued from page 9

To prevent product misuse, spend time implementing a multi-step verification system. Review the patient’s chart to make sure the products to be used for treatment are not contraindicated due to allergies or medical conditions. Be especially aware of verification when staff are handing over anesthetic solutions or materials during treatment.

One of the unfortunate mishaps that has been reported to Risk Management is instruments being placed for use when they have not gone through the complete sterilization process. doctor and, when indicated, to make arrangements to schedule the patient for follow-up care.

Skipping sterilization Infection control breaches can occur when staff may be rushed to set up a room for treatment. One of the unfortunate mishaps that has been reported to Risk Management is instruments being placed for use when they have not gone through the complete sterilization process.

Do not overlook the equipment used to sterilize instruments. Take time on a regular basis to change sterilizer door gaskets, bellows and fill filters. Run a complete sterilization cycle to observe 10

any signs of malfunction (such as a steam leak). Whenever equipment is removed from the sterilizer, first check the indicator strips to verify that sterilization is complete.

Develop a cadence or check system that your practice team can use to verify proper sterilization and maintain a robust approach to infection control.

Wrong product Rushing or inattention can lead to the wrong product being handed to a dentist during a procedure. This mistake can be just as problematic as an infection control breach, leading to injury or accidental overdose.

As a dentist, you have an obligation to protect your patients and ensure that the correct procedure, material and medication are provided.

Encourage your practice team to spend the time necessary to ensure treatment rooms are set up appropriately based on the patient and the treatment to be performed.

Taking things slowly may take some patience but reduces the impact of risk on your patients and your practice. A methodical approach to patient care improves patient outcomes, reduces the risk of untoward events and creates a unified and cohesive approach for all team members.

Lifeline Liability

Sterilization: Proceed With Caution These are the most frequent causes of unsterilized instruments being placed back in use.

Avoid these errors to minimize risk.

Overloaded sterilizers

Lack of signage

• The main cause of failed sterilizations are overloaded sterilizers that take longer to reach optimum temperature. When items are packed too closely together, they may not come in contact with enough sterilizing agent, leading to improper sterilization of all instruments. Consult your manual for recommended loading instructions.

• In the sterilization area, there should be designated clean and dirty sides clearly labeled and visible to all employees.

Failure to verify steps of sterilization • Once instruments are loaded, the autoclave door is properly locked and the start cycle has begun, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for verifying start and completion of the cycle.

• Rather than simply noticing the autoclave is “hot to the touch,” dental team members should verify completed sterilization by following the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Failure to check for chemical indicator changes • Taking time to view if the chemical indictor has changed color while taking instruments out is crucial.

• Rushing or unloading an autoclave too fast can cause unsterilized instruments to be accidentally placed in clinical areas.

• Visible signage is particularly helpful for new or temporary employees.

Improper packing and sealing of pouches • The recommended process is that following 5-10 minutes in the ultrasonic cleaner, instruments should be rinsed and dried before they are bagged in a designated bagging area. The last step is loading them into the sterilizer.

• Always fold the seal properly to the dotted line to ensure that instruments are properly sealed upon loading.

Infrequent spore testing • A spore test should be used on each sterilizer at least weekly. Users should follow the manufacturer’s directions for how to place the biological indicator in the sterilizer.

• Document and maintain spore test results according to your state dental board’s requirements.

11

Protecting dentists.

It’s all we do. ®

At The Dentists Insurance Company, our name is our promise. Practice with the confidence that you’re covered by TDIC, and our singular focus is you.

Unique understanding of dentists’ needs Unmatched experience and proven expertise Earned dental association endorsements Comprehensive coverage at a fair price Rated A by AM Best for 28 years in a row .

See the difference at tdicinsurance.com. @TDICinsurance | tdicinsurance.com | Lic # 2361-4

12

AM Best Company rating effective February 2022. For the latest rating, access ambest.com.

Lifeline Liability

The Dentists Insurance Company reminds dentists that while informedconsent discussions vary from treatment to treatment, information should always include the following: • The nature of the recommended treatment.

• The risks, complications and benefits of the recommended treatment, including the likelihood of success.

• The alternatives to that treatment, including choosing no treatment, and the consequences of not undertaking the proposed treatment.

• An explanation of the treatment plan’s expected sequence of events.

• Documentation and verification that the discussion took place.

A Conversation About Consent A common allegation in many professional liability claims is the lack of informed consent. Patients argue that if they had known about the possibility of certain complications or risks, they would have made a different decision regarding their dental treatment options. One of the best ways dentists can protect themselves in these cases is by ensuring patients are armed with the facts needed to make informed decisions.

Informed consent requires a dentist to explain the likelihood of success of a given procedure and its risks, benefits and alternatives. A dentist, not a staff member, must lead this conversation.

The amount of time spent discussing options and answering a patient’s questions depends on the level of risk.

Higher risk levels and more invasive

treatment are two indicators that more time and detail should be spent informing the patient about the risks, benefits and alternatives to treatment, including no treatment at all. Patients have the right to refuse treatment even if you believe they are making a poor decision.

Informed consent requires a dentist to explain the likelihood of success of a given procedure and its risks, benefits and alternatives.

• TDIC has a variety of informed consent forms for policyholders to download.

TDIC’s Risk Management Advice Line analysts have observed several scenarios in which informed-consent discussions can become complicated.

Complications sometimes lead dentists to skip some of the crucial elements of consent to proceed with scheduled treatment. Take particular care to ensure proper avenues for documented consent are followed in the following scenarios: Language barriers. If a patient is hearing impaired, the dentist is obligated by Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act to provide a sign language interpreter free of charge.

If the patient speaks a language not spoken by the dentist, your state may have legislation requiring you to provide a translator if the patient is unable to do so. Dentists who are subject to Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act must provide language translation

free of charge. Proceed with caution in situations where a non-English13

continued from page 13

speaking patient brings a minor child to translate, as a minor may not have the capacity to relay complex information adequately or accurately.

Minor patients. Only parents or a legal guardian can provide consent for minor patients. In cases of divorce, it’s not always clear which parent is responsible for treatment decisions. For parents with joint custody, many offices implement policies that designate one parent as responsible for both financial and treatment decisions. The parents must decide who will be the designated parent and the office must keep a signed record of this decision on file. TDIC policyholders can download a sample Responsible Parent form for minor patients. If in doubt, TDIC recommends requesting legal documentation of custody.

Emancipated minors (emancipated by legal decree) can provide their own informed consent.

Impaired patients. Patients must be mentally competent and able

to understand the treatment options and ramifications of consenting to that treatment. It is up to the dentist’s professional judgement to make the determination regarding the patient’s mental competency.

When patients of any age present with communicative and cognitive impairments, the presumption of consent can be called into question.

This particularly applies to geriatric patients, the mentally ill or patients who are physically unable to communicate. In these cases, an informed-consent discussion should not be held without an authorized agent present to represent the patient’s interests.

Patients who are impaired due to the use of alcohol or drugs are also unable to fully participate in informed-consent discussions. This means that any consent forms signed while a patient is impaired due to substance use may be contested and considered invalid.

Don’t skip documentation!

Time spent informing a patient of their treatment options and receiving consent is time wasted unless both the discussion and patient’s consent to treatment are properly documented and filed in the patient’s record. Informed consent must be treatment specific. If the patient has an extensive treatment plan and receives treatment in various phases over an extended period, the informed-consent discussion must be an ongoing process throughout treatment.

TDIC’s Risk Management analysts do not recommend using general consent forms, as they are not specific enough to be effective and may not stand up in court. Policyholders can utilize downloadable consent forms in 10 different languages for 16 common procedures.

Although patients ultimately decide which treatment avenues to take, their signed forms are not always enough to protect a dentist from liability. Patients cannot consent to substandard care, irrespective of whether they sign consent forms.

Downgrading a diagnosis to fit a patient’s benefit plan or performing a procedure that does not match the diagnostic findings are not only inappropriate but are considered supervised neglect. Your education, training, knowledge and experience in dentistry are presumed greater than that of your patient, making you responsible for providing appropriate, optimal treatment.

After taking the time to clearly communicate with your patient and document their consent, you can provide the best treatment possible with confidence.

14

Lifeline Liability

Love your practice with less paperwork.

Manage your TDIC account online, anytime.

Let The Dentists Insurance Company keep you covered and confident, so you can focus on the parts of practice you love.

Our website has more than a fresh new look. It’s also now faster and easier to manage your policy when and how it works for you.

•

Pay a bill or set up recurring debits

•

Submit a claim and track its status

•

View and download policy documents

•

Access more risk management tools

Sign in and explore enhanced features or learn more at tdicinsurance.com.

Looking for one-on-one guidance navigating insurance options? We’re always here for you. . @TDICinsurance | tdicinsurance.com | CA Lic. #2361-4

13

Refer Responsibly Referring a patient to another provider is not the equivalent of passing the baton to another runner to finish a relay race. Dentists can, and certainly have, faced liability claims stemming from negligent referrals. Successful referrals not only require careful consideration, but they also require strong communication, thorough documentation and proactive follow-up.

Specialty referral is an integral part of every general practice. From a risk perspective, general dentists should consider their level of skill, experience and training in specialty procedures, including their ability to respond to potential treatment complications, as part of the process in making a referral to a specialist.

Patients should be given all the information needed to make an informed decision about their care, including the option to seek care from a specialist.

Informed consent is a critical component of reducing risk related to referrals. Patients should be given all the information needed to make an informed decision about their care, including the option to seek care from a specialist. Involving patients

16

in decision-making and offering options for appropriate specialists can support the ultimate goal of high-quality and patient-centered care.

TDIC’s Risk Management analysts are available to guide dentists with mitigating referral risks by taking the time to adequately communicate, document and follow up on patient referrals.

Communication Effective communication is critical to a successful referral and shared decision-making. Along with explaining why the referral is needed for optimal treatment of their diagnosis, reassure the patient that you will continue to be their dentist and assist in managing their specialized care to ensure the best possible outcome.

To avoid the potential for miscommunication or misunderstandings, provide a formal, written referral. TDIC offers downloadable sample referral letters to their policyholders.

If a patient elects to see a specialist with whom you are not familiar, explain to the patient why a particular specialist has been provided and the process your practice implements when creating a specialist network. You can also offer to reach out to their chosen referral to gather additional information about the specialist’s qualifications, training and treatment philosophy. Otherwise, share with the patient that your specialty referral would remain the same.

To avoid the potential for miscommunication or misunderstandings, provide a formal, written referral.

TDIC recommends that dentists establish and deploy a referral selection criterion and consider the specialist's qualifications, experience, training and knowledge of the procedure for which the patient is being referred, along with their standing in the dental community and patient feedback. Your trust in and ability to communicate with specialty providers is vital to the successful management of patient referrals

Documentation Thorough documentation is the strongest defense if a liability claim occurs following a referral.

Documenting the evaluation, treatment and discussions with the patient leading up to the referral is imperative. The following should be kept in the patient chart: • Copies of written communication, including referral letters.

• Evidence of verbal communication, such as in-office conversations and phone calls.

• Evidence of any consultations with the specialist.

• Documentation of a patient’s refusal or noncompliance.

Lifeline Liability

• Evidence of efforts to assist the patient in overcoming refusal or nonadherence.

• Documentation of informed-consent discussions.

• Determining whether the patient has agreed to the referral.

Follow-Up Dentists are reminded that referring patients outside their practice should not be a case of “out of sight, out of mind.” Their obligation to patients does not end once they walk out the door with a referral slip. Dentists must collaborate with specialists to ensure a successful treatment outcome, and communication is an essential component of this process. If an issue or a problem arises, they must respond

quickly and attempt to resolve the issue in a timely manner. Although specialists typically contact the referring dentist after treatment, the onus is on the general dentist to close the communication loop.

Your trust in and ability to communicate with specialty providers is vital to the successful management of patient referrals.

Stay informed about the referred patient’s case by obtaining the following from the treating provider: • The date of treatment.

• The treatment outcome.

• Modifications to the recommended treatment (if any).

• Any complications encountered during the treatment.

• Dates of scheduled follow-up care.

Protect your patients and reduce potential liabilities by taking the necessary steps to refer responsibly.

17

Lifeline Liability

Liability Lifeline is published by: The Dentists Insurance Company 1201 K Street, 14th Floor Sacramento, California 95814

©2022, The Dentists Insurance Company

Endorsed by: Alaska Dental Society California Dental Association Hawaii Dental Association Idaho State Dental Association Illinois State Dental Society Nevada Dental Association New Jersey Dental Association Oregon Dental Association Washington State Dental Association Also in: Arizona, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Pennsylvania and Tennessee

TDIC reports information from sources considered reliable but cannot guarantee its accuracy.

Need one-on-one risk management guidance?

• Get answers to your critical questions through a confidential phone consultation with an experienced TDIC risk management analyst.

• Request a consultation at a time that’s convenient for you at tdicinsurance.com/RMconsult or by calling 877.269.8844.

Protecting dentists. It’s all we do.

®

Risk Management Advice Line | 800.733.0633 | tdicinsurance.com

@TDICinsurance