Proper documentation helps avoid glaucoma malpractice suits

NEW ORLEANS — Malpractice suits by glaucoma patients can best be avoided by proper documentation, according to one physician.

B. Thomas Hutchinson, MD, presented a review of malpractice cases filed against glaucoma subspecialists insured by the Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Company. He said out of 1,600 claims filed in 17 years, there were 169 cases filed against glaucoma subspecialists.

In his presentation here at the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting, Dr. Hutchinson said the No. 1 reason for a lawsuit was a poor plan for case management and treatment.

“That means you weren’t doing your job,” Dr. Hutchinson said.

He said other reasons include poor personal or professional interface with the patient, a delay in seeing the patient, or a poorly trained or monitored office staff.

Another reason cited was that the patient was noncompliant or “abandoned, which means the patient’s treatment was not being monitored by you,” he said.

To reduce the risk of a malpractice suit, Dr. Hutchinson suggested taking a careful past and present family history of the patient and documenting everything.

“Documentation shows the quality of care to the patient and is used as a strong defense in malpractice claims,” he said.

Many physicians “pledge to improve documentation and write more complete notes” only after a claim is filed against them, Dr. Hutchinson said.

To improve documentation, the physician should state the nature of each decision or procedure; the reasonable alternatives to the intervention; and the relevant risks, benefits and uncertainties involved.

“There is no part of your practice that is immune to poor documentation,” Dr. Hutchinson said. “A claim can happen to any of us.”