Scenario 1 of 4: Transfer Protocol

You are the primary care physician for 67-year-old Ms. Gonzales. When she presents to you with shortness of breath and swelling in her legs, you refer her to a cardiologist and tell her to follow up soon. You also order an echocardiogram. You plan to follow her progress as she is transferred from your care to the specialist.

You chose Option A. Good choice.

Consequence:
Your conversation allows the cardiologist to understand Ms. Gonzales' history. You agree to help the patient make an appointment, and the cardiologist alerts his staff to arrange for her to be seen urgently. According to your office protocol, a designated assistant ensures that the relevant patient information is faxed to the cardiologist before the appointment.

	directing more attention and time for patient education about the seriousness of a recommended test, appointment, or trip to an urgent care facility;
	transferring key information to the next provider right away orally, followed by written records; and/or
	making an appointment for the patient before she leaves the office.

Did you know?
Courts have held physicians responsible for making "reasonable" efforts to ensure that patients receive needed follow-up care, and for transferring patient information between providers.