Failure to Follow Up: One Type of ER Medical Malpractice July 25, 2012.
With most illnesses, infections, and injuries, treatment doesn’t end when the patient leaves the emergency room. Physicians typically order a course of action to resolve the patient’s problem. For example, patients may be prescribed drugs, given a daily care plan, or referred to another doctor for further treatment. They also need to be notified as soon as possible about the results of any tests taken during their emergency room visit. This is referred to as follow-up.
Follow-up is sometimes the only way a patient can learn what his or her conditions is and how to manage it. Without follow-up, the emergency room visit applies a Band-aid to symptoms without addressing the larger issue.
If an emergency room doctor neglects to provide follow-up treatment, you may be able to hold him or her liable for medical malpractice. Attorney Chris Mellino invites you to contact our Cleveland office to discuss any questions you may have.