Note writing feels like the bane of every oral surgeon’s existence, but is essential for your protection. Every aspect of your note could be used to help you in a medical-legal situation or hurt you. Today, we are joined by Connecticut-based OMS, David Salomon to discuss how to avoid and combat medical-legal issues with efficient note writing. We talk about the importance of forming good note-writing habits, and what those are, including tips for making the process as painless and efficient as possible. We break down what to include in your notes to avoid medical-legal issues, and share an example of notes being examined in a malpractice case. To further protect yourself, clear communication and an empathetic bedside manner are key, and in this episode, we cover the best ways to communicate with your patients before, during, and after a procedure, particularly in the case of a complication. Tune in to find out how best to protect yourself from medical-legal complications and be the best OMS you can be!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing today’s guest, Dr. David Salomon.
• Today’s topics: how to avoid and combat medical-legal issues.
• How we feel about the process of note writing.
• The importance of starting early and forming good habits, when it comes to note writing.
• The multifunctional purpose of note writing.
• Tips for making the process more efficient and painless.
• The skill required for writing succinct notes.
• What to include in your notes to avoid medical-legal issues.
• An example of notes being examined in a malpractice case.
• Why it’s important for oral surgeons to prioritize good note writing.
• Why it’s advisable to include probing depths in your notes, as well as reasons for extraction.
• The importance of making individualized notes for each patient and including everything that was discussed with the patient prior to the procedure.
• How to approach note writing for procedures involving anesthesia.
• Where to find suitable note templates!
• Why time-stamped, descriptive computer-written notes are preferable.
• How best to communicate with patients before and after a procedure to avoid legal complications.
• How to communicate a surgical complication to a patient during and post-procedure.
• The advantage of empathy and a good bedside manner.
• Dr. Stucki’s experience of an extortion attempt by a patient and how he handled it.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. David Salomon — https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-salomon-b8ab1431/

OMSNIC — https://www.omsnic.com/

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — [email protected]

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059