To the Point: Communication Is Key

By Andi Lucas

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the fight against breast cancer is an important one.

We've all heard that mammography carries some of the most expensive malpractice insurance in healthcare, that it's the loss leader for facilities, that fewer physicians are becoming dedicated breast imagers, that fewer facilities are offering mammography services and many that do are closing their doors the bad news just keeps going.

Exacerbating the problem is the growing population of women over the age of 40 and their need for access to mammograms every 1-2 years. Due to the high risk of malpractice claims that comes with offering this service, access has not been easy.

I spoke with Bonnie Rush, RT(R) (M)(QM), the president of Breast Imaging Specialists (San Diego) and the author of MQSA Made Easy: Understanding and Implementing the Facility-Based Final Regulations. Rush speaks frequently on the topic of reducing the risk of malpractice claims in mammography, and she has some simple methods for doing so. Ultimately, her advice boils down to effective communication.

First, facilities need to make sure that the patient divulges all of the necessary information about her current and past breast health, a step that begins with the appointment scheduler. Along with focused questions that he or she should ask of the patient (eg, have you noticed any changes to your breasts?), Rush suggests the scheduler start by saying, "I need to begin by asking some questions about your past and present breast health that might seem personal but will allow me to schedule the appropriate exam."

Second, as suggested by the American College of Radiology (ACR of Reston, Va), if the facility doesn't offer on-site physical breast exams, women need to be informed that the physical exam is just as important as the mammogram. In fact, some recommend a physical breast exam before the mammo. "Facilities need to inform patients that mammography is not perfect," Rush explains. "Some changes are felt only by a primary care physician [PCP]. A clinical breast exam is an integral part of a breast checkup-as is the self breast exam; most lumps are found by the patients themselves."

Also, facilities must explain effectively to patients that changes felt after a mammogram are not to be ignored; the patient should return to her PCP. "The patient must understand that she is responsible to be aware," Rush says, "that mammography isn't perfect, that she needs to work with her PCP, that she needs to perform self breast exams." In fact, facilities should consider having a patient sign a form to confirm that she's been told of and understands her responsibilities.

The responsibility of conveying this information to the patient falls on both the mammography facility and the referring physician. Facilities should work on having good relationships with referring physicians to make sure they are aware of the continuity of care. "Offer a free lunch to get to know them and form a relationship," Rush suggests. "It takes time and effort at the beginning, but it ensures a smooth workflow and will increase productivity as the physician refers more patients to the facility. It's a win-win."

Radiologists and breast imagers also need to understand the importance of a good rapport with the patient. Simply stopping in the patient's room for 30 seconds to introduce oneself and answer any questions can make all the difference. Rush cites Peter Dempsey, MD, who claims that patients almost never sue a radiologist who spoke to them-"even if the results were not given at the time, or the results turned out to be incorrect."

Clear communication with patients and referring physicians is a must and can help reduce your risk of a malpractice claim. Start implementing these ideas today, and let me know of other strategies you discover along the way.

Andi Lucas
Editor
alucas@medpubs.com
http://www.medicalimagingmag.com/issues/articles/2004-10_04.asp