Friday, September 1, 2017

Poorly Managed Medical Offices and their Staff Can Make You Sick: Common Errors in Outpatient Care

When most people think of medical mistakes, their minds immediately jump to dramatic life-threatening errors that can occur from emergency care by first responders out in the field, in emergency rooms, or on hospital floors. While errors can and do occur in any patient care environment, staff errors that happen in private medical offices and clinics can occur on a frequent basis, and sometimes continue for a long time with no supervision, correction or resolution by the physician in charge. And if there is not a nurse manager to oversee patient care and operations, many times the doctor in charge is not even aware that problems exist.

Sometimes mistakes are made by unlicensed personnel, while other times it's the doctor or another licensed provider. While to error is human as the famous quote goes, it's how errors are handled and resolved that makes the difference when caring for patients. If no attempt is made to correct errors that affected you or other patients - it's a red flag warning that you may want to consider changing healthcare providers.

While many outpatient providers consist of hard-working, dedicated staff that truly care about providing professional, timely, safe patient care and friendly services, sadly…some do not. 

Errors in outpatient care can and do severely impact patients’ lives in profound and negative ways, just as mistakes at a hospital or at the scene of a car accident can. From billing errors, to office procedural errors, to errors with hands-on patient care, all can make life miserable for you and other patients. If you were not in an ill state already, dealing with the fallout of others' mistakes, can truly make you sick. Just like the delicate flowers in the photo below, care must be taken to prevent harm to all patients, and especially those who are experiencing acute medical problems, are in delicate conditions, and difficult situations.

Delicate spring flowers by Carole Jakucs. May, 2017. Image subject to copyright.


Many times, the perpetrators of outpatient/ambulatory care errors continue their negligence and, or, sloppy care without appropriate intervention from management or the physician, due to a lack of having licensed staff (RNs or LVNs) to provide care and serve as a staff resource to supervise unlicensed staff, a lack of time for the physician to maintain proper oversight of unlicensed staff, or simply due to a laissez faire attitude on the part of the doctor(s), practice manager, and, or, clinic management.

Below are some common errors and unethical practices that occur in private medical offices, clinics, urgent care centers, dental offices, and surgery centers.

I've personally witnessed the errors below either as a patient, while accompanying loved ones and friends to appointments, or in my professional capacity as a registered nurse while working to help patients who were on the receiving end of irresponsible care.

Breaches of Patient Confidentiality by all Staff:
  • Paper charts or test/lab results being left on counters and desktops for all to see.
  • Electronic medical records: Patient charts not being exited and the staff member not logging off and out of the system when they leave their desk or the patient’s exam room; patient charts left up on the screen for anyone to see.
Billing Errors:
  • Negligent billing staff that submits overcharges to patients’ insurance companies for services not received, or sending duplicate bills (charges for the same date of service twice or more).
  • Negligent billing staff that tells patients’ insurance companies they have another insurance provider (in addition to them) when in fact, they do not. This causes an alert in the insurance company’s data base system to place this person’s medical insurance on hold, as the company then seeks out information on who the other company is – when in fact, the patient has no other insurance. This causes a delay in all subsequent bills being paid, requires patients to make multiple phone calls to straighten out the problem with their insurance company, and alert the doctor’s billing staff to their mistake.
Calling Wrong Numbers or Not Calling at All:
  • Negligent office staff that call the wrong number, leave a phone message on the wrong voicemail of with someone other than the patient, or worse yet, saying and charting that they spoke to a patient when they did not - engaging in outright lies.These phone calls can pertain important issues such as, but not limited to, confirming patients’ future appointments, advising patients they need a follow up visit with the physician, or a new diagnostic test is needed (MRI, lab test, etc.)
Unlicensed staff practicing beyond the scope of their training and the law, such as when:
  • When unlicensed staff are trained to conduct invasive procedures on patients that are beyond the scope of their practice, or dispense medications that are not properly labeled according the state medical board’s requirements.
  • Unlicensed staff such as medical office workers and medical assistants providing telephone triage or in-person triage, dispensing medical or nursing advice without the license, education, or training to do so. This is not legal and just plain wrong.
Poor Practices:
  • Medical offices and clinics that have no process in place for double checks to be done for staff for fellow staffers, prior to injectable medications being given to patients.
  • Medications left unattended in exam rooms.
  • Inaccurate blood pressure readings - and usually they're false highs. This can lead to a mistaken diagnosis of high blood pressure (hypertension/HTN) and prescriptions you don't need, all due to the fact that the person tasked with taking your blood pressure is doing it WRONG.
Problems with Prescribed Medications: 
  • Concerns about adverse drug reactions (side effects) from a medication you've been prescribed are ignored by the prescriber (MD, PA, NP).
  • The prescribing of medications that cause known side effects such as liver damage, kidney damage, muscle damage, B-12 deficiency, and magnesium deficiency, to name a few; and no follow up lab work is done to monitor the patient for the development of these complications. Some common drug culprits are proton pump inhibitors, statins, oral antidiabetics, and blood pressure medications. 
  • The prescribing of medications YOU DON'T NEED or, the prescribing of too high a dose, or for too long of a time period. 
Other Lapses in Care:
  • Staff that call in (or fax) the wrong prescription drug to a pharmacy for a patient, and, or the wrong dose. 
  • When physicians refer to their assistants as “nurses” when they are not licensed nurses such as an RN or LVN. Thus, patients think they are speaking to a licensed nurse such as, an RN or LVN, and if they are not, it's misleading. *In some states, is illegal to refer to someone as a “nurse” when they are not.
  • Medical offices and urgent care centers that don't have licensed RNs or LVNs on staff. While it may not be financially feasible for every medical practice and clinic to have licensed staff present, this can be problematic, as unless the physician(s) in that practice has a tremendous amount of time to supervise their staff, (which most do not), staff errors and bad practices can go on forever, unchecked by anyone. *Even licensed staff members need a resource person, peer consultation, peer-review, and a supervisor to help maintain standards and high-quality patient care.
  • Clinics, offices, or ambulatory surgery centers that could benefit from an outside resource reviewing the quality of the patient care they provide, policies, and procedures, but have not spent the time or resources to do so. One example of a commitment to quality is when organizations seek accreditation from a third-party such as a nationally recognized accreditation organization.
  • When concerns about the care you received, a problem you've encountered with a staff member or, a mistake you've been dealt due to an office procedure are ignored; your request to speak with the manager goes nowhere, no one calls you back, no one take responsibility for the error, no one apologizes for the incident, and, or you are not given a chance to speak a supervisor (or there is no designated supervisor) who has the power to resolve the situation for you and ensure that it won't happen again.
Coming soon: How patients can avoid some of the common errors that occur in outpatient care, and inaccurate blood pressure readings.

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Seven Tips for a Healthier Heart

American Heart Month just wrapped up in the U.S. And with spring around the corner with its promise of new life with flowers abloom, it's a good time to think about your life with healthy habits that can lower your risk of heart disease. Heart healthy habits are good for your whole body (and brain) too.
Boston Common by Carole Jakucs, 2016. Image subject to copyright.

Increase your activity – Exercise 30 minutes daily to help maintain weight and improve overall fitness (check with your doctor before you start) which will help reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Eat a healthier diet – Reduce or cut down on junk foods (pastries, chips, candies, sodas and alcohol) and bad fats such as saturated fats (red meat and full fat dairy) and hydrogenated oils (in junk foods and even some so-called healthy snacks and foods). Increase your intake of fresh vegetables and fruits, lean proteins and whole grains - to help maintain overall health by getting a variety of vitamins and minerals in your diet.

If you smoke – QUIT! Smoking damages the cardiovascular system and causes a multitude of health problems and illnesses.

De-Stress – Look for ways to decrease stress in your life as ongoing stress can raise your risk for cardiovascular disease.

Maintain a healthy weight – Find out what your healthy weight is for your height and body frame and work to stay within that range. Excess weight increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers too.

Monitor your serum (blood) levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (with your healthcare provider) with a goal of achieving readings in the heart healthy target levels.

Enjoy life! Life can get busy with work and tasks – make the time to do things that make you happy such as being with cherished family and friends and pursuing hobbies you love.

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Six Tips for a Safe, Healthy, Happy New Year’s Eve and New Year

For most people, the New Year is a time for reflection and usually elicits memories of events from the passing year – some happy and some sad. But starting a New Year also provides an opportunity to make a commitment to lead a safer and healthier lifestyle. If you’re looking for ways to do so, read these tips below.
Sunset at Moonlight Beach - Encinitas, CA - June 2016 by Carole Jakucs. Image subject to copyright.

Distracted Driving – Don’t text, talk on your cell or do anything that takes your eyes off the road while driving. Distracted driving has caused a huge increase in the number of traffic accidents and fatalities. Ask yourself – is reading or sending this text so important that it can’t wait? Is sending it worth slamming into another car and injuring someone else? Just like driving under the influence – there is no reason to drive while distracted as doing so can very well cause someone else’s permanent injury or death (and possibly even your own).

Don’t drink or do drugs and drive. Even one drink can alter your mental acuity. It’s not worth it. Why place yourself and others in harm’s way. With the existence now of ride/driving services and the old standard taxi – there is truly no excuse for driving under the influence. If you have an alcohol or drug problem, consider joining AA, NA or talk to your healthcare provider to get the support you need to quit.

Start exercising – If you already engage in the minimum recommended amount of 150 minutes of physical activity per week then bravo - keep it up! If not, why not? Start with 30 minutes of walking three times a week. If you don’t think you have the time – find the time. Take walks on your lunch break or wake up 30 minutes earlier to work-out. If you're a boss, try holding occasional walking meetings to break up the boredom for staffers and invigorate minds and bodies. Regular exercise helps to reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, hypertension and type 2 diabetes, decreases stress levels and helps to maintain a healthy weight and better mood.

Eat healthier – Increase your intake of vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Reduce the bad fats such as trans and saturated and increase your intake of good fats such as omega 3’s. Limit or eliminate junk and processed foods. If you want to indulge in a treat – just have a taste. Try the “my plate” method to help guide you on portion control. If you’re going to a party, don’t arrive hungry – have a nutritious snack one to two hours before hand so you don’t overeat. A glass of milk or apple  wedges with natural peanut butter can help take the edge off your appetite.

Don’t smoke – Whether you smoke cigarettes, marijuana, cigars, electronic cigarettes – none of them are healthy. They all damage the lungs. And second hand smoke hurts those around you too. If you want info on where to start with how to quit smoking, read here.

Live your dreams – Whatever goals you have such as going back to school, changing jobs, learning a language or taking that special vacation – use the New Year as a motivator to reassess your goals in a positive way and focus on what you want to do with your life.

Monday, October 31, 2016

Pumpkin Packs a Powerful Nutritious Punch

Fall is officially here. And with it comes cooler weather, shorter days and fall foods. One food that comes to mind for most people is pumpkin – pumpkins are everywhere, from Halloween displays, pumpkin laced coffee drinks, pumpkin muffins and most people’s Thanksgiving favorite…pumpkin pie.
Fall and Pumpkins photo by Carole Jakucs. 10/31/16
Image subject to copyright.
While some pumpkin laced and based foods can be loaded with fat and sugar, there are plenty of recipes on the internet -  from pumpkin muffins to breads and more, that are made with unsweetened applesauce and whole wheat flour. Pumpkin even makes for a delicious base for a tasty soup.

And guess what – pumpkin is healthy when not paired up with sugar, fat and white flour. Pumpkin is filled with good-for-you nutrients. And most abundant is Vitamin A.  Vitamin A is essential for human health. Among its many functions - it supports our immune system, eyes and vision.

So…go for it! Just remember to reduce the sugar and fat that sometimes accompany pumpkin recipes and replace them with healthy alternatives as above for a delicious fall treat.  

Monday, February 15, 2016

Six Ways to Stay True to Your Heart

It’s American Heart Month. And since heart disease is the # 1 killer of adults in the U.S. now may be a good time to consider your lifestyle and find ways to improve your heart health.

While heart disease and its causes can be complex, here are six ways you can help to reduce your risk of developing heart disease:

Honolulu, Hawaii by Carole Jakucs, 2016. Image subject to copyright.


  1. Don’t smoke - Smoking damages blood vessels and can cause high blood pressure, heart attacks strokes and kidney disease. It also raises your risk of developing lung other cancers and COPD.
  2. Control your blood pressure - Monitor your blood pressure to keep it within the normal range which is generally considered 120/80 or lower. High blood pressure damages blood vessels setting the stage for heart attacks, strokes and kidney disease. Consuming a healthy diet that contains recommended amounts of potassium, calcium and magnesium also helps to control blood pressure. Don’t eat foods high in sodium as too much salt increases blood pressure. See the DASH diet for more information.
  3. Exercise (even walking) at least 30 minutes per day, most days of the week. (Get your doctor’s approval before you begin). Exercise helps burn calories to help control your weight, improve circulation and reduce stress.  
  4. Maintain a healthy weight for your height and frame size. Being overweight places a burden on your heart and blood vessels. It also raises your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.
  5. Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, legumes and beans, whole grains, lean protein and olive oil. Reduce your intake of saturated and trans fats (hydrogenated oils) high fructose corn syrup and junk foods. Consider a Mediterranean Diet which most experts agree is a heart healthy diet.
  6. Try to keep your stress under control. High stress levels are known to increase your risk for heart disease by raising cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Contact your physician for any questions or concerns you have about your health.

Monday, November 23, 2015

Crunchy Cranberry Salad

Are you looking for a healthy, natural cranberry salad for Thanksgiving? If so - you can make your own - with this easy recipe I created.

Ingredients:

1 package of fresh cranberries
1 cup of water
1/4 cup of sugar 
1/3 cup of finely chopped walnuts
1/3 cup of finely chopped celery (approximately 1-2 small stalks)


Public Domain Photo Courtesy of: CCO (Creative Commons Public Domain)


Directions:

Rinse and drain cranberries. Combine cranberries, water and sugar, place in a 3 quart pan and cook for 5 minutes on a medium heat, stirring occasionally during this time while the cranberries pop. Remove cranberry mixture from heat, place in a serving dish.  Add chopped walnuts and celery.  Mix well.  Cover then chill for at least 4 hours.

This healthier version of cranberry salad is nutritious – containing antioxidants and omega 3’s. And it’s lower in sugar than most recipes too.

Consider making cranberries a part of your regular diet throughout the year.


Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Emergency Preparedness - 14 tips to Help You Prepare

September is Emergency Preparedness Month. Most disaster preparedness experts recommend having enough supplies to sustain yourself, family and pets for a minimum of 72 hours - and more is better. The reason is this: Gas, water, electricity and phone service may be gone and not available for several days - you'll be on your own.

Plan and prepare now, so you're ready. Remember to follow the manufacturer's directions for the storage and use of all equipment. Here are some tips to get you started:

Clouds and Mountains in San Luis Obispbo, by Carole Jakucs, 2015. Image subject to copyright.


  • Bottled water: The recommendation is to have on-hand at least one gallon per person per day. And don't forget to have extra for your pets.
  • Maintain a supply of non-perishable foods such as MRE's  (Meals Ready to Eat) and protein bars.
  • Learn CPR and First Aid. 
  • Get First Aid kits for your home and car.
  • Keep any prescription medications you use on a regular basis handy and in one location if possible so if you if you have to leave your home quickly - you can grab them on your way out the door.
  • Have plenty of flashlights and batteries on hand - at least one set per person.
  • Know where your water and gas shut off valves are located, know how to shut them and when to shut them - in the event of leaks/broken lines.  Keep the tools you need to shut them in a specific place.
  • Get an ABC fire extinguisher, keep it handy and learn how to use it.
  • Consider getting an emergency generator and again, learn how to use it in advance if needing it. You'll need extra fuel to operate it so bear in mind all safety precautions for storage.
  • Important legal documents should already be stored in a waterproof/fireproof container that is easy to grab if you need to evacuate your home quickly.
  • Review your emergency supplies on a regular basis, checking expiration dates and to confirm all equipment still works. 
  • Plan ahead for communications: Have a battery operated radio on-hand for access to public safety announcements. Try to keep your cell phones charged as much as possible. Remember to keep a charger in your car too. 
  • Create a plan to contact and reunite with family members
  • Create plans for escape routes from your home, neighborhood and town. Plans for this will vary depending on what type of home you're in and where you live (near the beach or in the mountains, for example).

Review the CDC and Red Cross websites for more information. 

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Taking the Zing Out of Spring Allergies

Spring is here – and so are spring allergies. If you’re feeling spring’s allergy effects, you may want to read these tips below to help reduce your symptoms:

Palm Trees in Malibu. Photo by Carole Jakucs, May 2015. Image subject to copyright.

  • Wash your hair often to remove pollens
  • Wash your bedding (including pillow cases) in hot water once per week to reduce the dust mite population and remove pollens too (think of your pollen laden hair on your pillow case).
  • Stay indoors when the pollen counts are high.
  • Keep your windows closed when the pollen counts are high.
  • Get HEPA filters for your home to reduce the amounts of pollens, mold and dust in the air.
  • Run the air in your car for a few minutes with the windows open. This will help reduce the amount of airborne irritants inside your car from the vents and send them to the outside.
  • Try nasal saline sprays to help remove mucus and irritants from your nose. The saline also helps to reduce swelling inside the nasal passages.
  • Use over the counter (OTC) medications as needed to treat your symptoms. Follow all package directions. Antihistamines help with the symptoms of sneezing, runny nose and itching. Decongestants help lessen the swelling of a stuffy nose. Mucolytics help to loosen and thin out mucus in the nasal, sinus and chest areas.
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help keep your mucous membranes moist and fluids moving.
  • Consult with your physician/healthcare provider for any persisting or worsening of symptoms.

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