The following list describes the key risk factors in colorectal cancer malpractice cases:
- Patient with rectal bleeding did not receive a prompt diagnostic evaluation
- Over-reliance on previously normal findings may lead to narrow diagnostic focus
- Breakdowns in screening protocol
- Primary care provider fails to refer symptomatic patient to specialist
- Breakdowns in diagnostic test ordering, scheduling
- Scheduled test not performed
- Patient’s informed refusal not documented
- Ordering or follow-up of screening/diagnostic procedures inadequately documented
- Narrow diagnostic focus, failure to establish differential diagnosis
- Abnormal finding not adequately evaluated
- Clinician does not convey to the patient the importance of keeping appointments for testing and follow up
- Multiple providers fail to coordinate care of a shared patient and communicate important information to patient and each other
- Patient is not notified of test results
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