Closed Claim Cases: The Importance of a Good Referral Note, and What You Need To Be Prepared for When Other Providers Are Doing Anesthesia in Your Office, with Dr. Ben Hechler

Everyday Oral Surgery

In this episode, we focus on improving patient care and the steps to avoid common pitfalls and mistakes through the lens of closed claim cases. To help us unpack the main takeaways from today’s closed claim cases review, we welcome back Dr. Ben Hechler, who provides an expert opinion on the cases covered. We kick things off with the story of a 33-year-old male patient suffering from mouth and tooth pain, initially diagnosed with periodontitis, and the unfortunate extraction mishap that followed. Next, we explore the nuances of communication breakdowns, referral processes, and the critical importance of patient consultation based on this real-life case. Dr. Hechler and Dr. Stucki delve into why the entire dental team needs to be on the same page concerning diagnosis and treatment. Moving forward, we examine another compelling case involving a 12-year-old female scheduled for a routine root canal procedure, which takes an unexpected and tragic turn due to an anesthesia complication. Delve into the complexities of assigning responsibility in cases like these, with a focus on the anesthesiologist's role and the importance of teamwork and hierarchy in the operating room. To ensure you don’t suffer the same mistakes when treating your patients, tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• A warm welcome back to Dr. Ben Hechler and an overview of today’s topic.
• The first case: a 33-year-old male patient with mouth and tooth pain diagnosed with periodontitis and an extraction mishap.
• Issues regarding communication, referral processes, and patient consultation from our first case.
• Why it is vital that the entire dental team is on the same page regarding diagnosis and treatment.
• Steps to take if a patient does not have a referral note or other important medical records.
• Highlights of the gaps that currently exist in communication regarding patient care.
• The next case: a 12-year-old female scheduled for a root canal and a tragic anesthesia complication.
• Reasons why the blame falls largely on the anesthesiologist, from the previous case.
• Dr. Ben Hechler shares how he would have handled the case with the anesthesia complication.
• Closing comments and what Dr. Stucki is currently reading and watching.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Ben Hechler on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-hechler/

Hu-Friedy Double-Sided Mirrors — https://www.hufriedygroup.com/en/mirrors

Impractical Jokers — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2100976/

The Worthy Mind — https://www.amazon.com/Worthy-Mind-Transform-Strengthen-Self-Worth/dp/1728250277/

The Mountain Is You — https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09WXLQM7J

Attached — https://www.amazon.com/Attached-audiobook/dp/B07ZJW6DWR/

KLS Martin — https://www.klsmartin.com/en/

Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/

Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/

Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — [e-mail]

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059