Medical litigation is complex.
The medical records “tell the story” of a person’s journey through the healthcare process. A thorough review and analysis of medical records is imperative in any case investigation. One word or phrase can entirely change the complexion of a case. A seemingly insignificant entry can break a case. Small but highly significant details can be overlooked with potentially disastrous results during discovery and at trial.
If everyone could read medical records, you would not need someone with medical background to assist in understanding the medical records. The keys to medical record analysis are:
- interpreting information found in the records,
- identifying information missing from the records, and
- having the knowledge to lead you to the missing information
Records are frequently received from medical providers in the order they come off the copier, most often in reverse order. If presented with a disorderly copy of records, nursing and medical experts will often reorganize the records in chronological order before starting the case review.
Poorly organized records increase the frustration of the expert, prolong the review process, and increase the amount of the expert’s invoice—three things you don’t want. A medical/legal professional can help you organize the records in a sequential fashion which allows the story to unfold as it transpired.
THE VALUE OF A LEGAL NURSE CONSULTANT
Can you count the number of times a paralegal or secretary has said, “I don’t know if we received all the records we asked for”?
Don’t worry about that again. As a Legal Nurse Consultant, I provide you with a distinct advantage over a medical record review completed by non-medical personnel. I have the knowledge and experience to translate information found in the records, to determine what information is missing, and to locate the missing information.
Here’s a brief summary of how I can help you.
- I have the skills to read and analyze medical records, which saves you time.
- I have the ability to locate relevant medical literature and to understand how it impacts the case.
- I can speak the expert’s language and act as an interface between the expert and you. This helps the expert stay focused on the relevant issues.
