Errors in Patient History in Hospital Records

Ghan-Shyam Lohiya MD provided medico-legal opinions as a Qualified Medical Evaluator (Occupational Medicine & Toxicology) supporting a related workers' compensation death claim. Dr G. Lohiya received partial payments for his services from Gallagher Bassett Services Company (workers' compensation insurance adjuster for the patient's employer). Sonia Krishna MD, Sapna Lohiya and Sunita Lohiya MD: No actual or potential, real or perceived conflict of interest in the drugs, devices or procedures described in the enclosed manuscript.

A patient died of renal failure related to treatment of a hand contusion with ibuprofen and valdecoxib. Her hospital records revealed several incorrect and mutually conflicting statements about seven historical items in the Initial Evaluation Reports authored by five treating physicians. There were errors of commission (relying on imperfect memory, acquiescing erroneous information), and errors of omission (failure to proofread transcribed reports, question and resolve contradictory statements in sister reports, obtain correct history, and review prior medical records). Such errors wrongly implied that patient had preexisting conditions (advanced renal failure, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, asthma and alcoholism) which caused her death, and negatively impacted her workers' compensation claim. Incorrect allergy history was also noted. Preventive measures are suggested.

At the 53rd Quarterly Grand Rounds in Costa Mesa, California.