Resident

External Fetal Monitoring Case Study #7: Levels of Care and Transport

Inappropriate, unsafe, or lack of transport when clinically indicated increases medical-legal risk to obstetricians and hospitals. Early identification of a perinatal patient (mother or fetus) requiring transport to a higher level of care improves outcomes. In 2015, ACOG & SMFM…

Withholding Life Sustaining Treatment, an Ethical Paradox

CMS is allowing reimbursement for healthcare providers who have stand-alone discussions with patients about their health care options near the end of life, including life-sustaining treatment. Lack of reimbursement has likely represented one barrier to these important discussions. Another obstacle…

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) accounts for nearly 30% of all visits to the gynecologist and 70% of all visits in the perimenopausal and postmenopausal years [ACOG, 2014]. Recent advancements in diagnostic modalities and new terminology warrant an up-date on this…

Opioid Mortality: What Prescribers Can Do

Deaths from opioid overdose have risen to epidemic levels, leading to a proliferation of many regulations and counter-measures, such as the pharmacy drug monitoring programs (PDMPs). This monograph will assess the effectiveness of these measures, review existing clinical practice guidelines,…

HIV Testing Guidelines (Part 2 of 2)

Since the CDC recommended expanded HIV testing, screening of patients for HIV will increase. In addition, with the approval by the FDA of rapid HIV tests and in-home HIV tests, screening will take place both in primary care and at-home…

HIV Testing Guidelines (Part 1 of 2)

Since the CDC recommended expanded HIV testing, screening of patients for HIV will increase. In addition, with the approval by the FDA of rapid HIV tests and in-home HIV tests, screening will take place both in primary care and at-home…

Electronic Fetal Monitoring Case Studies #4: Neonatal Encephalopathy

New guidelines outlined in the ACOG & AAP Task Force Report on Neonatal Encephalopathy (NNE) include scientific updates on specific fetal heart rate patterns, sentinel events, and newborn assessment indicators that may indicate an acute intrapartum hypoxic-ischemic injury that leads…

Electronic Fetal Monitoring Case Studies #3: Standard Terms & Guidelines

Over 90% of obstetric-related malpractice involves EFM negligence. EFM-related malpractice claims decrease in facilities that adopt, implement, and consistently use standardized EFM terms and guidelines. Universal adoption of standardized nomenclature by every practitioner skilled in EFM is a national goal….